Kevin Durant has formally re-upped with the Houston Rockets for two years. This last deal at $90 million, with a player option for 2027-28, will carry him through his 35th birthday. The extension further cements Durant’s position as the clear leader of the franchise. It reaffirms his commitment as he enters the final chapter of his distinguished career. Durant would’ve been eligible for a four-year maximum extension of $120 million. He was willing to lose upwards of $30 million in order to keep the best possible team on the field and win championships.
Durant, a 15-time NBA All-Star, has long been known as one of the greatest scorers in NBA history. He has a career average of 27.2 points per game, which is insane. He put on an unprecedented scoring exhibition. His skills in turn propelled him to two NBA Finals MVPs during his tenure with the Golden State Warriors. This legacy may lead to the honor of having his jersey retired by the franchise, recognizing his significant contributions to their championship successes.
In July, Durant made headlines when he was traded from the Phoenix Suns to the Houston Rockets as part of a historic 13-player, seven-team trade—the largest in NBA history. Since coming over from the Warriors, he’s integrated fast into his new surroundings, flourishing on both sides of the court. In his most recent game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Durant put up 23 points and nine rebounds. Adding to the fan enjoyment, that when alas, he fouled out despite recording three assists.
If Durant’s current contract is with the Suns through the 2027-28 season, that will be right before he turns 40 years old. He’s been vocal about wanting to retire after this last guaranteed year in Houston. He’s already piled up an extraordinary $598.2 million in career earnings. This milestone puts him on path to become the NBA player with the most career earnings of all time.
Looking back on his time in the league thus far, Durant candidly discussed how he measures titles and other honors.
“I mean, I don’t even look at a title. It’s Game 1, bro. I just want to solidify our offense and defense even more.” – Kevin Durant
Though his historical accomplishments are no small feat, Durant is staying humble heading into the new season. He admitted the team will learn more about its chemistry as the season goes along. For the moment he doesn’t seem overly concerned with winning titles or even making the playoffs.
“We will know more about our team as the season progresses. But I’m not looking at championships or playoffs. It’s about Game 2, how we can be better.” – Kevin Durant
Throughout his career, Durant has experienced various highs and lows, leading him to reassess what it means to be honored and revered by fans and peers alike.
“I used to care about being honored and revered by people,” – Kevin Durant
Though he has become the poster child of transformative change, he cautioned against stakeholding on a turnaround and acknowledged that he cannot corral his success on anyone’s perception.
“That don’t matter. People are fickle. The perception of you goes up and down depending on what people feel. I’m not expecting anybody to do anything for me, regardless. I just got to put in work and see what happens.” – Kevin Durant
Durant has always been committed to working on his game. He’s not hurt, he’s not shot, and he’s in a good place physically to continue working on his skills.
“I was still healthy enough to still work on my game and put my best foot forward in the game as well. I don’t look at it that way. I’m happy at all times playing in the NBA.” – Kevin Durant
He expressed fondness for both Phoenix and Houston, acknowledging that he initially thought he might retire in Phoenix but is now excited about his future with the Rockets.
“I loved playing in Phoenix, a city I thought I was going to retire in. I love playing in Houston.” – Kevin Durant
Durant is no doubt sweet on the Rockets organization. On that field he constantly ponders the program’s storied history and the players who have come before him and helped shape its rich legacy.
“It was amazing. Some of my favorite players of all-time played for the Rockets, set the foundation and helped build a brand for the Rockets.” – Kevin Durant
Even as Durant adjusts to life on the other sideline with Houston, he remains locked in. He’s hellbent on drawing out good lessons from each stage of his professional life.
“So, I could take positive stuff from all of these stops. And there is way more positive stuff than negative stuff since I’ve been in the league.” – Kevin Durant
Parallel to Durant, James Harden has earned a new contract extension and is undergoing a new beginning in Houston. He is well poised to have a huge impact on his new team, while continuing to improve his already legendary NBA legacy.
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