Overview

• ESPN’s Shams Charania reports ongoing talks with Durant’s business partner Rich Kleiman and growing confidence a deal will be completed before the Oct. 21 opener.
• Durant is on a $54.7 million expiring contract for 2025–26 and can only add two years due to the NBA’s age‑38 rule.
• The current two‑year maximum projects to $119.1 million, rising to about $120.85 million if signed after Jan. 6.
• Reporting indicates Houston is reluctant to offer a full max as it navigates new CBA constraints and future payroll, with earlier offseason chatter suggesting Durant could entertain a sub‑max figure.
• The Rockets are viewed as prioritizing a Tari Eason rookie‑scale extension for financial clarity, while Durant says he will make his preseason debut against Utah.