According to ESPN's Brian Windhorst, the Houston Rockets and Kevin Durant have begun contract extension negotiations. Sources said the two sides are expected to reach an agreement, but have not yet reached a final consensus.

Windhorst went on to suggest that Durant might eventually accept a sub-maximum contract extension, with his colleague Tim McMahon previously predicting a two-year, $100 million contract.

Durant currently has only one year left on his contract with the Rockets, with a salary of approximately $54.71 million. Since he failed to reach an early contract extension with the Rockets this summer, he may become a full free agent after the 2025-26 season.

At the same time, the Rockets' focus shifted to young talent acquired through the draft, including Jabari Smith Jr., Alperen Shinjing, Armen Thompson, and Tali Eason. Durant was no longer considered the team's absolute core, but rather the final piece to a championship-contending roster.

Despite the change in his role, Durant has maintained his top level. He played 62 regular season games for the Suns last season, averaging 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game, shooting 52.7% from the field and 43% from three-point range.