Kevin Durant Nears 2-Year Rockets Extension

Kevin Durant is expected to sign a two-year extension with the Houston Rockets, with ESPN’s Shams Charania reporting the team and Durant’s representation are in "constant communication" and there is "optimism about a deal getting done before the start of the regular season." That matters because Houston is in win-now mode after the trade and wants Durant’s scoring and leadership locked in beyond a single season before play begins Oct. 21. Merlin sees the chessboard: Houston also wants clarity on the books — Jake Fischer said the club "would relish knowing exactly how the books look with an extended Eason" before finalizing Durant, though Durant signing first would be "no real issue." At 37 but still a 26.6 PPG All‑Star, Durant brings late-game scoring and veteran steadiness that could widen the Rockets’ championship window.