In an unexpected twist on the day of the NBA Finals’ Game 7, the Phoenix Suns orchestrated a blockbuster seven-team trade, sending star player Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets. With the new NBA season looming, the Rockets have secured Durant’s talents for the foreseeable future, signing him to a lucrative $90 million extension over two years. This contract, set to commence after the upcoming season, features a player option for the 2027-28 campaign.

While Durant could have pursued a maximum contract approaching $120 million, he opted for a more modest deal, sacrificing approximately $30 million. This decision reflects his commitment to the Rockets’ vision, granting the team greater salary cap flexibility to strengthen their roster. The Rockets, brimming with youthful talent, face a significant challenge at point guard after Fred VanVleet’s unfortunate ACL injury sidelined him for the season.

Despite the pay cut, Durant is poised to become the highest earner in NBA history with his new contract. By the end of this deal, he will have amassed an impressive $598.2 million since entering the league in 2007, surpassing the earnings of another basketball luminary, LeBron James, who currently stands at $583.9 million. While LeBron may eventually reclaim this earnings title, for now, the crown belongs to Durant.

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Houston’s aspirations extend beyond financial achievements, as they eagerly anticipate Durant’s potential to deliver on-court success. The Rockets enjoyed a strong season last year, clinching 52 victories and securing the second seed in the Western Conference. However, their playoff journey was cut short by the seasoned Golden State Warriors in a grueling seven-game series.

Durant’s arrival addresses a crucial need for a reliable scorer in clutch situations. Although he may be in the latter stages of his illustrious career, Durant remains an elite scorer. Last season, he averaged 26.6 points and boasted an impressive 43% success rate from beyond the arc. His consistency is unmatched, having averaged at least 25 points per game for 16 consecutive seasons. This year, he is set to climb to sixth place on the NBA’s all-time scoring list, closing in on legends Wilt Chamberlain and Dirk Nowitzki.

Durant’s championship pedigree, with two titles from his tenure with the Warriors, complements the Rockets’ ambition to secure their own championship glory. Despite less successful spells with the Brooklyn Nets and Suns, Durant’s addition to the Rockets could reignite the franchise’s competitive spirit. The Rockets have long been on the cusp, often falling short against Durant’s former teams in crucial playoff matchups. Now, they hope Durant’s presence will propel them to new heights.

This time around, Clutch City is hoping they’re on the winning side of an elite Durant performance.