Kevin Durant says he foresees extension with Rockets
durant-envisions-extension-with-rockets
HOUSTON — Kevin Durant said Monday he expects to sign a new deal with the Houston Rockets, even though training camp is opening without an agreement in place.
“I do see myself signing a contract extension,” Durant told reporters on his 37th birthday. “I can’t tell you exactly when that will happen, but I do see it happening.”
The 6-foot-11 forward is entering the final season of a contract that will pay him $55 million. He can sign a two-year extension worth more than $120 million at the maximum salary. General manager Rafael Stone declined to discuss the negotiations.
Durant arrived from the Phoenix Suns in an offseason deal he helped orchestrate. His relationship with Rockets coach Ime Udoka, formed during their time together with the Brooklyn Nets, was a driving factor in approving the trade.
“Ime has always understood what I bring to the table and respected my approach,” Durant said. “That was one of the first things I thought about” after deciding to leave Phoenix.
Houston recently extended forward Jabari Smith Jr. for five years and $122 million and is also negotiating with wing Tari Eason, adding payroll pressure that could influence the Durant talks.
The Rockets plan to use Durant as a secondary ball handler after starting point guard Fred VanVleet suffered a torn ACL last week. With Durant joining a roster full of long, rangy athletes, Houston could feature some of the league’s tallest lineups this season.
The Rockets are Durant’s fifth team in 19 NBA seasons. He acknowledged that some previous departures were “tough” but said strong relationships matter most to him.
“It’s always about impacting and building good relationships within the organization,” Durant said. “Behind the scenes I’ve built so many great relationships and lifelong friendships.”
In other news, newly signed wing Dorian Finney-Smith said he is running after offseason ankle surgery but has not been cleared for basketball activities. Stone indicated the forward remains on schedule, yet Finney-Smith is expected to miss time at the start of the season.
Source: ESPN
