Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Kevin Durant

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Kevin Durant made an impact.

Kevin Durant (KD) is a highly decorated American professional basketball player currently with the Phoenix Suns. He boasts an impressive resume including two NBA championships, an NBA MVP award, two NBA Finals MVP awards, two All-Star Game MVP awards, four scoring titles, and Rookie of the Year honors. A 15-time All-Star and 11-time All-NBA selection, Durant was also named to the NBA's 75th Anniversary Team. Furthermore, he has secured four Olympic gold medals with Team USA. He currently ranks among the NBA's all-time leading scorers.

Sections (4)

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

1996: Teammates Scoring 40 points

In 2015-16 Season, Durant and Westbrook, became the first pair of teammates to each score at least 40 points in a single game since 1996.

2006: College Season at Texas

During the 2006-07 college season, Kevin Durant averaged 25.8 points and 11.1 rebounds per game for the Texas Longhorns. He also won the John R. Wooden Award and the Naismith College Player of the Year Award, becoming the first freshman to win any of the national player of the year awards.

2006: NBA Draft Eligibility

In 2006, Kevin Durant stated he would have entered the NBA draft if not for the "one-and-done" rule, with the Toronto Raptors holding the first overall pick, Durant's favorite team growing up.

February 2007: Invitation to United States National Team Training Camp

In February 2007, Durant received an invitation to the United States national team training camp but was cut from the team due to the experience of the remaining players.

2007: NBA Rookie of the Year

At the end of the 2007-08 NBA season, Kevin Durant was named the NBA Rookie of the Year, averaging 20.3 points per game.

2007: First NBA Game

In 2007, Kevin Durant played his first regular season game for the Seattle SuperSonics, registering 18 points against the Denver Nuggets.

2007: Drafted by Seattle SuperSonics

In 2007, Kevin Durant was selected as the second overall pick by the Seattle SuperSonics in the NBA draft, marking the beginning of his professional basketball career.

2008: Thunder Relocation

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

2008: Oklahoma City Thunder

In 2008, the Seattle SuperSonics relocated to Oklahoma City and became the Thunder. Kevin Durant continued to play for the franchise.

2009: First NBA All-Star Game Selection

During the 2009–10 season, Kevin Durant was selected to his first NBA All-Star Game. He also became the youngest NBA scoring champion, averaging 30.1 points per game.

2009: All-Star Weekend

In 2009, at the NBA All-Star Weekend, Kevin Durant set a Rookie Challenge record with 46 points. By the end of the 2008–09 NBA season, Durant's scoring average had increased to 25.3 points per game.

2010: Increased Assist Numbers

From 2010, Durant increased his assist numbers every year.

2010: Begins Playing with the United States National Team

From 2010, Durant started playing with the senior men's United States national team averaging 18.8 points, 4.9 rebounds and 2.9 assists.

2010: Wins first Scoring Title

From 2010, Durant started winning four scoring titles.

2010: Selection to the National Team and World Championship Victory

In 2010, Durant was selected to the national team at the FIBA World Championship, leading Team USA to its first victory since 1994 and earning the tournament MVP award.

2010: Contract Extension with the Thunder

Prior to the start of the 2010–11 season, Kevin Durant announced via Twitter that he had signed a five-year contract extension with the Thunder worth approximately $86 million.

2011: Second Consecutive Scoring Title

In 2011, for the second consecutive year, Kevin Durant led the NBA in scoring, averaging 27.7 points a game. The Thunder won 55 games and earned the fourth seed in the Western Conference.

2011: First Career 50-Point Game

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

2012: Paint shot conversion

In 2012, Durant converted 72.2% of shots in the paint.

2012: Finals Appearance with Thunder

In 2012, Kevin Durant led the Oklahoma City Thunder to the NBA Finals, marking a significant milestone in his career with the franchise.

2012: All-Star Game MVP

In 2012, Kevin Durant scored 36 points at the All-Star Game and was awarded the NBA All-Star Game Most Valuable Player Award. He also finished the year with a scoring average of 28 points per game, representing his third straight scoring title.

2012: Olympic Gold Medal

In 2012, Kevin Durant won a gold medal as a member of the US national basketball team at the Olympics.

2012: Failing to Defend Scoring Title

With a scoring average of 28.1 points per game to finish the 2012–13 season, Kevin Durant failed to defend his scoring title.

2013: Shooting at a historically great clip

By 2013, Durant was shooting at a historically great clip, which helped him become one of only nine members of the 50–40–90 club.

2013: Signs with Roc Nation and Earnings

In 2013, Durant left Rob Pelinka and signed with Roc Nation, headed by Jay-Z, and earned $35 million, making him the fourth-highest-earning basketball player that year.

2013: Donation to the American Red Cross

In 2013, Durant pledged $1 million to the American Red Cross for the victims of the 2013 Moore tornado, inspiring the Thunder and Nike to match his donation.

2013: 50-40-90 Club

In 2013, Kevin Durant became the youngest player in NBA history to join the 50–40–90 club, shooting 51 percent from the field, 41.6 percent from three-point range, and 90.5 percent from the free-throw line.

2013: MVP Award

In 2013, Kevin Durant won the NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) award for the 2013–2014 season, recognizing his outstanding performance and contribution to the Oklahoma City Thunder.

2013: Averaged 35.9 points per game

In January of the 2013–14 season, Durant averaged 35.9 points per game while scoring 30 or more points in 12 straight games, including a career-high 54 points against the Golden State Warriors.

2014: Increased Assist Numbers

By 2014, Durant increased his assist numbers every year.

2014: Wins fourth Scoring Title

By 2014, Durant won four scoring titles, becoming one of only two players to win four scoring titles in a five-year span.

2014: Withdrawal from FIBA Basketball World Cup

In 2014, Durant withdrew from the FIBA Basketball World Cup, citing mental and physical exhaustion.

2014: Struggles in NBA Playoffs

To begin the first round of the 2014 NBA playoffs, Kevin Durant struggled against the physical play of the Grizzlies, converting on only 24 percent of his field goals in game 4.

2015: Warriors Championship in 2015

In 2016, Durant joined the Golden State Warriors who were coming off a championship in 2015 and a record-setting 73-win season.

2015: Historical Milestones with Westbrook

To begin the 2015–16 season, Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook reached several historical milestones together, including becoming the first pair of teammates to each score at least 40 points in a single game since 1996.

2016: Joins the Warriors

In 2016, Durant joined the Warriors, improving an already elite offense.

2016: Olympic Gold Medal and Athlete of the Year Award

In 2016, Durant rejoined Team USA, leading them to a gold medal, and was named co-USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year.

2016: Debut for the Warriors and Injury

In 2016, Kevin Durant debuted for the Warriors on October 25 against the San Antonio Spurs, scoring a team-high 27 points. Later, in March 2016, he suffered a Grade 2 MCL sprain and a tibial bone bruise in his left knee, causing him to miss the final 19 games of the season.

2016: Signed with Golden State Warriors

In 2016, Kevin Durant signed with the Golden State Warriors, joining a team that had a record-setting 73 regular season wins the previous year.

2016: Second Olympic Gold Medal

In 2016, Kevin Durant won his second gold medal with the US national basketball team at the Olympics.

2016: Playoff Shooting Performance

In Game 2 of the first round of the 2016 NBA playoffs against the Mavericks, Kevin Durant scored 21 points but converted only seven out of 33 shots in the worst postseason shooting performance of his career.

2017: NBA Finals MVP

In 2017, Durant returned from injury for the NBA playoffs, helping the Warriors to the Finals and ultimately winning the championship. He was named the NBA Finals MVP, averaging 35.2 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 5.4 assists.

2017: First NBA Championship

In 2017, Kevin Durant won his first NBA championship with the Golden State Warriors and was named the Finals MVP.

2017: Re-signing with the Warriors

In 2017, after declining his player option, Durant re-signed with the Warriors on a two-year, $51.25 million contract, taking less money to help the team keep its core roster.

February 13, 2018: Partnership with Imagine Television for Apple Drama

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

July 7, 2018: Re-Signing with the Warriors

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

2018: Second Straight Championship and Finals MVP Award

In 2018, Kevin Durant led the Warriors to a second straight championship, sweeping the Cleveland Cavaliers. He won his second back-to-back Finals MVP Award, averaging 28.8 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 7.5 assists throughout the series.

2018: Time's 100 Most Influential People

In 2018, Kevin Durant was named as one of Time's 100 most influential people in the world, recognizing his impact both on and off the basketball court.

2018: Second NBA Championship

In 2018, Kevin Durant won his second consecutive NBA championship with the Golden State Warriors and was named the Finals MVP for the second time.

June 2019: Decision to Sit Out 2019-20 Season

In June 2019, Durant decided he would sit out the entire 2019-20 season shortly after suffering his Achilles injury.

June 30, 2019: Announcement of Signing with the Brooklyn Nets

On June 30, 2019, Durant announced his intention to sign with the Brooklyn Nets after the July moratorium ended.

2019: Achilles Injury and Joining Brooklyn Nets

After sustaining an Achilles injury in the 2019 NBA Finals, Kevin Durant joined the Brooklyn Nets as a free agent that summer.

2019: Achilles Tendon Injury

In 2019, Durant returned from a calf strain during Game 5 of the NBA Finals but suffered an Achilles tendon injury, impacting the Warriors' quest for a three-peat.

December 22, 2020: Nets Debut

On December 22, 2020, Durant debuted for the Nets, scoring 22 points in a win against his former team, the Golden State Warriors.

2020: Commitment to the Olympic Team

In 2020, Durant committed to playing on the Olympic team, which was delayed until 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

2020: Third Olympic Gold Medal

In 2020, Kevin Durant won his third gold medal as a member of the US national basketball team at the Olympics.

January 14, 2021: Reunion with James Harden

On January 14, 2021, James Harden was traded to the Nets, reuniting Durant with his former Thunder teammate.

January 16, 2021: Season-High 42 Points

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

April 7, 2021: Return from Hamstring Injury

On April 7, 2021, Durant returned from a hamstring injury, scoring 17 points off the bench in a win against the New Orleans Pelicans.

August 8, 2021: Signs Extension with Nets

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

2021: Olympic Gold Medal and Athlete of the Year Award

In 2021, Durant broke the U.S. men's Olympic basketball record for career points against the Czech Republic, led the U.S. to a gold medal, was named tournament MVP by FIBA, and won the USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year for the third time.

2021: Named to NBA 75th Anniversary Team

In 2021, Kevin Durant was named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team, recognizing him as one of the greatest players in NBA history.

January 15, 2022: Left Knee Injury

On January 15, 2022, during a game against the New Orleans Pelicans, Durant exited in the second quarter after suffering a left knee injury, later revealed to be a sprained MCL, and was subsequently ruled out for four to six weeks.

June 30, 2022: Trade Request from the Nets

On June 30, 2022, Durant requested a trade from the Nets, with the Phoenix Suns and Miami Heat as his preferred destinations.

August 24, 2022: Rescinds Trade Request

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

2022: Trade Request from Nets

During the 2022 offseason, Kevin Durant requested a trade from the Brooklyn Nets due to disagreements with the front office.

February 9, 2023: Trade to the Phoenix Suns

On February 9, 2023, the Nets traded Durant, along with T. J. Warren, to the Phoenix Suns.

October 31, 2023: Passes Hakeem Olajuwon on All-Time Scoring List

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

2023: Named All-Star Game Starter

In 2023, On January 26, 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: 40 Points with No Free Throw Attempts

On January 21, 2024, Durant scored 40 points and grabbed nine rebounds in a 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: Reaches 29,000 Career Points

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

2024: Continues Playing with the United States National Team

By 2024, Durant continued playing with the senior men's United States national team averaging 18.8 points, 4.9 rebounds and 2.9 assists and has brought home five gold medals.

2024: Fourth Olympic Appearance and Record-Breaking Performance

In 2024, Durant made his fourth Olympic appearance, becoming the United States' all-time rebounding and scoring leader at the Olympics, and won his fourth gold medal, becoming the first and only four-time gold medalist in men's basketball.

2024: Fourth Olympic Gold Medal

In 2024, Kevin Durant won his fourth gold medal as a member of the US national basketball team at the Olympics.

January 2025: Oklahoma City franchise record

As of January 2025 his 32.0 points per game in a season stands as the Oklahoma City franchise record.

January 25, 2025: Named All-Star Game Starter

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