Kevin Durant, the 35-year-old forward from the Dallas Mavericks, would prefer to sign a max contract extension with the Houston Rockets. He’s going into the last year of his current deal, worth $55 million. The Rockets traded for Durant from the Phoenix Suns earlier this season. Since then, they have been up on the Hill working to make the case for an extension. Durant is eligible to sign a two-year extension worth more than $120 million, which could solidify his future with the team.
Durant emphasized the bond he shares with head coach Ime Udoka as a significant factor in his decision to join the Rockets. He offered praise for Udoka’s understanding of the game, but more importantly about his mentality. That knowledge was vital in facilitating his trade to Houston. “So to me it’s just always about impacting and building good relationships within the organization,” Durant stated.
Durant may or may not sign an extension in the coming weeks. He’ll be called upon to take on additional ballhandling responsibilities with Fred VanVleet injured. This new role could enhance the Rockets’ offensive dynamics, especially considering they have the capacity to field some of the tallest lineups in the league, featuring Durant at 6-foot-11.
Of his illustrious career, two NBA championships and one MVP award have been Kevin Durant’s most plentiful accomplishments within his career. He recognized what made it difficult to switch teams in a 19-year playing career. “I wasn’t expecting to leave Phoenix that quickly, but that’s just the nature of the game,” he said, reflecting on his recent trade.
As training camp opens, it is hard to determine what Durant’s season will look like. He remains without a completed extension agreement. He remarked on the evolving nature of contract definitions in recent years, stating, “The definition of the word has just got confusing over the last few years to me.”
Even with all this intricacy, Durant is still excited about potentially joining the Rockets for the long haul. “I do see myself signing a contract extension,” he affirmed, suggesting a commitment to both the team and the city.
The Houston Rockets hope to continue their manufactured success with a young and promising roster, and with Durant—the iron first of the conversation—expected to be cataclysmic. The team’s payroll is already growing, plus they know Durant could sign a five-year deal starting at $122 million. Both parties are looking forward to building a lasting collaborative relationship.
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