Credit: Slaven Vlasic/G Fiume via Getty Images

Why Kevin Durant should use free agency leverage to delay $119 million Houston Rockets contract extension

Originally posted on NBA Analysis Network
By Aaditya Krishnamurthy | Last updated Jul 8, 2025 7:30 AM ET

Kevin Durant has the chance to sign a long-term contract extension, but he might be better off telling the Houston Rockets to wait.

Kevin Durant will get a fresh start with a new team this season. A few weeks ago, the Houston Rockets traded for Durant from the Phoenix Suns.

That move was formalized a few days later, creating the NBA’s first-ever seven-team trade. The Houston Rockets are truly hedging their future on Durant.

So much so that the Rockets offered Ime Udoka a contract extension days after landing Durant. Even though the Rockets did give up Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks in the deal, it will all be worth it if Durant helps lead the franchise to their first NBA championship in 31 years.

The team clearly has a lot of faith in what Durant can do for the team. The Rockets also added LA Lakers standout Dorian Finney-Smith, a valuable two-way wing who was needed for a championship push.

But what is Durant’s long-term future with the Rockets? While the 2026 free agent is extension-eligible right now, he might want to hold off on signing a new deal till later in the season.

Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images

Kevin Durant can leverage Houston Rockets for $121 million by delaying extension

Currently, the Houston Rockets can offer Kevin Durant a two-year, $119 million contract extension. But according to The Athletic’s John Hollinger, Durant can stand to earn slightly more if he waits a little.

If he delays the extension till January, Durant can earn an extra $2 million, pushing his total to $121 million. And given his impending free agency, Durant can leverage the Rockets into the perfect deal.

“Despite just being traded, Durant is immediately eligible for an extension that can be up to two years and $119 million. That number increases by nearly $2 million if he waits until early January to extend his deal.

“Is two years, $80 million with a player option enough, especially since that annual salary matches what Durant’s contemporaries Kyrie Irving and James Harden got this summer?

“Does Durant prefer to drag this into the season, knowing the Rockets can’t lose him in free agency? With no deadline spurring action and the clear potential for disagreement on valuation, this staring contest could go on for a while.”

Houston Rockets must make strong championship push next season

Regardless of Kevin Durant’s contract decision, the Houston Rockets cannot afford to waste any time in their quest to win an NBA championship.

While the Rockets didn’t give up a horde of assets to land Durant, they must realize that he is 37 years old and doesn’t have much time left playing high-level basketball.

The Rockets must be aware that they have a limited window of about 2-3 years with Kevin Durant, and they must try to achieve their goal from day one.

Durant is still a superstar. That is not in question. But the Rockets cannot afford to waste any of his best years. The goal from the get-go next season must be to win an NBA championship.

GM Rafael Stone must try and build the best roster possible to compete in a stacked Western Conference and win the NBA championship.

This article first appeared on NBA Analysis Network and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: