Kevin Durant was acquired by the Houston Rockets this offseason in a blockbuster trade deal involving seven teams. He was entering the 2025-26 season on the final year of his existing contract, originally signing with the Brooklyn Nets in 2021 on a four-year deal worth approximately $194.2 million.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania on Sunday, the two-time champion agreed to a two-year, $90 million contract extension. The deal also includes a player option for the 2027-28 season, although the deal does not match the maximum $120 million extension he was eligible for.
“Durant was eligible for a two-year, $120 million maximum contract extension, but he understood when he chose the Rockets as his trade destination that he would sacrifice money on a new deal — in this case, about $30 million — so the two sides could team up for the long term and give the franchise team-building flexibility,” Charania reported.
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This decision cements Kevin Durant as the highest paid player in league history. His career earnings will reach $598.2 million, surpassing LeBron James’ $583.9 million. He’s making $54.7 million this season, bringing his total contract value to $144.7 million over three years.
According to Spotrac, his base salary for the 2025-26 season with Houston is approximately US$53,282,608, and his cap hit is approximately US$54,708,609.
The future Hall of Famer averaged 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game for the Phoenix Suns last season.
The trade that brought Kevin Durant to the Rockets
Kevin Durant was traded to the Houston Rockets from the Phoenix Suns on June 22. This decision was officially finalized when the new league year opened on July 6. It was part of a seven-team mega-deal, which constitutes the largest trade in league history in terms of teams involved.
Phoenix received Jalen Green (from Houston), Dillon Brooks (from Houston), the No. 10 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft and five future second-round picks.
This will be his fifth team in 18 seasons in the league. He won both of his championships during his time with the Golden State Warriors and hopes to lead a young Rockets team that features Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson. They open the 2025-26 season with a match against the defending champions on Tuesday.
Edited by Ubong Richard
