The Brooklyn Nets, led by first-time Head Coach Steve Nash, will be the team to look out for come 2021. Despite his inexperience as Head Coach, Orlando Magic counterpart Steve Clifford believes Nash is the right candidate for the job. While speaking on SiriusXM NBA Radio, Clifford said, “I had incredible opportunities, basketball-wise, in the twenty years (I’ve spent) in the NBA. One of them was to spend the year as an assistant when Steve (Nash) was on the Lakers ALSO READ- “I Wanna See You Be Great”: NBA Legend Allen Iverson Ready to Put His Money Behind Steve Nash [https://www.essentiallysports.com/nba-news-brooklyn-nets-i-wanna-see-you-be-great-nba-legend-allen-iverson-ready-to-put-his-money-behind-steve-nash/] “He has been involved with Steve Kerr’s program, at Golden State where he established a relationship with Kevin Durant. He was also the general manager of basketball Canada for a few years where he spent a good deal of time hiring coaches, working with player development. “Steve is a natural leader. He’s an incredibly intelligent guy. I know people will say that he hasn’t been a head coach before but there have been a number of guys that have come into the league and not had head coaching experience.” CAN NASH LEAD THE BROOKLYN NETS TO GLORY? Coach Steve Nash doesn’t have a ring in his CV yet, but he has almost every other award there is to win. His 18 years of experience of playing in the league will be very useful for them. He was always one of the smartest players in the league, so it will be interesting to see how the team plays under him. Although the Nets are a relatively inexperienced team, their leaders are former NBA champions. Kevin Durant [https://www.essentiallysports.com/nba-news-oklahoma-city-thunder-2012-finals-core-where-are-they-now/] won the title twice with the Golden State Warriors, while Kyrie Irving won it with the Cleveland Cavaliers. The 2019-20 season had many exciting duos pairing up, and these two will now be the latest to join the list. Despite their inexperience, they will be expected to mount a viable challenge for the title. Any team with Durant and Irving together shouldn’t be expected to do any less. The Nets are yet to win an NBA title, so fans will be hoping that Nash can lead the team and break the duck. Fingers crossed! 

Orlando Magic's coach, Steve Clifford, praised the new Brooklyn Nets coach,
Steve Nash, and said that he believes Nash will excel at his new job.

Aaron Mathew is a sports analyst at EssentiallySports. A graduate in Mass Media
from Xavier’s College, Aaron has been a part of EssentiallySports since May 2020
where he covers both NBA and NCAA basketball news, and has also covered NBA 2K.
In the past, Aaron has worked at the Sports Desk of Mumbai Mirror. He has also
volunteered for organisations such as 'AkshayaShakti Welfare Association' and
'Reviving The Rivers'. His favorite player is, and will always remain, Kobe
Bryant.

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<h2 style="text-align: center">Who is Kevin Durant?</h2>
Since entering the league as the 2nd overall pick in 2007, Kevin Durant has established himself as one of the most prolific scorers of the game. Standing at 6'10 with guard skills, his ability to get his shot off against any defender changed the dynamics and the prerequisites of the power forward position. He has won an MVP award, 4 scoring titles, with multiple deep playoff runs, and 2 Finals MVPs while winning back-to-back championships with the Warriors. Injuries, however, have plagued the past few seasons since his Achilles tear in 2019.

[caption id="attachment_2467162" align="alignnone" width="4273"]<img class="size-full wp-image-2467162" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2023-12-16T040353Z_348935045_MT1USATODAY22114761_RTRMADP_3_NBA-NEW-YORK-KNICKS-AT-PHOENIX-SUNS.jpg" alt="" width="4273" height="2849" /> Dec 15, 2023; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) makes the pass against the New York Knicks in the first half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports[/caption]

When healthy, Durant performs at an elite level: a facet of the player that was brought to light in his 2022 playoff run, when he carried the Nets without co-stars Kyrie Irving and Ben Simmons. Though questions linger about his health, his offensive performances have, nevertheless, secured his legacy.
<h2 class="jsx-cb26a7af5694ead9" style="text-align: center"><b>Kevin Durant's early life</b></h2>
Kevin Durant was born on September 29, 1988, in Washington D.C. The forward spent most of his early life in Prince George's County, Maryland. From a young age, Durant was a very talented basketball star. After graduating from Montrose Christian School, he committed to the University of Texas in Austin in 2006 despite offers from multiple popular programs. After one year of college basketball, KD declared for the NBA draft in 2007. According to reports, he later earned a bachelor's in education with a minor in social work.
<h2 class="jsx-cb26a7af5694ead9" style="text-align: center"><strong>Kevin Durant's family and personal life</strong></h2>
Kevin Durant's parents are Wanda Durant and Wayne Pratt. He has three siblings, Brianna, Tony, and Rayvonne. Durant's father abandoned the family when he was an infant and his parents eventually divorced later. The two-time Finals MVP's grandmother helped Wanda in raising him. When KD was 13, Pratt re-entered his life and traveled with him around the country for basketball tournaments.

Durant was once engaged to WNBA star Monica Wright. They started dating in 2013 and were engaged a few months later. However, the engagement was called off, and they reportedly broke up in 2014. He once talked aboutÂ <a class="jsx-2b55705d932ea6e9" href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/nba-basketball-news-kevin-durant-once-revealed-why-he-broke-up-with-his-fiancee-i-love-this-girl-but-i-didnt-love-her-the-right-way/" target="_self" rel="noopener">the reason behind the failed relationship</a>.

