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 taken the larger max extension, it would have significantly reduced Houston’s payroll flexibility and could have limited what the team could do under the luxury-tax aprons. That would mean their 6’8” wing would head towards restricted free agency. This summer proved

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