On August 11th, ESPN's Tim MacMahon revealed on the latest episode of "The Hoop Collective" basketball podcast that Kevin Durant's new contract is expected to be worth $100 million over two years. Due to factors such as his age, injury history, salary cap space, and roster planning, the Houston Rockets may not offer Durant a maximum salary extension.

Under the current collective bargaining agreement, Durant can re-sign with the Rockets for two years , $122 million. To secure the two- year, $124 million maximum contract, he'd have to wait six months after the trade was finalized. NBC reporter Kurt Helin noted that while the projected two- year, $100 million contract is lower than the maximum salary of over $10 million, it's still competitive and more flexible given his age.

MacMahon said on the show: " From the news from the NBA and other sources, the Rockets have not shown a 100% attitude to complete the maximum salary contract extension with Durant. This also includes the fact that Durant himself may not ask for a maximum salary contract. " He also added that the Rockets management is not worried about the fact that Durant has entered the contract year and has not yet renewed his contract. Instead, they are very confident about his prospects of staying with the team.

Durant currently has one year remaining on his current contract, worth $54.71 million. As a veteran, soon to turn 37, Durant has maintained a high level of performance over the past few seasons, but has inevitably been plagued by injuries. When considering a contract extension, the Rockets need to strike a balance between short-term competitiveness and long-term roster development.

For the Rockets, Durant's leadership and experience remain invaluable to a young roster, but the team also needs to free up salary cap space and playing time for future core players. Therefore, choosing a reasonably priced, flexible contract extension can both protect Durant's value and meet the team's dual needs of rebuilding and competing.