In a blockbuster move, Kevin Durant has agreed to a lucrative two-year, $90 million contract extension with the Houston Rockets, solidifying his commitment to the team through the 2027-28 season. The two-time Finals MVP now holds the record for the highest career earnings in NBA history with $583.9 million, surpassing LeBron James.
Want to know what people are really saying? Don’t miss the buzz from Reddit at the end!
The Blockbuster Deal: KD’s $144.7M Extension with Houston
The Houston Rockets have secured the services of Kevin Durant for the foreseeable future, inking the superstar forward to a massive two-year, $90 million contract extension. The deal, confirmed by Durant’s business partner Rich Kleiman, will keep the 37-year-old in Houston through the 2027-28 season, with a player option for that final year. Despite being eligible for a maximum contract worth $120 million, Durant opted to take a lower salary, sacrificing $30 million to provide the Rockets with greater financial flexibility for team-building purposes. This decision aligns with Durant’s stellar 2025 campaign, where he amassed 1,647 points, 592 field goals made, and a staggering 303 free throws converted.
Sacrificing for Success: Durant Takes Pay Cut for Rockets’ Flexibility
Durant’s decision to accept a lower salary demonstrates his commitment to the Rockets’ long-term success. By taking a pay cut, he has given the team more wiggle room to surround him with a talented supporting cast capable of competing for an NBA championship. The extension will see Durant earn $54.7 million in the upcoming 2025-26 season, and a total of $144.7 million over the next three years. The two-time Finals MVP now holds the record for the highest career earnings in NBA history with $583.9 million, surpassing LeBron James. “Shams Charania of ESPN” In the 2025 season, Durant showcased his all-around brilliance, tallying 263 assists, 160 three-pointers made, and a respectable 376 total rebounds.
Rewriting History: KD’s Record-Breaking Career Earnings
With his latest contract extension, Kevin Durant has etched his name in the annals of NBA history, becoming the highest-earning player the league has ever seen. His staggering career earnings of $583.9 million eclipse the previous record held by LeBron James, a testament to Durant’s sustained excellence and longevity at the highest level of the game. This milestone serves as a fitting recognition of Durant’s remarkable accomplishments and his enduring impact on the sport. In the 2025 season alone, Durant logged an impressive 135,883 seconds on the court while racking up 1,124 field goal attempts, further solidifying his status as an offensive juggernaut.
Reshaping the Roster: Rockets’ Offseason Moves Beyond Durant
The Durant extension is just one piece of a busy offseason for the Houston Rockets, who have been aggressively reshaping their roster in pursuit of an NBA championship. In addition to securing Durant’s services, the Rockets also rewarded head coach Ime Udoka, center Steven Adams, and forward Jabari Smith Jr. with new deals. Furthermore, they extended veteran guard Fred VanVleet before he suffered a torn ACL in September, potentially sidelining him for the entire upcoming campaign. VanVleet’s 2025 numbers, including 975 points, 364 assists, and a stellar plus-minus of 287, highlight his value to the team. Meanwhile, Adams provided a defensive presence with 373 total rebounds and 36 blocks last season.
New Era Begins: Houston’s Revamped Lineup Targets Championship Glory
With Kevin Durant leading the charge, the Houston Rockets are poised to embark on a new era of championship contention. The team’s revamped lineup, bolstered by the offseason acquisitions and contract extensions, has the talent and depth to compete with the league’s elite. As the 2025-26 season approaches, all eyes will be on the Rockets and their quest to bring the coveted NBA title back to Houston. The journey begins on Tuesday when they open their campaign against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Alongside Durant, the Rockets will lean on the defensive prowess of Clint Capela, who swatted away 52 shots and grabbed 469 total rebounds last season. Meanwhile, the sharpshooting of Dillon Brooks, who drained 196 three-pointers in 2025, will provide a potent offensive complement.
Internet Reactions to KD’s $144.7M Extension with the Rockets
The news of Kevin Durant’s lucrative two-year, $90 million contract extension with the Houston Rockets has elicited a range of reactions from the online sports community. Many fans are expressing excitement and optimism about the Rockets’ outlook, with one commenter noting, “Wow what a deal for this young up and coming talent.” Another user imagined the potential of a Rockets lineup featuring Durant, James Harden, and Russell Westbrook, stating, “Man imagine a Rockets team with Durant, Harden, and Westbrook. They’d dominate the league.” However, not everyone was immediately familiar with the move, as one Redditor simply remarked, “TIL Kevin Durant is on the Rockets.”
While some fans are focused on the potential on-court success of the Rockets, others are marveling at the sheer scale of NBA player contracts. One commenter simply stated, “NBA contracts are insane lol,” while another user provided some context, noting, “NFL has about 2x as much revenue. But an NBA roster is 15 players and NFL is 53.” These comments highlight the ongoing debates around the economics of professional sports and the disparity between player salaries in the NBA and other major leagues.