HOUSTON — At the moment, the Rockets and Kevin Durant haven’t yet reached a contract agreement for beyond the 2025-26 NBA season. But that doesn’t mean that one isn’t coming.
During Monday’s media day to preview the upcoming season, the 15-time All-Star made it clear that he didn’t leverage his July 2025 trade to Houston for simply a one-year run.
“I do see myself signing a contract extension,” Durant told reporters. “I can’t tell you exactly when that will happen, but I do see it happening.”
Having played in college at the University of Texas — and with Longhorn connections throughout the organization, including assistant coach Royal Ivey and front-office scout DJ Augustin — Durant made it clear that he had no regrets over his choice.
“It felt organic and natural coming into the gym, being a Houston Rocket for the first time,” the 37-year-old said. “I always had respect for this coaching staff, this fanbase, this state, this city. It feels right.”
Durant also has previous ties to head coach Ime Udoka, since Udoka was the lead assistant in Brooklyn for a portion of Durant’s stint with the Nets.
“Playing with length, having size, playing in transition, driving and kicking, switching on defense… I wanted to play that style, too,” Durant said.
“Ime has always been one of those guys that understood what I brought to the table, my mentality and my approach to the game. He always respected that and gave me my space to be me.”
Durant will make $54.7 million this season on the final year of his previous contract. Last season with the Phoenix Suns, he earned All-Star honors while averaging 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game — all while shooting an extremely efficient 52.7% overall and 43.0% on 3-pointers.
Rafael Stone, general manager of the Rockets, declined comment on the current status of negotiations (which do not have a deadline).
Training camp opens on Tuesday.
