Kevin Durant has entered into a lifetime agreement with Nike, following in the footsteps of iconic figures like Michael Jordan and LeBron James.
Durant, now among the select NBA players with lifetime deals with the sportswear giant, finalized this agreement alongside the Phoenix Suns’ star, as announced by Boardroom on Friday. Durant’s affiliation with Nike began back in 2007 when he was a rookie.
Expressing his gratitude on Twitter, Durant remarked, “Being in the game for life with Nike is a genuine honor.”
Over the years, Nike and Durant have collaborated on the creation of 15 signature shoe lines, with the athlete recently revealing on his Instagram that a 16th one is currently in the works.
A true honor to be in the game for life with @Nike https://t.co/VNj1IJUVWG
— Kevin Durant (@KDTrey5) April 28, 2023
However, the partnership has gone beyond apparel, as Nike has worked with the Durant Family Foundation and his EYBL programme, Team Durant, to improve grassroots basketball through court refurbishments and more community-focused projects.
“As one of the best basketball players in the world, Kevin Durant has been an important part of the Nike family for the past 16 years,” John Slusher, Nike’s EVP of Global Sports Marketing, stated. “We look forward to continuing to serve the next generation of athletes together.”
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Durant now joins the ranks of basketball legends alongside Jordan and James, widely regarded as two of the greatest players in NBA history, with these exclusive lifetime contracts.
Despite not having played since the 2002-03 season, Jordan’s enduring connection with Jordan Brand remains robust. According to Front Office Sports, Nike’s Jordan Brand generated a staggering $5.1 billion in revenue in fiscal year 2022, and Jordan’s agreement with the company ensures he receives 5% of these earnings.
Much like Jordan, Durant and James will have the opportunity to continue reaping the benefits of their association with Nike for many years beyond the conclusion of their contractual terms.
In terms of Durant’s current performance, his Suns triumphed over the Los Angeles Clippers in the first round of the 2023 playoffs and are set to face the Denver Nuggets in the second round on Saturday.