History of Kevin Durant in Timeline

Kevin Durant (KD) is a prominent American professional basketball player currently with the Houston Rockets of the NBA. His illustrious career includes two NBA championships, an NBA MVP award, two NBA Finals MVP awards, and four scoring titles. A 15-time NBA All-Star and 11-time All-NBA team selection, Durant has also secured four Olympic gold medals. Recognized as one of the game's all-time greats, he was named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team in 2021 and currently ranks among the NBA's top ten career scoring leaders.

Sections (4)

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

1966: Comparison to Rick Barry

In 1966, Rick Barry scored at least 40 points in three consecutive games against Detroit. Durant achieved the same feat, highlighting his scoring prowess.

September 29, 1988: Kevin Durant's Birth

On September 29, 1988, Kevin Wayne Durant, also known as KD, was born. He would later become a professional basketball player.

Others born on this day/year

1994: Team USA Won FIBA World Championship

In 1994, Team USA won the FIBA World Championship; this is mentioned in the context of Kevin Durant leading Team USA to its first FIBA World Championship since 1994, in 2010.

1996: Teammate Scoring Milestone

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

2006: All-Met Basketball Player of the Year

At the end 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.

2006: College Season at Texas Longhorns

For the 2006-07 college season, Durant averaged 25.8 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game for the Texas Longhorns, and was recognized as the unanimous national player of the year.

2006: One-and-Done Rule

In 2006, Kevin Durant stated that he would have declared for the NBA draft if the NBA had not introduced the one-and-done rule.

February 2007: Invited to United States National Team Training Camp

In February 2007, Kevin Durant was invited to the United States national team training camp, but was cut from the team after a strong performance.

2007: NBA Rookie of the Year

At the end of the 2007–08 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 by the Seattle SuperSonics in the NBA draft.

2007: First NBA Game

In 2007, Kevin Durant was selected as the second overall pick in the NBA draft by the Seattle SuperSonics and played his first regular season game, registering 18 points, five rebounds, and three steals against the Denver Nuggets. He also made his first game-winning shot against the Atlanta Hawks on November 16.

2008: Relocation to Oklahoma City

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

2008: SuperSonics Become Oklahoma City Thunder

In 2008, the Seattle SuperSonics relocated to Oklahoma City and became the Oklahoma City Thunder.

2009: NBA All-Star Weekend Record

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

2009: First NBA All-Star Game Selection

During the 2009–10 NBA season, Kevin Durant was selected to his first NBA All-Star Game. His scoring average was 30.1 points per game, becoming the youngest NBA scoring champion and was selected to his first All-NBA team.

2010: Improved Playmaking Abilities

From 2010 to 2014, Kevin Durant improved his playmaking abilities, increasing his assist numbers each year.

2010: Won Scoring Title

From 2010 to 2014, Kevin Durant won four scoring titles, solidifying his reputation as a prolific scorer.

2010: Started Playing with the Senior Men's United States National Team

From 2010 to 2024, Kevin 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.

2010: Earned All-NBA Honors

In 2010, Kevin Durant earned All-NBA honors, starting a trend of earning All-NBA honors 11 times between 2010 and 2024.

2010: Led Team USA to FIBA World Championship and Named USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year

In 2010, Kevin Durant was selected for the national team at the 2010 FIBA World Championship, leading Team USA to its first FIBA World Championship since 1994 and earning the tournament MVP honors. In December of 2010, Durant was named 2010 USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year.

2010: FIBA World Championship Gold Medal

In 2010, Kevin Durant won a gold medal at the FIBA World Championship with the U.S. national team.

2010: Contract Extension with 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: Led NBA in Scoring

In the 2010-2011 season, Kevin Durant led the NBA in scoring for the second consecutive year, averaging 27.7 points a game.

2011: First Career 50-Point Game

On February 19 during the lockout-shortened 2011–12 season, Kevin 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, Kevin Durant scored 36 points and was awarded the NBA All-Star Game Most Valuable Player Award.

2012: Converted 72.2% of shots in the paint

In 2012, Kevin Durant converted 72.2% of his shots in the paint, highlighting his ability as a strong finisher at the rim.

2012: Finals Appearance with the Thunder

In 2012, Kevin Durant led the Oklahoma City Thunder to an NBA Finals appearance.

2012: Set Olympic Record and Won Gold Medal

In 2012, Kevin Durant set the record for total points scored in an Olympic basketball tournament and helped the national team win a gold medal.

2012: Appeared in Thunderstruck

In 2012, Kevin Durant tried his hand at acting, appearing in the children's film Thunderstruck.

Loading Video...

2012: Olympic Gold Medal

In 2012, Kevin Durant won an Olympic gold medal as a member of the U.S. national team.

2012: 50-40-90 Club

With a scoring average of 28.1 points per game during the 2012-13 season, Durant became the youngest player in NBA history to join the 50–40–90 club.

2013: Became a Member of the 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: Westbrook's Injury

During the first round of the 2013 NBA playoffs, Westbrook tore his meniscus, forcing him to miss the remainder of the postseason.

