Kevin Durant just ran up the score and the check.
The Houston Rockets forward locked in a $90 million contract extension that not only secures his future but officially makes him the highest-earning player in NBA history, according to ESPN. At 37, Durant has now surpassed LeBron James on the all-time money list, reaching a staggering $598.2 million in total career earnings.
The new deal is a two-year extension with a player option for the 2027-28 season. Durant’s longtime business partner Rich Kleiman confirmed the deal, telling ESPN the decision was strategic and selfless. While KD was eligible for a $120 million extension, he purposely left $30 million on the table.
“He knew when he picked the Rockets as a trade destination that he was making a financial sacrifice in favor of long-term partnership,” Kleiman said.
Durant joined Houston earlier this year in a massive seven-team trade, finding out about it live onstage at Fanatics Fest in NYC. “Crazy, crazy last couple weeks, but I’m glad it’s over with,” Durant said during a chat with Kay Adams. “I had an idea, but I didn’t know exactly when it was gonna happen.”
The 15-time All-Star has played for the Thunder, Warriors, Nets, Suns, and now Rockets. He chose Houston for their potential, telling Adams he felt they were coming off a “great season” and believed he’d be “a good addition.”
Even without maxing out, Durant just made basketball history, again.
