Houston Rockets Eye Kevin Durant with $122M Max Extension Offer Under NBA’s Over-38 Rule: A Power Shift in the Making
In what could become one of the most seismic moves of the next NBA offseason, league sources suggest that the Houston Rockets are seriously considering offering a massive $122 million max extension to Kevin Durant, leveraging the NBA’s Over-38 Rule—a cap provision designed to accommodate veteran superstars into their late playing years.
Durant, now 37 and still performing at an elite level, has become a rare example of sustained greatness deep into his career. Averaging over 25 points per game in the most recent season, with shooting splits that mirror his prime, KD remains one of the deadliest scorers in the league. The Rockets, a team on the rise with a young, energetic core led by Jalen Green, Alperen Şengün, and Jabari Smith Jr., believe Durant could be the final piece that catapults them from playoff hopefuls to legitimate contenders in the West.
Why the Over-38 Rule Matters
The Over-38 Rule is a modification of the former Over-36 Rule in the NBA’s Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). It allows teams to offer longer deals to aging stars without salary cap penalties, providing flexibility for franchises looking to invest in veterans. In Durant’s case, this rule enables Houston to offer a 3-year, $122 million extension that spans beyond his 38th birthday.
A Calculated Gamble or Genius Move?
While some view this potential deal as a gamble—Durant has battled injuries over the past few seasons—the Rockets see opportunity. Sources close to the franchise say Houston believes Durant’s meticulous conditioning, playoff experience, and elite shot-making could elevate their roster instantly. The front office has reportedly modeled the move after the Phoenix Suns’ short-term gamble on Durant in 2023, but aims for a deeper long-term fit with younger talent around him.
“If you’re a young team and you suddenly have a chance to add Kevin Durant, even at 38—you take it,” said one Western Conference executive anonymously. “He’s still a top-10 player in the league, and his game ages better than most.”
Durant’s Perspective: Another Chapter or Final Run?
Durant has not publicly commented on the rumors, but league insiders say he’s intrigued by the idea of mentoring a young core while remaining in contention. With no clear title favorites and parity at an all-time high, KD could be looking for both stability and legacy—a chance to guide a franchise like Houston back to national prominence.
Multiple teams are reportedly circling, but Houston’s financial flexibility and growing competitiveness may give them an edge. The city, already buzzing from recent sports resurgence, could become a basketball hotspot once again with Durant in red and white.
What This Means for the League
If the Rockets pull the trigger and Durant accepts, it would mark one of the boldest veteran acquisitions of the decade. It could redefine the Over-38 Rule’s usage, opening the door for similar blockbuster veteran signings. It would also signal Houston’s transition from a rebuilding team to a win-now franchise.
Whether the gamble pays off or not, one thing is clear: the Rockets are ready to go all-in. And Kevin Durant, despite Father Time knocking, may still have one more empire left to build.
