Intending to retire with the Houston Rockets , Kevin Durant made the decision of a ‘big bother’. He left $30 million on the table, enabling the Rockets to navigate the future of their promising young nucleus. KD signed a two-year $90 million deal, giving them flexibility and, mainly, an open path to achieve a competitive roster for the next few seasons.

It helped them avoid what the Warriors faced throughout the summer with Jonathan Kuminga. The name just changes to Tari Eason, the Rockets’ 2022 first-round pick. Had Durant gone for the max, it would have left the Rockets no room below the second apron. That would mean their 6’8” wing would head towards restricted free agency. This summer proved how troublesome that power struggle could be.

But Durant freed the Rockets from their clutc

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