What are Durant and the Rockets waiting for?

This year, many big-name players have chosen to renew their contracts with the team. Previously, there were Alexander, Irving, Harden, Booker, and Doncic. Today, Fox also reached a contract renewal with the Spurs. Is it Durant's turn next?

In fact, Durant can start a contract renewal with the Rockets on August 2, but there seems to be no movement between the two sides. Why is that?

In fact, there is only one reason, that is, both parties are discussing the possibility of salary cuts. Durant is now qualified to sign a maximum salary of 119 million yuan with the Rockets for 2 years. If he waits 6 months later, he can sign a maximum salary of 121 million yuan for 2 years and get another 20 million yuan. However, both sides should not wait until 6 months later. Durant himself was very satisfied with the Rockets and had said that he would cut his salary and renew his contract.

There is no announcement of the renewal news now, and the details of the contract should be still being discussed, such as player options, salary details, etc. And Durant himself needs to check, salary cuts are OK, but the team must have the ability to compete for the championship. If the lineup does not meet the requirements, let alone salary cuts, it is possible to leave in a year.

After all, Durant is about to be 37 years old. Although he is in good condition, his window to win the championship is only one or two years. Last season, he still averaged 26.6 points, 6 rebounds, 4.2 assists per game, with a shooting percentage of 52.7% and a three-point shooting percentage of 43%, and is still a super scorer.

Durant's salary next season will be 54.71 million. Considering the increase in the salary cap, his annual salary in his contract will definitely not be lower than this. Even if he is a salary cut, it will be at most 10 million, which is likely to be a few million.

The total salary of the Rockets in the new season is US$195 million, which exceeds the luxury tax line and is close to US$6.8 million, and they need to pay a luxury tax of US$7.07 million. Therefore, the Rockets' offseason operation is really great. Not only did they retain the core lineup, but they also got Durant, the top champion, and the luxury tax is more than a little bit.

But next year, there will be a worry of happiness, because both young players, Ethan and Amen, are facing contract renewal. Needless to say, Amen is definitely a maximum-paid player. If the Rockets are unwilling to give, it is estimated that the remaining 29 teams in the league will compete to give. It is highly likely that they will sign a rookie super maximum salary contract like Ban Kairo and Jaylen Williams this year (up to 287 million in five years).

In addition, Ethan is eligible for an early renewal of the contract this offseason. If he signs a contract with an annual salary of more than $17 million, or even $20 million or $25 million, it is said that the two sides are now in negotiations, and it may be announced with Durant at that time.

Over time, the Rockets' salary pressure will only increase. If the Rockets pay luxury tax for three consecutive years, they will trigger duplicate luxury tax, and the amount they have to pay under the new luxury tax system will be astronomical.

Therefore, the Rockets don't have much time to win the championship, at most two years, otherwise they will be exploding by luxury tax.

The Rockets want Durant to cut his salary, but if he only gives 80 million for two years, it will really be a bit disrespectful. So now both sides are still raising their ties. What is the balance point that satisfies both sides? I can only wait until the contract is announced!