Kevin Durant is now eligible for a contract extension with the Houston Rockets, and the terms of that deal are beginning to take shape.
According to Keith Smith of Spotrac, the Rockets and Durant can negotiate an extension anytime before June 30 since he is on an expiring contract. Because of the NBA’s Over-38 rule, the 36-year-old forward is functionally limited to a two-year extension added onto the final season of his current deal.
Smith projected a two-year maximum extension worth $120.4 million, which would push Durant’s total earnings with Houston to $175.1 million over three seasons. That structure would include salaries of $57.9 million in 2026–27 and $62.5 million in 2027–28.
However, NBC Sports reported that the Rockets may not pursue the full maximum figure. League sources suggested a two-year deal closer to $100 million is more realistic, equating to about $50 million annually.
On The Hoop Collective podcast, ESPN’s Tim MacMahon noted that Houston “aren’t going all in” on locking Durant into a long-term max extension. The franchise is expected to let the season unfold before committing.
Brian Windhorst added that Rockets general manager Rafael Stone has favored shorter-term contracts in recent years. Offering Durant a lucrative but shorter agreement would align with that strategy while preserving roster flexibility.
Durant arrived in Houston this summer via a seven-team trade that sent multiple young players and draft picks out the door. His addition signaled a win-now approach for the Rockets, though they remain mindful of future planning around Jabari Smith Jr., Tari Eason, and other developing pieces.
Despite turning 37 next month, Durant remains one of the league’s most efficient scorers. Last season with Phoenix, he averaged 26.6 points, 6 rebounds, and 4.2 assists while shooting 52.3% from the field and 43.1% from three.
For now, Durant enters the final year of the four-year, $194 million contract he originally signed with Brooklyn in 2021. How extension talks progress could define Houston’s balance between short-term contention and long-term roster building.
