Kevin Durant, entering the final year of his contract with the Houston Rockets, is facing a significant pay reduction despite his storied career. The current deal has already paid him $195 million in total, with $54 million allocated for this concluding year. As Durant approaches his 37th birthday next month, concerns about his advancing age are affecting expectations for his next contract, whether an extension with Houston or a new deal in free agency. The looming question is how much his next contract will be worth amid a changing market and roster circumstances.
Potential Pay Cut Despite Consistent High-Level Performance
Though Durant has maintained a high level of performance, averaging over 26 points per game for the past seven seasons with an efficient shooting record—50.2% field goal and 39.0% from beyond the arc—a pay cut seems inevitable. Given the rising <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/basketball/nba/”>NBA salary cap trends, a pay decrease for a player of Durant’s stature is rare, but sources suggest it is a realistic possibility. According to Kurt Helin of NBC Sports, Durant might accept a deal totaling about $100 million over two years, equating to roughly $50 million per season and below the maximum contract allowance.
Rockets Reluctant to Commit to a Max Extension
Examining recent discussions within NBA circles, ESPN reporter Tim MacMahon highlighted the Rockets’ hesitance to offer Durant a max extension. On the latest Hoops Collective podcast, MacMahon noted,
“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’ve been rumblings of KD 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.”
—Tim MacMahon, ESPN NBA Reporter
This cautious approach suggests the Rockets are unlikely to offer more than a short-term contract, probably no longer than two years, even if the yearly compensation comes close to the maximum allowed under the salary cap rules.
Impact and Outlook for Durant’s Contract Negotiations
Durant’s willingness to consider a shorter, below-max contract reflects the realities of his advancing age and the Rockets’ strategic priorities. While he will avoid financial hardship, the expected reduction signals changing valuation, even for an elite player. With few appealing options among free-agent teams undergoing rebuilding, a mutual agreement between Durant and Houston appears the most practical route. This development underscores the broader challenges veteran stars face in negotiating competitive deals as the league evolves around younger talent and cap constraints.