Both parties want to test the waters first? Reports suggest that the Rockets do not intend to go all out to re-sign Durant, and KD is not insisting on a max contract.

On August 8, Beijing time, Tim MacMahon, a prominent ESPN reporter, disclosed in a podcast that the Rockets are not planning to fully commit to re-signing Durant, and Durant will not insist on a max contract.

MacMahon noted, "Various reports suggest that the Rockets appear to be unwilling to fully engage in re-signing Kevin Durant. While this does not mean it's entirely impossible, there are rumors that Durant may also not demand a max contract. Additionally, it seems unlikely that the Rockets will offer a deal close to the max."

“The Rockets' stance appears to be that, while this is not the ideal situation, they would not panic if Durant enters the new season with his existing expiring contract.”

This report quickly sparked discussions among fans. Some fans expressed understanding of the Rockets' approach. "Why should they panic? He'll be 37 years old when the season starts; they should just take it easy." For the Rockets, they can let Durant lead the team into this season and evaluate the situation before deciding on the terms for an extension.

Durant currently has one year left on his contract, worth $54.71 million. The Rockets will kick off their media day for the new season on September 30, which coincidentally is Durant's 37th birthday. Previously, some Houston media predicted that Durant would be the leading scorer for the Rockets in the upcoming season.

In the 2024-25 season, Durant played 62 regular-season games, averaging 36.5 minutes per game, contributing 26.6 points, 6 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 0.8 steals, and 1.2 blocks, with a shooting percentage of 52.7%, a three-point percentage of 43.0%, and a free throw percentage of 83.9%.