After this, it was rumored KD dated Cassandra Anderson who is a real estate broker. She was spotted attending his games from the spouses' area during his time with the Warriors. There were multiple social media posts of the two together as well. However, the posts were later deleted. It is unclear whether Durant and Cassandra broke up or whether they are trying to keep it private.
<h2 class="jsx-cb26a7af5694ead9" style="text-align: center"><b>Kevin Durant's Net Worth in 2024</b></h2>
Kevin Durant has an estimated net worth of around $300 million, according to various reports. Durant currently plays for the Phoenix Suns, after a blockbuster trade from the <a class="jsx-2b55705d932ea6e9" href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/nba/brooklyn-nets/" target="_self" rel="noopener">Brooklyn Nets</a> in February 2023. He<span style="font-weight: 400">Â is set to earn</span><span style="font-weight: 400"> $46,407,433 during the 2023-24 </span><span style="font-weight: 400">NBA</span><span style="font-weight: 400"> season. The two-time NBA champion also earns tens of millions from endorsements thanks to his popularity and success on the hardwood. Furthermore, KD is also an entrepreneur who invests his well-earned money which has helped him build a business empire. In terms of being the highest-paid athlete in the world, Kevin Durant rounds out the 2023 top ten with $89.1 million.</span>
<h2 class="jsx-cb26a7af5694ead9" style="text-align: center"><b>Kevin Durant's career timeline</b></h2>
Kevin Durant was one of the best college basketball stars in the country while playing for the University of Texas. He led the Longhorns to a 25-10 record and clinch 4th seed in the NCAA Tournament. Despite a great game from Durant, the team was eliminated in the second round. For his impressive performances, KD won the National Player of the Year award along with other prestigious accolades. After one year with Texas, he declared for the NBA draft in 2007.

Even though there were some reservations about his lanky build, Durant was expected to be a lottery pick. The Seattle SuperSonics selected KD as the 2nd pick of the draft. However, many still thought that the 6'10" youngster would struggle to play against the well-built stars in the NBA. But that was far from the reality. Durant hit the ground running and won the Rookie of the Year award averaging 20 points per game.
<figure class="jsx-b9c5e7fc3c08d611">
<div class="jsx-3627078410 es-image-loader-aspect-ratio"><img id="img-tag-node--img-loader-0" class="jsx-3627078410" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/20210228105037/Harden-Westbrook-Durant-OKC-Thunder.jpg" /></div>
<figcaption>
<p id="node---40408-figcap">via Getty</p>

</figcaption></figure>
After his rookie year, the franchise moved to Oklahoma, rebranding as theÂ <a class="jsx-2b55705d932ea6e9" href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/nba/oklahoma-city-thunder/" target="_self" rel="noopener">Oklahoma City Thunder</a>. The Slim Reaper continued his ascension and dominated his opponents. The Thunder were one of the best young teams with KD, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden in the lineup. Durant led the team to the 2012 NBA Finals but lost the title to LeBron James' Miami Heat.

KD was arguably in his prime during the 2013-14 season and won the NBA MVP award averaging 32 points. However, team success was still hard to come by as the Thunder were knocked out in the Conference Finals. After two more disappointing seasons in Oklahoma, Durant joined theÂ <a class="jsx-2b55705d932ea6e9" href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/nba/golden-state-warriors/" target="_self" rel="noopener">Golden State Warriors</a>. He received major criticism for joining the team that beat the Thunder in the Conference Finals the previous year and also for forming a super team.

Durant instantly helped the Warriors with his skill set and experience. The Dubs won two straight titles and KD won the Finals MVP award on both occasions. The Warriors' hunt for a third straight ring in 2019 came up short in the Finals against the Toronto Raptors as KD struggled with injury throughout the playoffs. After some internal issues within the team, Durant left the Warriors and joined the Brooklyn Nets.
<figure class="jsx-b9c5e7fc3c08d611">
<div class="jsx-2802443379 es-image-loader-aspect-ratio"><img id="img-tag-node--img-loader-0" class="jsx-2802443379" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/GettyImages-1172448246.jpg" /></div>
<figcaption>
<p id="node---82746-figcap">via Getty</p>

</figcaption></figure>
This move was again criticized heavily as Kyrie Irving also joined the Nets the same year. However, because of COVID protocol, Irving missed a lot of games. Then in 2021, Durant's former teammate James Harden also joined the team. But the trio barely played together due to various reasons and Harden left after one year. In the 2022-23 season, the Nets started the season poorly but then went on a great run and looked unstoppable. But things changed after Irving requested a trade and moved to the Dallas Mavericks. Durant later joined theÂ <a class="jsx-2b55705d932ea6e9" href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/nba/phoenix-suns/" target="_self" rel="noopener">Phoenix Suns</a> in a blockbuster move to play alongside Devin Booker and Chris Paul.

