Overview

• ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reports the sides have discussed a new deal and are expected to agree, with Durant likely needing to accept less than a full maximum.
• Tim MacMahon has indicated Houston is comfortable entering the season with Durant on his expiring contract as it prioritizes other business, including a Tari Eason extension.
• Durant is on a $54.7 million expiring for 2025-26 after a seven-team trade that sent Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the No. 10 pick and multiple second-rounders out of Houston.
• The Rockets bolstered the roster with Dorian Finney-Smith, Clint Capela and Josh Okogie and retained depth pieces to complement Alperen Sengun, Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith Jr. and Fred VanVleet.
• Analysts have ranked Houston’s offseason among the league’s best, though some question Durant’s on-ball fit and a fan survey shows enthusiasm tempered by cautious optimism.