Every time Kevin Durant checks his phone, it’s probably not another endorsement call or a highlight reel. It’s the Rockets front office, or someone close to it, making sure that peace, at least the kind that comes with clarity about his future, remains out of reach. Houston didn’t pull off the blockbuster of the summer just to relax. Trading for a future Hall of Famer like Durant sends a message. But how are the Rockets handling the aftermath? That’s sending a message of its own, especially to Durant, who’s still waiting for a contract extension he’s more than eligible for. Except, he’s not first in line.

The Rockets are making it crystal clear that business before legacy. Drafted in 2022, Tari Eason is eligible for a rookie-scale extension. So is his classmate Jabari Smith Jr., who already inked his five-year deal with Houston at the first opportunity. But as training camp nears, Eason remains unsigned. And until that’s resolved, Kevin Durant isn’t getting his extension either. As reported by Will Guillory of The Athletic, “The belief among many around the NBA is that Houston is working to secure a long-term extension with Tari Eason — who also has one year remaining on his contract — before inking Kevin Durant’s new deal.”

Rockets GM Rafael Stone made it plain at SportsTalk, “I love Tari Eason. Full stop. I also don’t talk about negotiations with our players.” Adam Wexler echoed the sentiment, “Everybody likes what they’ve seen. They like what they bring to the table. They’re clearly part of what is why the Rockets are who they are. Clearly, Tari is that.” It’s a complex situation.

Eason was a defensive juggernaut last year, averaging 12 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 1.7 steals per game, but has struggled with injuries and playoff inconsistency. Despite his leg issues being surgically addressed in 2024, there’s still hesitation.

But Houston can’t afford guesswork. With the new CBA’s punitive apron levels looming, locking in Eason now gives them better cap clarity, before they pivot to Durant. And Durant? He’s still Durant. But his age, 37 next week, and $122 million extension eligibility create high-stakes math for front office already tied to Alperen Sengun, Jabari Smith Jr., and Fred VanVleet, and looking ahead to an Amen Thompson extension next summer.

This delay is strategic. But try telling that to one of the greatest scorers in league history. And while Houston handles its internal priorities, a familiar figure lurks in the background, Pat Riley, keeping one eye on Durant’s situation and another on Miami’s books.

While the Rockets stall, Heat wait in the wings for Durant

The Heat were right there during the Durant sweepstakes. According to Barry Jackson of The Miami Herald, “Durant will forever be a Heat possibility if he makes it to free agency; the Heat always has held him in high regard.” They came close. But ultimately refused to part with young pieces like Kel’el Ware or Nikola Jovic, two players they view as vital to the team’s future. That hesitation allowed Houston’s offer, centered around Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, and a lottery pick, to win the day.

Still, Jackson made it clear: “The Heat remain inclined to sign the star in free agency next summer.” And they can. With nearly $55 million projected to come off the books after this season, Miami could throw Durant a competitive offer without a sign-and-trade. Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo remain locked in. Add Durant to the mix, and the Heat become instant title contenders again.

It’s a waiting game now. Houston has Durant this year, and they’ve built a contender around him. But if the Rockets can’t lock him down with a new deal, the narrative around their all-in trade changes. Durant didn’t object to being traded to Houston. But he didn’t oppose Miami either. If the Rockets stall too long waiting on Eason, watching cap space, hesitating on term or money, they may find themselves competing with a team that’s no longer just watching from the sidelines. And Miami? They’re just waiting for the signal.

Houston’s offseason was bold. Trading for Kevin Durant turned them from a rising playoff team into a legitimate contender overnight. They also deserve credit for how they’ve handled player development and roster construction, giving big deals to core pieces like Sengun and Jabari Smith Jr. But now, every day without a Durant extension tightens the pressure. And every day without an Eason deal only delays the inevitable. Durant won’t wait forever. And if Houston’s front office waits too long to give him peace, Miami just might.