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Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant. Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Kevin Durant's new contract could be his last

By Adam Taylor | Last updated Oct 19, 2025 1:11 PM ET

Kevin Durant is entering his 18th year in the NBA, and his first year as a member of the Houston Rockets roster. Durant was traded to Houston at the start of the NBA offseason. He had spent the past two full seasons with the Phoenix Suns.

Interestingly, the Rockets' decision to acquire Durant came with a risk. The veteran superstar had one year remaining on the $194.2 million contract he signed with the Suns in 2022. That means, at the time of the deal, Houston knew Durant could choose to walk into free agency next summer if he wasn't pleased with how things went with the franchise.

Kevin Durant signs two-year extension with Rockets

According to ESPN's Shams Charania, Durant signed a two-year, $90 million contract extension with the Rockets. There is reportedly a player option on the final year of that deal, meaning Durant can opt out ahead of the 2027-28 season, when he will be 39 years old.

Interestingly, Charania also reported that Durant was eligible for a deal worth up to $120 million. Therefore, he took a $30 million pay cut to get the deal across the line.

Durant was eligible for a max extension of $120M, but understood when he chose the Rockets as a trade destination that he'd be sacrificing money – in this case around $30M less – so that the sides can partner for the long term and give the franchise team-building flexibility. https://t.co/ggH5xvT6mA
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 19, 2025

Whenever a team trades for a high-level player on an expiring contract, it's fair to assume there is some form of verbal agreement that an extension will be signed in the near future. After all, it would be malpractice for a franchise to give up so many trade assets for a one-year rental who could walk the following summer.

By inking Durant to an extension, the Rockets will have a defined window of contention. It will also allow young talents such as Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson to continue their ascent toward stardom, as they are projected to be the future of the franchise.

Kevin Durant wants to help build with Rockets

During a recent interview with Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated, Durant discussed his desire to help build a contending team in Houston and to potentially retire with the franchise when the time comes.

"I’m looking to be here as long as I can, play my last years of my career," Durant told Mannix. "That’s the intent. I know, I said that about Phoenix, too, but that’s the intent. I would love to do that. I mean, I’m 37 years old and I’m going on 19 years in the league. I want to be solidified in a spot and build with a team with a group of guys that’s going to be around for a while. So hopefully this is it."

By leaving $30 million on the table with his new extension, Durant is literally putting his money where his mouth is. The Rockets will undoubtedly be among the stronger contenders in the Western Conference this season. And with Durant leading the charge, a championship banner could be on the horizon, either this year or one to come.

Adam Taylor

Adam Taylor is a sports journalist based out of the UK. Adam has been covering the NBA for nearly a decade with a core focus on the Boston Celtics. He currently holds bylines with Yardbarker, SB Nation and USA Today

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