Copyright yardbarker
About to turn 37 years old, Durant is currently entering the final season of his contract at $54.7 million, In acquiring him from the Phoenix Suns via trade this offseason, the Rockets also acquired Durant’s Bird rights. That means that they can offer him the most money on a new deal (by virtue of being able to go over the salary cap to re-sign him). But Durant recently seemed to be facing uncertainty over his longer-term future in Houston. The former University of Texas star Durant was the subject of multiple reports earlier this offseason claiming that he was very far apart on extension talks with the Rockets. Indeed, it would be problematic for Houston to max out Durant at his age. They already handed out hefty long-term deals to Alperen Sengun, 23, and Jabari Smith Jr., 22, and have a couple of other extensions to hand out as well with Amen Thompson, 22, and Tari Eason, 24. On top of that, Fred VanVleet, who is under contract for $25 million next season with another $25 million player option for 2026-27, is likely out for the next 12 months due to a torn ACL that he recently suffered. The 15-time All-Star Durant is still worthy of a good-sized payday after averaging 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game for the Suns last season. While the Rockets (understandably) may not be inclined to give Durant the max, it sounds like the two sides are expected to reach an amicable middle ground before long.
