The Houston Rockets officially announced that they have completed a two-year contract extension with four-time scoring champion and four-time Olympic gold medalist Kevin Durant. The total contract value is approximately US$90 million, with the second year being a player option.

This move will allow Durant to play until at least the 2027-28 season, laying the foundation for the Rockets' long-term competitiveness. Durant was originally eligible to sign a contract extension of up to $122 million, but he voluntarily chose to reduce his salary to preserve the team's salary cap space and create greater flexibility for future roster additions.

This decision shows Durant's desire to stay in Houston for a long time and his team-first attitude. Since the Rockets returned to the playoffs with a record of 52 wins and 30 losses last season, they have gradually emerged from the shadow of reconstruction.

Durant's signing and contract extension inject championship-caliber experience and offensive firepower into the team. A 15-time All-Star, he averaged 26.6 points and 7 rebounds per game for the Phoenix Suns last season, continuing his consistent and efficient performance.

Durant currently ranks eighth on the NBA's all-time scoring list with 30,571 points. If he stays healthy, he's expected to surpass Michael Jordan and move up to fifth place this season. As one of the league's most formidable scorers, his addition will not only boost the Rockets' competitiveness in the Western Conference but also enhance the team's influence with fans and businesses.

The contract extension is seen as another important stage in Durant's career. Over the next two years, he will continue to shoulder the heavy responsibility of leading a young team to a championship, and he may also maintain his peak form before the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and compete on the international stage for Team USA again.