Houston Rockets star Kevin Durant's contract extension isn't a priority for the team.
Kevin Durant's Contract Extension Not a Priority For Rockets: Insider originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Houston Rockets had one of the best offseason upgrades. They added All-Star forward Kevin Durant to their roster when they traded away Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the rights to Khaman Maluach and some future picks to the Phoenix Suns. With Durant, the Rockets are expected to be one of the top teams to contend for the NBA championship.
Houston also intends to keep Durant for a while, as they contend. KD is due to an extension this summer, as he's on the final year of his four-year, $194 million deal. The 15-time All-Star is eligible to sign a two-year, $122 million contract extension from the Rockets.
However, NBC Sports' Kurt Helin revealed that Durant could take a significant pay cut from the organization.
"One source who spoke to NBC Sports during Summer League suggested KD might dip to about the $100 million mark for two years, around $10 million a season below the max but still $50 million a season," Helin wrote.
Durant's Contract Extension With the Rockets Could Take a While
ESPN's Tim MacMahon gave an update on the state of Durant's contract extension. According to him, while the Rockets intend to give him a new deal, he's not the top priority right now. Both sides could wait for the perfect opportunity to discuss the matter.
"There's not a sense of urgency to get it done right now. The Rockets have other business that they need to handle this summer… He's not necessarily their priority… Both sides [will] take a patient approach," the NBA insider said.
"There's not a sense of urgency to get it done right now. The Rockets have other business that they need to handle this summer... He's not necessarily their priority... Both sides [will] take a patient approach."
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) August 13, 2025
Tim MacMahon on Kevin Durant's extension.pic.twitter.com/0IZpkiCfjq
If the Rockets choose to wait for another six months, Durant will be eligible to sign a two-year, $124 million deal. Additionally, Bobby Marks of ESPN stated that Houston might turn into a second-apron team. That is, if KD gets the $57.4 million in his first year, and Tari Eason will get a rookie extension.
Related: NBA Star Kevin Durant Shares Unexpected News on Wednesday
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 14, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: Basketball
