NBA insider gives exact Kevin Durant update that Rockets fans needed to hear

The Houston Rockets acquired Kevin Durant in pursuit of short-term goals, but they can't forget about their long-term outlook. ESPN's Brian Windhorst says they won't. According to him, Durant may accept less than a max contract in Houston.

That's not just good - it's essential. The Rockets can't afford to give Durant the max. That's not to say he won't deserve it. The Rockets are hoping Durant can perform at a max level for at least two more seasons:

They simply can't afford to pay him what he's worth.

NBA insider understands Rockets' Kevin Durant situation

"There is Amen Thompson and Tari Eason to consider, two young players who are in position to be paid new deals over the next year. In the end, Durant might need to accept less than a maximum contract, which he has been on since 2011, if he wants to stay in Houston."

-Brian Windhorst, ESPN

Windhorst is hitting the nail on the head.

It's not about Durant's value. It's about the Rockets' cap situation. The hope is that Durant understood that they had critical pending negotiations to settle when he landed in Houston. He needs to know that for this thing to work, he needs to take a discount.

The Rockets can't prioritize him over Thompson. His upside is too tantalizing. Thompson has the potential to be a superstar player, and even if he doesn't get there, he seems certain to be an integral part of the Rockets for years to come.

Even Eason is important. He's already one of the best role players in the NBA. Letting him walk to pacify Durant as he nears retirement would be shortsighted. The Rockets need to walk a fine line between pushing towards a title in the next couple of years and keeping their window open beyond that timeframe.

How much can they afford to pay Durant?

Rockets' Kevin Durant should take a discount

Let's establish a basic fact - Durant is going to get paid. He's going to make an amount of money that most mortals can't comprehend. This isn't going to be a shockingly low dollar number.

Something in the neighbourhood of $45-50 million seems appropriate. Durant is set to make $54.7 million this year. So, $45-50 million would represent a slight discount.

Sure, lower would be nice. If Durant was willing to play for free, the Rockets would oblige him. If we're grounding our assessment in reality, he's worth big money, and he's going to want it. Any wiggle room Durant can provide for Houston would be a blessing:

They have a long-term plan to consider.