October 19th 2025.
In recent news, it was announced that Kevin Durant and the Houston Rockets have come to an agreement on a two-year extension worth $90 million. While this is $30 million less than the maximum amount he could have received by joining another team, Durant is not exactly struggling financially. In fact, according to ESPN, this deal has now solidified his position as the highest earner in NBA history.
According to Durant's agent and CEO of Boardroom, Rich Kleiman, this team-friendly deal was carefully crafted to ensure that the Rockets have flexibility with their salary cap in the future. This is a strategic move as Durant's career earnings have now surpassed LeBron James, another basketball great, with a whopping $598.2 million. This total includes both his current and future earnings. The news of this agreement was shared by ESPN insider Shams Charania on Twitter.
Many were surprised by Durant's willingness to take a lower salary, including Amen Thompson who commented that he had no idea Durant would do such a thing. Calling him a "generous guy," Thompson's sentiments were echoed by many others in the NBA community.
Durant's current contract with the Rockets has three years remaining and is worth $144.7 million. This trade was part of a complex seven-team deal, making it the most complicated trade in NBA history. In exchange for Durant, the Rockets sent players Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, draft pick Khaman Maluach, and second-round picks Rasheer Fleming and Koby Brea to the Phoenix Suns. This move not only allowed the Suns to rebuild with young talent, but also paired Durant with some of the league's most promising young players.
Fans of the Rockets may remember the disappointing endings to the careers of Scottie Pippen and Charles Barkley, who were unable to live up to their salaries while playing alongside an aging Hakeem Olajuwon. However, with Durant, it seems to be a different story. The team has also made significant moves to solidify their core, including keeping head coach Ime Udoka, who has bounced back from a scandal with the Boston Celtics to establish himself as one of the top coaches in the league. They have also secured deals with key players like Fred VanVleet, Steven Adams, and Jabari Smith Jr., acquired Dorian Finney-Smith, Clint Capela, and Josh Okogie in free agency, and re-signed important veterans from last season like Jae'Sean Tate, Aaron Holiday, and Jeff Green.
With Durant leading the team, oddsmakers have now elevated the Rockets from a fringe contender to a top contender for the NBA championship. They currently have the fifth-best odds to win it all at the end of the 2025-2026 season. After a dominant preseason win against the Atlanta Hawks, the Rockets are gearing up to face Durant's former team, the Oklahoma City Thunder, in their season opener.
In other news, Durant expressed confusion as to why he is not being included in discussions about the greatest NBA players of all time. With his impressive career earnings and leadership on the court, many believe he should be in the conversation. However, for now, Durant is focused on leading the Rockets to success and proving his worth as one of the league's top players.
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