Kevin Durant's Rockets Future Updated by GM Rafael Stone Ahead of 2026-27 NBA Season

Kevin Durant's future with the Houston Rockets is going to be a focal point until there's a new contract in place since he has one more season remaining before his 2027-28 player option, but general manager Rafael Stone expressed plenty of optimism ahead of the new campaign.

Stone told Rockets insider Ben DuBose the future Hall of Famer expressed at the end of the 2025-26 season "how happy he is here" and that he wants to remain with Houston.

According to Adam Wexler of Sports Talk 790, Stone added: "His fit's been really good. It feels like he's really happy to be here, he's been a good teammate. He just wants to hoop, which fits great with our culture. We'll definitely sit down and talk at the end of this year (as he reaches the player option on his contract)."

While Durant may not be at the peak of his career at this point, his first season with the Rockets was strong.

The 37-year-old was an All-NBA Second Team selection and All-Star while averaging 26.0 points, 5.5 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game. He connected on 52 percent of his field-goal attempts and 41.3 percent of his three-pointers as well.

The efficiency stood out and was a major reason Houston reached the playoffs, although he was limited to just one postseason appearance because of injury. His team couldn't overcome his absence and lost to the Los Angeles Lakers in the first round.

With Fred VanVleet set to return to a lineup that also features Alperen Şengün, Amen Thompson and Jabari Smith Jr. around Durant, it would be anything but surprising if the Rockets were once again a factor in the Western Conference playoff race.

That is surely what the front office wants to see when it is evaluating Durant's future, although it sounds like there is mutual interest in him returning beyond just the upcoming season.

If there is, the Rockets can continue building around him as they attempt to take the next step in the West.