The Houston Rockets took the biggest swing of the offseason, trading for Kevin Durant from the Phoenix Suns. Durant arrives in the Lone Star State with just one year remaining on his contract, forcing the Rockets into a major decision about their future.
While Durant said Houston was one of his preferred locations, the team might not feel comfortable offering him a max, or near max, extension to keep him around in his late 30s. According to Tim McMahon of The Hoop Collective Podcast, the Rockets likely will not offer Durant a contract close to the most he can earn.
“The Rockets aren’t gonna go all-in, by all appearances and by what I’ve heard, they’re not going all-in on an extension for Kevin Durant,” MacMahon said. “Now, doesn’t mean it won’t happen, but there’ve been rumblings KD’s not gonna push for the full max. I don’t know that the Rockets are going to put anything on the table that’s close to the max.
Durant is on the last year of a four-year $194 million contract he signed with the Brooklyn Nets in 2021. Last season in Phoenix, he averaged 26.6 points, six rebounds, and 4.2 assists on 52.6% shooting, making his 15th All-Star game.
Durant’s Looming Extension
Though at 36 years old, Durant remains one of the most efficient and consistent players in the NBA. He wasn’t happy with the Suns after their continuous shortfalls, but he kept putting up strong numbers, shooting above 50% for the 13th straight season of his career.
Houston took a swing by acquiring Durant, and the franchise knew going in that they would have to decide on his contract. Trading for the future Hall of Fame player and just letting him go next summer doesn’t seem likely, so the Rockets expect to extend Durant, but the question comes down to the numbers on the deal.
Brian Windhorst added that, though Houston wouldn’t want to offer the max, Durant might not be asking for it either. While two years for $122 million sounds a bit high, he could sign for less, giving the Rockets a better chance at adding other talent, like they already did this summer.
I think the Rockets are, like it’s not ideal, but I don’t think they would panic if they go into the season with Kevin Durant just on the contract that he’s on just on the expiring deal,” Windhorst said. I’ll say this, Rafael Stone, since he’s been the GM of the Rockets, he’s signed quite a few giant contracts, but a lot of them have been short.
Regardless of the extension Durant signs, it is going to take up a lot of space on Houston’s payroll. He likely doesn’t have more than half a decade left in his career, meaning a shorter-term deal could be beneficial for both him and the franchise.
Rockets’ Strong Offseason
By adding Durant, Houston sent back Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks, along with multiple picks, back to Phoenix. They also traded Cam Whitmore to the Washington Wizards for two second-round picks.
In free agency, the Rockets got Clint Capela, Dorian Finney-Smith, Josh Okogie, and J.D. Davison. While they freed up some money by trading Whitmore and signing free agents to team-friendly deals, Houston resigned Steven Adams, Aaron Holiday, Jeff Green, Jabari Smith Jr., Jae’Sean Tate, and Fred VanVleet to either new or restructured deals.
While the Rockets either traded, signed, or re-adjusted contracts for more players than any other team in the NBA, they kept Amen Thompson, Alperen Sengun, Reed Sheppard, and Tari Eason for a roster featuring a mix of young and veteran experience.
Houston has received high offseason grades from multiple outlets, by both acquiring talent and keeping their payroll relatively low compared to other championship hopeful teams.
Whichever direction they take with a Durant extension, Houston has put itself in a good spot to compete in the West. They were the second seed in the playoffs this past year and have seen strong growth with head coach Ime Udoka over the past two seasons.
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