History of Kevin Durant in Timeline
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, and two Finals MVP awards. A prolific scorer, Durant has secured four NBA scoring titles. His consistent performance has earned him 15 NBA All-Star selections, 11 All-NBA team selections, and two All-Star Game MVP awards. Furthermore, he has achieved significant international success, winning four Olympic gold medals. Durant was also named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team, solidifying his place among the greatest basketball players of all time.
September 29, 1988: Kevin Durant's Birth
On September 29, 1988, Kevin Wayne Durant, nicknamed KD, was born.
1994: Team USA wins FIBA World Championship
In 1994, Team USA wins FIBA World Championship.
1996: First teammates to each score at least 40 points since 1996
In 2015, Durant and Westbrook became the first pair of teammates to each score at least 40 points in a single game since 1996.
2006: Averaged 25.8 points for the Texas Longhorns
During the 2006-07 college season, Kevin Durant averaged 25.8 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game for the Texas Longhorns.
2006: Would have entered NBA draft if not for one-and-done rule
In 2006, Kevin Durant stated he would have declared for the NBA draft if not for the NBA's one-and-done rule.
2006: Named Washington Post All-Met Basketball Player of the Year
In 2006, Kevin Durant was named the Washington Post All-Met Basketball Player of the Year and the Most Valuable Player of the McDonald's All-American Game.
February 2007: Invited to US National Team Training Camp
In February 2007, Kevin Durant was invited to the United States national team training camp, although he was later cut from the team due to the experience of other players.
2007: Named NBA Rookie of the Year
At the end of the 2007-08 NBA season, Kevin Durant was named the NBA Rookie of the Year.
2007: First Regular Season Game
In 2007, Kevin Durant played his first regular season game, registering 18 points, five rebounds, and three steals against the Denver Nuggets.
2008: Supersonics Relocated to Oklahoma City
Following Kevin Durant's rookie season, the Supersonics relocated to Oklahoma City, becoming the Thunder in 2008.
2009: Set Rookie Challenge record
At the 2009 NBA All-Star Weekend, Kevin Durant set a Rookie Challenge record with 46 points.
2009: Selected to First NBA All-Star Game
During the 2009–10 season, Kevin Durant was selected to his first NBA All-Star Game and became the youngest NBA scoring champion with 30.1 points per game.
2010: Assist Numbers Improvement
From 2010, Kevin Durant increased his assist numbers every year.
2010: Joined US National Team
From 2010, Kevin Durant played with the senior men's United States national team.
2010: Scoring Titles
From 2010, Kevin Durant started to win four scoring titles.
2010: FIBA World Championship and USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year
In 2010, Kevin Durant was selected for the national team at the FIBA World Championship, leading Team USA to their first championship since 1994, earning the tournament MVP award. He averaged 22.8 points per game. In December 2010, he was named USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year.
2010: Won Gold at FIBA World Championship
In 2010, Kevin Durant won a gold medal at the FIBA World Championship.
2010: Signed contract extension with Thunder
Prior to the start of the 2010–11 season, Kevin Durant signed a five-year contract extension with the Thunder worth approximately $86 million.
2011: Lost to Mavericks in Conference Finals
In the 2011 NBA playoffs, the Oklahoma City Thunder, led by Kevin Durant, lost to the Dallas Mavericks in five games in the Conference Finals.
2011: Recorded first 50-point game
On February 19 of the lockout-shortened 2011–12 season, Kevin Durant recorded his first career 50-point game, scoring 51 points against the Denver Nuggets.
2012: Joins the 50-40-90 club
During the 2012-2013 season, Kevin Durant became the youngest player in NBA history to join the 50-40-90 club.
2012: Shooting in the paint
In 2012, Kevin Durant converted 72.2% of shots in the paint
2012: Finals Appearance with Oklahoma City Thunder
In 2012, Kevin Durant led the Oklahoma City Thunder to an NBA Finals appearance.
2012: Acting Debut in Thunderstruck
In 2012, Kevin Durant made his acting debut in the children's film Thunderstruck.
2012: Awarded NBA 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.
