The Houston Rockets made one of the biggest moves this offseason when they traded for Kevin Durant from the Phoenix Suns. After losing in the opening round of the 2025 NBA playoffs against a more experienced Golden State Warriors team, the Rockets knew they needed to get better. They executed a seven-team trade, which is now an NBA record for the most teams involved in one deal.
With Durant, the Rockets have gained a better go-to scorer. Last season, the team’s first option was Jalen Green, who averaged 21 points on 42.3% shooting from the field. Unfortunately for the Houston team, they struggled with Green as their primary scorer.
Now, the Houston Rockets have a better first option with Durant. ESPN’s Tim MacMahon and Brian Windhorst talked about KD’s future with his new team on Sunday. The 15-time All-Star is in the final year of his four-year, $194 million contract and is due to sign a new one soon.
The two insiders brought up that the two-time NBA champion is eligible to sign a two-year, $122.1 million maximum contract extension. However, the franchise might not offer the full salary that Durant deserves.
“By all appearances and by what I’ve heard, they’re not going all in on an extension for Kevin Durant. Now, doesn’t mean it won’t happen, but there’ve been rumblings of KD not going to push for the full max,” MacMahon said.
The two insiders discussed that the most Durant could get from Houston would be a two-year, $100 million deal.
“I think the Rockets are like it’s not ideal, but I don’t think they would panic if they go into the season with Kevin Durant just on the contract that he’s on just on the on the expiring deal… I’ll say this, Rafael Stone, since he’s been the GM of the of the Rockets, he’s signed quite a few giant contracts, but a lot most of them have been short,” Windhorst added.
Durant trolled the Thunder ahead of their season-opener against the Houston Rockets
Over the weekend, the NBA released the schedule for the opening night of the 2025-26 season. On Oct. 21, the league will feature two games: the Houston Rockets versus the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Los Angeles Lakers against the Golden State Warriors.
Fans got excited to see the upcoming matchup between Durant and his former team. Ironically, the Thunder will raise their championship banner and players will be presented their championship rings that night. Fans trolled KD on X. However, the star forward clapped back and had a comeback for OKC.
“Finally. It’s been 10 years. Bout time they win one lmaooo,” Durant replied.
Finally. It’s been 10 years, bout time they win one lmaooo
— Kevin Durant (@KDTrey5) August 10, 2025
While the Thunder couldn’t win with Durant, they still achieved the goal of winning a title last season.
Credit: Getty Images
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Reign also writes NBA and WNBA news updates on Sportskeeda. He started as a feature writer for AirAlamo, an NBA website that covers the San Antonio Spurs. Some of his work can also be seen on Valley of the Suns, a Phoenix Suns-centric website, where he served as a contributing writer.
