Kevin Durant and the Houston Rockets appear to be moving toward a long-term partnership. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania on NBA Today, Durant’s business manager, Rich Kleiman, has been in “constant communication about a long-term contract extension” with the organization.

“I’m told there is optimism about a deal getting done before the start of the regular season,” Charania reported, noting that both sides have been engaged in steady dialogue.

Durant, who is currently on an expiring $55 million contract following his trade from the Phoenix Suns earlier this year, is eligible to sign an extension worth more than $120 million over two additional seasons.

Bringing clarity to the player’s future is a top priority for Houston, though the team is believed to be balancing those talks with ongoing negotiations regarding Tari Eason’s potential rookie scale extension.

For his part, Durant hasn’t shied away from discussing his intentions. Speaking at Rockets media day, the former MVP and two-time NBA champion made it clear that he envisions a longer stay in Houston.

“I do see myself signing a contract extension,” the veteran said. “I can’t tell you exactly when that will happen, but I do see it happening.”

The Rockets’ decision to trade for Durant was a statement of ambition, pairing him with a young core headlined by Jalen Green, Alperen Sengun, and Amen Thompson.

Now, finalizing an extension would secure the superstar’s place at the center of Houston’s plans and signal to the league that the franchise is serious about contending in the near future.

'Optimism' Kevin Durant Signs Extension With Rockets Before Opening Night https://t.co/Sr9JajBLdF