Saumya is the Lead Editor for the NBA Active division at EssentiallySports. With almost a decade of writing experience, Saumya embraced the editorial front with open arms at the ES NewsDesk. She monitors and covers NBA Trade Deadlines closely, supervising live coverage of games, and analyzes the speculations that go beyond the players’ on-court lives. 

She has a keen eye for the nuances that make basketball more than just a sport. Saumya ensures to weave the right words to capture the essence of each slam dunk, every strategic play, and the relentless pursuit of greatness by athletes who defy gravity. Her commitment to bring a fresh perspective &amp; shedding light on the untold narratives is her USP. 

When not at her desk, she’s busy lounging with her dog or whipping up new recipes. Join her in her journey as she explores the captivating world of the NBA.

The 2? NBA champion, Kevin Durant [https://www.essentiallysports.com/tag/kevin-durant/] has once again shown his deep appreciation for her mother Wanda Durant. Wanda has been his biggest supporter [https://www.essentiallysports.com/nba-basketball-news-kevin-durants-mother-battling-poverty-but-teaching-her-200-million-worth-son-the-value-of-money-is-a-must-read-story-on-womens-day/] in the journey. Durant is a top-paid player currently and still playing at an elite level averaging 27.3 points, and 7.1 rebounds per game. At his peak season in 2014, he averaged a crazy 35.9 points per game, breaking Michael Jordan [http://www.essentiallysports.com/tag/michael-jordan/]?s record of scoring over 25 points in consecutive games. He was named the MVP that year, winning 58 games for Oklahoma City [https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/nba/oklahoma-city-thunder/].? At the MVP award speech, KD was in tears while honoring her mother. KEVIN TRIBUTES NEW NIKE SNEAKER FOR HIS ?MVP? MOTHER Kevin Durant reminisced about his mother and the sacrifices she made for him and his brother Tony. He?recalled her support in his emerging years. Waking him up in the middle of the night during summer to run up hills and making him do push-ups. She passionately cheered for 8-9 YO KD from the sidelines at his games.? And recently, with teary eyes, Durant continued paying gratitude and said, “We weren’t supposed to be here. You made us believe. You kept us off the street, put clothes on us, and put food on the table when you didn’t eat. Made sure we ate. You went to sleep hungry, sacrificed for us. You are the real MVP”.? Years later, he released a new Nike KD16 as a tribute to his ?MVP? mother, Wanda Durant. The shoe features a design with a WD logo on the tongue. The shoe is arriving on 1 November, and can be purchased at Nike online store retailed at $160 USD. As the pictures are released online, NBA fans are loving KD?s new sneakers.? FANS PRAISE KD16 FOR ITS ?COLOR? AND ?LOGO? After seeing the pictures of the shoe line, one fan said, ?This might be the best-looking basketball shoe I?ve seen in a while?. Another fan expressed his respect for KD and his mother by writing, ?Real MVP. These are a nice color for sure?. KD16 comes in two colors and one fan liked them. He wrote, ?All KD16s colorways so far have not disappointed ???? READ MORE: ?It?s All About Me!?: Kevin Durant Dished Out Selfish Reply on Dating Someone His ?Real MVP? Mother Didn?t Approve of in 2013 [https://www.essentiallysports.com/nba-basketball-news-its-all-about-me-kevin-durant-dished-out-selfish-reply-on-dating-someone-his-real-mvp-mother-didnt-approve-of-in-2013/] Many agree that the WD logo on the tongue is a standout feature and a fitting tribute to the ?real MVP. One fan wrote, ?The WD logo on the tongue is ????. Someone declared this among KD?s top three sneakers, ?These are top 3 his best kicks ???? Watch This Story:?Not Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, or $251,019,650 Addition Bradley Beal, Kendrick Perkins Deems 25YO Guard ?Key? to Suns? Success [https://www.essentiallysports.com/stories/nba-active-basketball-news-not-kevin-durant-devin-booker-or-251019650-addition-bradley-beal-kendrick-perkins-deems-25yo-guard-key-to-suns-success/] 

Kevin Durant pays tribute to her mother who he called "the real MVP" during his MVP speech, by launching a shoe line for her.

Chetan is an NBA Writer at EssentiallySports. His commitment to staying abreast
with basketball highlights and the ever-changing statistics is unwavering. An
element highlighted in his coverage, which includes pre-game analysis,
understanding fan’s sentiments, and capturing the essence of behind-the-scenes
coverage for entities. Chetan has harbored a deep passion for the game since
high school. His affection for the sport extends beyond watching games to
actively participating on the court. Beyond the realm of sports, Chetan is a
film enthusiast and finds solace in non-fiction literature.

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Court Kings Narratives

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Kevin Durant?s Touching Tribute to His ?MVP? Through Newest Nike Sneaker Wins
Over the NBA World

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Went Public, Claim Ex-Employees

Draymond Green Silently Approves Kiyan Anthony’s Take on Bryce James Amid $1.2
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Kerr’s Heartfelt Confession

After LeBron James All-Star Clip, Shaquille O’Neal Challenges Olympic
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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 about <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"> 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 the <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 the <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 the <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">2× NBA champion (2017, 2018)</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400">2× NBA Finals MVP (2017, 2018)</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400">NBA Most Valuable Player (2014)</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400">13× NBA All-Star (2010–2019, 2021–2023)</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400">2× NBA All-Star Game MVP (2012, 2019)</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400">6× All-NBA First Team (2010–2014, 2018)</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400">4× 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">4× NBA scoring champion (2010–2012, 2014)</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400">2× 50–40–90 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">3× 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. </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> 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 like <em>Tulsa Dream Center</em>, <em>Boys and Girls Club</em>, <em>American Red Cross</em>, <em>GiveDirectly</em>, <em>Positive Tommorw</em>, and the <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: the 1966 Ford GT40 which is worth an estimated $2.5 million. It is one of only 105 models ever made. Also, Durant has been spotted multiple times driving a Ferrari California, which was priced at $200,000. 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>

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