Durant signs two-year $90M Rockets extension with player option

HOUSTON — Kevin Durant has agreed to a two-year contract extension with the Houston Rockets that could keep the 37-year-old forward in Houston through the 2027-28 season, the team announced Sunday. The deal, reported to be worth about $90 million and to include a player option for the second year, represents a deliberate pay cut from the maximum extension Durant was eligible to receive and signals his intention to remain with the Rockets beyond this season.

Team officials and people familiar with the agreement said the second year is Durant's option. The reduction in guaranteed money is intended to give Houston greater financial flexibility as it looks to build around its young core, which includes Alperen Şengün and Amen Thompson. Coaches and teammates praised the move as a commitment to continuity. Rockets coach Ime Udoka said the extension reflects a shared desire to remain competitive and expressed hope Durant finishes his career in Houston. Forward Amen Thompson called Durant "a generous guy" for helping open opportunities for younger players.

Durant, one of the most decorated scorers of his generation, said in a recent interview that he wants to be in Houston "as long as I...