
Nearly three months after his transfer from Phoenix was finalized, Kevin Durant remains under a contract expiring at the end of the season. However, the new forward for the Houston Rockets, who celebrated his 37th birthday this Monday, made it clear on media day that he is looking to extend his bond with the franchise.
"I do see myself signing an extension," declared Durant. "I can't tell you exactly when it will happen, but I do see it happening."
Today, the veteran is eligible to sign a maximum extension of two years and $119.1 million, a figure that could rise to $120.85 million on January 6, six months after his arrival in Houston. However, various reports over the summer suggested that the Rockets might not be willing to offer him a maximum deal covering his seasons at 38 and 39 years old. In that regard, there have been speculations about a proposal closer to $100 million for two years, which would represent a slight reduction from his current salary of $54.7 million.
Beyond the numbers, Durant expressed confidence in reaching an agreement with the organization. In statements captured by the Houston Chronicle, he also explained why Houston was one of his preferred destinations when the Suns made him available during the last offseason.
Kevin Durant's Words
"Seeing the rapid progress of this franchise from the end of the James Harden/Chris Paul era to now, and how Ime Udoka transformed everything in such a short time, was very appealing to me," commented the 15-time All-Star. "I have connections within the organization, people I had already worked with in the league, and that made the transition feel natural. I always had respect for this coaching staff, for this fan base, for this state, and for this city. So being here feels great."
Durant arrives in Houston not only as an established superstar but also as a reference willing to provide stability and experience to a team in the midst of consolidation. Everything indicates that his immediate future will remain tied to the Rockets, who, with him, aim to accelerate definitively their path to the elite of the Western Conference.
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