Raphael Stone comments on Kevin Durant deal

Houston Rockets general manager Raphael Stone revealed the long process of trading Kevin Durant. For many, trading Durant has made the Rockets a strong contender for the championship. Surprisingly, however, he did not celebrate after completing the historic deal involving seven teams, the most involved in NBA history. The deal involved 13 players, including Houston's Jaylen Green, Dillon Brooks and this year's No. 10 pick.

According to ESPN Houston, when the sensational trade was settled, Stone admitted that he was tired, but was happy to finally get Durant before the 2025-26 season.

"I definitely didn't celebrate. That's too long. We understand what they wanted to trade Kevin for, but that simply doesn't make sense for our team - I can't remember it since a year ago," Stone said. "So, we had a lot of communication, and it was a very, very long process. I think from my point of view - obviously, we finished the deal. We were very happy with that. I got a little bit about Kevin, and I was very happy with him personally."

"But on the other hand - both Dillon and Jaylen were great. As players, as teammates, they were both amazing. Last year, we were a very, very young team, second in the league." "I think we played very hard," Stone concluded.

Without the departure of All-Stars Alperen Sengon, Amen Thompson and Fred VanVleet, Rafael Stone and the Rockets still have a strong roster to surround Durant. Jabbarry Smith II, 22, is expected to average double-double per game and perform well this season. The Rockets also signed a four-year contract with Dorian Finney-Smith, who shot 41.1% from three-pointers last season. The cruel reality of Kevin Durant's renewal with the Rockets

The Rockets will seek to renew Kevin Durant at or some point after the 2025-26 season as he will enter the final year of his four-year contract this season, worth $54.7 million. million. According to NBC Sports’ Kurt Helin, Durant is likely to sign a short-term contract.

"In this case, the contract must be short, but how much is reasonable for this future Hall of Famer?" A source interviewed by NBC Sports during the summer league said Durant's contract could drop to around $100 million in two years, about $10 million lower than the maximum salary, but still reach $50 million per season," Hailin reported. "However, that number may be too high. Maybe Durant will accept fewer contracts—he has the right to make any choice he believes is best for himself, his legend, and his family. ”

Rockets will host the Hawks at home in the preseason opening game on October 6.