Kevin Durant Wants to Retire a Rocket

Kevin Durant told Sports Illustrated he now hopes to finish his career with the Houston Rockets: "I'm looking to be here as long as I can, play my last years of my career." The 37-year-old arrives in Houston on a $54.7M expiring deal after July’s seven-team trade. The Rockets can extend him up to two years and $122M and are in active talks, though they may prioritize re-signing restricted forward Tari Eason first. Durant’s decision matters because it will shape Houston’s title window and how the front office manages cap and roster moves. Merlin sees a veteran craving stability and a home in Texas, yet bound by timing and other priorities. An extension would lock Durant into Houston’s short-term plan and give the team clarity; delay would preserve flexibility for both sides. The next week’s moves on Eason and contract talks will reveal whether this is a long-term romance or a season-long courtship.