Rockets expected to make key decision on Kevin Durant's future

The Houston Rockets started off their summer by winning the Kevin Durant sweepstakes. The veteran superstar will now spearhead Ime Udoka's push to bring a championship to the franchise in the coming years.

When making the move to acquire Durant, Houston knew it was taking a risk. He is in the final year of his four-year, $194 million deal and will become an unrestricted free agent next summer. 

According to a Sept. 27 report from NBA insider Jake Fischer, via the Stein Line Newsletter, the Rockets are expected to reach an agreement with Durant for a contract extension. Fischer noted that the maximum he can sign for is $122 million. 

"The belief persists that Durant, meanwhile, will eventually land a contract extension from his new team," Fischer reported. "He's eligible to sign a two-year extension with the Rockets for a maximum $122 million."

Houston gave up a considerable amount of trade assets to acquire Durant. There's likely been some form of agreement that he will re-sign with the franchise once an extension offer is put on the table. Keeping Durant around, at least for the next two or three years, will be key to maximizing Houston's roster. 

Houston is already set for the future 

The beauty of the Rockets' situation is that once Durant is ready to leave the franchise, or potentially retire, they will already have ready-made stars to fill the void. 

Houston has spent the past few years as a rebuilding team. The result of those efforts is clear to see, with both Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson projecting to be All-Star-level talents for years to come. Interestingly, the Rockets aren't viewed as a "two-timeline" team, and much of that is due to the talent and polish that both Sengun and Thompson have displayed. 

Nevertheless, both stars will certainly learn and reap the rewards of being around Durant on a day-to-day basis. You don't reach Durant's level of play and longevity without a commitment to taking care of your body and continually working on your craft. It's that lead-by-example philosophy that will help take Sengun and Thompson to the next level. 

Therefore, it makes perfect sense to keep Durant around for the next few years, not only for what he can do on the court, but also for what he will provide in the locker room and practice facility. 

Houston is well-positioned to be a good-to-great team for the next decade.