2013: Dubbed the "Nicest Guy in the NBA"

In 2013, Foot Locker released a series of commercials calling Kevin Durant the "nicest guy in the NBA", solidifying his reputation as a kind and beloved figure.

2013: Signed with Roc Nation and Earned $35 Million

In 2013, Kevin Durant left Rob Pelinka and signed with the Roc Nation group. He also earned $35 million, making him the fourth-highest-earning basketball player that year.

2013: Listed Primary Residence for Sale and Opened Restaurant

In 2013, Kevin Durant listed his primary residence in Oklahoma City for sale and opened a restaurant, KD's Southern Cuisine, in the Bricktown neighborhood.

2013: Pledged $1 Million to the American Red Cross

In 2013, Kevin 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: MVP Award

In 2013, Kevin Durant won the MVP award for the 2013-2014 NBA season.

2013: Consecutive Games Scoring 30 or More Points

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: Struggles in 2014 NBA Playoffs

During the first round of the 2014 NBA playoffs, Kevin Durant struggled against the physical play of the Grizzlies, and through five games, the Thunder trailed the series 3-2. He responded by scoring 36 points in a Game 6 victory.

2014: Won Scoring Title

From 2010 to 2014, Kevin Durant won four scoring titles, establishing himself as one of the league's premier scorers.

2014: Dropped out of FIBA Basketball World Cup

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

2014: Earned All-NBA Honors

In 2014, Kevin Durant earned All-NBA honors, marking a streak of consecutive years he earned this honor.

2014: Partnered with KIND snacks for StrongAndKind.com

In 2014, Kevin Durant partnered with KIND snacks and launched StrongAndKind.com to promote the idea that "being kind is not a sign of weakness."

2014: Showed Defensive Improvement

In 2014, Kevin Durant showed defensive improvement, with opponents averaging just .62 points per isolation play against him.

2014: MVP Season

In the 2013–2014 season, Kevin Durant won the NBA MVP award.

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' Championship

In 2016, Kevin Durant signed with the Golden State Warriors, a team that had won a championship in 2015 and had a record-setting 73-win season in 2016.

2015: Historical Milestones

To begin the 2015–16 season, Kevin Durant and 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.

December 2016: Durant Reveals Actual Height

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

2016: Durant joins the Warriors

In 2016, Kevin Durant joined the Golden State Warriors, marking a significant shift in his career. The Warriors finished the 2016-17 season with a 67-15 record and entered the playoffs as the first seed.

2016: Joined the Golden State Warriors

In 2016, Kevin Durant joined the Warriors, where his diverse offensive abilities further enhanced an already elite team.

2016: Won Gold Medal and Named USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year

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

2016: Credentialed Photographer for The Players' Tribune at Super Bowl 50

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

2016: Second Olympic Gold Medal

In 2016, Kevin Durant won his second Olympic gold medal with the U.S. national team.

2016: Announcement to Sign with the Warriors

On July 4, 2016, Kevin Durant announced his intentions to sign with the Golden State Warriors. The move was received negatively by fans and pundits.

April 7, 2017: Created a YouTube Account

On April 7, 2017, Kevin Durant created a YouTube account and began uploading live stream vlogs, expressing his excitement about distancing himself from other social media platforms.

August 17, 2017: Kevin Durant Day in Seat Pleasant, Maryland

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

2017: Durant Re-signs with the Warriors

Following the 2017 NBA Finals, Durant declined his player option and became a free agent. In 2017, he re-signed with the Warriors on a two-year contract for $51.25 million, accepting less than the maximum to allow the team to maintain its core roster and acquire additional free agents.

2017: Founded Thirty Five Ventures

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

2017: First NBA Championship

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

2017: Durant's performance in 2017 NBA Finals

In the 2017 NBA playoffs, Kevin Durant returned from injury to help the Warriors advance to the Finals. In Game 1 he scored 38 points. His performance led to being named NBA Finals MVP. The Warriors finished the playoffs with a 16–1 record.

February 13, 2018: Partnered to Create a Basketball-Themed Drama for 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: Durant re-signs with 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.

July 2018: Involved in Twitter Back-and-Forth with CJ McCollum

In July 2018, Kevin Durant was involved in a Twitter exchange with CJ McCollum, showcasing his more outspoken and controversial side.

2018: Considered for NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award

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

2018: Included in Time Magazine's 100 Most Influential People

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

2018: Time's 100 Most Influential People

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

2018: Second NBA Championship

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

June 2019: Decision to Sit Out the 2019-20 Season

In June 2019, shortly after sustaining an injury, Durant made the decision to sit out the entire 2019–20 season.

June 30, 2019: Durant Plans to Sign with Nets

On June 30, 2019, Durant announced his plans to sign with the Brooklyn Nets. The official signing was set to occur after the July moratorium ended on July 6.

2019: Earned All-NBA Honors

In 2019, Kevin Durant earned All-NBA honors, continuing his recognition as one of the league's best players.

2019: Achilles Injury in NBA Finals

In 2019, Kevin Durant sustained an Achilles injury during the NBA Finals.

