Rockets, Durant agree to 2-year, $90M extension
The Houston Rockets and star forward Kevin Durant agreed to a two-year, $90-million extension, his business partner Rich Kleiman told Shams Charania of ESPN.
Durant was eligible for a max deal of $120 million, but ultimately opted to sacrifice money so Houston could maintain team-building flexibility, Charania adds.
The Rockets acquired Durant from the Phoenix Suns as part of a blockbuster seven-team trade this offseason. It was the largest trade in NBA history, with the Rockets sending Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, and No. 10 overall pick Khaman Maluach to the Suns.
Durant will earn $54.7 million this season, and the extension ties him to Houston for a total of $144.7 million over the next three seasons. The agreement includes a player option for the 2027-28 campaign.
The two-time Finals MVP now holds the record for the highest career earnings in NBA history with $583.9 million, surpassing LeBron James, Charania adds.
Durant averaged 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.2 assists in 62 games with Phoenix last season. He shot an NBA-leading 49.7% on jumpers and 53.1% on midrange shots last campaign.
The 37-year-old's extension adds to a busy offseason for the Rockets. They rewarded head coach Ime Udoka, Steven Adams, and Jabari Smith Jr. with new deals. Houston also extended Fred VanVleet before the veteran guard suffered a torn ACL in September, potentially ruling him out for the entire campaign.
Houston will kick off the 2025-26 season against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday.