According to reports, the Rockets will not prioritize Durant s contract renewal, and there are more important things to deal with

According to US sports media F/W reporter Nico Martinez. Durant’s future in Houston is not an urgent issue, at least not yet. According to a new report, the Rockets did not prioritize the two-time Finals MVP's contract renewal this summer, but focused on other offseason businesses. While Durant remains a central part of Houston’s championship ambitions, both sides reportedly are content to take a patient approach before entering serious contract negotiations. “There is no sense of urgency to finish it now. The Rockets have other things to deal with this summer,” said Tim McMahon of ESPN. "It's mainly Ethan's contract extension. It's a big problem; it's the potential last piece of their need to be a real contender, the guy they missed so much last season."

For now, Durant will be an unrestricted free agent next summer, meaning he may leave the Rockets after a season with the team. While the 36-year-old legend is the Rockets’ best player (averages 26.6 points last season), the organization is not in a hurry to commit to 2 Finals MVPs over the next five years.

"They didn't push all the chips in; they were very patient in seeking a deal with Durant. They waited until the price reached the value they thought would make them feel comfortable," McMahon continued. "Durant is their best player and he doesn't have to be their top priority. It's not an insult to him, but their top priority is to make sure they have the longest track possible while trying to profit from this window they created by getting Durant."

On the way out of Phoenix, Durant is actively working to choose his next destination with his own hands. Despite no promise to renew his contract, he chose the Rockets and made his NBA future unlimited. "Both sides hope this is not just a year's window, but it won't be the longest extension. If it's Durant's top priority, it will be done with the deal and he may not end up in Houston. So, I think you'll see both sides adopt a patient attitude."

Both sides seem to be trying the waters for the next collaboration. For Durant, he is still unsure what his tenure in Houston will bring. While he is optimistic about the team’s chances for championships, he will be out next summer if things go badly and history tells us he won’t be ashamed to use it. It is usually ideal for the Rockets to get a superstar for as long as possible, but they don't quite believe how he will fit into their young squad. Houston, who is nearly 40 years old, is unwilling to sacrifice the stability of his young core to appease Durant.

For Durant and the Rockets, their entire partnership depends on what will happen in the 2025-26 season. If they can surpass their performance last season and make it to the playoffs in the West, that could be everything they need to reach an agreement on a long-term contract extension. Ultimately, both sides are in a process of feeling. Durant bets Houston would give him a last legitimate championship chance, while the Rockets bet on his star power that could boost their promising young squad. If this potential is achieved this season, it will lay the foundation for a longer-term commitment. If not, this could end up being just another small stop in Durant’s tortuous Hall of Fame tour.