Kevin Durant Secures Two-Year, $90 Million Extension with Rockets

NBA superstar Kevin Durant has officially signed a two-year contract extension with the Houston Rockets valued at $90 million. This agreement, confirmed by various reports on Sunday, adds to Durant’s impressive career earnings, which are set to reach $598.2 million, surpassing fellow athlete LeBron James’s previous record of $583.9 million.

The 37-year-old forward, who has secured two NBA championships with the Golden State Warriors, joined the Rockets in July 2023 as part of a historic seven-team trade deal, marking a significant moment in NBA history.

Durant’s Impact and Future with the Rockets

Durant, who was named the NBA Most Valuable Player in 2014, has also contributed to the United States’ four Olympic gold medals. His leadership on the court is expected to play a crucial role in the Rockets’ ambitions for the upcoming season.

Last season, the Phoenix Suns, Durant’s former team, struggled in his absence, losing six of their last seven games due to his ankle injury. The Suns recorded a dismal 3-17 record without him, ultimately missing out on the playoffs.

In his 17th NBA season, Durant averaged 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 1.2 blocked shots per game. Despite being eligible for a maximum contract extension of $120 million, Durant opted for a lesser amount to allow the Rockets to acquire additional talent, according to his agent, Rich Kleiman.

With a projected $54.7 million earnings for the upcoming NBA season, Durant’s new deal positions him to earn a total of $144.7 million over the next three years.

Rockets’ Offseason Moves

The Rockets are also making significant changes to strengthen their roster. They have re-signed head coach Ime Udoka and secured new contracts with guard Fred VanVleet, who is currently sidelined with a knee injury, and New Zealand center Steven Adams. Additionally, they have brought in free agents Clint Capela and Dorian Finney-Smith, alongside Turkish All-Star center Alperen Sengun.

The Houston Rockets are set to kick off their season on Tuesday against the defending champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder, as they aim to make a significant impact in the league this year.