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 an American professional basketball player considered one of the greatest players and scorers of all time. Nicknamed "the Slim Reaper", Durant has won two NBA championships, four Olympic gold medals (the only male basketball player to do so), an NBA Most Valuable Player Award, two NBA Finals MVP Awards, two NBA All-Star Game MVP Awards, and four NBA scoring titles. He also earned NBA Rookie of the Year. Durant has been named to 11 All-NBA teams and selected as an NBA All-Star 16 times. He was named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team in 2021 and currently plays for the Houston Rockets. He ranks among the NBA's all-time leading scorers and possesses the highest true shooting percentage among the top five.
2006: NBA Draft Eligibility
In 2006, Kevin Durant would have declared for the NBA draft if the one-and-done rule had not been introduced, revealing his early ambitions for a professional career.
February 2007: Durant invited to national team training camp
In February 2007, Kevin Durant received an invitation to the United States national team training camp, but was cut from the team after the roster was reduced.
2007: NBA Rookie of the Year Award
At the end of the 2007-08 NBA season, Kevin Durant was named the NBA Rookie of the Year, recognizing his exceptional performance during his first year in the league.
2007: NBA Debut and Game-Winning Shot
In 2007, Kevin Durant was drafted and made his NBA debut. He registered 18 points and made the first game-winning shot of his career against the Atlanta Hawks.
2009: First NBA All-Star Game Selection and Playoff Debut
During the 2009-10 season, Kevin Durant was selected to his first NBA All-Star Game and led the Thunder to the playoffs, marking significant milestones in his career.
2009: All-Star Weekend Record and Most Improved Player Candidate
In 2009, Kevin Durant set a Rookie Challenge record with 46 points during the NBA All-Star Weekend and became a strong candidate for the Most Improved Player Award, showcasing his development and potential.
2010: Durant plays for the United States national team
From 2010, Kevin Durant began playing for the senior men's United States national team in major FIBA tournaments, averaging 18.8 points, 4.9 rebounds and 2.9 assists.
2010: Durant Wins Scoring Titles
From 2010, Kevin Durant began winning scoring titles.
2010: Durant increases his assist numbers
From 2010, Kevin Durant started increasing his assist numbers.
2010: Durant leads Team USA to FIBA World Championship
In 2010, Kevin Durant was selected to the national team for the FIBA World Championship, leading Team USA to their first championship since 1994 and earning the tournament MVP award.
2010: Contract Extension with the Thunder
Prior to the start of the 2010-11 season, in 2010, Kevin Durant signed a five-year contract extension with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
2011: Conference Finals Appearance
In the 2011 NBA playoffs, Kevin Durant led the Oklahoma City Thunder to a Conference Finals match-up against the Dallas Mavericks.
2011: First 50-Point Game
On February 19, 2011, Kevin Durant recorded his first career 50-point game, scoring 51 points against the Denver Nuggets.
2012: Durant's shot conversions in the paint
In 2012, Kevin Durant converted 72.2% of shots in the paint, showcasing his finishing ability at the rim.
2012: NBA Finals Appearance with Thunder
In 2012, Kevin Durant led the Oklahoma City Thunder to an NBA Finals appearance, showcasing his leadership and skill on the court.
2012: All-Star Game MVP and NBA Finals Appearance
In 2012, Kevin Durant was awarded the NBA All-Star Game Most Valuable Player Award and led the Thunder to the NBA Finals.
2012: Durant sets Olympic scoring record
In 2012, during the Olympics, Kevin Durant set the record for total points scored in an Olympic basketball tournament and won a gold medal with the national team.
2012: 50-40-90 Club
In 2012-13 season, Kevin Durant became the youngest player in NBA history to join the 50-40-90 club, achieving exceptional shooting percentages.
2013: Durant joins the 50-40-90 club
In 2013, Kevin Durant became one of the members of the 50–40–90 club due to his shooting.
2013: Durant signs with Roc Nation
In 2013, Kevin Durant left Rob Pelinka and signed with the Roc Nation group, headed by Jay-Z. Durant earned $35 million, making him the fourth-highest-earning basketball player that year.
2013: Durant pledges to American Red Cross
In 2013, Kevin Durant pledged $1 million to the American Red Cross for the victims of the 2013 Moore tornado. Nike and the Thunder matched his donation.
2013: Scoring Streaks and NBA MVP Voting
In January 2013-14, Kevin Durant averaged 35.9 points per game and surpassed Michael Jordan's record for consecutive games scoring 25 points or more. He was later voted the NBA Most Valuable Player.
2013: Playoff Performance Without Westbrook
In the 2013 NBA playoffs, Kevin Durant averaged a career-high 30.8 points per game after Westbrook's injury, showcasing his ability to take on increased responsibility.
2014: Durant increases his assist numbers
From 2010 to 2014, Kevin Durant increased his assist numbers every year, improving as a playmaker.
2014: Durant Wins Scoring Titles
From 2010 to 2014, Kevin Durant won four scoring titles.
