The Houston Rockets had arguably the most productive offseason in the NBA ahead of the 2025-26 campaign, trading for 15-time All-Star Kevin Durant.
After finishing second in the West during the 2024-25 regular season, the Rockets will aim to contend for their first title since 1995 with Durant leading the way. But with the superstar entering the final year of his deal, Houston will push to secure a two-year maximum extension with him before free agency begins next offseason.
According to Shams Charania of ESPN, Durant is currently eligible to sign a two-year extension worth up to $122 million. Entering his age-37 season, it’s unclear whether the Rockets will be willing to pay Durant the full amount. However, the team offers him a clear path to another title in the twilight of his career, which could help both sides reach common ground.
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Durant could be next in line for an extension
According to William Guillory of The Athletic, the Rockets are reportedly looking to secure an extension with Tari Eason before finalizing Durant’s deal. Even so, it appears likely he’ll sign an extension to remain with Houston past the 2025-26 campaign.
“This hasn’t become a big deal yet because all signs point to Durant inking some form of extension in the coming weeks that will tie him to Houston for the foreseeable future,” he wrote. “… The belief among many around the NBA is that Houston is working to secure a long-term extension with Eason — who has one year remaining on his contract — before inking Durant’s new deal.”
Given his age, Durant may be more focused on stability and finding a long-term home for the remainder of his career. The Rockets, who gave up significant assets to acquire him, would likely welcome him back beyond this season — especially if he’s willing to take less than the full $122 million deal.
Despite suffering a ruptured Achilles in the 2019 NBA Finals, Durant has remained a perennial star in the latter stages of his career. He has made five consecutive All-Star appearances since returning from the injury. Additionally, he averaged 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds and 4.2 assists across 36.5 minutes per game in 62 regular-season outings with the Phoenix Suns last year, recording shooting splits of 52.7/43.0/83.9.
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