Kevin Durant Signs Two-Year, $90 Million Extension With Rockets
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The Houston Rockets formally completed a two-year, $90 million contract extension with forward Kevin Durant on Sunday, October 19. The deal includes a player option for the 2027-28 season.
Head coach Ime Udoka welcomed the agreement, saying the organization always envisioned a long-term partnership after trading for the 15-time All-Star. “Continuity for a great player being around the organization… it wasn’t a short-term thing,” Udoka told reporters.
Durant’s new contract will begin in 2026-27 and contains no bonuses or incentives, according to a source cited by Kelly Iko of Yahoo Sports. By accepting roughly $29 million less than the maximum allowable figure, the 36-year-old left additional salary-cap flexibility for Houston. “We’re all on the same page as far as what we want to do here and the goal of winning a championship,” Udoka said.
Rookie Extension Talks With Tari Eason
The Rockets are expected to reach a rookie-scale extension with forward Tari Eason ahead of Monday’s deadline, The Athletic’s David Aldridge reported. Houston is reportedly aiming for a figure below the five-year, $122 million contract recently given to Jabari Smith Jr.
Opening-Night Lineup Still Undecided
Udoka indicated earlier in the week that Houston may use different starting fives based on matchups while the roster remains short-handed. Free-agent signee Dorian Finney-Smith (ankle surgery) and forward Jae’Sean Tate (ankle) are both recovering, though Tate participated in Saturday’s practice.
The Rockets open the regular season later this month.
Source: Hoops Rumors
