Feb 23, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) gestures to the referee for a foul call against the Toronto Raptors in the second half at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

'They Should Give Him More Money and More Contracts' – Houston Rockets Legend is Happy With the Kevin Durant Trade

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Aug 27, 2025 11:09 AM ET

The Houston Rockets are predicted to be one of the top contenders in the Western Conference this upcoming season, following their summer acquisition of Kevin Durant , and Ralph Sampson is among those happy with the move.

According to Sampson, Durant elevates the Houston Rockets to a whole new level, so much so that the one-time league MVP deserves to be paid top dollar next summer even if he’ll turn 37 next month.

“(Kevin Durant) fits together with anybody. I love KD, and he’ll teach those young guys how to be a professional. I think it’s a great fit. It should extend his career,” Sampson told ClutchPoints’ Tomer Azarly in an exclusive interview.

“Jon Was Very Clear” - Houston Rockets GM Says the Bucks Aren’t Trading Giannis Antetokounmpo 3 Feb 12, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) dribbles against Houston Rockets forward Dillon Brooks (9) in the first quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images

“They should give him more money and more contracts because I think he’s isn’t going to have to play as hard, but he can play smart and preserve his body for the playoffs,” he added.

Houston Rockets youngster poised to win coveted individual honor

In other Houston Rockets-related news, ESPN recently voted Amen Thompson as the leading candidate for next season’s Most Improved Player of the Year award. The 22-year-old swingman beat out the likes of Andrew Nembhard, Ausar Thompson, Deni Avdija, and Jalen Johnson.

Mar 8, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets forward Amen Thompson (1) walks off the court after suffering an apparent injury during the fourth quarter against the New Orleans Pelicans at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

“Thompson will be entering his third season in the NBA, having already taken a jump in Year 2, and he hasn’t even been a full-time starter yet. He has already established himself as an elite defensive player, making the All-Defensive team and is currently one of the best on-ball defenders in the league,” Jamal Collier stated.

“His offensive game showed signs of improvement in the playoffs, with better handles and a jumper as he upped his scoring averages as the series went on, giving the league a glimpse of what he can do on the other side of the ball. That should be elevated, considering Thompson will be playing next to Kevin Durant this season, a much better offensive centerpiece for Houston than it had last season,” he added.