In 2023, <span style="font-weight: 400">Durant announced that he would return to wearing the No. 35 jersey, which he had worn throughout his college and professional career before joining the Nets. The same year, h</span><span style="font-weight: 400">e also finished the regular season shooting over 55% from the field, over 40% from three-point range, and over 90% from the free-throw line, becoming the first player in NBA history to achieve those shooting splits in a season. </span><span style="font-weight: 400">Durant also passed Hakeem Olajuwon in October for 12th on the all-time career scoring list and became the 12th player all-time to reach 27,000 career points.</span>
<h2 class="jsx-cb26a7af5694ead9" style="text-align: center"><b>Kevin Durant's NBA career stats</b></h2>
<b>Regular season stats:</b>

<span style="font-weight: 400">Games played - 1020</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400">Points per game - 27.3</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400">Rebounds per game - 7.0</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400">Assists per game - 4.4</span>

<b>Playoffs stats:</b>

<span style="font-weight: 400">Games played - 166</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400">Points per game - 29.4</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400">Rebounds per game - 7.8</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400">Assists per game - 4.2</span>
<h2 class="jsx-cb26a7af5694ead9" style="text-align: center"><b>Kevin Durant's endorsements</b></h2>
Some of the biggest endorsements and partnerships of Kevin Durant are as follows:

Alaska Air Group

Google

BBVA

Sparkling ICE

NBA 2K

American Family Insurance

Panini

Skullcandy

Gatorade

Sonic Drive-In

Sprint

Nike
<h2 class="jsx-cb26a7af5694ead9" style="text-align: center"><b>Kevin Durant's investments</b></h2>
Kevin Durant can be hauled as a successful investor. The 13-time NBA All-Star has reportedly made over 80 investments through his firm <em>Thirty Five Ventures</em> which operates as a venture capital firm. Some of the most important investments of KD include Postmates, Yoshi, Rubrik, Whoop, Robinhood, Pieology, etc. KD reportedly earned around $15 million after Uber acquired Postmates. Furthermore, KD has a minority stake in MLS' Philadelphia Union and the NWSL's NJ/NY Gotham FC.

In October 2022, Durant joined fellow professional athletes LeBron James, Tom Brady, and Drew Brees as an investor in a professional pickleball team with his business partner, Rich Kleiman, via their <em>Thirty Five Ventures</em> firm. Under it, in March 2023, KD launched a flagship project <em>"The Boardroom"</em> that covers all these ventures and also provides news coverage.
<h2 class="jsx-cb26a7af5694ead9" style="text-align: center"><b>Kevin Durant's major achievements and awards</b></h2>
<span style="font-weight: 400">2Ã— NBA champion (2017, 2018)</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400">2Ã— NBA Finals MVP (2017, 2018)</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400">NBA Most Valuable Player (2014)</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400">13Ã— NBA All-Star (2010â€“2019, 2021â€“2023)</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400">2Ã— NBA All-Star Game MVP (2012, 2019)</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400">6Ã— All-NBA First Team (2010â€“2014, 2018)</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400">4Ã— All-NBA Second Team (2016, 2017, 2019, 2022)</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400">NBA Rookie of the Year (2008)</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400">NBA All-Rookie First Team (2008)</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400">4Ã— NBA scoring champion (2010â€“2012, 2014)</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400">2Ã— 50â€“40â€“90 club (2013, 2023)</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400">NBA 75th Anniversary Team</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400">Consensus national college player of the year (2007)</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400">Consensus first-team All-American (2007)</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400">Big 12 Player of the Year (2007)</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400">No. 35 retired by Texas Longhorns</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400">FIBA World Championship MVP (2010)</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400">3Ã— USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year (2010, 2016, 2021)</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400">McDonald's All-American Game MVP (2006)</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400">First-team Parade All-American (2006)</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400">Second-team Parade All-American (2005)</span>

&nbsp;

