Kevin Durant finally says the words every Rockets fan needed to hear

The Houston Rockets acquired Kevin Durant via trade. He was due for an extension after just one season. On Media Day, Durant soothed any concerns about his future with the team. He says he'll sign an extension.

He doesn't know when. He doesn't know what the deal will look like. That's fine. Those questions will answer themselves.

What matters is that he knows he'll be sticking around.

Rockets' Kevin Durant says he's here to stay

"I do see myself signing an extension here (in Houston)"

- Kevin Durant

Finally.

Let's be honest - the Rockets paid a minimal cost for Durant. If he were a one-season rental, it would be borderline justifiable in trade market terms:

But try telling that to a diehard Rockets fan.

The hope is to have him on the roster for several years. Durant is 37, so the presumption is that he'll retire in Rockets red. Now, there doesn't seem to be any question as to whether that will happen. So, here's the next question:

How successful will Durant's Rockets' tenure be?

Durant thinks the Rockets will be in the title picture

Durant says the Rockets have all the pieces to win a title, and now, it's just a matter of "how they cook it up".

He's right. The Rockets have a lot going for them. They're big, can generate the most extra possessions in the league, and they're talented. This is a roster that's equipped to win a title:

With Kevin Durant, that is.

Durant completes the Rockets. He gives them a go-to scorer down the stretch in competitive games. For all the talent on this Rockets team, they didn't have a player who fits that description before.

Now, they do. Best of all, they've got a guy who's seen it all. Durant has been a top scorer on some of the best teams in NBA history. He's a multi-time champion, and he's bringing his expertise to the Rockets.

That's great - but it's potentially meaningless if he doesn't extent. That's truer now that Fred VanVleet is injured. The Rockets' 2025-26 title odds are suddenly slim, and they'll want another year to see this out.

So it's a great relief that Durant is likely to be around for that year. Rockets fans can rest easily. He's going to extend with the team, and it's only a matter of time.

For now, he's focused on doing what he can in 2025-26.