Kevin Durant will have the opportunity to sign a long-term contract extension, but it may be better to tell the Houston Rockets to wait.
Kevin Durant will be making a fresh start this season with a new team. A few weeks ago, the Houston Rockets traded for Durant from the Phoenix Suns.
The move was formalized a few days later, creating the first seven-team deal in the NBA. The Houston Rockets are really hedging their future with Durant.
So the Rockets offered Ime Udoka a contract extension a few days after landing Durant. The Rockets gave up Jaren Green and Dillon Brooks on their contract, but it’s all worth it if it helps Durant lead the franchise to its first NBA championship in 31 years.
The team clearly has a lot of faith in what Durant can do for his team. The Rockets also added La Lakers standout Dorian Finney Smith.
But what is Durant’s long-term future with Rocket? Although the 2026 free agent is currently eligible for expansion, he may want to refrain from signing new contracts until the second half of the season.
Now, the Houston Rockets are able to offer Kevin Durant a two-year, $119 million contract extension. But according to Athletic’s John Hollinger, Durant can earn a small amount of money if he waits a little.
If he delays the extension until January, Durant could make an extra $2 million, pushing his total to $121 million. And given his impending free agency, Durant can use the rocket for a full deal.
“Even though it’s only being traded, Durant is eligible for an extension that could soon reach up to two years, $119 million, which will increase nearly $2 million if they wait until early January to extend the transaction.
“It’s $80 million for two years, especially as the year’s Sal contemporaries Kyrie Irving and James Harden got this summer.
“Does Durant like to drag this into the season knowing that the Rockets can’t lose him in free agency? This staring contest could last for some time, as it spurs deadlines and has clear potential for discrepancies around ratings.”
Regardless of Kevin Durant’s contractual decision, the Houston Rockets can’t afford to waste their time winning the NBA championship.
The Rockets have not given up on a ton of assets to land Durant, but they have to realize that he is 37 and doesn’t have much time to play high-level basketball.
The Rockets must note that they have a limited window of around two to three years with Kevin Durant and have to try and achieve their goals from day one.
Durant is still a superstar. it doesn’t matter. However, Rocket cannot afford to waste his best year. The goal for next season must be to win the NBA Championship.
GM Rafael Stone has to try and create the best possible roster to compete in the stacked Western Conference and win the NBA Championship.