Kevin Durant’s $90m Rockets deal surpasses LeBron James’ all-time NBA earnings

NBA superstar Kevin Durant has agreed to a two-year, $90 million contract extension with the Houston Rockets, a deal that cements his status as the highest-earning player in NBA history.

The new extension, reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania, raises Durant’s career earnings to a record $598.2 million, surpassing LeBron James’s $583.9 million in total NBA contract value.

Durant, 37, joined Houston last July in a historic seven-team trade, the largest in league history, and is now signed through 2028, when he will be 40. The contract brings his total commitment with the Rockets to three years and $144.7 million.

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Despite being eligible for a maximum $120 million extension, Durant opted to take $30 million less to allow the Rockets greater financial flexibility in building a championship-contending roster, according to his agent, Rich Kleiman.

The two-time NBA champion and 2014 MVP averaged 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 1.2 blocks last season, his 17th in the league. His leadership will be pivotal for a Houston side aiming to return to title contention under coach Ime Udoka.

The Rockets have bolstered their squad with new deals for Fred VanVleet, Steven Adams, and free-agent signings Clint Capela and Dorian Finney-Smith, alongside rising Turkish All-Star Alperen Sengun.

Durant, a four-time Olympic gold medalist, now stands not only as one of the most decorated players of his generation but also the NBA’s all-time leader in career contract earnings, a testament to his enduring value on and off the court.

Houston opens their NBA season on Tuesday against defending champions Oklahoma City Thunder.