Kevin Durant has secured his future with the Houston Rockets, agreeing to a two-year, $90 million contract extension that includes a player option for the 2027-28 season. The deal was confirmed Sunday by his business partner, Rich Kleiman.
Durant, who was eligible for a two-year extension worth up to $120 million, accepted approximately $30 million less than his maximum eligibility. This strategic decision provides the franchise with greater financial flexibility for long-term team-building, a key consideration for Durant when he chose Houston as his trade destination.
The new contract solidifies the 37-year-old’s status as the NBA’s all-time highest earner, with his career earnings projected to reach $598.2 million, surpassing LeBron James’s $583.9 million. Currently earning $54.7 million this season, Durant is now under contract for a total of three years and $144.7 million.
Durant joined the Rockets in July through a landmark seven-team trade, the largest in league history, which sent Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, and draft picks to the Phoenix Suns. His arrival has transformed the Rockets, the Western Conference’s reigning No. 2 seed, into a legitimate title contender by pairing the two-time champion with rising stars Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson.
A 15-time All-Star, Durant brings elite shot creation to a roster that needs it. Last season, he led the NBA with a 49.7% mark on jumpers and shot 53.1% from midrange. His expertise directly addresses Houston’s offensive struggles, as the team ranked near the bottom of the league in effective field goal percentage on both jumpers and off-the-dribble shots.
The future Hall of Famer averaged 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.2 assists over 62 games with the Suns last season. He has maintained an average of at least 25 points while shooting over 50% from the field and 40% from three-point range for three consecutive seasons—the longest such streak in NBA history.
Now eighth on the NBA’s all-time scoring list, Durant is poised to pass Wilt Chamberlain and Dirk Nowitzki this season if he scores at least 990 points.
Durant’s extension caps a transformative offseason for Houston. The organization also secured new deals with coach Ime Udoka and key players Fred VanVleet, Steven Adams, and Jabari Smith Jr., while acquiring veterans Dorian Finney-Smith, Clint Capela, and Josh Okogie.
With their roster bolstered, the Rockets now hold the fifth-best odds to win the NBA title at 14-1. They will open their regular season on the road Tuesday night against the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder.
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