Kevin Durant, Rockets Reportedly Will Take 'Patient Approach' to Contract Extension
The Houston Rockets made one of the biggest splashes of the offseason when they traded for Kevin Durant, but that also brought the superstar's contract under the spotlight since he is signed for just the upcoming campaign.
But there reportedly isn't any "panic" from the team or player when it comes to getting an extension done.
"There's not a sense of urgency to get it done right now," ESPN's Tim MacMahon reported Wednesday on NBA Today. "The Rockets have other business that they need to handle this summer. … I think you're going to see both sides take a patient approach. They will work together. I don't think this is an urgent situation, and even if they get to camp, even if they get to the start of the season. If it's not done, I don't think you're going to see panic from either side. They want to work together, they want to position themselves to win a championship."
MacMahon explained it likely won't be a max contract extension, especially since the Rockets are prioritizing being a long-term contender even after Durant's retirement. That means all their focus isn't solely on the future Hall of Famer even if there seems to be a productive working relationship in place.
It isn't difficult to assume any contract extension would be a short-term one, as Durant will be 37 years old during the upcoming season. Injuries have also been a concern of late, as he has played more than 62 games just once since the 2018-19 campaign.
Still, there is no arguing about his overall dominance when he is on the floor.
Durant's resume includes two championships, two NBA Finals MVPs, a league MVP, a Rookie of the Year, four scoring titles, 11 All-NBA selections, 15 All-Star nods and a spot on the NBA's 75th Anniversary Team.
He was still effective last season with the Phoenix Suns while averaging 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.2 blocks per game while shooting 52.7 percent from the field and 43 percent from deep.
Houston was the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference last season but lost in the first round to the Golden State Warriors in part because it didn't have the star power to counter Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler in the critical moments.
Now it does in Durant, which will be a problem for the rest of the league.
And the Rockets surely hope it will be a problem for the rest of the league for more than just one season even if they don't appear close to a contract extension.
