The Houston Rockets are likely to keep Kevin Durant in their uniform until he retires. They need to keep him, but at a discounted price.
That's easier said than done. Durant is nearing the end of his career. He surely wants to amass as much generational wealth as possible. Who can say whether he's open to shaving a bit of cash off his next deal?
Yet, that's what needs to happen. The Rockets haven't mortgaged their entire future to go all-in on a championship. They're adding Durant to a core group that still features plenty of young players.