&nbsp;
<h2 class="jsx-cb26a7af5694ead9" style="text-align: center"><b>Kevin Durant's contract details</b></h2>
<span style="font-weight: 400">In 2021, Kevin Durant signed a four-year $194.22 million contract extension with the Brooklyn Nets with an annual average salary of over $48 million. After earning over $42 million last year, KD is all set to earn over $46.4 million over the next season, having moved to the Phoenix Suns.Â </span>
<h2 class="jsx-cb26a7af5694ead9" style="text-align: center"><b>Kevin Durant's shoe deals</b></h2>
Kevin Durant and Nike have signed a lifetime contract, making him the third NBA player to sign such a deal. Michael Jordan and LeBron James are the other two. <span style="font-weight: 400">This partnership</span> includes footwear, apparel, and a philanthropic collaboration that focuses on grassroots basketball. <span style="font-weight: 400">His deal with Nike also includes a $50 million retirement package. KD's relationship with Nike dates back to 2007, during which they released 15 different shoes. The 13-time All-Star has also teased a 16th pair.</span>
<h2 class="jsx-cb26a7af5694ead9" style="text-align: center"><b>Kevin Durant's charity and foundation</b></h2>
Kevin Durant is a philanthropist. He founded the <em>Kevin Durant Charity Foundation</em>Â in 2013. The foundation aims to help youth from low-income backgrounds across the country and internationally as well. He is also a major contributor to different charities likeÂ <em>Tulsa Dream Center</em>,Â <em>Boys and Girls Club</em>,Â <em>American Red Cross</em>,Â <em>GiveDirectly</em>,Â <em>Positive Tommorw</em>, and theÂ <em>Kevin Durant Basketball Facility for Men</em>. He reportedly donated $1 million to the Red Cross for its tornado relief fund and $3 million to the University of Texas to help its basketball program.
<h2 class="jsx-cb26a7af5694ead9" style="text-align: center"><b>Kevin Durant's car collection</b></h2>
Kevin Durant rides in style and has an impressive car collection worth over $4 million. Notably, one car alone is worth more than half of his entire collection: theÂ 1966 Ford GT40 which is worth an estimated $2.5 million. It is one of only 105 models ever made. Also,Â Durant has beenÂ spotted multiple times driving a Ferrari California, which was priced at $200,000.Â He also owns a Lamborghini Aventador Roadster, Rolls-Royce Phantom, etc.
<h2 class="jsx-cb26a7af5694ead9" style="text-align: center"><b>Kevin Durant's h</b><b>ouse</b></h2>
Kevin Durant not only drives in style; he lives in style as well. Durant either bought or rented mansions whenever he moved to a different team. In 2021, KD reportedly purchased a mansion worth $15.6 million located in Hidden Hills, California. The property is 10,000 square feet and sits on 1.8 acres of land with all the amenities one can expect in a luxury mansion.
<h2 class="jsx-cb26a7af5694ead9"><b>Kevin Durant's social media accounts</b></h2>
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Instagram</td>
<td><a class="jsx-2b55705d932ea6e9" href="https://www.instagram.com/easymoneysniper/?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noopener">@easymoneysniper</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Twitter</td>
<td><a class="jsx-2b55705d932ea6e9" href="https://twitter.com/kdtrey5?lang=en" target="_blank" rel="noopener">@KDTrey5</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Facebook</td>
<td><a class="jsx-2b55705d932ea6e9" href="https://www.facebook.com/KevinDurant/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">@KevinDurant</a></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Full Name</td>
<td>Kevin Wayne Durant</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Popular Name</td>
<td>Kevin Durant</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Birth Date</td>
<td>September 29, 1988</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Birth Place</td>
<td>Washington, D.C.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Height</td>
<td>6' 10" (2.08 m)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Weight</td>
<td>104 kg</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Parents</td>
<td>Wanda Durant and Wayne Pratt</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Siblings</td>
<td>Brianna, Tony, and Rayvonne</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Nationality</td>
<td>American</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ethnicity</td>
<td>African American</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Net Worth</td>
<td>$200 Million</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Salary</td>
<td>$42 Million</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Relationship/Marital Status</td>
<td>N/A</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Children</td>
<td>None</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Profession</td>
<td>Basketball player</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Team</td>
<td>Phoenix Suns</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Rings</td>
<td>2</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

