Kevin Durant could confront a rare career decision: accepting less than a maximum contract to remain with the Houston Rockets, according to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst.
“The Rockets and Durant have had discussions about a new contract and there is belief they will come to terms, sources said, but they’ve yet to come to an agreement,” Windhorst reported. “In the end, Durant might need to accept less than a maximum contract, which he has been on since 2011, if he wants to stay in Houston.”
Durant’s potential concession reflects the Rockets’ careful roster and salary management. Houston recently locked in contracts for Jabari Smith Jr., Fred VanVleet, and Alperen Sengun, securing their young foundation. Rising stars Amen Thompson and Tari Eason will likely command significant contracts in the near future, limiting the team’s financial flexibility.
Veteran Star Joins Young Core
Getty Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson of the Houston Rockets celebrate after a game against the Phoenix Suns.
The Rockets acquired Durant in a trade with the Phoenix Suns, sending former No. 2 pick Jalen Green, veteran Dillon Brooks, the No. 10 pick in the 2025 draft (Khaman Maluach), and five second-round selections. The relatively modest package reflects Houston’s intent to add a proven playoff-caliber talent without sacrificing its developing core.
Durant’s arrival addresses a persistent Rockets weakness: the absence of a go-to scorer in critical moments. Last season in Phoenix, he averaged 26.6 points, six rebounds, and 4.2 assists on 52.6% shooting, earning his 15th All-Star selection. His ability to carry an offense in crunch time gives Houston a weapon it previously lacked.
In Durant, a two-time NBA Finals MVP, the Rockets now have a go-to guy they can rely on in the postseason, especially in a half-court setting, which they struggled with in a seven-game loss to the Golden State Warriors in the first round.
General manager Rafael Stone stressed the shift in team philosophy.
“We’re not a developmental team anymore,” Stone told reporters after the blockbuster trade. “That shift probably happened a year or two ago.”
Durant accelerated that transition.
The Rockets’ starting five now features VanVleet, Thompson, Smith Jr., Sengun, and Durant, forming one of the most formidable lineups in the Western Conference.
Championship Goals Versus Salary Reality
Durant’s presence immediately elevates Houston’s championship prospects, with ESPN Bet listing the Rockets fourth in title odds at +850, trailing only the Oklahoma City Thunder (+225), Denver Nuggets (+700), and co-favorites Cleveland Cavaliers and New York Knicks (+800).
Yet the financial calculus is complicated. Offering Durant a below-max contract would allow Houston to preserve flexibility for their younger stars while adding an experienced, high-impact scorer. Whether Durant is willing to compromise will determine the Rockets’ ability to maintain roster balance and pursue a title.
The Rockets view Durant as a “final component” rather than the “centerpiece,” Windhorst noted.
The team aims to integrate an All-Star-level scorer while safeguarding the development of its core players.
As training camp approaches, all eyes will be on Houston to see if the Rockets and Durant can agree on a contract that satisfies both parties. Successfully pairing a seasoned superstar with a young, ascending roster could define the franchise’s trajectory for years to come.
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