The Houston Rockets gave up far less than the Phoenix Suns did to acquire Kevin Durant . But if the Rockets choose not to extend him, the conversation around the trade shifts entirely.

Durant is currently on an expiring contract, making $54 million this upcoming season. ESPN's Tim MacMahon believes that could be the only contract in place when the 2025-26 NBA season begins .

“I think the Rockets are like, it's not ideal, but I don't think they would panic if they go into the season with Kevin Durant just on the contract that he's on,” MacMahon said during Friday's Hoop Collective episode.

The expiring contract would allow a then-37-year-old Durant to enter the 2026 offseason as an unrestricted free agent. He is currently eligible for a two-year, $122 million maximum extension, a

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