2012: Won First Olympic Gold Medal
In 2012, Kevin Durant won his first Olympic gold medal as a member of the U.S. national team.
2012: Olympics Record and Gold Medal
In the 2012 Olympics, Kevin Durant set the record for total points scored in an Olympic basketball tournament and helped the national team secure a gold medal, averaging 19.5 points per game and leading the final game with 30 points.
2013: 50-40-90 Club
By 2013, Kevin Durant was shooting at a historically great clip, which helped him become one of only nine members of the 50–40–90 club.
2013: "Nicest Guy in the NBA"
In 2013, Foot Locker released a series of commercials calling Kevin Durant the "nicest guy in the NBA".
2013: Listed Residence for Sale, Opened Restaurant, and Engagement
In 2013, Kevin Durant listed his primary residence for sale, opened a restaurant called KD's Southern Cuisine, and briefly became engaged to Monica Wright.
2013: Donation to American Red Cross
In 2013, Kevin Durant pledged $1 million to the American Red Cross for the victims of the 2013 Moore tornado.
2013: Signed with Roc Nation and High Earnings
In 2013, Kevin Durant signed with the Roc Nation group and earned $35 million, becoming the fourth-highest-earning basketball player that year.
2013: Lost to Grizzlies in the first round of the NBA playoffs
In 2013, The Thunder were eliminated in the second round 1-4 by the Memphis Grizzlies.
2013: Averaged 35.9 points per game in January
In January of the 2013–14 season, Kevin Durant averaged 35.9 points per game and scored 30 or more points in 12 straight games.
2014: Assist Numbers Improvement
By 2014, Kevin Durant increased his assist numbers every year.
2014: Launched StrongAndKind.com
In 2014, Kevin Durant partnered with KIND snacks and launched StrongAndKind.com.
2014: Withdrawal from FIBA Basketball World Cup
In 2014, Kevin Durant withdrew from the FIBA Basketball World Cup, citing mental and physical exhaustion.
2014: Thunder lost to Spurs in Western Conference Finals
In 2014, The Thunder lost to the San Antonio Spurs in the Western Conference Finals in six games.
2014: Diagnosed with Jones fracture
Prior to the start of the 2014–15 season, Kevin Durant was diagnosed with a Jones fracture in his right foot and was ruled out for six to eight weeks.
2015: Warriors won championship
In 2015, Golden State Warriors won a championship.
2015: Reached Milestone with Westbrook
To begin the 2015–16 season, Kevin Durant and Westbrook reached several historical milestones together.
December 2016: Height Reveal
In December 2016, Kevin Durant stated that his height in shoes was actually 7 ft 0 in and that he understated his height to be listed as a small forward.
2016: Durant's First Season with the Warriors
In 2016, Kevin Durant debuted with the Warriors, scoring a team-high 27 points against the Spurs, later achieving a milestone of at least 25 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists, and 5 blocks in a game against the Timberwolves. He also faced his former team in Oklahoma City, scoring 34 points amidst boos. However, in March 2016, Durant suffered an MCL sprain and bone bruise, sidelining him for the season's final games. The Warriors finished 2016-17 as the first seed with a 67-15 record.
2016: Olympics Gold Medal and Co-USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year
In 2016, Kevin Durant rejoined Team USA and led them to a gold medal at the Olympics, averaging 19.4 points per game. He was also named the 2016 co-USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year.
2016: Signed with Golden State Warriors
In 2016, Kevin Durant signed with the Golden State Warriors.
2016: Won Second Olympic Gold Medal
In 2016, Kevin Durant won his second Olympic gold medal with the U.S. national team.
2016: Credentialed Photographer at Super Bowl 50
In 2016, Kevin Durant worked as a credentialed photographer for The Players' Tribune at Super Bowl 50.
2016: Lost to Warriors in Conference Finals
In 2016, the Thunder, led by Kevin Durant, were ousted in seven games by the Golden State Warriors in the Conference Finals.
2016: Announced intentions to sign with Golden State Warriors
On July 4, 2016, Kevin Durant announced his intentions to sign with the Golden State Warriors.
