On the day of Game 7 of the NBA Finals, the Phoenix Suns executed a significant trade, sending superstar Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets in a seven-team deal. As the new NBA season approaches, the Rockets have secured Durant with a two-season contract extension worth $90 million, which includes a player option for the 2027-28 season.
Durant Takes a Pay Cut for Team Flexibility
While Durant could have commanded a maximum contract exceeding $120 million over two years, he opted for a $30 million pay cut to provide the Rockets with more salary cap flexibility as they work to assemble a competitive roster. The Rockets, boasting considerable young talent, are currently facing a gap at point guard following Fred VanVleet’s ACL injury, which will sideline him for the entire season.
Historic Earnings and Future Aspirations
Despite the reduced salary, Durant’s new contract positions him to become the NBA’s all-time leader in career earnings. With this extension, Durant is set to reach a total of $598.2 million since his debut in 2007, surpassing future Hall of Famer LeBron James, who currently stands at $583.9 million. While James could potentially reclaim the earnings lead with future contracts, Durant currently holds this accolade.
The Rockets hope that Durant will add more championships to his resume during his time in Houston. Last season, the team recorded 52 wins and secured the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference, only to fall to the seasoned Golden State Warriors in a seven-game first-round series. Recognizing their need for a reliable scoring option in high-pressure scenarios, the Rockets turned to Durant, known for his scoring prowess. Although he is nearing the latter stage of his career, Durant remains one of the league’s elite scorers, averaging 26.6 points and connecting on 43% of his three-point attempts last season. He is poised to ascend to the No. 6 spot on the NBA’s all-time scoring list, trailing only Wilt Chamberlain and Dirk Nowitzki.
Having clinched two championships with the Warriors, Durant’s recent tenures with the Brooklyn Nets and Phoenix Suns have not met expectations. Throughout his previous championship runs, the Rockets have consistently posed a significant challenge to his teams, often coming close yet falling short.
Now, with Durant in their ranks, Houston is optimistic about emerging victorious through his elite performance on the court.
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