Kevin Durant Visualizes Contract Extension with the Rockets and Explains His Decision
In a recent statement, Kevin Durant expressed his intention to sign a contract extension with the Rockets. The player, who is in the last year of his current contract, which will bring him 55 million dollars, is eligible to negotiate a new agreement. Durant revealed that the relationship and respect he feels for coach Ime Udoka were key factors in his decision to join the Rockets, thus facilitating the trade. Although there were previous conversations about a possible extension as part of Houston’s agreement with the Suns, there is currently no agreement in place.Rockets general manager Rafael Stone opted not to comment on the status of contract negotiations. Durant could sign a two-year extension worth more than $120 million if he opts for the maximum salary. The Rockets are managing their finances while negotiating extensions with key players like Tari Eason and Jabari Smith Jr., which could influence conversations with Durant. Given his contractual situation, Durant was able to work with the Suns to find a trade partner during the summer, and his relationship with Udoka, whom he coincided with at the Nets, was crucial in this process. Durant also highlighted how his playing style fits with the Rockets’ roster, which has a large number of tall and versatile athletes. The arrival of Durant, who is 6’11”, could allow Houston to deploy tall and powerful lineups. In addition, his ability to handle the ball will be relevant, given Fred Van Vleet’s recent injury. Both Durant and Udoka confirmed that Durant will take on some ball-handling responsibilities due to VanVleet’s injury. Regarding his legacy, Durant, who has played for five teams in 19 years, stated that the most important thing for him is to positively impact and build strong relationships within the organization. On the other hand, Dorian Finney-Smith, the Rockets’ new forward, spoke about his recovery from offseason ankle surgery before arriving in Houston from the Lakers in free agency. Although he has been running, there is no defined timeline for his return and he is likely to miss some games at the start of the season.“I see myself signing a contract extension. I can’t say exactly when it will happen, but I do see it happening.”
Kevin Durant