Kevin Durant

Who is Kevin Durant? Since entering the league as the 2nd overall pick in 2007, Kevin Durant has established himself as one of the most prolific scorers of the game. Standing at 6&#8217;10 with guard skills, his ability to get his shot off against any defender changed the dynamics and the prerequisites of the power forward position. He has won an MVP award, 4 scoring titles, with multiple deep playoff runs, and 2 Finals MVPs while winning back-to-back championships with the Warriors. Injuries, however, have plagued the past few seasons since his Achilles tear in 2019. Dec 15, 2023; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) makes the pass against the New York Knicks in the first half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports When healthy, Durant performs at an elite level: a facet of the player that was brought to light in his 2022 playoff run, when he carried the Nets without co-stars Kyrie Irving and Ben Simmons. Though questions linger about his health, his offensive performances have, nevertheless, secured his legacy. Kevin Durant&#8217;s early life Kevin Durant was born on September 29, 1988, in Washington D.C. The forward spent most of his early life in Prince George&#8217;s County, Maryland. From a young age, Durant was a very talented basketball star. After graduating from Montrose Christian School, he committed to the University of Texas in Austin in 2006 despite offers from multiple popular programs. After one year of college basketball, KD declared for the NBA draft in 2007. According to reports, he later earned a bachelor&#8217;s in education with a minor in social work. Kevin Durant&#8217;s family and personal life Kevin Durant&#8217;s parents are Wanda Durant and Wayne Pratt. He has three siblings, Brianna, Tony, and Rayvonne. Durant&#8217;s father abandoned the family when he was an infant and his parents eventually divorced later. The two-time Finals MVP&#8217;s grandmother helped Wanda in raising him. When KD was 13, Pratt re-entered his life and traveled with him around the country for basketball tournaments. Durant was once engaged to WNBA star Monica Wright. They started dating in 2013 and were engaged a few months later. However, the engagement was called off, and they reportedly broke up in 2014. He once talked aboutÂ the reason behind the failed relationship. After this, it was rumored KD dated Cassandra Anderson who is a real estate broker. She was spotted attending his games from the spouses&#8217; area during his time with the Warriors. There were multiple social media posts of the two together as well. However, the posts were later deleted. It is unclear whether Durant and Cassandra broke up or whether they are trying to keep it private. Kevin Durant&#8217;s Net Worth in 2024 Kevin Durant has an estimated net worth of around $300 million, according to various reports. Durant currently plays for the Phoenix Suns, after a blockbuster trade from the Brooklyn Nets in February 2023. HeÂ is set to earn $46,407,433 during the 2023-24 NBA season. The two-time NBA champion also earns tens of millions from endorsements thanks to his popularity and success on the hardwood. Furthermore, KD is also an entrepreneur who invests his well-earned money which has helped him build a business empire. In terms of being the highest-paid athlete in the world, Kevin Durant rounds out the 2023 top ten with $89.1 million. Kevin Durant&#8217;s career timeline Kevin Durant was one of the best college basketball stars in the country while playing for the University of Texas. He led the Longhorns to a 25-10 record and clinch 4th seed in the NCAA Tournament. Despite a great game from Durant, the team was eliminated in the second round. For his impressive performances, KD won the National Player of the Year award along with other prestigious accolades. After one year with Texas, he declared for the NBA draft in 2007. Even though there were some reservations about his lanky build, Durant was expected to be a lottery pick. The Seattle SuperSonics selected KD as the 2nd pick of the draft. However, many still thought that the 6&#8217;10&#8221; youngster would struggle to play against the well-built stars in the NBA. But that was far from the reality. Durant hit the ground running and won the Rookie of the Year award averaging 20 points per game.  via Getty After his rookie year, the franchise moved to Oklahoma, rebranding as theÂ Oklahoma City Thunder. The Slim Reaper continued his ascension and dominated his opponents. The Thunder were one of the best young teams with KD, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden in the lineup. Durant led the team to the 2012 NBA Finals but lost the title to LeBron James&#8217; Miami Heat. KD was arguably in his prime during the 2013-14 season and won the NBA MVP award averaging 32 points. However, team success was still hard to come by as the Thunder were knocked out in the Conference Finals. After two more disappointing seasons in Oklahoma, Durant joined theÂ Golden State Warriors. He received major criticism for joining the team that beat the Thunder in the Conference Finals the previous year and also for forming a super team. Durant instantly helped the Warriors with his skill set and experience. The Dubs won two straight titles and KD won the Finals MVP award on both occasions. The Warriors&#8217; hunt for a third straight ring in 2019 came up short in the Finals against the Toronto Raptors as KD struggled with injury throughout the playoffs. After some internal issues within the team, Durant left the Warriors and joined the Brooklyn Nets.  via Getty This move was again criticized heavily as Kyrie Irving also joined the Nets the same year. However, because of COVID protocol, Irving missed a lot of games. Then in 2021, Durant&#8217;s former teammate James Harden also joined the team. But the trio barely played together due to various reasons and Harden left after one year. In the 2022-23 season, the Nets started the season poorly but then went on a