Most young NBA stars often provide an insatiable marketing scope when they make they make it to the NBA. However, several unbelievable talents tend to attract attention even at lower-level leagues in high school and college. Such young sensations often face financial exploitations during their initial journey, as leagues tend to use their names for marketing without paying compensation. Kevin Durant and LeBron James once talked about getting financially exploited at the high school and college levels by the NCAA.

Back in 2019, Kevin Durant, LeBron James, and his former high school teammate Maverick Carter appeared on an episode of ESPN+’s The Boardroom. The trio discussed things happening in the background of the sport in terms of business. LeBron James discussed the first time he realized he was being marketed even before he became a high school star.

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The Lakers forward revealed that the NCAA and other entities profited from his skills by selling season tickets in Akron. In addition, Maverick Carter reckoned that the school district and the state of Ohio offered a pay-per-click service on LeBron’s games.

Kevin Durant opens up about getting financially exploited

Kevin Durant could relate to the revelations made by James. During his one-year with the Texas Longhorns, KD put displayed complete domination and put on the best figures in NCAA history. The two-time NBA champ averaged 28.5 points with 11.1 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game. Durant has come a long way since then. The 34-year-old’s net worth is around $200 million.

The Brooklyn Nets guard became the first freshman to be named the Naismith College Player of the Year. Durant’s on-court feats made him a household name in Texas. However, the 12-time All-Star felt that the NCAA and the University of Texas exploited him to make selfish financial gains.

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Kevin Durant found out about the NCAA’s action when he saw a no. 25 jersey on the rack without his name on it. The situation confused Durant and led him to the reality that the NCAA and the university might have been making money on the side using his popularity. KD added, “So I didn’t know who to turn to, I had no guidance, and I was going to the NBA the next year. So it was like, I just want to play the ball.”

Durant decided to focus on making it to the NBA, keeping all his concerns about the NCAA aside. He entered the league in 2007 with Seattle Supersonics (Oklahoma City Thunder) as the 2nd overall pick in Round 1.

Since then, KD has emerged as one of the most elite scorers in the league. The two-time Finals MVP would hope to win his first championship since 2018 with the Brooklyn Nets this season.