History of Kevin Durant in Timeline

Kevin Durant is an American professional basketball player for the Phoenix Suns. Widely regarded as one of the greatest scorers in NBA history, Durant has won two NBA championships, an NBA MVP award, two Finals MVP awards, four scoring titles, and an NBA Rookie of the Year Award. He has been named to 11 All-NBA teams and selected 15 times as an NBA All-Star. He also holds four Olympic gold medals and was named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team in 2021. He currently ranks eighth among NBA career scoring leaders.

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Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1966: Durant duplicates Rick Barry scoring record

In December 18, Kevin Durant scored at least 40 points in his last three games against Detroit, the first player to do that since Rick Barry in the 1966–67 season.

September 29, 1988: Kevin Durant's Birth

On September 29, 1988, Kevin Wayne Durant, also known as KD, was born. He is now a professional basketball player in the NBA.

Others born on this day/year

1994: FIBA World Championship

In 1994, prior to Durant leading the team to victory in 2010, Team USA had not won the FIBA World Championship since 1994.

1996: Last Teammates with 40 Points in a Single Game

Durant and Westbrook became the first pair of teammates since 1996 to each score at least 40 points in a single game

2006: College Season with Texas Longhorns

During the 2006 college season, Durant averaged 25.8 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game for the Texas Longhorns.

2006: Considered Entering NBA Draft

In 2006, Durant considered entering the NBA draft, but due to the NBA's one-and-done rule, he did not. His favorite team, the Toronto Raptors, had the first overall pick.

2006: Named All-Met Basketball Player of the Year

In 2006, Durant was named the Washington Post All-Met Basketball Player of the Year and the MVP of the McDonald's All-American Game.

February 2007: Invitation to United States national team training camp

In February 2007, Kevin Durant received an invitation to the United States national team training camp. Despite a strong performance, he was ultimately cut from the team.

2007: Named NBA Rookie of the Year

At the end of the 2007 NBA season, Durant was named the NBA Rookie of the Year, averaging 20.3 points per game.

2007: Drafted by Seattle SuperSonics

In 2007, Kevin Durant was selected as the second overall pick in the NBA draft by the Seattle SuperSonics. In his first game, the 19-year-old Durant scored 18 points against the Denver Nuggets.

2008: SuperSonics Relocate to Oklahoma City

Following Durant's rookie season in 2008, the Supersonics relocated to Oklahoma City, becoming the Thunder.

2009: Rookie Challenge Record

At the 2009 NBA All-Star Weekend, Durant set a Rookie Challenge record with 46 points.

2009: First NBA All-Star Game Selection

During the 2009 season, Durant was selected to his first NBA All-Star Game.

2010: Scoring Titles

From 2010 to 2014, Durant won four scoring titles, establishing his prodigious scoring ability.

2010: Start of Senior National Team Career

From 2010 to 2024, Durant played with the senior men's United States national team in 37 official games, in major FIBA tournaments, averaging 18.8 points, 4.9 rebounds and 2.9 assists.

2010: Increasing Assist Numbers

From 2010, Durant increased his assist numbers every year through 2014.

2010: Selection to national team and FIBA World Championship

In 2010, Kevin Durant was selected to the national team at the FIBA World Championship. Durant led Team USA to its first FIBA World Championship since 1994 and earned the tournament's MVP honors.

2010: Signs Contract Extension

Prior to the start of the 2010 season, Durant signed a five-year contract extension with the Thunder worth approximately $86 million.

2011: Conference Finals Appearance

In the 2011 NBA playoffs, Durant led the Oklahoma City Thunder to the Conference Finals, where they lost to the Dallas Mavericks in five games.

2011: 50-Point Game Against Denver Nuggets

On February 19, 2011, Durant recorded his first career 50-point game, scoring 51 points against the Denver Nuggets.

2012: NBA All-Star Game MVP Award

At the 2012 All-Star Game, Durant scored 36 points and was awarded the NBA All-Star Game Most Valuable Player Award.

2012: Olympics Record

At the 2012 Olympics, Durant set the record for total points scored in an Olympic basketball tournament. He helped the national team go undefeated en route to a gold medal.

2012: Joins the 50-40-90 Club

During the 2012-2013 NBA season, Durant joined the 50-40-90 club, becoming the youngest player in NBA history to do so.

