Kevin Durant not demanding max deal with Rockets, per reports

Kevin Durant not demanding max deal with Rockets, per reports originally appeared on The Sporting News

Kevin Durant was firmly at the center of, arguably, the NBA's most significant (and also convoluted) transaction of the offseason.

In the deal, the Phoenix Suns dealt Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets; as part of the seven-team trade, the Suns received Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, Daeqwon Plowden (who has since been waived), three rookies (Khaman Maluach, Rasheer Fleming and Koby Brea), and two second-round draft picks in 2026 and 2032.

Durant is currently in the final year of his previous deal, which is set to compensate him $54.7 million during the 2025-26 season. Thus, one of the Rockets' top priorities over the next few months will be to put together a new contract for Durant before he becomes an unrestricted free in July. 

What kind of contract extension could Durant sign in Houston?

Earlier in his career, Durant's production surely would have warranted him signing a max contract. But he has played more than 60 games in a season just twice since rupturing his Achilles tendon during the 2019 NBA Finals, making that a factor to consider in his next deal.

Spotrac's Keith Smith wrote that a max contract does not appear to be in the picture for either party, whether it be because of concerns about Durant's availability or another reason.

"Durant doesn’t seem to be demanding a max deal. There are reports that the veteran forward isn’t looking to pull every penny that he can on his next contract," Smith wrote. "That’s big for the Rockets, who are starting to get a little expensive."

Smith also wrote that Durant and the Rockets are likely to take their time with this new contract, taking pressure off the front office and keeping them from making a quick — and, potentially, financially ill-advised — decision.

Still, Smith believes the contract Durant signs will be worth a lot of money.

"Despite his advanced age, Durant remains one of the league’s best scorers. Since missing the 2019-20 season, Durant has averaged 27.9 points on 53/42/88 shooting splits. He’s also grabbed 6.7 rebounds, dished out 5.2 assists and blocked 1.2 shots per game over the last five seasons. He’s not slowing down very much," Smith wrote. "Durant remains incredibly productive and continues to play at an All-NBA level each season. That’s going to see him paid quite handsomely on his next contract."