Kevin Durant Inks $90M Rockets Deal, Breaks $598M NBA Earnings Record
Kevin Durant has signed a significant contract extension with the Houston Rockets that will keep him in Southeast Texas until at least the end of the 2026-27 NBA season. Reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania, the deal is worth $90 million over two years, with a player option for the 2027-28 season.
Durant’s Historic Deal
This contract marks a historic moment in Durant’s career. He was eligible for a maximum extension of $120 million but chose to prioritize long-term collaboration with the Rockets over a larger paycheck. This decision reflects his willingness to sacrifice approximately $30 million to assist Houston in building a competitive team.
Background on the Contract
- Player: Kevin Durant
- Team: Houston Rockets
- Contract Period: Two years
- Contract Value: $90 million
- Player Option: 2027-28 season
Durant joined the Rockets in July, as part of a massive seven-team trade. Initially, there were concerns that this could be a brief arrangement, given that he was entering the last year of his previous contract.
Durant’s Perspective
During Houston’s media day, Durant expressed optimism about securing a new contract. He said, “I do see myself signing a contract extension. I can’t tell you exactly when that will happen, but I do see it happening.”
He also praised the Rockets’ significant improvements under head coach Ime Udoka. “Just seeing the quick progression of this franchise… it felt organic and natural coming into the gym and being a Houston Rocket for the first time,” Durant remarked.
Challenges Ahead
Despite his scoring prowess—averaging 26.6 points per game with 52.6 percent shooting—Durant’s past with the Brooklyn Nets and Phoenix Suns reveals that he is no longer the cornerstone player who can single-handedly lead a team to a championship. The Suns struggled to maintain a winning record, even with Durant’s contributions.
League Dynamics
NBA teams are increasingly cautious about their payroll, particularly in relation to luxury tax implications. With the latest collective bargaining agreement, teams like the Rockets must deliberate carefully when offering large contracts. The Rockets also faced a setback when point guard Fred VanVleet suffered a torn ACL during a workout, which may hinder his availability for a substantial part of the season.
With Durant’s extension finalized, the Houston Rockets remain optimistic about their championship aspirations moving forward. The team aims to maximize its competitive window in the upcoming seasons.
