Rockets Reportedly Hesitant to Offer Kevin Durant Full Max Extension
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The Houston Rockets are reportedly unwilling to commit to a full maximum-salary extension for Kevin Durant, according to comments made by ESPN’s Tim MacMahon on the latest episode of “The Hoop Collective” podcast released August 9.
MacMahon said the organization is “not going all-in” on an extension for the 36-year-old forward and may not present an offer that approaches the league-maximum figure. While he noted that negotiations remain fluid, he added that Houston “wouldn’t panic” if Durant begins the 2025-26 season on his current deal.
Durant is set to earn $54.7 million this season, the final year of his contract. Since being traded to Houston on July 6, he has been eligible to add two years worth roughly $122 million. Waiting until mid-season would lift the two-year ceiling by about $2 million. One source who spoke with NBC Sports’ Kurt Helin during Summer League suggested Durant might accept a two-year pact in the $100 million range.
The Rockets hold Durant’s full Bird rights, allowing them to exceed the salary cap to re-sign him if he reaches free agency next summer. Houston was one of Durant’s preferred destinations during the trade process with Phoenix, potentially mitigating concerns of a one-year stay.
General manager Rafael Stone has a recent track record of limiting long-term financial commitments. Fred VanVleet and Dorian Finney-Smith both signed short-term agreements, while multiyear extensions for Alperen Şengün and Jabari Smith Jr. are considered cap-friendly around the league. The organization is believed to be preserving flexibility for the 2027 offseason, when several current deals—VanVleet’s, Finney-Smith’s, Smith’s and Steven Adams’—are set to decline or expire.
Imagem: Arthur Hill via hoopsrumors.com
Podcast co-host Tim Bontemps credited Stone for navigating the league’s evolving financial landscape, arguing that Houston’s restraint could provide an edge once expected extensions for Tari Eason, Amen Thompson and possibly rookie Reed Sheppard come due.
Source: HoopsRumors