great run and looked unstoppable. But things changed after Irving requested a trade and moved to the Dallas Mavericks. Durant later joined theÂ Phoenix Suns in a blockbuster move to play alongside Devin Booker and Chris Paul. In 2023, Durant announced that he would return to wearing the No. 35 jersey, which he had worn throughout his college and professional career before joining the Nets. The same year, he also finished the regular season shooting over 55% from the field, over 40% from three-point range, and over 90% from the free-throw line, becoming the first player in NBA history to achieve those shooting splits in a season. Durant also passed Hakeem Olajuwon in October for 12th on the all-time career scoring list and became the 12th player all-time to reach 27,000 career points. Kevin Durant&#8217;s NBA career stats Regular season stats: Games played &#8211; 1020 Points per game &#8211; 27.3 Rebounds per game &#8211; 7.0 Assists per game &#8211; 4.4 Playoffs stats: Games played &#8211; 166 Points per game &#8211; 29.4 Rebounds per game &#8211; 7.8 Assists per game &#8211; 4.2 Kevin Durant&#8217;s endorsements Some of the biggest endorsements and partnerships of Kevin Durant are as follows: Alaska Air Group Google BBVA Sparkling ICE NBA 2K American Family Insurance Panini Skullcandy Gatorade Sonic Drive-In Sprint Nike Kevin Durant&#8217;s investments Kevin Durant can be hauled as a successful investor. The 13-time NBA All-Star has reportedly made over 80 investments through his firm Thirty Five Ventures which operates as a venture capital firm. Some of the most important investments of KD include Postmates, Yoshi, Rubrik, Whoop, Robinhood, Pieology, etc. KD reportedly earned around $15 million after Uber acquired Postmates. Furthermore, KD has a minority stake in MLS&#8217; Philadelphia Union and the NWSL&#8217;s NJ/NY Gotham FC. In October 2022, Durant joined fellow professional athletes LeBron James, Tom Brady, and Drew Brees as an investor in a professional pickleball team with his business partner, Rich Kleiman, via their Thirty Five Ventures firm. Under it, in March 2023, KD launched a flagship project &#8220;The Boardroom&#8221; that covers all these ventures and also provides news coverage. Kevin Durant&#8217;s major achievements and awards 2Ã— NBA champion (2017, 2018) 2Ã— NBA Finals MVP (2017, 2018) NBA Most Valuable Player (2014) 13Ã— NBA All-Star (2010â€“2019, 2021â€“2023) 2Ã— NBA All-Star Game MVP (2012, 2019) 6Ã— All-NBA First Team (2010â€“2014, 2018) 4Ã— All-NBA Second Team (2016, 2017, 2019, 2022) NBA Rookie of the Year (2008) NBA All-Rookie First Team (2008) 4Ã— NBA scoring champion (2010â€“2012, 2014) 2Ã— 50â€“40â€“90 club (2013, 2023) NBA 75th Anniversary Team Consensus national college player of the year (2007) Consensus first-team All-American (2007) Big 12 Player of the Year (2007) No. 35 retired by Texas Longhorns FIBA World Championship MVP (2010) 3Ã— USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year (2010, 2016, 2021) McDonald&#8217;s All-American Game MVP (2006) First-team Parade All-American (2006) Second-team Parade All-American (2005) &nbsp; &nbsp; Kevin Durant&#8217;s contract details In 2021, Kevin Durant signed a four-year $194.22 million contract extension with the Brooklyn Nets with an annual average salary of over $48 million. After earning over $42 million last year, KD is all set to earn over $46.4 million over the next season, having moved to the Phoenix Suns.Â  Kevin Durant&#8217;s shoe deals Kevin Durant and Nike have signed a lifetime contract, making him the third NBA player to sign such a deal. Michael Jordan and LeBron James are the other two. This partnership includes footwear, apparel, and a philanthropic collaboration that focuses on grassroots basketball. His deal with Nike also includes a $50 million retirement package. KD&#8217;s relationship with Nike dates back to 2007, during which they released 15 different shoes. The 13-time All-Star has also teased a 16th pair. Kevin Durant&#8217;s charity and foundation Kevin Durant is a philanthropist. He founded the Kevin Durant Charity FoundationÂ in 2013. The foundation aims to help youth from low-income backgrounds across the country and internationally as well. He is also a major contributor to different charities likeÂ Tulsa Dream Center,Â Boys and Girls Club,Â American Red Cross,Â GiveDirectly,Â Positive Tommorw, and theÂ Kevin Durant Basketball Facility for Men. He reportedly donated $1 million to the Red Cross for its tornado relief fund and $3 million to the University of Texas to help its basketball program. Kevin Durant&#8217;s car collection Kevin Durant rides in style and has an impressive car collection worth over $4 million. Notably, one car alone is worth more than half of his entire collection: theÂ 1966 Ford GT40 which is worth an estimated $2.5 million. It is one of only 105 models ever made. Also,Â Durant has beenÂ spotted multiple times driving a Ferrari California, which was priced at $200,000.Â He also owns a Lamborghini Aventador Roadster, Rolls-Royce Phantom, etc. Kevin Durant&#8217;s house Kevin Durant not only drives in style; he lives in style as well. Durant either bought or rented mansions whenever he moved to a different team. In 2021, KD reportedly purchased a mansion worth $15.6 million located in Hidden Hills, California. The property is 10,000 square feet and sits on 1.8 acres of land with all the amenities one can expect in a luxury mansion. Kevin Durant&#8217;s social media accounts  Instagram @easymoneysniper  Twitter @KDTrey5  Facebook @KevinDurant  &nbsp;  Full Name Kevin Wayne Durant  Popular Name Kevin Durant  Birth Date September 29, 1988  Birth Place Washington, D.C.  Height 6&#8242; 10&#8243; (2.08 m)  Weight 104 kg  Parents Wanda Durant and Wayne Pratt  Siblings Brianna, Tony, and Rayvonne  Nationality American  Ethnicity African American  Net Worth $200 Million  Salary $42 Million  Relationship/Marital Status N/A  Children None  Profession Basketball player  Team Phoenix Suns  Rings 2

