Calendar 2025-26
Kevin Durant said he was planning to sign an extension of contract with Houston’s Rockets and explained how the bond and the respect he had with coach Ime Udoka had pushed him to accept a transaction.
During the last year of a $ 55 million contract and is eligible for a new contract. Some thought that during negotiating an extension with the Rockets immediately after the exchange in July to acquire its services from the Suns.
Although discussions have taken place, during the camp without new understanding begins. “I can see a contract extension,” said the veteran on Monday, the day of his 37th birthday. “I can’t tell you exactly when it happens, but I can see it. »»
The director general of Rockets, Rafael Stone, refused to comment on the state of contractual negotiations.
During is eligible for a two -year contract extension for more than $ 120 million if it was brought to the maximum. The Rockets, who are also in full negotiation with the winger Tari Eason and who recently extended the contract of the winger Jabari Smith for five years and 122 million dollars, will have to manage their wage bill increasing in the coming years.
This payroll could influence negotiations with during.
The short -term during the during the during the Suns to exchange it during the summer season. During worked with Udoka when they were both in Nets, and their close relationship influenced the transaction.
“I did not expect to leave Phoenix so quickly, but it’s part of the reality of sport,” added during. So I quickly thought about the person I felt comfortable with. It has always been one of those who understood what I brought as a mentality and who understood my approach to the game. He always respected me and let me be myself. So this is one of the first things I thought of. »»
The Rockets are the fifth team of for in 19 years, and he said that some of his ruptures with other clubs had been “difficult”. But with two champion titles, a title of player par excellence and an international career rich in success, during has his own definition of his inheritance.
“The definition of the word has become confused for me in recent years,” argued for.
“For me, it is always a question of having an impact and of establishing good relationships within the organization. I have the impression that, seen from the outside, each separation with each team where I played was difficult, but behind the scenes, I have established many great relationships and lasting friendships by playing in these organizations. »»
In addition, the new Rockets winger Dorian Finney-Smith spoke of his convalescence after an ankle operation during the dead season before his arrival in Houston from Lakers, as an autonomous player.
Finney-Smith has not advanced a schedule about his return to the game. The director general simply said that he respected the scheduled calendar. However, Finney-Smith has not yet been allowed to play again and he will probably be absent at the start of the season.
