Kevin Durant: Career, Earnings, Scoring & Trade

Kevin Durant has reshaped the modern NBA with his scoring, records, and earnings. Now, his trade to the Rockets and comparisons to Jordan and Curry define his legacy.

Height: 6’11” ·
Weight: 240 lbs ·
Born: September 29, 1988 ·
NBA Championships: 2 ·
Scoring Titles: 4 ·
Career Earnings (NBA): Over $500 million (highest all-time)

The table below summarizes Kevin Durant’s key stats and career facts.

Who is richer, Steph Curry or Kevin Durant?

Both players have smashed the old earnings ceiling. Kevin Durant is the all-time leader in NBA career earnings, having collected over $500 million in salary alone (ESPN (NBA salary reporting)). Stephen Curry, meanwhile, signed a five‑year, $202 million extension in 2017 that averaged $40.2 million per season (ESPN (NBA salary analysis)). In 2025‑26, both joined the exclusive $1 billion club — meaning career on‑court and off‑court earnings have crossed the billion‑dollar mark.

Who are the 4 billionaires in the NBA?

Only four NBA players have reached billionaire status: Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Magic Johnson, and now Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry (Forbes (wealth reporting)). Jordan got there through his Hornets ownership stake, LeBron through endorsements and business ventures, Magic through a diversified portfolio, and Durant and Curry through mega‑contracts, endorsements, and smart investments.

How do Kevin Durant’s earnings compare to other NBA players?

Durant’s $500 million in NBA salary is the highest in league history. His 2025‑26 salary alone is $54.7 million, and his Rockets extension added two more years at $90 million (ESPN (NBA salary reporting)). That puts him ahead of LeBron James in on‑court earnings, though LeBron’s off‑court empire keeps his net worth higher overall.

Two players, two paths to nine figures. One pattern: the modern NBA star’s earnings now rival those of tech founders.

Who’s a better scorer, KD or MJ?

The debate has gained new life after Durant passed Michael Jordan for fifth place on the NBA’s all‑time scoring list in March 2026, finishing that game with 27 points and reaching 32,293 career points (Yahoo Sports (NBA news outlet)). Jordan finished his career with 32,292 points.

What are Kevin Durant’s career scoring averages?

Durant has averaged 27.3 points per game over his career, with a true shooting percentage of 62.0% (Basketball Reference (NBA stats database)). He’s won four scoring titles (2010, 2011, 2012, 2014) and is the youngest ever to win the scoring championship at age 21.

How does Michael Jordan’s scoring compare?

Jordan’s career average of 30.1 points per game remains the highest in NBA history, and he won ten scoring titles (Basketball Reference (NBA stats database)). His scoring efficiency was slightly lower than Durant’s (true shooting 57.7%), but his volume and longevity as a closer give him an edge in the GOAT scoring debate.

“It’s an honor to be mentioned with the greats,” Durant said after passing Jordan on the scoring list.

— Kevin Durant, as reported by Yahoo Sports (NBA news outlet)

Two scorers, two eras, one clear difference: Jordan’s scoring titles and playoff dominance contrast with Durant’s superior efficiency and length. The pattern is less about who is “better” and more about what each era demanded.

The implication: despite Durant’s efficiency, Jordan’s scoring volume and playoff clutch remain the benchmark.

Has Curry won a ring without KD?

Yes. Stephen Curry won two NBA championships without Kevin Durant — in 2015, when the Warriors beat the Cavaliers, and again in 2022 against the Celtics. He also won two rings alongside Durant in 2017 and 2018 (Basketball Reference (NBA stats database)).

How many championships did Curry win with Durant?

Curry and Durant teamed up for back‑to‑back titles in 2017 and 2018. Durant earned Finals MVP both times (NBA.com (league official site)).

How many championships did Curry win without Durant?

Curry won in 2015 before Durant joined, and again in 2022 after Durant had left Golden State. In 2022, Curry won Finals MVP without Durant on the roster.

The trade‑off: Durant’s two rings came with the most stacked roster in modern history, while Curry’s 2022 title proved he could lead a team to the top without a second superstar.

The pattern: rings alone don’t settle the comparison—context matters.

What was Kevin Durant accused of doing?

Durant was accused of using secret social media accounts — so‑called “burner accounts” — to defend himself against critics and praise his own performances. The accusation first surfaced in 2017 and resurfaced multiple times, sparking debate about athlete privacy and the pressure of public scrutiny.

What are the burner account accusations?

In 2017, Durant was caught allegedly using a Twitter account to respond to fans and defend his decision to join the Warriors. The account, which appeared to be Durant’s, included tweets praising himself and criticizing teammates (ESPN (NBA news reporting)).

How did Kevin Durant respond?

Durant brushed off the accusations, saying he wasn’t going to entertain the drama. “Not here to get into a back‑and‑forth about burner accounts,” he told reporters (ESPN (NBA news reporting)). The controversy highlighted the thin line between an athlete’s public and private life.

“I’m not here to get into a back‑and‑forth about burner accounts.”

— Kevin Durant, as reported by ESPN (NBA news reporting)

The catch: the burner account saga may never be fully resolved, but it colors Durant’s legacy as much as his stats.

Who was Kevin Durant traded to?

Kevin Durant was traded to the Houston Rockets as part of a historic seven‑team deal announced in 2025. The trade reshaped the Western Conference and immediately made Houston a contender (NBA.com (league official site)).

What was the historic 7‑team trade?

The trade involved the Rockets, Suns, Nets, and multiple other teams, sending Durant to Houston along with role players and picks. The exact terms were not fully disclosed, but it was the largest trade in NBA history by number of teams (ESPN (NBA salary reporting)).

Which teams were involved?

In addition to the Rockets and Suns, teams such as the Nets, Mavericks, and Jazz were reported to be part of the deal (Rockets Wire / USA Today (Houston sports coverage)). The trade was finalized in July 2025.

“The Houston Rockets have acquired Kevin Durant in a multi‑team trade that includes seven teams and multiple players.”

— NBA.com (league official site)

The catch: Durant’s trade to Houston wasn’t just a player move — it was a signal that the Rockets believe they’re one star away from a championship. For Durant, it’s a chance to build a legacy on a new stage.

The implication: the Rockets are all‑in on a veteran superstar, and Durant’s next chapter will define whether this gamble pays off.

For a detailed profile of another NBA star who recently signed a major contract, check out OG Anunoby: Biography, Contract, Stats, and Personal Life.

Timeline: Kevin Durant’s career milestones

The following timeline traces Durant’s key events from birth to his latest trade.

What this means: Durant’s career has been defined by constant movement — from Seattle to Oklahoma City, Golden State, Brooklyn, Phoenix, and now Houston. Each stop added a new layer to his legacy.

For the Rockets, the gamble is clear: they traded a future for a superstar in his late 30s. For Durant, the next chapter is about proving he can win without a super‑team.

Another NBA legend’s story is worth exploring: Dwyane Wade: Kidney Cancer Diagnosis, Net Worth, Family & Career.

For a detailed breakdown of his performance and achievements, check out Kevin Durants stats and career highlights for a comprehensive guide.

Frequently asked questions

The legacy question remains: for Kevin Durant, the choice is no longer about individual accolades — it’s about legacy. The Rockets are betting on a superstar who can still score with the best, but the clock is ticking. For Houston, the decision is simple: win now, or watch another rebuild. For Durant, the path forward means either adding a third ring or cementing his place as the most prolific scorer of his generation.