Overview

• Durant, entering the final year of his deal, told reporters he envisions signing a new contract with Houston but offered no timetable.
• He is eligible for a two‑year extension projected at roughly $120–122 million, with talks proceeding as the season begins.
• General manager Rafael Stone declined to comment on negotiations, while reports note the team’s constrained short‑term flexibility under the first apron.
• With Fred VanVleet out after a torn ACL, the Rockets plan initial ball‑handling solutions from Reed Sheppard and Amen Thompson, and ESPN says Durant will shoulder some creation duties.
• Houston acquired Durant from Phoenix in June in a multi‑team trade that sent Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the No. 10 pick and other assets to the Suns, and Durant cited his fit with Ime Udoka as a key draw.