2012: Finishing at the Rim

In 2012, Durant converted 72.2% of his shots in the paint, demonstrating his strength as a finisher at the rim.

2012: NBA Finals Appearance

In 2012, Durant led the Thunder to the NBA Finals, where they lost to the Miami Heat in five games.

2013: 50-40-90 Club

By 2013, Durant's shooting accuracy allowed him to become one of only nine members of the 50–40–90 club.

2013: Playoff Performance Without Westbrook

During the 2013 NBA playoffs, Durant averaged a career-high 30.8 points per game after Westbrook tore his meniscus.

2013: Scored Career-High 54 Points

During the 2013-2014 NBA season, Durant scored a career-high 54 points against the Golden State Warriors.

2013: Real Estate and Restaurant Ventures

In 2013, Durant listed his Oklahoma City residence for sale and opened KD's Southern Cuisine restaurant.

2013: Donation to American Red Cross

In 2013, Durant pledged $1 million to the American Red Cross for the victims of the 2013 Moore tornado.

2013: Roc Nation Signing and Earnings

In 2013, Durant signed with Roc Nation and earned $35 million, making him the fourth-highest-earning basketball player that year.

2013: "Nicest Guy in the NBA"

In 2013, Foot Locker commercials called Durant the "nicest guy in the NBA", highlighting his kind demeanor.

2014: All-NBA Honors

Durant continued earning All-NBA honors up to 2014 and later in 2016-2019, 2022 and 2024.

2014: Withdrawal from FIBA Basketball World Cup

In 2014, Durant announced that he would be dropping out of the FIBA Basketball World Cup, citing mental and physical exhaustion.

2014: Partnership with KIND Snacks

In 2014, Durant partnered with KIND snacks and launched StrongAndKind.com to promote kindness.

2014: Defensive Improvement

In 2014, opponents averaged just .62 points per isolation play against Durant, showcasing defensive improvement.

2015: 73-Win Season and Championship

In 2015, the Golden State Warriors had a record-setting 73-win season and won the championship, further compounding the reaction to Durant's move to the team in 2016.

2015: Teammates with 40 Points in a Single Game

In the 2015-2016 season, Durant and Westbrook became the first pair of teammates since 1996 to each score at least 40 points in a single game.

December 2016: Height Revelation

In December 2016, Durant stated that his height in shoes was actually 7 ft 0 in (2.13 m) and that he understated his height to be listed as a small forward.

2016: Return to Team USA and Gold Medal

In 2016, Durant rejoined Team USA on the Olympic team, leading them to a gold medal. He was also named the 2016 co-USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year along with Carmelo Anthony.

2016: Won Olympic Gold Medal

In 2016, Durant won a gold medal as a member of the U.S. national team at the Olympics.

2016: Credentialed Photographer at Super Bowl 50

In 2016, Durant worked as a credentialed photographer for The Players' Tribune at Super Bowl 50.

2016: Joining the Warriors

In 2016, Durant's ability to impact the offense in a variety of ways helped him remain effective and improve the already elite offense upon joining the Warriors.

2016: Durant's debut for the Warriors

In 2016, Kevin Durant debuted for the Warriors on October 25 against the San Antonio Spurs, scoring a team-high 27 points in a loss. Durant suffered a Grade 2 MCL sprain and a tibial bone bruise in his left knee in March, forcing him to miss the final 19 games of the season. The Warriors finished the 2016-17 season with a 67-15 record and entered the playoffs as the first seed.

2016: Worst Postseason Shooting Performance

In Game 2 of the first round of the 2016 NBA playoffs against the Mavericks, Durant had the worst postseason shooting performance of his career.

2016: Signs with the Golden State Warriors

On July 4, 2016, Durant announced his intention to sign with the Golden State Warriors via The Players' Tribune. On July 7, Durant officially signed with Golden State on a two-year, $54.3 million contract with a player option after the first year.

April 7, 2017: YouTube Account Creation

On April 7, 2017, Durant created a YouTube account and began uploading live stream vlogs.

August 17, 2017: Kevin Durant Day

August 17, 2017, Durant's hometown Seat Pleasant in Prince George's County, Maryland announced Kevin Durant Day in honor of his contributions to the community.

