Rockets applaud Kevin Durant’s financial “efforts.”

From his first official appearance before the Texas press he announced the color. ” I can see myself signing a contract extension. I can’t tell you exactly when it will happen, but I think it will. », already shown Kevin Durant last monthseduced by ” the franchise’s rapid progress since the end of the James Harden-Chris Paul era ».

This wish came true this weekend, s announcement of the signing of the extension two years for $90 million with the Rockets. A contract pick that didn’t surprise the Rockets clan, including the local coach.

« Continuity is important for a great player in an organization and I think we all knew when he arrived that it wasn’t short term. So it’s good to get to a point where everyone is happy and hopefully he’ll finish his career here », souhaite Udoka’s name.

That prospect remains uncertain for the 37-year-old, who is playing for his fourth team in seven years and has a “player option” for a second year. Kevin Durant thus retains maximum control over his future and will really be able to test the market in 2027 if he so chooses as he approaches his 39th birthday.

The rest of the money for the young

Another important element of this expansion is its quantity. “KD” had the right to an extension of 120 million dollars. So he left 30 million on the table.

Enough to leave financial space for his new franchise and allow it to remain under the famous “second apron”. And while Houston has until Monday to negotiate an extension Tara Eason.

After this stretch without a maximum, Amen Thompson refers to his teammate as “ generous guy “It’s not an entirely harmless statement on his part, as Aussar’s twin will also have to negotiate an extension during the next offseason.”

« We have young players who will soon reach extensions, in a few years. Many of them have the right priorities: winning and doing whatever it takes to get there. They understand that flexibility is important, and that puts us in a good position when there is a little more money to spread. It shows their altruism. Some people can afford this kind of sacrifice, especially after a long career and when they have already earned a good amount of money. », judge Ime Udoka.

The coach also considers Kevin Durant a “ basketball purist, thinks only about the game. We’re all on the same wavelength in terms of what we want to achieve here, which is to win the title. »

How to read statistics? MJ = matches played; Min = Minute; Shots = Shots Successful / Shots Attempted; 3 points = 3 points / 3 points in an attempt; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive jump; Tot = Total number of jumps; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal mistakes; Int = intercepts; Bp = lost balls; Ct: Against; Points = Points.