April 7, 2017: Created YouTube Account
On April 7, 2017, Kevin Durant created a YouTube account and began uploading live stream vlogs.
2017: Resigning with the Warriors
After the 2017 NBA Finals, Kevin Durant declined his player option to become a free agent. He then re-signed with the Warriors in 2017 for less than the maximum, giving the team enough salary cap space to keep their core players and add free agents.
2017: Founded Thirty Five Ventures
In 2017, Kevin Durant and Rich Kleiman founded Thirty Five Ventures.
2017: NBA Finals MVP
In 2017, Kevin Durant helped the Warriors reach their third consecutive NBA Finals. During Game 1 he scored 38 points against LeBron James and the Cavaliers, and in Game 3 he scored 31 points including the go-ahead 3-pointer. Durant averaged 35.2 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 5.4 assists in the Finals, earning him the NBA Finals MVP award. The Warriors concluded the 2017 playoffs with a 16–1 record.
2017: Won First NBA Championship and Finals MVP
In 2017, Kevin Durant won his first NBA championship and was named the NBA Finals MVP.
February 13, 2018: Announced Basketball-Themed Drama with Apple
On February 13, 2018, it was reported that Kevin Durant, in partnership with Imagine Television, would create a basketball-themed scripted drama for Apple.
July 7, 2018: Re-Signing with the Warriors
On July 7, 2018, Kevin Durant re-signed with the Warriors on a two-year, $61.5 million contract, which included a player option for the second year.
July 2018: Twitter Back-and-Forth with CJ McCollum
In July 2018, Kevin Durant was involved in a Twitter back-and-forth with CJ McCollum.
2018: Second NBA Championship and Finals MVP
In 2018, Kevin Durant led the Warriors back to the NBA Finals. He had 37 points in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals. He then scored a playoff career-high 43 points in Game 3 of the NBA Finals, leading to a sweep of the Cavaliers. Durant won his second Finals MVP Award in 2018, averaging 28.8 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 7.5 assists.
2018: Defensive Player of the Year Award Consideration
In 2018, Kevin Durant was considered for the NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award.
2018: Included in Time 100 Most Influential People
In 2018, Kevin Durant was included in Time magazine's 100 Most Influential People.
June 2019: Decision to Sit Out 2019-20 Season
In June 2019, shortly after sustaining his injury, Kevin Durant decided to sit out the entire 2019-20 season.
June 30, 2019: Durant Announces Plan to Join Nets
On June 30, 2019, Kevin Durant announced his plans to sign with the Brooklyn Nets.
2019: Achilles Injury in the NBA Finals
In 2019, Kevin Durant returned from a calf strain during Game 5 of the NBA Finals. He scored 11 points in the first quarter, but suffered an Achilles tendon injury in the second quarter, ending his season. The Warriors won that game but eventually lost the series.
2019: Sustained Achilles Injury in NBA Finals
In 2019, Kevin Durant sustained an Achilles injury in the NBA Finals playing for the Golden State Warriors.
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, Kevin Durant became a minority owner of MLS side Philadelphia Union.
June 2020: YouTube Channel Subscribers
As of June 2020, Kevin Durant's YouTube channel had received over 790,000 subscribers and 38 million video views.
December 22, 2020: Nets Debut
On December 22, 2020, Kevin Durant debuted with the Brooklyn Nets, scoring 22 points in a win against his former team, the Golden State Warriors.
2020: Won Third Olympic Gold Medal
In 2020, Kevin Durant secured his third Olympic gold medal as part of the U.S. national team.
2020: Produced Basketball County Documentary
In 2020, Thirty Five Ventures produced Basketball County, a documentary about youth basketball in Durant's home county.
January 14, 2021: Reunion with James Harden
On January 14, 2021, James Harden was traded to the Nets, reuniting Kevin Durant with his former teammate.
January 16, 2021: Season-High Scoring Game
On January 16, 2021, Kevin 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, Kevin Durant returned from a hamstring injury, scoring 17 points in a win against the New Orleans Pelicans.
