Kevin Durant’s Record-Breaking $90 Million Contract Extension with the Rockets Surpasses NBA Earnings Milestones, Outpacing LeBron James
Recognized as one of the premier talents in the NBA, Kevin Durant has inked a monumental two-year contract extension with the Houston Rockets worth $90 million, setting a new benchmark as the highest-paid player in league history.
According to ESPN insider Shams Charania, this deal propels Durant’s cumulative NBA earnings to an extraordinary $598.2 million, eclipsing the previous record of $583.9 million held by LeBron James.
Durant, now 37, became a Rocket last July through an unprecedented seven-team trade-the largest in NBA history. This extension locks him in Houston through the 2027-2028 season, when he will be 40 years old. Overall, Durant’s contract with the Rockets spans three years and totals $144.7 million.
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Though eligible for a maximum extension valued at $120 million, Durant chose to accept $30 million less. His agent, Rich Kleiman, explained that this decision was a calculated move to provide the Rockets with greater salary cap flexibility, enabling them to assemble a championship-caliber roster.
In his 17th NBA season last year, Durant-who boasts two NBA championships and the 2014 MVP award-posted averages of 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 1.2 blocks per game. His veteran presence will be crucial as Houston aims to reestablish itself as a top-tier contender under head coach Ime Udoka.
The Rockets have strengthened their lineup by adding key players such as Fred VanVleet, Steven Adams, and free agents Clint Capela and Dorian Finney-Smith, alongside the promising Turkish talent Alperen Sengun.
Beyond his NBA accolades, Durant is a four-time Olympic gold medalist, solidifying his status as one of the most decorated athletes of his era. His record-setting contract earnings highlight his lasting impact both on the court and in the business side of basketball.
The Rockets are scheduled to kick off their NBA campaign on Tuesday against the reigning champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder.