Rockets Secure Veteran Scoring Punch with Durant's 2-Year, $90M Extension

In a significant move for the Houston Rockets, the team has agreed to a 2-year, $90 million contract extension with star forward Kevin Durant. The deal, which was finalized on September 29th, will keep the 15-time All-Star in Houston through the 2027-28 season, when he will be 39 years old.

The extension comes roughly $30 million short of the maximum Durant was eligible to sign, providing the Rockets with some financial flexibility to keep their young core intact. This includes recent top-five draft picks like Jalen Green and Reed Sheppard, who will be tasked with filling the void left by the season-ending ACL injury to veteran guard Fred VanVleet.

Durant's presence is expected to be a game-changer for the Rockets, who are considered legitimate title contenders for the 2025-26 season after winning 52 games last year and narrowly losing in the first round. The 18-year NBA veteran is coming off an efficient campaign, averaging 26.6 points, 6 rebounds, and 4.2 assists while shooting over 50% from the field and 43% from 3-point range.

Rockets coach Ime Udoka praised Durant's consistent scoring and late-game shotmaking abilities, which should help stabilize the team's offense and close out tight games. With Durant leading the way, the Rockets are poised to take the next step in their development and challenge for the franchise's first championship since the Hakeem Olajuwon era.