May 2021: Investor in Just Women's Sports
In May 2021, Kevin Durant was announced as an investor in Just Women's Sports.
August 8, 2021: Extension with the Nets
On August 8, 2021, Kevin Durant signed a four-year, $198 million contract extension with the Nets.
August 2021: Partnership with Weedmaps
In August 2021, Kevin Durant announced a partnership between his company Boardroom and Weedmaps.
October 29, 2021: Release of Swagger (TV series)
On October 29, 2021, Swagger (TV series) was released, inspired by Kevin Durant's life story, where he also served as executive producer.
December 22, 2021: Signed Deal with Coinbase
On December 22, 2021, Kevin Durant signed a deal with Coinbase to serve as a brand ambassador.
2021: Academy Award for Short Film
In 2021, Thirty Five Ventures' work Two Distant Strangers won the Academy Award for Short Film (Live Action).
2021: Olympic Gold Medal and USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year
In 2021, delayed from 2020 due to COVID-19, Kevin Durant led the U.S. Olympic team to a gold medal and was named the tournament's MVP. He broke the U.S. men's Olympic basketball record for career points and tied for most Olympic gold medals. He was named 2021 USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year.
January 15, 2022: Knee Injury
On January 15, 2022, Kevin Durant exited the game against the New Orleans Pelicans after suffering a left knee injury, later diagnosed as a sprained MCL.
June 30, 2022: Trade Request from the Nets
On June 30, 2022, Kevin Durant requested a trade from the Brooklyn Nets, with the Phoenix Suns and Miami Heat as preferred destinations.
August 24, 2022: Rescinding Trade Request
On August 24, 2022, Kevin Durant rescinded his trade request after meeting with Nets management.
October 2022: Investor in Professional Pickleball Team
In October 2022, Kevin Durant joined fellow professional athletes as an investor in a professional pickleball team.
2022: Requested Trade from Brooklyn Nets
During the 2022 offseason, Kevin Durant requested a trade from the Brooklyn Nets following disagreements with the front office.
February 9, 2023: Trade to Phoenix Suns
On February 9, 2023, Kevin Durant was traded to the Phoenix Suns along with T. J. Warren. Durant decided to wear the No. 35 jersey.
October 31, 2023: Passing Olajuwon on All-Time Scoring List
On October 31, 2023, Kevin Durant scored 26 points, passing Hakeem Olajuwon for 12th on the all-time career scoring list. He also became the 12th player to reach 27,000 career points.
2023: All-Star Selection
In 2023, Kevin Durant was named an Eastern Conference starter for the NBA All-Star Game, marking his thirteenth overall selection.
January 21, 2024: 40-Point Game with No Free Throw Attempts
On January 21, 2024, Kevin Durant scored 40 points with nine rebounds on 18-of-25 shooting in a win over the Indiana Pacers, becoming the first Sun to accomplish this feat.
October 26, 2024: Reaching 29,000 Career Points
On October 26, 2024, Kevin Durant reached 29,000 career points in a game against the Dallas Mavericks.
2024: Durant's National Team Career
From 2010 to 2024, Durant played with the senior men's United States national team in 37 official games. Overall, he brought home five gold medals as member of the national team. By 2024, Durant owns nine U.S. Olympic men's career records.
2024: Won Fourth Olympic Gold Medal
In 2024, Kevin Durant won his fourth Olympic gold medal, becoming the first male athlete to achieve this feat in a team sport.
2024: Fourth Olympic Appearance, All-Time Rebounding and Scoring Leader, and Gold Medal
In 2024, at 35, Kevin Durant made his fourth Olympic appearance. On August 4, 2024, he became the United States' all-time rebounding leader at the Olympics. On August 7, 2024, he became the United States' all-time Olympic scoring leader. Team USA won the gold medal, making Durant the first four-time gold medalist in men's basketball.
January 2025: 32.0 points per game still 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: All-Star Selection
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 Acquire Future Draft Pick
As part of the February 9, 2023 trade that sent Kevin Durant to the Phoenix Suns, the Suns acquired a 2028 first-round pick from the Nets.
