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NBA star Kevin Durant has reportedly agreed to a two-year contract extension worth $90 million with the Houston Rockets, cementing his status as the league’s highest-paid player in career earnings.
The deal, revealed by multiple sources on Sunday, pushes the 37-year-old forward’s total NBA income to an unprecedented $598.2 million, surpassing LeBron James’s $583.9 million.
Durant, a two-time NBA champion with the Golden State Warriors and the 2014 league MVP, joined the Rockets last July in a record-breaking seven-team trade — the largest in NBA history.
Since arriving in Houston, the veteran has been instrumental in rebuilding the team’s competitive edge under coach Ime Udoka.
Despite being eligible for a maximum $120 million extension, Durant chose to take a pay cut to allow the Rockets to strengthen their roster, according to his agent, Rich Kleiman, who told ESPN that Durant’s priority was helping the team make a serious push for the championship.
The forward will earn $54.7 million in the upcoming season, bringing his total projected income to $144.7 million over the next three years with the new deal included.
Durant averaged 26.6 points, six rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 1.2 blocks per game last season — his 17th in the league.
However, his absence due to an ankle injury late in the campaign saw his former team, the Phoenix Suns, collapse, losing six of their final seven games and missing the playoffs.
The Suns struggled significantly without him, recording a 3-17 record in his absence.
The Rockets have been busy bolstering their lineup alongside Durant’s extension.
The franchise has re-signed head coach Ime Udoka, secured new deals with guard Fred VanVleet — currently sidelined with a knee injury — and New Zealand centre Steven Adams, while also adding free agents Clint Capela and Dorian Finney-Smith.
The squad is further strengthened by Turkish All-Star Alperen Sengun, giving Houston renewed optimism for the upcoming campaign.
Durant, who has also captured four Olympic gold medals with Team USA, remains one of basketball’s most decorated figures.
The Rockets will kick off their season on Tuesday with a tough opening clash against defending champions Oklahoma City Thunder.