2014: Durant drops out of FIBA Basketball World Cup
In 2014, Kevin Durant announced his withdrawal from the FIBA Basketball World Cup, citing mental and physical exhaustion.
2014: "Mr. Unreliable" Label and Playoff Performance
In 2014, Kevin Durant struggled in the first round of the NBA playoffs, leading to criticism and the "Mr. Unreliable" label. He responded with a strong performance in Game 6, helping his team advance.
2014: NBA MVP Award
In 2014, Kevin Durant won the NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) award, recognizing his outstanding performance throughout the season.
2015: Historical Milestones with Westbrook
To begin the 2015-16 season, Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook became the first pair of teammates to each score at least 40 points in a single game since 1996, achieving a historical milestone together.
2016: Debut for the Warriors
In 2016, Durant made his debut for the Warriors against the San Antonio Spurs, scoring 27 points in a loss. He also had a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves where he recorded 28 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, and six blocks, becoming the first player in team history to reach those numbers in a single game. Later in the season, Durant suffered a Grade 2 MCL sprain and a tibial bone bruise in his left knee, causing him to miss the final 19 games.
2016: Durant Intention to Sign with Warriors & 73-win season
In 2016, Kevin Durant announced his intention to sign with the Golden State Warriors. This move was met with criticism, as the Warriors were coming off a record-setting 73-win season and a championship in 2015, and the Thunder had previously blown a 3–1 series lead against them.
2016: Playoff Performance and Conference Finals Loss
In 2016, Kevin Durant led the Thunder to the Conference Finals, where they lost to the Golden State Warriors in seven games, despite going up 3-1 in the series.
2016: Signed with Golden State Warriors
In 2016, Kevin Durant made a controversial move by signing with the Golden State Warriors, a team that had previously achieved a record-breaking 73 regular season wins.
2016: Durant wins gold at Rio Olympics and named USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year
In 2016, Kevin Durant rejoined Team USA and led them to a gold medal at the Rio Olympics, averaging 19.4 points per game. He was subsequently named the 2016 co-USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year.
April 7, 2017: Kevin Durant Launches YouTube Channel
On April 7, 2017, Kevin Durant launched his YouTube channel and started uploading livestream vlogs, explaining that he stepped away from other social media platforms.
August 17, 2017: Kevin Durant Day Announced
On August 17, 2017, Durant's hometown of Seat Pleasant, Maryland, declared it "Kevin Durant Day" to celebrate his contributions to the community, his NBA Championship wins, and his NBA Finals MVP awards.
2017: NBA Finals MVP
In 2017, Durant helped the Warriors advance to the NBA Finals, where they defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers. Durant was named the NBA Finals MVP, averaging 35.2 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 5.4 assists for the series. The Warriors finished the playoffs with a 16–1 record.
2017: Founding of Thirty Five Ventures
In 2017, Kevin Durant and Rich Kleiman established Thirty Five Ventures (35V).
2017: First NBA Championship and Finals MVP
In 2017, Kevin Durant won his first NBA championship and was named the Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP), marking a significant achievement in his career.
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 than the maximum to help the team retain its core roster.
February 13, 2018: Durant to Create Basketball Drama for Apple
On February 13, 2018, it was reported that Kevin Durant, in partnership with Brian Grazer's Imagine Television, would 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 Golden State Warriors on a two-year, $61.5 million contract, including a player option for the second year.
2018: Second Finals MVP Award
In 2018, Durant led the Warriors to a second straight championship, sweeping the Cleveland Cavaliers. He recorded a playoff career-high 43 points in Game 3 and won a second consecutive Finals MVP Award, averaging 28.8 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 7.5 assists in the series.
2018: Second NBA Championship and Finals MVP
In 2018, Kevin Durant secured his second consecutive NBA championship and Finals MVP award, solidifying his reputation as a dominant player.
2018: Durant was considered for the NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award
In 2018, Kevin Durant was considered for the NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award after developing into a reliable off-ball defender and rim protector.
June 2019: Decision to Sit Out the Season
Shortly after his injury in June 2019, Durant decided to sit out the entire 2019–20 season to recover.
June 30, 2019: Durant announces plan to sign with Nets
On June 30, 2019, Kevin Durant announced his plan to sign with the Brooklyn Nets after the July moratorium ended.
2019: Achilles Injury and Free Agency
In 2019, Kevin Durant suffered an Achilles injury during the NBA Finals and subsequently joined the Brooklyn Nets as a free agent, facing a new challenge in his career.
June 15, 2020: Minority Ownership in Philadelphia Union
On June 15, 2020, Kevin Durant became a minority owner of MLS side Philadelphia Union, acquiring a 5% stake with the potential to add another 5%.
June 2020: YouTube Channel Growth
As of June 2020, Kevin Durant's YouTube channel had grown to over 790,000 subscribers and 38 million video views, showcasing his successful online presence.
December 22, 2020: Nets Debut
On December 22, 2020, Durant made his debut for the Nets, scoring 22 points in a win against his former team, the Golden State Warriors.
2020: Passive Investment in Skydio
In 2020, Durant became a passive investor of Skydio, an autonomous drone company.
