Kevin Durant and the Houston Rockets: A Potential Match
Kevin Durant appears to be an ideal match for the Houston Rockets, who have long coveted his talent. Durant himself has identified Houston as a top destination for a potential trade. Speaking about the organization, Durant expressed admiration for the Rockets, who are in need of a reliable half-court scoring option to enhance their offensive strategy.
Contract Details and Speculations
Currently, Durant’s contract is set to expire at the end of the season, with him earning $57.4 million in his final year. The Rockets have the capability to propose a maximum extension of two years valued at $122.1 million. However, due to the NBA’s over-38 rule, no team can offer him a longer deal than that. There has been speculation that Durant may opt for a lower figure than the maximum, but recent insights from ESPN’s Tim MacMahon and Brian Windhorst suggest that the situation might be more complicated.
MacMahon noted on the Hoop Collective podcast that indications point to the Rockets being cautious about committing fully to an extension for Durant. “By all appearances and by what I’ve heard, they’re not going all in on an extension for Kevin Durant,” he remarked, indicating that there have been whispers of Durant being hesitant to demand the full maximum amount.
Windhorst added that while it is not an ideal situation, the Rockets would not be alarmed to enter the upcoming season with Durant playing out his existing contract. “Rafael Stone, since his tenure as GM, has signed several significant contracts, but many have been short-term,” he observed.
Negotiation Possibilities
The pressing question now pertains to the amount that would be considered reasonable for a veteran like Durant. A source from NBC Sports suggested that Durant might accept a deal around $100 million for two years, which would equate to about $10 million less per season than the maximum. However, there remains the possibility that he may choose to negotiate for even less, prioritizing his own legacy and well-being.
With training camps set to begin in over a month’s time, it is common for contract negotiations to intensify as the season approaches. For now, this situation is certainly one to watch closely as it develops.
