Kevin Durant Shocks Fans with Surprise 2-Year Extension Just Before Rockets Debut—What’s Behind the Move?

Kevin Durant’s future just got a whole lot clearer—and Houston fans couldn’t be more relieved. Right before the Rockets tip off their season opener on NBC, KD inked a two-year, $90 million extension that keeps his sizzling talent tied to the team. At 37, Durant’s not just chasing rings anymore; he’s cementing a legacy and securing his spot in a franchise eager to make waves. This deal, cleverly trimmed below the max, offers Houston some financial wiggle room while giving Durant a player option that keeps his agency alive. From shattering earnings records to carrying a young Rockets squad hungry for playoff success, Durant’s presence is an electric mix of clutch scoring and veteran savvy. The stage is set for him to add new chapters to a Hall of Fame career that already sparkles with MVPs, championships, and an avalanche of points. And with the season’s first buzzer set for October 21 against the Thunder, the countdown to basketball history is officially on. LEARN MORE

Kevin Durant is fully committed to the Houston Rockets.

Just two days before the team’s regular-season opener on NBC, the 15-time All-Star reportedly agreed to a two-year, $90 million contract extension.

ESPN’s Shams Charania first reported the news Sunday morning.

Durant will have a player option for 2027-28, giving him the choice of reaching free agency in either 2027 or 2028. The deal comes in around $30 million under the maximum extension that he could have signed, saving the team $15 million per season.

The 37-year-old Durant, now with three years and $144.7 million total on his contract, now holds the record over LeBron James for the highest career earnings in NBA history ($598.2 million).

Extending Durant gives the Rockets some security after trading for the former Phoenix Suns forward over this past summer. He was set to hit free agency next summer, with no long-term assurance that he had to stay in Houston.

Durant’s scoring ability and veteran presence should elevate the young Rockets roster, which went 52-30 last season under head coach Ime Udoka. The Rockets then lost a grueling seven-game series to the Golden State Warriors in the first round after a four-year playoff drought.

Durant is a future Hall of Famer looking to add to his legacy, which already includes two championships, two Finals MVP awards, four scoring championships, an MVP, 11 All-NBA teams and more than 30,000 points scored (currently eighth all-time).

The Rockets’ 2025-26 season begins Tuesday, Oct. 21, against the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder on NBC and Peacock.

Kevin Durant has been traded to the Houston Rockets, according to reports.