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Kevin Durant Archives - EssentiallySports

Kyrie Irving

By age 4, Kyrie Andrew Irving could dribble between his legs. A point guard, currently plying his craft for the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA, Irving played college basketball for the Duke Blue Devils before being drafted with the first overall pick by the Cavaliers in 2011. After playing six seasons and winning Cleveland a historic championship alongside LeBron James, Irving moved to the Boston Celtics where he played for two seasons. Having become a free agent in the 2019-20 off-season, Irving signed with the Brooklyn Nets and formed a formidable duo with superstar forward Kevin Durant. In February 2023 after a messy exit from Brooklyn, Irving was traded to the Dallas Mavericks, where he formed a partnership with Luka Doncic. Kyrie plays at the point guard position and is currently using jersey no. 11. Kyrie Irving&#8217;s early life Born March 23, 1992 in Melbourne, Australia. His parents, Drederick and Elizabeth Irving were professional basketball players in Australia at the time. When he was two, his family moved back to the United States and settled in West Orange, New Jersey. There is basketball heritage here, with his father Drederick playing college basketball at Boston University alongside Shawn Teague. And courtesy of his father, Kyrie started young too. He went on to attend Montclair Kimberley Academy for middle and high school and showed signs of brilliance. As a sophomore, he led them to their first Division championship in school history. Ranked among the top high school basketball prospects in his senior year, he received scholarship offers from Duke, Kentucky, and other top NCAA programs. Kyrie Irving&#8217;s wife and children Kyrie Irving is not currently married. Previously, he was in a long-term relationship with Kehlani Parrish, an R&amp;B singer. For the most part, Irving keeps his dating life private. Irving has one daughter named Azurie Elizabeth, born on November 23, 2015. Her mother is Andrea Wilson, Kyrie&#8217;s ex-girlfriend. The player previously stated that fatherhood has made him &#8220;a more emotional person&#8221; and that being a father has given him &#8220;more compassion in this world.â€Â  Kyrie Irving&#8217;s net worth 2024 According to Forbes&#8217; 2024 report, the net worth of the Mavericks guard stands at $120 million, encompassing both his on-court earnings and off-court ventures. Irving has maintained an average annual contract salary of $22.5 million over his career. Additionally, he secured an $11 million endorsement deal with Nike for his signature &#8220;Kyrie&#8221; shoes, which proved to be top sellers for the brand. However, following an anti-Semitic tweet, Nike chose to sever ties with Irving. Subsequently, in 2023, Irving inked a new sneaker agreement with the Chinese sportswear powerhouse &#8220;Anta.&#8221; &nbsp; Kyrie Irvingâ€™s career timelineÂ  Back in January, Irving was named an Eastern Conference starter for the 2023 NBA All-Star Game, his eighth selection and sixth as a starter. In February, he was traded to the Dallas Mavericks. During a game in March, Irving scored 40 points while his teammate, Luka Doncic, scored 42 points. It was the first time in Dallas franchise history that two players scored 40 points in the same game.Â  In July 2019, the Nets signed Irving in free agency. On his debut, he scored 50 points against the Minnesota Timberwolves. But he played just 20 games for the Nets in his first season owing to a shoulder injury. In the 2021-22 season, he missed the first half of the season due to his insistence on not getting vaccinated against Covid-19. He eventually started playing in the away games in cities that didn&#8217;t have a vaccine mandate. After New York City also lifted its vaccine requirements, Irving made his season debut at the Barclays Center. However, the Nets were swept in the First Round of the Playoffs by his former employers, Boston Celtics. There were many reports of Irving wanting out of Brooklyn by declining his player option for the final year of the contract. However, Irving opted into the contract, returning to the Nets for the 2022-23 season. Irving, nevertheless, had a tumultuous tenure with the Brooklyn Nets marred by injuries, suspension for promoting an antisemitic film, and conflicts over his stance on not getting vaccinated against COVID-19. Tensions boiled over between Irving and the Nets organization, making a trade appear inevitable before the February deadline. Jan 3, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (11) celebrates after making a basket against the Portland Trail Blazers during the second quarter at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports On February 5, 2023, the Nets traded Kyrie Irving and Markieff Morris to the Dallas Mavericks. In return, the Nets received Spencer Dinwiddie, Dorian Finney-Smith, a 2029 first-round pick, and multiple second-round picks from Dallas. The Mavericks hoped adding the star scoring of Irving would help Doncic and push them higher up in the competitive Western Conference. However, the Mavs struggled to integrate Irving seamlessly into their lineup down the stretch of the 2022-23 season. Interestingly, Irving had about $36.5 million left on his contract for 2022-23 when traded to Dallas. He is eligible for a contract extension with the Mavericks this summer but his future in Dallas remains uncertain. Kyrie Irving contracts According to multiple reports, Irving has agreed to a three-year, $126 million deal with the Mavericks, featuring a player option for the third season. Kyrie Irving&#8217;s salary for the 2023/24 NBA season amounts to $37,037,037. Irving is presently committed to the Dallas Mavericks for a three-year contract valued at $126 million. His status will transition to unrestricted free agency in 2026. By the conclusion of the 2023/24 NBA season, Irving will have amassed a total career earnings of $270,083,674. Â Kyrie Irvingâ€™s Investments After signing a new brand partnership with ANTA and unveiling his new logo, Irving invested in KICKS CREW due to its track record and commitment to building a player-owned and empowered platform. The partnership was driven by a mutual desire to democratize the sneaker marketplace and unite communities through sneaker culture. Kyrie Irving&#8217;s role as Chief Community Officer also showcased a cause-driven, community-centric approach, empowering new brands and collaborations that blended art and basketball in new ways. His efforts extended globally, including initiatives and projects that positively impacted the Middle East and Africa, embodying a broader social and cultural engagement vision. Kyrie&#8217;s endorsement deals, which encompass partnerships with Panini, Anta, and Pepsi, contribute approximately $17 million to his earnings. &nbsp; Kyrie Irving stats Career AveragesÂ  Points: 23.4 Assists: 5.7 Rebounds: 3.9 Steals: 1.1 Field Goal %: 47.3% 3-Point %: 39.2% Best Scoring Seasons 2021-22 (Brooklyn): 27.4 ppg 2019-20 (Brooklyn): 27.4 ppg 2016-17 (Cleveland): 25.2 ppg NBA Awards/Honors NBA Champion (2016 with Cleveland) 7x NBA All-Star (2013-2015, 2017-2019, 2021) All-NBA Second Team (2019) NBA Rookie of the Year (2012) NBA Three-Point Contest