NBC Sports reported that the Rockets can offer Kevin Durant a max two-year extension worth $122.1 millionKevin Durant (Image Credit: Imagn)
Kevin Durant is entering the final year of the lucrative contract he signed with the Phoenix Suns. As one of the premier talents in the NBA, Durant is eligible for a two-year, $122 million max contract extension with the Rockets.

NBC Sports reported that the Rockets can offer Durant a max two-year extension worth $122.1 million, but with a twist. Due to the NBA’s “over-38 rule,” no team can extend him beyond two years.

“Durant is in the final year of his current contract at $54.7 million. The Rockets can offer him a max two-year, $122.1 million extension,” the report read.
Kevin Durant (Image Credit: Imagn)

Discussions about the exact value of Durant’s next contract have been varied. One source speaking to NBC Sports during Summer League suggested Durant might be willing to accept slightly less than the maximum.

“The contract has to be short in this case, but what is a fair number for the future Hall of Famer? One source who spoke to NBC Sports during Summer League suggested KD might dip to about the $100 million mark for two years, around $10 million a season below the max, but still $50 million a season.”

Rockets’ Reluctance To Offer Max Extension To Kevin Durant

Kevin DurantKevin Durant (Image Credit: Imagn)

However, recent reports from respected NBA insider Tim MacMahon suggest the Rockets are not inclined to match the max extension offer. Speaking on ESPN’s NBA coverage, MacMahon again made it clear that Houston’s front office appears hesitant to commit to such a large financial commitment.

“The Rockets aren’t going to go all-in — by all appearances and by what I’ve heard — they’re not going all-in on an extension for Kevin Durant. Now, doesn’t mean it won’t happen. But there have been rumblings of, ‘Hey, KD is not going to push for the full max.’ I don’t know that the Rockets are going to put anything on the table that’s close to the max,” MacMahon said.

Despite approaching the twilight of his contract, Durant’s abilities on the court remain exceptional. Last season, he averaged 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game. These numbers reinforce why Durant is still highly coveted and deserving of a substantial contract.