Kevin Durant breaks NBA earnings record with new Houston Rockets contract

Kevin Durant is now the highest-paid player in NBA history, moving ahead of LeBron James in terms of all-time career earnings.

Durant has signed a two-year extension with the Houston Rockets, with a player option for the 2027/28 season. The 37-year-old’s new contract is worth an additional $90 million, putting his total earnings to $598.2 million.

James’ career earnings currently stand at $583.9 million, with one year remaining on his deal with the Los Angeles Lakers. However with his lucrative endorsement deals with the likes of Nike and a variety of other business interests, the 40-year-old has accrued an estimated net worth of $1.3 billion.

ESPN reports that Durant was eligible for a maximum contract extension of $120 million over the year years but was willing to accept a lower deal. That decision gives the Rockets greater team-building flexibility, putting a stronger unit around the veteran star.

Durant only arrived in Houston in July, one part of the largest trade in NBA history. Seven teams were involved in the complicated deal, with also saw Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, Khaman Maluach, Rasheer Fleming and Koby Brea head to the Phoenix Suns.

Now in the twilight of his illustrious career, Durant averaged 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds and 4.2 assists in 62 games with the Suns in 2024/25. He is currently eighth in the all-time list of NBA point-scorers and could move past Wilt Chamberlain and Dirk Nowitzki this season.

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