champion (2013) Playoff Stats 23.9 points per game in 106 career playoff games Scored 41 points in Game 5 of 2016 Finals to lead Cavs comeback Other 60-point game vs. Orlando in 2022 (career high) One of 7 players with 25+ ppg in both NBA Finals &amp; Olympics 12th all-time in 3 PM made (1,454 entering 2022-23) &nbsp; Kyrie Irvingâ€™s Records Youngest All-Star MVP: In 2014, Irving became the youngest player to win the NBA All-Star Game MVP award at the age of 21, showcasing his prowess among the league&#8217;s elite. Scoring Prowess: Irving is known for his scoring ability, evident in his record for the most points scored in a regular-season debut for the Cleveland Cavaliers with 29 points in 2011. Historic Three-Point Shooting: Irving holds the record for the most three-pointers made in a single NBA All-Star Game with 11 in 2019, showcasing his long-range shooting prowess on the big stage. Clutch Performances: Irving has a reputation for delivering in clutch moments, including his record for the most points scored in an overtime period during the NBA Finals with 12 points in 2017, helping the Cleveland Cavaliers secure a crucial victory. Multiple 50-Point Games: Irving has recorded multiple 50-point games in his career, including a franchise-record 57 points for the Brooklyn Nets in 2021, highlighting his scoring dominance on the court. Elite Ball-Handling: Known for his exceptional ball-handling skills, Irving has mesmerized fans with his dribbling prowess, earning him recognition as one of the most skilled ball-handlers in NBA history. Triple-Double Performances: Despite being primarily known as a scorer, Irving has also showcased his versatility with several triple-double performances throughout his career, demonstrating his ability to impact the game in multiple facets. Kyrie Irvingâ€™s major achievements and awards &nbsp; NBA champion (2016) 8Ã— NBA All-Star (2013â€“2015, 2017â€“2019, 2021, 2023) NBA All-Star Game MVP (2014) All-NBA Second Team (2019) 2Ã— All-NBA Third Team (2015, 2021) 50â€“40â€“90 club (2021) NBA Rookie of the Year (2012) NBA All-Rookie First Team (2012) NBA Three-Point Contest champion (2013) USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year (2014) FIBA World Cup MVP (2014) McDonald&#8217;s All-American (2010) First-team Parade All-American (2010) &nbsp; Â Kyrie Irvingâ€™s Shoe Deal The highly anticipated sneaker free agency period concluded earlier this summer, marking one of the most-watched events in recent memory. In June, Dallas Mavericks point guard Kyrie Irving finalized a five-year contract with Chinese brand ANTA for footwear and apparel. As part of the agreement, Irving will have his signature shoe line and serve as the Chief Creative Officer of ANTA Basketball. Following the signing, the outspoken NBA star embarked on a tour of China to promote the new partnership and visit ANTA&#8217;s headquarters in Xiamen. During his visit, Irving engaged with fans, factory employees, and ANTA executives, while also unveiling his new signature logo. The logo, prominently featuring a &#8220;K&#8221; and the number &#8220;11&#8221; representing Irving&#8217;s jersey number for the upcoming 2023-24 NBA season, was revealed on a large outdoor mural, captivating basketball enthusiasts and sneaker aficionados alike. Interestingly, Irving&#8217;s ANTA logo bears some resemblance to his previous Nike logo, which he had used for nearly a decade during his tenure with the American brand. The unveiling of the new logo further solidified Irving&#8217;s transition to his new partnership with ANTA. Kyrie Irving&#8217;s house Kyrie Irving previously owned a residence in Brooklyn, New York. He acquired a three-bedroom, two-bathroom penthouse loft in Union City for $925,000. However, following his recent trade to the Mavericks, he vacated the property. Additionally, Irving had previously purchased a home in Cleveland. Upon his departure to play for the Celtics, he sold the property for $2 million. The house boasted four bedrooms, six bathrooms, an indoor basketball court, a fireplace, a private cinema, and other amenities. Â Kyrie Irvingâ€™s RingsÂ  On August 27, 2015, Irving learned he might miss the start of the 2015â€“16 NBA season due to a left kneecap fracture from the 2015 NBA Finals. He returned on December 20, scoring 12 points in 17 minutes against the Philadelphia 76ers. On January 6, he achieved a season-high 32 points against the Washington Wizards and matched it on February 8 against the Sacramento Kings, adding 12 assists. Just two days later, he surpassed this with 35 points against the Los Angeles Lakers. The Cavaliers claimed the Eastern Conference&#8217;s top seed with a 57â€“25 record. In the playoffs, they swept the Detroit Pistons, with Irving contributing 31 points in Games 1 and 4. Advancing with a 12â€“2 record, they met the Golden State Warriors in the 2016 NBA Finals. Despite a challenging start, Irving and LeBron James led a turnaround in Game 5, each scoring 41 points. In a historic Game 7, Irving&#8217;s late three-pointer secured a 93â€“89 victory, ending Cleveland&#8217;s 52-year championship drought. Kyrie Irvingâ€™s Car collectionÂ  Kyrie Irving, the Dallas Mavericks&#8217; NBA All-Star, boasts a remarkable car collection worth a staggering $1.3 million. Despite his controversies off the court, Irving&#8217;s star status in the NBA affords him a luxurious lifestyle, evident in his choice of automobiles. Irving&#8217;s collection includes a mix of sports cars and a luxury SUV. Among them is the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon, ideal for off-road adventures with its robust design and 3.6L V6 engine. Adding flair to his garage is the Audi R8, a premium sports car combining performance and style with its 5.2L V10 engine and sleek design. No luxury collection is complete without a Ferrari, and Irving&#8217;s garage boasts the Ferrari 458 Italia, valued at $225,325, known for its speed and power. Another standout is the Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4, priced at $399,500, offering top-notch performance with its 6.5L V12 engine and eye-catching design. Topping off his collection is the Lamborghini Aventador SV Roadster, the most expensive at $460,422, known for its exquisite design and blistering speed, reaching up to 217 mph. Irving&#8217;s car collection reflects his penchant for luxury and performance, showcasing his success both on and off the basketball court. Â Kyrie Irvingâ€™s Social Media Accounts &nbsp;  Instagram https://www.instagram.com/kyrieirving/  Twitter https://twitter.com/kyrieirving  Facebook N/A  Website can skip if not there  &nbsp;  Personal Information:  Full Name Kyrie Andrew Irving  Popular Name Kyrie Irving  Date of Birth 23rd March, 1992  Birth Place Melbourne, Victoria, Australia  Age 32  Height 6 feet 2 inches  Weight 195 lb  Parents Drederick Irving (Father) Elizabeth (nÃ©e Larson) Irving  Siblings 2 Sisters:Â  Asia London  Nationality American  Ethnicity African-American  Net Worth $90 Million  Salary $37.037 Million  Spouse Marlene Wilkerson  Relationship/Marital Status Married  Children 3  Profession Basketball Player  Team Dallas Mavericks  Rings 1

“Natural Leader”- Orlando Magic Head Coach Details Why Steve Nash is the Right Guy to Lead Brooklyn Nets

Can Nash lead the Brooklyn Nets to glory?