NBA Notes: Hornets, Collin Sexton, Nets, Rockets, Kevin Durant

Hornets

Collin Sexton wasted no time becoming a tone-setter in Charlotte.

As Roderick Boone of The Charlotte Observer wrote, the 26-year-old guard has emerged as one of the Hornets’ most vocal leaders, something coach Charles Lee has fully embraced.

“He’s not afraid to communicate,” Lee said. “Everyone sees how hard he works every day, so he’s earned that respect. When he speaks, guys listen.”

Sexton, who arrived from Utah over the summer, said leadership has always come naturally.

“I’m not trying to fit in,” he said, via Boone. “I just have to be me. Confidence brings leadership. When things aren’t going well, you need someone who can bring the group back together, and that’s what I try to do.”

He’s entering the final year of his contract, worth nearly $19 million, but said his focus is on the moment.

“I’ve got to be where my feet are,” he said. “I can’t look two weeks ahead. I’m grounded by faith, and when I’m grounded like that, nothing’s impossible.”

Sexton also spoke about bonding with LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller, emphasizing a shared commitment to building something sustainable in Charlotte.

Nets

Haywood Highsmith’s return from knee surgery has hit a snag. The Nets announced that the forward experienced swelling in his right knee and will be reevaluated in eight weeks while his rehab program is adjusted.

Highsmith, traded from Miami this summer, averaged 6.5 points and 0.9 steals last season while shooting 38% from deep. His defensive versatility made him a valuable piece in the Heat’s rotation, and now Brooklyn hopes he can bring that same edge once healthy.

As Michael Scotto of HoopsHype noted, Highsmith has already earned respect inside the locker room for his leadership and professionalism.

The 27-year-old is on an expiring $5.6 million deal, and a healthy return before February could make him a name to watch near the trade deadline.

Rockets

Kevin Durant’s new deal is official. The Rockets and their 37-year-old star finalized a two-year, $90 million extension with a player option for 2027–28, as written by Danielle Lerner of The Houston Chronicle.

Head coach Ime Udoka said the extension reflects the mutual commitment between Durant and the organization.

“We knew when we traded for him this wasn’t a short-term thing,” Udoka said. “Good to have that continuity with a great player — and hopefully he finishes his career here.”

Udoka also praised Durant for accepting less than the max, saying, “He’s all about the right things, about winning. Taking less gives us flexibility to build around him.”

According to Kelly Iko of Yahoo Sports, Durant’s contract does not include bonuses or incentives.

Meanwhile, David Aldridge of The Athletic reported that Houston expects to finalize a rookie-scale extension with Tari Eason before Monday’s deadline. The deal is likely to come in below Jabari Smith Jr.’s five-year, $122 million deal.