Durant - who averaged 26.6 points, 6 boards, and 4.2 assists last year in his age 36 season with the Phoenix Suns - was eligible for an extension as large as about $60M annually, given Durant has ten or more years of service and is eligible to make 35% of the salary cap, which is $155M this year and expected to be $166M next season and $174M in 2027-28.
The Rockets now find themselves with a short window while Durant is still playing at an All-Star level to make a push in a notoriously difficult Western Conference. Houston will do so with the help of 23-year-old first-time All-Star Alperen Şengün, 22-year-old Amen Thompson, and 31-year-old Fred VanVleet, who unfortunately suffered a torn ACL last month that may keep him out the entire 2025-26 season. VanVleet’s injury has also made Houston potentially interested in trading for a guard, and that has led some to speculate that Portland’s Jrue Holiday might be a logical fit. Holiday for his part said recently how much he has appreciated being in Portland.