Houston is no longer a pit stop. Kevin Durant officially demonstrated he’s sticking with a young core with his new contract extension. But it’s how he’s done it that’s raised a few brows. Until last year, analysts predicted KD was entitled to a huge 8-figure paycheck in Phoenix. But when he was traded, there was a lot to be guessed about his potential contract. In a remarkable move, however, KD has given up at least $30 million, agreeing to a two-year, $90 million extension. But at such an age, why would the Slim Reaper give up the chance of making an extra buck or two? Ask Ime Udoka.

Udoka has known Slim more as a coach than as an opponent. At the Rockets’ recent presser, he was upbeat about KD’s extension. “It’s continuity for a great player being around the organization. I think we all knew when we traded for him, and when he came, it wasn’t a short-term thing. So, it’s good to get to a point where everybody’s happy, and hopefully finish his career here.“

Kevin Durant was earlier eligible for a $120 million max deal. But when his business partner, Rich Kleiman, announced the contract on Sunday, it became evident that the 37-year-old had put the franchise with immense potential above his own payday. Even the head coach felt so.

“We’ve got young guys that are going to be coming up (for extensions) soon, in the next few years. I think a lot of these guys are all about the right things, it’s about winning and whatever it takes to get there. They understand that flexibility matters. It puts us in a good spot when there’s extra money to go around,” Udoka said.

KD’s salary sacrifice gives the Rockets flexibility for upcoming contracts like Tari Eason’s. The team has until Monday to finalize his extension, or he hits restricted free agency after this season. Bear in mind, they gave Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun rookie extensions on deadline day last year, so anything is possible. Amen Thompson is also up for an extension after his rookie contract expires this season.

Durant’s new teammate’s decision also helped the Rockets stay under the luxury tax restrictions. “It shows their selflessness,” Udoka says of Fred VanVleet’s new $50 million contract. “They’re about the basketball. Certain guys can afford that luxury if they’ve had a long career and have made a lot of money.”

In a way, Udoka’s not wrong. By investing in the Rockets’ future, he’s shown he intends to extend his career here.

Kevin Durant is deemed a “basketball purist” after a selfless money move, surpassing LeBron James

Ime Udoka was reportedly the one pushing the Rockets the hardest to get Durant on board earlier this year. His record since taking over is 93-71, a significant turnaround for the Houston team he inherited. They emerged as deep playoff contenders last year, but still needed an impactful presence. Udoka wanted Slim for that particular reason. “Kevin is a basketball purist, and he’s all about basketball,” the head coach said.

In typical Durant fashion, the hoopster recently went after an NBA reporter on social media, saying, “What would u characterize it as? Since we characterizing s— this morning.” Tommy Beer had reposted Shams Charania’s post, opining that the NBA vet hadn’t made “an unselfish sacrifice.”

Despite his pay cut, KD surpassed LeBron James ($583.9 million) to claim the record for the highest career earnings in NBA history at $598.2 million based on current and future salaries. It shows the vet has made ample money over the years.

Now he’s focused on the game and title contention, as Udoka said, “We’re all on the same page, as far as what we want to do here, and that’s the ultimate goal of winning a championship.” Even Amen Thompson called KD a “generous guy” for opening more opportunities for younger players like himself.

Do you think Houston can go all the way this season?