Rockets have an enormous Kevin Durant downside brewing earlier than coaching camp begins

The Houston Rockets made one of many greatest splashes this summer season after they traded for All-NBA ahead Kevin Durant. Houston now heads into this season seeking to capitalize with Durant becoming a member of younger stars Amen Thompson and Alperen Sengun.

Houston introduced in Durant to repair their offense. Sure, the Rockets had been the second seed within the West final season however flamed out within the first spherical to the Warriors. They had been counting on Fred VanVleet and Jalen Inexperienced to create constant perimeter offense, which led to combined outcomes.

That’s the place Durant is available in. Regardless of coming into his nineteenth NBA season, the All-Star ahead has proven no indicators of slowing down. He’s coming off a season the place he averaged 27 factors per recreation and flirted with 50/40/90 splits, a typical theme in his profession.

Nonetheless, Durant just isn’t solely coming into his age-37 season, however he’s additionally coming into the final 12 months of his contract. Durant is about to be a free agent in the summertime of 2026, however Houston is reportedly keen to do no matter it takes to ensure that just isn’t the case.

The Rockets should lock Durant in now slightly than later within the season

All indicators level to Houston and Durant agreeing to an extension earlier than coaching camp begins. The Rockets wish to prioritize homegrown draft decide Tari Eason first, as he’s additionally coming into the final 12 months of his deal. Houston needs to have the ability to lock each forwards in to allow them to see what their financials seem like within the coming years, particularly with Thompson’s probably extension subsequent summer season.

So as to ink each Durant and Eason whereas having cash left over for Thompson, Durant is probably going going to should take lower than the max. That might be a two-year deal value about $120 million. 

The Rockets can’t afford to have Durant as a rental

We noticed what occurred the final time Durant entered a season on the final 12 months of his deal. It was in the course of the 2018-19 season with the Golden State Warriors, and after his notorious dustup with Draymond Inexperienced, Durant ended up leaving after the season. 

Houston didn’t quit loads to get Durant, as they solely gave up Jalen Inexperienced, Dillon Brooks, and the tenth decide on this 12 months’s draft that ended up being Duke massive man Khaman Maluach. Nonetheless, it isn’t like they obtained him for pennies on the greenback both. They introduced him in to assist this staff get nearer to a title within the quick time period. 

Durant hasn’t said how lengthy he needs to maintain enjoying, however a two- or three-year contract with a participant possibility would take advantage of sense for each events.