Durant and the Rockets reach early contract renewal, with salary reaching 200 million in the next three years until retirement in Houston

The latest report from the famous NBA reporter Shams Sharania, after the Rockets and the Suns reached a major deal between Durant and the Suns, they immediately reached a preliminary agreement on Durant's contract renewal. The new contract is about US$140 million in two years. The total contract salary for the Rockets in the next three years is close to US$200 million. The specific amount and details will be finalized after the transaction is completed.

The Rockets used a relatively small price to introduce 15-time All-Star superstar Durant, focusing on winning the championship in the next two or three seasons. Before the deal was officially concluded, Rockets' executives knew that they needed to accept the contract renewal price Durant was about to face. This season, Durant has rejected the Suns' renewal offer. The main reason is not that he is not satisfied with the salary and years of contract, but that he is determined to leave Phoenix and join a team that truly has the potential to win the championship. The trade to the Rockets made Durant very satisfied and he is willing to complete the renewal of both parties as soon as possible.

The Rockets finally completed the reconstruction after James Harden left, and Durant airlifted to this 52-win team, which means that the 2025-26 season will truly become one of the most competitive teams in the West. Durant averaged 26.6 points, 6 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game this season. For the Rockets, after getting Durant, he completely made up for the team's tactical system and had the most stable scoring points on the offensive end, especially at the most critical moment of the playoffs. Durant will become the most reliable and final offensive point for this Rockets. The reason why the Rockets paid the price and gave the 37-year-old Durant a two-year maximum salary to renew his contract was to buy Durant's offensive ability at a critical moment.

"Raphael Stone has met and communicated with Durant's agent and business partner Ritchie Clayman, and the two sides quickly reached a consensus." Shams Sharania said, "The two sides had an exchange and dialogue on Durant's contract renewal, and the Rockets agreed to Durant's full request. Since the transaction has not been officially completed, it will take some time to deal with the technical issues of the labor-management agreement." It is certain that the Rockets have prepared a new contract renewal for Durant. If Durant is willing to wait a few more months, the contract salary will increase by $2 million, but Durant seems to hope to get the contract done as soon as possible so as to focus on winning the championship next season.

"What is $2 million for a player like Durant? He has the opportunity to earn it back in the future." Saranya said, "Durant can wait and see what will happen next, and see how the Rockets build a championship team around him. Considering that they can get a little more money and remain patient, Durant can be patient." No matter how they choose, Durant and the Rockets basically reached an early renewal agreement of about $140 million in two years on the new contract. With the income of $54.71 million in the 2024-25 season and various rewards, Durant's salary income in the Rockets will reach about $200 million in the next three years.

Durant's current contract was signed with the Nets, which was 4 years and $194.2 million. He was traded to the Suns one and a half seasons after signing the contract. He has not achieved his championship goal in the past season and a half seasons. Therefore, in the last season of this contract, the Rockets changed the team. "This is Durant's third transfer in this contract period, but it seems to be the last one." Saranya said, "The agent said Durant plans to retire with the Rockets. Before entering the NBA, Durant spent his NCAA season in Texas, and retired here is also a perfect choice for his career."

The Rockets' young core lineup has added another two-time champion player. Boss Fertitta is looking forward to achieving another success next season, reaching the Finals and even realizing his dream of winning the championship. Of course, winning the championship is also the most urgent goal Durant is currently eager to achieve. Since leaving the Warriors, Durant has been questioned in various ways, believing that he will not be able to succeed again without Curry, Drummond Green and Cole. Durant is eager to break all these doubts. The Rockets can not only satisfy Durant's desire to win the championship, but also get a super maximum salary contract renewal. At the same time, it is also likely to be Durant's last chance to win both fame and fortune in his career.

‌So far in his career, Durant's total salary in 17 seasons is about $400 million. With the future salary he receives with the Rockets, Durant's total career income is expected to reach $600 million.