Kevin Durant has agreed to a two-year, $90 million contract extension with the Houston Rockets, choosing roughly $30 million less than the maximum he was eligible to receive. Speaking Monday at practice before the team flew to Oklahoma City, Durant said the decision was made to give the organization flexibility in building a competitive roster.
“Just talking to Rafael [Stone] and Ime [Udoka] and how they wanted to build the team, and how I seen myself in this organization, I just thought it was a perfect contract for it,” Durant said, according to the Houston Chronicle. “So I’m glad we can get that out the way, won’t have to worry about external noise throughout the season if I didn’t have a contract signed. So just worry about basketball, and focus on the season.”
Durant emphasized the Rockets’ organizational culture as a key factor in his decision. “To walk in here every day, you see the attention to detail from everybody — not just the leadership of Rafael and Ime and Tilman but everybody who works in here — the level of detail that it takes to become a successful team and franchise. So happy I’m a part of that,” he said.
The extension comes after Durant was acquired by Houston in a blockbuster offseason trade that sent Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the draft rights to Khaman Maluach, and up to four second-round picks to the other team. From the start, both Durant and the Rockets expressed confidence an extension would be reached.
By taking less than the maximum, Durant is providing the Rockets with additional financial flexibility to build around him, alongside established young stars Alperen Sengun and Jabari Smith Jr. Future extension opportunities remain for Tari Eason and Amen Thompson, giving Houston options to maintain continuity while strengthening the roster.
Durant’s career has included 1,123 regular-season games with averages of 27.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 4.4 assists, and 170 playoff appearances at 29.3 points per game. His leadership and veteran presence are expected to play a central role as the Rockets aim to become a consistent playoff contender.
