Image Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

Kevin Durant Surpasses LeBron James to Become Highest Earning NBA Player After Signing Extension with Rockets

Kevin Durant signed a two-year contract with the Rockets worth $90 million.

Image Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

Houston Rockets star Kevin Durant surpassed LeBron James in a unique NBA record after signing a two-year extension. Durant is now the highest earning player in the league at $598. 2 million, based on current and future salaries. Durant passed the Los Angeles Lakers icon who has career earnings of $583.9 million. Notably, the two-time NBA champion has agreed to a two-year contract extension with the Rockets which is worth $90 million.

ESPN insider Shams Charania wrote on X, “Kevin Durant now holds the record for the highest career earnings in NBA history at $598.2 million based on current and future salaries, surpassing LeBron James ($583.9 million).”

Durant also has a player option for the 2027-28 season, as per his business partner and Boardroom CEO Rich Kleiman. Notably, Durant, who was signed by the Rockets this summer in a historic seven-team deal, was eligible for a maximum contract extension of $120 million over two years. The 37-year-old, who is entering his 18th NBA season, now has earning of $54.7 million this season and has a total of three years as well as $144.7 million on his contract.

Why Did Kevin Durant Settle for Less Money in Houston Rockets Contract?

Kevin Durant was eligible for a maximum contract extension of $120 million over two years. However, he took less money and settled for $15 million per year less on his deal. The money that the Rockets saved on Durant’s deal could be huge for them regarding their future plans. It could also include the immediate of trying to get Tari Eason to a contract extension before Monday’s deadline on his rookie contract extension.

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

Charania wrote on X, “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.”

KD, entering his 18th season, not counting the 2019-20 campaign he missed due to injury, averaged 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game in the previous season. He shot 52.7% from the field, 43.0% from beyond the arc, and 83.9% from the foul line. He will tip off the regular season for the Houston Rockets on Tuesday, October 21, against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center, Oklahoma City.

Kevin Durant

Garima Ranawat

Garima is a sports writer with around two years of experience in Indian sports and a newfound interest in the NBA. Inspired by the leadership of cricketing legend MS Dhoni, she wishes to bring in newer perspectives to the NBA fanatics with her writing.