On the outside looking in, the Rockets do appear to be one of the top contenders in the NBA. Alongside Durant, Houston has players like Alperen Sengun, Jabari Smith Jr., Amen Thompson, and Fred VanVleet in the starting lineup. They also have great depth featuring Dorian Finney-Smith, Clint Capela, Steven Adams, Reed Sheppard, and Tari Eason.

Durant will make $54.7MM during the upcoming season on the final year of his current contract. Since the trade to Houston became official on July 6, he has been eligible for a two-year extension worth roughly $122MM. Waiting another six months would allow him to tack on about $2MM to his maximum extension value.