2020: Durant Commits to 2020 Olympic Team
In 2020, Kevin Durant committed to playing on the 2020 Olympic team, which was later delayed to 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
2020: Production of "Basketball County"
In 2020, Thirty Five Ventures produced "Basketball County", a documentary about youth basketball in Prince George's County, Maryland, with Durant serving as an executive producer.
January 14, 2021: James Harden Traded to the Nets
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 Injury
On April 7, 2021, Durant returned from a hamstring injury, scoring 17 points off the bench in a win over the New Orleans Pelicans.
May 2021: Investment in Just Women's Sports
In May 2021, Kevin Durant, through Thirty Five Ventures, invested in Just Women's Sports, an American media platform focused on women's sports.
August 8, 2021: Four-Year Extension with Nets
On August 8, 2021, Durant signed a four-year, $198 million extension with the Brooklyn Nets.
August 2021: Partnership with Weedmaps
In August 2021, Durant's company Boardroom partnered with cannabis technology company Weedmaps to create content and normalize conversations around cannabis in sports.
October 29, 2021: "Swagger" Premieres on Apple TV+
On October 29, 2021, "Swagger", a TV show inspired by Durant's life story, premiered on Apple TV+, with Durant serving as an executive producer.
December 22, 2021: Brand Ambassador Deal with Coinbase
On December 22, 2021, Durant signed a deal with Coinbase to serve as a brand ambassador.
2021: Durant breaks scoring record and leads US to gold at Olympics
In 2021, Kevin Durant broke Carmelo Anthony's record for most points in U.S. men's Olympic basketball history and led the U.S. team to a gold medal, earning tournament MVP honors.
2021: Named to NBA 75th Anniversary Team
In 2021, Kevin Durant was named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team, recognizing his exceptional career.
2021: Academy Award for "Two Distant Strangers"
Thirty Five Ventures' work "Two Distant Strangers" won the 2021 Academy Award for Short Film (Live Action).
June 30, 2022: Trade Request from Nets
On June 30, 2022, it was reported that Durant had requested a trade from the Brooklyn 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.
October 2022: Investment in Professional Pickleball Team
In October 2022, Durant, along with LeBron James, Tom Brady, and Drew Brees, invested in a professional pickleball team through Thirty Five Ventures.
2022: Trade Request from the Nets
In 2022, Kevin Durant requested a trade from the Brooklyn Nets due to disagreements with the front office, leading to uncertainty about his future in the league.
February 9, 2023: Traded to Phoenix Suns
On February 9, 2023, Durant, along with T. J. Warren, was traded by the Nets to the Phoenix Suns. The Suns traded Mikal Bridges, Cameron Johnson, Jae Crowder, four unprotected first-round picks, and a 2028 first-round pick swap in return.
October 31, 2023: Passing Hakeem Olajuwon on All-Time Scoring List
On October 31, 2023, Durant scored 26 points in a loss to the San Antonio Spurs, passing Hakeem Olajuwon for 12th on the all-time career scoring list and becoming the 12th player to reach 27,000 career points.
January 21, 2024: 40 Points with Zero 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: Durant reaches 29,000 career points
On October 26, 2024, Kevin Durant scored his 29,000th career point in a game against the Dallas Mavericks, becoming only the eighth player in NBA history to reach this milestone.
2024: Durant concludes his national team career
By 2024, Kevin Durant played 37 official games, bringing home five gold medals and owning nine U.S. Olympic men's career records.
2024: Durant becomes the US all-time Olympic Scoring Leader
In 2024, Kevin Durant made his fourth Olympic appearance and became the United States' all-time Olympic rebounding and scoring leader and won the gold medal, becoming the first and only four-time gold medalist in men's basketball.
January 25, 2025: Durant named Western Conference All-Star starter
On January 25, 2025, Kevin Durant was selected as a Western Conference starter for the 2025 NBA All-Star Game, marking his 15th overall All-Star selection and 13th as a starter.
July 6, 2025: Durant Traded to Houston Rockets
On July 6, 2025, Kevin Durant was traded to the Houston Rockets in a seven-team trade, which was the largest trade in NBA history.
July 2025: Traded to the Houston Rockets
In July 2025, after spending two full seasons with the Phoenix Suns, Kevin Durant was traded to the Houston Rockets, starting a new chapter in his NBA career.
January 5, 2026: Durant hits game-winning three-pointer against Suns
On January 5, 2026, Kevin Durant scored 26 points, grabbed 10 rebounds, and hit a game-winning three-pointer in a 100–97 victory over the Phoenix Suns. Durant admitted that hitting the game-winner felt even better against the Suns, feeling scapegoated during his time in Phoenix.
February 21, 2026: Boardroom Editorial Team Dismissal
On February 21, 2026, Durant and Rich Kleiman dismissed the full-time editorial team at Boardroom, leading to speculation about a connection to the burner account scrutiny.
2028: First-round Pick Swap
In the February 9, 2023 trade between the Nets and the Phoenix Suns, the Suns included a 2028 first-round pick swap as part of the compensation for Durant.
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