KD’s New Deal Makes NBA History — But Can He Make Houston’s?

Look, say what you want about Kevin Durant — the burner accounts, the team hopping, the endless debates about his rings — but one thing’s for sure: that man gets buckets and bags.

KD just signed a 2-year, $90 million extension with the Houston Rockets, officially making him the highest career earner in NBA history at $598.2 million, passing none other than LeBron James ($583.9 million).

That’s right. The Slim Reaper is officially Slim Richest.

Now, before the internet starts its usual “money over rings” slander, let’s be clear: KD deserves this. He’s one of the most unstoppable offensive players the game has ever seen.

You can’t double him, you can’t block him, and you definitely can’t guard him.

This man is 7 feet tall and moves like a shooting guard. He’ll pull up from 30, hit fadeaways over double teams, and talk about peace and energy on Threads right after.

KD is HIM, even if you don’t want to admit it.

Let’s not forget the receipts:

• 🏆 League MVP (2013-14)

• 🏆 2x NBA Champion (2017, 2018)

• 🥇 4x Olympic Gold Medalist (2012, 2016, 2020, 2024)

• 💰 4x NBA Scoring Champ (2010, 2011, 2012, 2014)

• 🪙 2x Member of the 50–40–90 Club (2013, 2023)

• 🐐 Named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team

  
  

That’s generational greatness. And now, he’s getting generational money to match.

Let’s Talk About Houston

Here’s where it gets interesting. KD’s extension isn’t about chasing a massive check; it’s about chasing legacy (and maybe one more ring).

The Rockets are young, stacked, and hungry. You’ve got Reed Sheppard, Amen Thompson, Alperen Şengün, Jabari Smith Jr., and a rising culture under coach Ime Udoka that’s actually starting to look like something.

Last season, the Rockets finished with an impressive 52-30 record, good enough for the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference, but their playoff run was cut short after a tough seven-game battle against the Golden State Warriors in the first round.

Adding KD to that mix gives them real star power and instant credibility in a brutal Western Conference.

Can they beat Denver? Maybe. OKC? Possibly. Clippers and Wolves? Depends on KD’s health. But let’s be honest ... when Kevin Durant’s locked in, anything can happen.

He’s averaged 27.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 4.4 assists over his career. And even at 37, KD’s jumper looks smoother than a Houston slow jam.

The Legacy Question

Now, let’s address the elephant in the locker room: KD’s legacy.

Critics will say he’s chasing rings with another young team instead of building his own. But that’s tired talk. The man’s 37 years old and still averaging nearly 30. If Houston can make noise in the playoffs, KD could rewrite his late-career narrative completely.

Because let’s face it: LeBron might have the crown for longevity, but KD’s got the crown for pure scoring artistry. And now he’s got the bank account to prove it.

If he manages to take this young Rockets team deep into the postseason — maybe even the Finals — we might have to start re-evaluating that “Top 12 All-Time” slot and bump him into the Top 10.

At the End of the Day

KD’s career earnings are touching $600 million. He’s still hooping like he’s got something to prove. And he’s mentoring a new wave of stars in Houston.

That’s not just getting the bag. That’s owning it.

So yeah, you can clown the team switches, the social media antics, the injuries, all that. But while you’re tweeting from your couch, Kevin Durant’s adding commas to his name, chasing another ring, and showing that even 17 years in, he’s still one of them ones.

The Slim Reaper’s still collecting souls — and checks.