The arrival of Kevin Durant in Houston has flipped the script entirely. Once a young team on the rise, the Rockets now find themselves standing in the light of championship expectation. After a 52–win season in 2024–25 and a playoff return following years of rebuilding, the franchise pushed its chips to the center of the table by trading for one of the greatest scorers the league has ever seen.
The blockbuster deal with Phoenix vaulted Houston into a different class, transforming them from a promising squad into a serious contender. Yet, behind the thrill of Durant’s debut in Space City, questions linger about what comes next.
The Extension Dilemma
Durant has one year left on his current contract. Eligible for a two-year, $119 million extension, he could lock in his future with the Rockets right now. But as of early September, there is no agreement in place. Instead, Houston is focusing its financial attention elsewhere before addressing Durant’s future.
According to ESPN’s Tim MacMahon on The Hoop Collective Podcast, the Rockets are prioritizing a new deal for Tari Eason before turning to Durant. “Tari Eason’s contract extension is not done yet, at least not at this point. I believe the Rockets would like to get Tari Eason’s extension done first, just to better understand what kind of math they’re working with,” MacMahon explained.
That “math” matters. With Jabari Smith Jr. already on a five-year, $122 million extension, securing Eason’s rookie deal will shape Houston’s spending flexibility as it approaches negotiations with Durant.
Tari Eason’s Case
Drafted 17th overall in 2022, Eason has proven himself as a versatile forward with the energy to impact both ends of the floor. Last season he averaged 12.0 points, 6.4 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 1.7 steals while shooting 48.7 percent from the field in 57 games. His defensive activity and relentless motor have earned him both trust and leverage heading into extension talks.
Locking him up ensures that Houston protects its young foundation even while it leans on Durant for stardom. The Rockets’ plan is simple: solidify their youth first, then secure Durant’s signature.
The Cost of Durant
Durant’s acquisition came at a steep but calculated price. Houston shipped out Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, Phoenix’s own first-round pick, and several second-rounders. In return, they landed a player whose scoring ability remains almost unmatched.
At 36, Durant still bends defenses. His mid-range game is timeless, his shot-making clinical. But while he remains an elite offensive force, the Rockets also lost volume from deep. Green and Brooks combined for over 14 three-point attempts per game. Brooks, in particular, had found unexpected efficiency, connecting on nearly 40 percent of his shots from beyond the arc last season.
This is where Durant’s next challenge lies.
The Perimeter Burden
Last season, Durant attempted six three-pointers per game and hit a career-best 43 percent of them. That level of efficiency remains rare. Yet, he has not taken more than six attempts per game since his Golden State years in 2017–18. For Houston to elevate its offense to true championship levels, Durant may need to increase his volume from the arc while maintaining his accuracy.
With Fred VanVleet’s shooting numbers dipping last season, the Rockets cannot afford to rely solely on secondary options. They will need Durant’s perimeter shooting to stabilize and expand. If his numbers hold under increased volume, Houston’s offense could become one of the league’s most lethal.
The Bigger Picture
The Rockets now sit on the edge of possibility. A front office led by Rafael Stone must balance financial clarity with competitive urgency. Prioritize Tari Eason’s deal, then lock in Durant. Manage the apron rules, then keep the door open for future moves.
For Durant, the calculus is personal. The Rockets represent another chance to chase titles, to prove that his scoring brilliance can still define outcomes in the late stages of his career.
For Houston, it is about more than one player. It is about building around youth while trusting Durant to carry the burden of championship dreams.
The Rockets have positioned themselves as one of the league’s most dangerous experiments. If the front office nails the timing, if Eason’s extension clears the books properly, and if Durant can stretch his perimeter volume without losing efficiency, then the title window in Houston could open wider than it has in decades.