2017: Durant re-signs with the Warriors

After the 2017 NBA Finals, Kevin Durant declined his player option and became an unrestricted free agent. On July 25, 2017, he re-signed with the Warriors for less money than the maximum.

2017: Thirty Five Ventures Founding

In 2017, Durant and Rich Kleiman founded Thirty Five Ventures.

2017: Durant's NBA Finals MVP Award

In 2017, Kevin Durant returned from injury for the NBA playoffs and helped the Warriors advance to the Finals. Durant was the Golden State's top scorer in every game, averaging 35.2 points. He was subsequently named the NBA Finals MVP. The Warriors finished the playoffs with a 16–1 record.

February 13, 2018: Apple TV Drama Creation

On February 13, 2018, it was reported that Durant, in partnership with Imagine Television, will create a basketball-themed scripted drama for Apple.

July 7, 2018: Durant re-signs with the Warriors

On July 7, 2018, Kevin Durant re-signed with the Warriors on a reported two-year, $61.5 million contract, which included a player option for the second year.

July 2018: Twitter Interaction with CJ McCollum

In July 2018, Durant was involved in a Twitter back-and-forth with CJ McCollum, marking a more outspoken phase in his career.

2018: Defensive Player of the Year Consideration

In 2018, Durant was considered for the NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award, signifying his development into a reliable defender.

2018: Time's 100 Most Influential People

In 2018, Durant was included in Time magazine's 100 Most Influential People.

2018: Named one of Time's 100 Most Influential People

In 2018, Durant was named among Time's 100 most influential people in the world.

2018: Durant wins second Finals MVP Award

In 2018, Kevin Durant led the Warriors to a 3-0 advantage in the NBA Finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Golden State ultimately swept Cleveland and clinched a second straight championship; with averages of 28.8 points. Durant won a second back-to-back Finals MVP Award.

June 2019: Durant decides to sit out the 2019-20 season

In June 2019, shortly after his injury, Kevin Durant decided he would be sitting out the entire 2019–20 season.

June 30, 2019: Durant plans to sign with the Brooklyn Nets

On June 30, 2019, Kevin Durant announced that he planned to sign with the Brooklyn Nets after the July moratorium ended on July 6.

2019: All-NBA Honors

Durant continued earning All-NBA honors up to 2019, after 2014, and later in 2022 and 2024.

2019: Durant suffers Achilles tendon injury

In 2019, after missing nine games with a strained right calf, Kevin Durant returned to action in Game 5 of the NBA Finals. Durant suffered an Achilles tendon injury. The Warriors won the game 106–105.

March 17, 2020: Durant tests positive for COVID-19

On March 17, 2020, Kevin Durant and three other Nets players tested positive for COVID-19.

June 15, 2020: Minority Owner of Philadelphia Union

On June 15, 2020, Durant became a minority owner of MLS side Philadelphia Union, acquiring a 5% stake.

June 2020: YouTube Channel Growth

As of June 2020, Durant's YouTube channel had received over 790,000 subscribers and 38 million video views.

December 22, 2020: Durant makes Nets debut

On December 22, 2020, Kevin Durant made his Nets debut, putting up 22 points in a win over his former team, the Golden State Warriors.

2020: Won Olympic Gold Medal

In 2020, Durant won a gold medal as a member of the U.S. national team at the Olympics.

2020: Basketball County Documentary

In 2020, Thirty Five Ventures produced Basketball County, a documentary about youth basketball in Durant's home county.

January 14, 2021: Harden traded to the Nets, reuniting with Durant

On January 14, 2021, James Harden was traded to the Nets in a four-team deal, reuniting Kevin Durant with his former Thunder teammate.

January 16, 2021: Durant scores season-high 42 points

On January 16, 2021, Kevin Durant scored a season-high 42 points in a win over the Orlando Magic.

April 7, 2021: Durant returns from injury

On April 7, 2021, Kevin Durant made his return, scoring 17 points in a win over the New Orleans Pelicans.

May 2021: Investment in Just Women's Sports

In May 2021, Durant (through Thirty Five Ventures) was announced as an investor in Just Women's Sports, an American media platform.

August 8, 2021: Durant signs extension with the Nets

On August 8, 2021, Kevin Durant signed a four-year, $198 million extension with the Nets.

