Kevin Durant’s Shocking 2-Year Extension Sparks Questions Ahead of Rockets Debut: What’s Really Behind the Deal?

Kevin Durant has made it crystal clear—he’s here to stay with the Houston Rockets. Just as the regular season looms, excitement buzzes around Houston with Durant locking down a hefty two-year extension worth $90 million. This savvy move, first broken by ESPN’s Shams Charania, not only solidifies Durant’s future but also signals big things ahead for the Rockets. With a player option for 2027-28, KD is still keeping a bit of flexibility in the mix, giving him a strategic edge as the years roll on. And let’s not overlook the savings for the team—a smart $15 million off the max each season. At 37, Durant isn’t slowing down, boasting career earnings that actually outpace LeBron James’—a staggering $598.2 million to date. Securing Durant after that blockbuster summer trade means Houston’s locked in a proven scorer and seasoned leader, just in time to fire up a roster that’s hungry for more playoff glory. As the Rockets gear up to kick off the 2025-26 campaign against the defending champs, all eyes will undoubtedly be on Durant—future Hall of Famer, legacy builder, and the heart of Houston’s climb back to NBA prominence. 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.