2019: Durant Injured in 2019 NBA Finals

In the 2019 NBA Finals, Durant returned from a strained calf injury, but he suffered an Achilles tendon injury during Game 5 against Toronto. He limped off the court. The Warriors lost Game 6, ending their quest for a three-peat.

March 17, 2020: Durant Tests Positive for COVID-19

On March 17, 2020, Durant and three other players from the Brooklyn Nets tested positive for COVID-19. He was later cleared and recovered by April 1.

June 15, 2020: Became a Minority Owner of Philadelphia Union

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

June 2020: YouTube Channel Reached Over 790,000 Subscribers

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

December 22, 2020: Durant makes Nets debut

On December 22, 2020, Durant made his debut with the Brooklyn Nets, scoring 22 points in a victory against his former team, the Golden State Warriors.

2020: Committed to Playing on 2020 Olympic Team

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

2020: Third Olympic Gold Medal

In 2020, Kevin Durant won his third Olympic gold medal as a member 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: James Harden Traded to the Nets

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

January 16, 2021: Durant Scores Season-High 42 Points

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

April 7, 2021: Durant returns from injury

On April 7, 2021, after recovering from a hamstring injury, Kevin Durant made his return to the court, scoring 17 points 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 dedicated to women's sports. Durant praised the platform for showcasing the talent and worth of female athletes.

August 8, 2021: Durant Signs Extension with Nets

On August 8, 2021, Durant signed a four-year, $198 million contract extension with the Brooklyn Nets, solidifying his future with the team.

August 2021: Partnership between Boardroom and Weedmaps

In August 2021, Kevin Durant's multimedia company, Boardroom, partnered with cannabis technology company Weedmaps to create original content and make Weedmaps an official sponsor. Durant emphasized addressing cannabis stigmas in sports and globally through this partnership.

October 29, 2021: Swagger TV Show Premiere

On October 29, 2021, Swagger, a TV show inspired by Kevin Durant's life story, premiered on Apple TV+. Durant served as an executive producer for the show.

Loading Video...

December 22, 2021: Deal with Coinbase

On December 22, 2021, Kevin Durant signed a deal with Coinbase to serve as a brand ambassador for the cryptocurrency exchange platform.

2021: Broke Olympic Scoring Record and Led Team to Gold Medal

In 2021, Kevin Durant broke Carmelo Anthony's record for career points and led the U.S. squad to a gold medal at the Olympics. FIBA named him the tournament's MVP, and he was named 2021 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 his outstanding achievements and contributions to the league.

2021: Won Academy Award for Short Film

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

January 15, 2022: Durant Suffers Knee Injury

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

June 30, 2022: Durant requests trade from Nets

On June 30, 2022, it was reported that Durant had requested a trade from the Brooklyn Nets. His preferred destinations were the Phoenix Suns and Miami Heat.

August 24, 2022: Durant Rescinds Trade Request

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

October 2022: Investment in Professional Pickleball Team

In October 2022, Kevin Durant joined athletes like LeBron James, Tom Brady, and Drew Brees as an investor in a professional pickleball team through his Thirty Five Ventures firm, alongside his business partner, Rich Kleiman.

2022: Requested Trade from the Brooklyn Nets

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

2022: Earned All-NBA Honors

In 2022, Kevin Durant earned All-NBA honors, adding to his list of achievements.

February 9, 2023: Durant Traded to the Phoenix Suns

On February 9, 2023, the Brooklyn Nets traded Durant, along with T. J. Warren, to the Phoenix Suns. He returned to wearing No. 35 jersey because No. 7 was retired by the Suns.

October 31, 2023: Durant passes Olajuwon for 12th on all-time scoring list

On October 31, 2023, Durant scored 26 points in a loss to the San Antonio Spurs. With this performance, he passed Hakeem Olajuwon for 12th place on the NBA all-time career scoring list and became the 12th player to reach 27,000 career points.

2023: Durant Named All-Star Starter

On January 26, 2023, 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 with Zero Free Throw Attempts

On January 21, 2024, Durant scored 40 points in a win over the Indiana Pacers, achieving the feat without any free throw attempts, making him the first Sun and the 14th player in NBA history to do so.

October 26, 2024: Durant 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 in NBA history to achieve this milestone.

2024: Played with the Senior Men's United States National Team

From 2010 to 2024, Kevin Durant played with the senior men's United States national team. He brought home five gold medals and owns nine U.S. Olympic men's career records.

2024: Earned All-NBA Honors

In 2024, Kevin Durant earned All-NBA honors, showing he continued to be recognized as one of the league's best players.

2024: Fourth Olympic Gold Medal

In 2024, Kevin Durant won his fourth Olympic gold medal, becoming the first male athlete to achieve this in a team sport.

2024: Fourth Olympic Appearance and All-Time Rebounding and Scoring Leader

In 2024, at age 35, Kevin Durant made his fourth Olympic appearance and became the United States' all-time rebounding and scoring leader at the Olympics. 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: Named Western Conference 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.