The Houston Rockets’ trading for Kevin Durant was the biggest move of the 2025 NBA offseason. However, the trade was a risk for the Rockets, as the 15-time All-Star arrives in town with just one year left on his current deal.
But, in what is a good sign for Houston, Durant has expressed optimism about signing an extension with his new team. At the Rockets’ media day, the forward said he sees himself signing a new deal, and the franchise feels the same.
Speaking on NBA Today, Shams Charania recently said a Durant-Rockets extension to keep him in town for at least two years could come sooner than many expect.
“I‘m told there is optimism about a deal getting done before the start of the regular season,” Charania said.
Durant is entering the last year of a four-year, $194 million deal he signed with the Brooklyn Nets in 2021. He has the potential to ink a contract in Houston for two years, $120 million.
Potential Durant Extension
Before Charania’s reporting, which comes as fact for many in the NBA world, Durant had previously expressed interest in staying with the Rockets for the next few seasons.
During the team’s media day, the two-time Finals MVP gave an honest response to a question on a new deal.
“I do see myself signing a contract extension,” Durant said. “I can’t tell you exactly when that will happen, but I do see it happening.”
Though just with the franchise for a few months, Durant took the time to praise the organization and head coach Ime Udoka. While he said he didn’t know what the specifics would look like, the two-year, $120 million deal looks likely.
Recently, NBA insider Jake Fischer also reported that a Durant-Rockets deal could come soon, but likely after they lock down rising star Tari Eason on a new contract.
“Fischer noted the team ‘would relish knowing exactly how the books look with an extended Eason prior to coming to exact terms with the future Hall of Famer, although he also pointed out Durant signing first would be ‘no real issue,’“ Scott Polacek wrote for Bleacher Report on a potential Durant deal, partially quoting Fischer.
Durant played in his first preseason game on the day Charania reported an extension could be coming soon. He scored 20 points on 7/10 shooting in just 23 minutes in a way against the Utah Jazz. While it was just a preseason exhibition, Durant’s first showcase in a Rockets uniform reminded many about his consistent prowess in the league.
The 2014 Finals MVP has averaged more than 25 points per game throughout his entire 17-year career. Though 37 years old, Durant remains one of the most lethal offensive weapons in the NBA.
New-Look Rockets
Houston’s title hopes saw a significant drop off after news broke that point guard Fred VanVleet tore his ACL. As a veteran and former champion, VanVleet was expected to have a massive role alongside Durant this season, but now the Rockets are forced to find another lead ball-handler.
Names like Russell Westbrook have come up, with Durant himself open to the idea of his new team signing his former teammate. However, Houston is very limited as to the trades and players they can move due to their salary cap, making the addition of a player like Westbrook on a minimum contract a tough task.
Amen Thompson and Reed Sheppard are expected to take on more lead playmaking roles this season, yet neither has massive experience in that position. Durant will also likely initiate the offense for Houston this season, a role he has faced with success before.
The point guard depth remains a massive question for the Rockets this season, but Durant arrives on a team with a new All-Star, Alperen Sengun. The Turkish star led his country to the EuroBasket Final and is coming off the best season of his career. Compared to Nikola Jokic, Sengun will prove valuable alongside Durant and Thompson on the offensive end of the floor.
Many questions still surround this Rockets team, specifically after the VanVleet injury. And while the team is limited as to the moves they can make, ESPN’s Bobby Marks said trades during the season can be expected.
“The season-ending injury to Fred VanVleet on Sept. 22 should signal Houston as one of the more active teams in early-season trade discussions,” Marks wrote. “Though the Rockets have appealing draft assets… first-apron restrictions and a lack of tradeable contracts likely have Houston in a holding pattern.”
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