Chalien Dantes/Contributor

Kevin Durant is staying put in Houston.

The 15-time All-Star has agreed to a two-year, US$90 million extension with the Houston Rockets, just days before the start of the 2025–26 NBA season. The deal comes at a discount; Durant left about US$30 million on the table from a potential max contract to give the Rockets more flexibility as they shape their roster around a growing young core.

With this new deal, Durant’s contract now runs through the 2027–28 season, including a player option, and he’ll earn US$54.7 million this year. Even with the pay cut, he’s still making history, becoming the NBA’s all-time leader in career earnings at US$598.2 million, surpassing LeBron James.

Durant landed in Houston after a massive seven-team trade with the Phoenix Suns that sent Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, and several draft picks out the door. The Rockets are betting that pairing their emerging stars like Amen Thompson and Tari Eason with Durant’s experience can turn them into a true contender.

At 37, Durant remains one of the league’s most efficient scorers. Last season, he averaged 26.6 points, 6 rebounds, and 4.2 assists while shooting 52.7 per cent from the field and 43 per cent from three. His presence gives Houston a major boost after losing Fred VanVleet to a torn ACL earlier this offseason.

The Rockets were active all summer, resigning key pieces, adding veterans like Clint Capela and Dorian Finney-Smith, and securing head coach Ime Udoka’s extension. Now, with Durant officially locked in, Houston opens the new season on Tuesday night against the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder, which is the very team where KD’s legendary career began.