Kevin Durant just added another milestone to his legendary career, and this time, it came off the court. The 15-time All-Star has signed a two-year, $90 million contract extension with the Houston Rockets, a deal that not only secures his future in H-Town but also makes him the highest-paid player in NBA history.
Durant’s extension includes a player option for the 2027–28 season and comes in $30 million below the maximum he was eligible to receive. According to his business partner Rich Kleiman, Durant intentionally took less to give the Rockets more flexibility in building a championship-caliber roster.
The 37-year-old forward now holds the record for the most career earnings in NBA history, with a staggering $598.2 million in total salary, surpassing LeBron James, who sits at $583.9 million.
Durant joined the Rockets this summer in a blockbuster seven-team trade that sent Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, and a package of picks to Phoenix. The move was seen as a bold pivot for Houston, pairing Durant with rising stars like Alperen Şengün and Amen Thompson in hopes of accelerating their rebuild into a title run.
Despite not yet playing a regular-season game for the Rockets, Durant’s commitment signals mutual trust and ambition.
“He understood when he chose the Rockets that he’d be sacrificing money on a new deal,” Kleiman told ESPN.
Durant’s decision to take less money for team-building purposes echoes similar moves made by stars like Tim Duncan and Dirk Nowitzki, players who prioritized winning over max contracts. It’s a savvy move that not only benefits the Rockets but also enhances Durant’s legacy as a leader and teammate.
