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Kevin Durant Taunts Thunder as Rockets Stall on Extension Talks

Houston hesitates on a long-term max extension following Durant’s taunts that have rekindled fan hostility ahead of ring night.

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Overview

  • On Aug. 10 and 11, Durant used X to mock the Thunder’s first NBA title and taunt Warriors fans over past Finals MVP awards, reigniting long-standing fan resentment.
  • Reporters Tim MacMahon, Brian Windhorst and Kurt Helin say Houston is reluctant to offer Durant a max or near-max long-term extension, opting instead for short-term cap flexibility.
  • Sources suggest Durant could accept a reduced two-year deal around $100 million rather than the eligible $122.1 million max.
  • By Aug. 11, no extension had been finalized, leaving Durant on the final year of his contract.
  • Durant is slated to return to Oklahoma City on Oct. 21 for the Thunder’s ring ceremony, a symbolic moment given his 2016 departure and Warriors titles.