...
By Jordan Sigler
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
Kevin Durant is set to play his first game with the Houston Rockets when the team travels to play the defending NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday. Durant was traded to the Rockets in July as part of a seven-team transaction.
More News: Lakers’ LeBron James, Bronny James Shamed by Former No 1 Pick
On Sunday, news surfaced about a big career decision Durant made to join the Rockets.
Read More on NBA
Per Shams Charania of ESPN, Durant signed a two-year deal with Houston worth $90 million. The 15-time NBA All-Star sacrificed money as a part of the deal to compete for a championship with the Rockets.
...
More News: Bronny James Gets Brutally Honest About Future With Lakers
"Houston Rockets star Kevin Durant has agreed to a two-year, $90 million contract extension with the franchise, his business partner and Boardroom CEO Rich Kleiman tells ESPN," Charania posted on X. "The new deal includes a player option in 2027-28.
'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.
In signing his new contract extension with the Rockets, Durant surpassed Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James in all-time career earnings in NBA history.
"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)," Charania posted on X. "He has a total of three years and $144.7 million on his current contract."
Durant, 37, entered the league as the No. 2 overall pick in 2007 by the Seattle SuperSonics. He won back-to-back NBA championships with the Golden State Warriors in 2017 and 2018. He earned the NBA MVP in 2014.
James, 40, was the No. 1 pick in the 2003 draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers. He's won four NBA championships, four association MVP awards and is a 21-time All-Star.
Fans on social media had strong responses to Durant surpassing James in all-time NBA earnings.
"Highest earnings without being the face of the league? That’s efficiency on and off the floor," wrote a fan.
"Kinda wild. He is so good but not even close to the best player," argued a poster.
"No way he surpassed LeBron James… not deserved at all," posted another.
"Quiet dominance pays the loudest Kevin Durant just passed LeBron as the NBA’s all-time earnings leader with $598M. Legacy and longevity in perfect sync," believes a fan.
"Say what you want about KD moves, but he played the business game better than anyone," wrote another.
"I couldn't imagine being so good at something that someone would be willing to pay me 598.2 over my career," posted a fan.
It'll be interesting to see how Durant plays with the Rockets this season. He's aging, but still averaged 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game with the Phoenix Suns last season.
For more on the Rockers and the NBA, head to Newsweek Sports.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines