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yesterday

Rockets Hold Firm Against Max Extension for Kevin Durant

The team plans a short-term, below-max offer to protect salary cap room for 2027 free-agency pursuits.

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May 23, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Kevin Durant attends the game between the Golden State Valkyries and the LA Sparks at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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Overview

  • The Rockets have informed league insiders that they will not ‘go all-in’ on a two-year, $122 million maximum extension for Kevin Durant.
  • Durant is playing the 2025-26 season on a $54.7 million expiring contract and will become an unrestricted free agent in 2026 if no extension is agreed.
  • Any extension would push Durant’s salary into the 2027–28 season, potentially triggering NBA apron penalties and limiting space for the Rockets’ future free-agency targets.
  • General manager Rafael Stone has prioritized team-friendly deals for Alperen Şengün and Jabari Smith Jr. and declined longer guarantees for several veterans to preserve long-term cap flexibility.
  • ESPN insiders say Houston is likely to offer Durant a short-term, below-max contract that aligns with the team’s dual goals of contending now and chasing top free agents in 2027.