August 2021: Partnership with Weedmaps

In August 2021, Durant announced a partnership between his multimedia company Boardroom and the cannabis technology company Weedmaps.

October 29, 2021: Swagger TV Show Premiere

On October 29, 2021, Swagger, a TV show inspired by Durant's life story, premiered on Apple TV+.

December 22, 2021: Deal with Coinbase

On December 22, 2021, Durant had signed a deal with Coinbase to serve as a brand ambassador.

2021: Named to NBA 75th Anniversary Team

In 2021, Durant was named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team.

2021: Academy Award Win

In 2021, Thirty Five Ventures' work Two Distant Strangers won the Academy Award for Short Film (Live Action).

2021: Olympics delayed until 2021

In 2021, the 2020 Olympic team games were delayed until 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Durant broke Carmelo Anthony's record on July 31 against the Czech Republic, and led the unheralded U.S. squad to a gold medal, with FIBA naming him the tournament's MVP.

January 15, 2022: Durant suffers knee injury

On January 15, 2022, Kevin Durant exited during a victory over the New Orleans Pelicans after suffering a left knee injury, later revealed to be a sprained MCL.

June 30, 2022: Durant requests trade from the Nets

On June 30, 2022, it was reported that Kevin Durant had requested a trade from the Nets.

August 24, 2022: Durant rescinds trade request

On August 24, 2022, Kevin Durant rescinded his trade request after meeting with Nets management.

October 2022: Investment in Professional Pickleball Team

In October 2022, Durant joined fellow professional athletes as an investor in a professional pickleball team via their Thirty Five Ventures (35V) firm.

2022: All-NBA Honors

Durant continued earning All-NBA honors in 2022 after 2019, and later in 2024.

February 9, 2023: Durant traded to Phoenix Suns

On February 9, 2023, Kevin Durant was traded to the Phoenix Suns.

October 31, 2023: Durant passes Hakeem Olajuwon on all-time scoring list

On October 31, 2023, Kevin Durant passed Hakeem Olajuwon for 12th on the all-time career scoring list and became the 12th player all-time to reach 27,000 career points.

2023: Durant named All-Star starter

On January 26, 2023, Kevin Durant was named an Eastern Conference starter for the 2023 NBA All-Star Game, marking his thirteenth overall selection and eleventh as a starter.

January 21, 2024: Durant scores 40 points against Pacers

On January 21, 2024, Kevin Durant scored 40 points and grabbed nine rebounds on 18-of-25 shooting from the field in a 117–110 win over the Indiana Pacers. He became the first Sun and the 14th player in NBA history to score 40 points with zero free throw attempts.

October 26, 2024: Durant reaches 29,000 career points

On October 26, 2024, in a game against the Dallas Mavericks, Kevin Durant reached 29,000 career points, becoming the eighth player to accomplish the feat.

2024: All-NBA Honors

Durant continued earning All-NBA honors in 2024 after 2022.

2024: Continued National Team Performance

From 2010 to 2024, Durant played with the senior men's United States national team in 37 official games, averaging 18.8 points, 4.9 rebounds and 2.9 assists.

2024: First Male Athlete to Win Four Olympic Gold Medals

In 2024, Durant became the first male athlete to win four Olympics gold medals in a team sport.

2024: Fourth Olympic Appearance

In 2024, at age 35, Durant made his fourth Olympic appearance on the 2024 Olympic team. On August 4, Durant became the United States' all-time rebounding leader at the Olympics, surpassing Carmelo Anthony, in a win against Puerto Rico. On August 7, he became the United States' all-time Olympic scoring leader, surpassing Lisa Leslie of the women's team, in a quarterfinal win against Brazil. Team USA won the gold medal in a rematch against France, making Durant the first and only four-time gold medalist in men's basketball.

January 2025: Oklahoma City Franchise Record

As of January 2025, Kevin Durant's 32.0 points per game in a season stands as the Oklahoma City franchise record.

January 25, 2025: Durant named All-Star starter

On January 25, 2025, Kevin Durant was named a Western Conference starter for the 2025 NBA All-Star Game, marking his fifteenth overall selection and thirteenth as a starter.

2028: Suns receive first-round pick swap

As part of the trade, the Phoenix Suns also received a 2028 first-round pick swap.

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