The Houston Rockets swung for the fences earlier this offseason when they traded with the Phoenix Suns to land future Hall of Famer Kevin Durant in exchange for Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks.
After some initial stalling in extension talks, it seems the Rockets and Durant will soon be able to reach an agreement.
Per [ESPN’s Brian Windhorst](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/46042225/lebron-james-kevin-durant-unprecedented-next-chapter-their-20-year-rivalry), the Rockets and Durant have in fact held discussions on a new deal, and there is a strong belief that the two sides will come to a resolution.
“The Rockets view Durant as a final component, a veteran who graduates them into true contender status, while they manage taking care of core players such as Jabari Smith Jr. and Fred VanVleet, both of whom signed large contracts this summer, and Alperen Sengun, a 2025 All-Star who signed a big deal the summer of 2024,” Windhorst wrote. “But there is also Amen Thomson and Tari Eason to consider, two young players who are in position to be paid new deals over the next year. In the end, Durant might need to accept less than a maximum contract, which he has been on since 2011, if he wants to stay in Houston.”
Durant’s arrival turns the Rockets into possible title contenders next season
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While he isn’t the same MVP-winning player he once was in the prime of his career, Durant is still a premier talent in the NBA. Last season, he averaged 26.6 points per game, shooting 53 percent from the floor and 43 percent from beyond the arc. He was also named to his 15th All-Star game.
With Durant, the Rockets enter next season as potential contenders in the Western Conference. With their championship window now open, the team could look to try and keep Durant for at least a couple more seasons beyond 2025-26 by giving him an extension.