History of Kevin Durant in Timeline
Kevin Durant, nicknamed "the Slim Reaper," is an American professional basketball player widely regarded as one of the greatest scorers of all time. He currently plays for the Houston Rockets in the NBA. Durant's accolades include two NBA championships, four Olympic gold medals (the only male athlete to achieve this), an NBA Most Valuable Player Award, two NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Awards, two NBA All-Star Game Most Valuable Player Awards, and four NBA scoring titles. He also earned NBA Rookie of the Year. Durant has been selected to 11 All-NBA teams and 16 NBA All-Star games. In 2021, he was named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team and currently ranks sixth among NBA career scoring leaders.
September 29, 1988: Kevin Durant's Birth
On September 29, 1988, Kevin Wayne Durant, nicknamed "KD" and "the Slim Reaper", was born. He is now regarded as one of the greatest basketball players and scorers of all time.
1994: Last FIBA World Championship before Durant led Team USA to victory in 2010
In 1994, the United States won the FIBA World Championship, the last time they would win until Kevin Durant led them to victory in 2010.
1996: Last Pair of Teammates to Score 40+ Points in a Game
In 2015, Kevin Durant and Westbrook became the first pair of teammates since 1996 to each score at least 40 points in a single game.
2006: High School and All-American Accolades
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. He was highly regarded as a top high school prospect.
2006: Considered Entering NBA Draft
In 2006, Kevin Durant considered declaring for the NBA draft but was unable to because of the NBA's one-and-done rule.
2006: College Season at Texas Longhorns
In 2006, Kevin Durant played for the Texas Longhorns, averaging 25.8 points and 11.1 rebounds per game. He won numerous year-end awards and became the first freshman to be named Naismith College Player of the Year.
February 2007: Invited 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 cut from the team.
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. He averaged 20.3 points per game.
2007: NBA Debut and Game-Winning Shot
In 2007, Kevin Durant was drafted into the NBA. During his first regular season game, the 19-year-old Durant registered 18 points, five rebounds, and three steals against the Denver Nuggets. Later that year, on November 16, he made the first game-winning shot of his career in a game against the Atlanta Hawks.
2008: SuperSonics Relocation and Rebranding
Following Durant's rookie season, in 2008, the Supersonics relocated to Oklahoma City, becoming the Thunder and switching to new colors.
2009: Rookie Challenge Record
At the 2009 NBA All-Star Weekend, Kevin Durant set a Rookie Challenge record with 46 points.
2009: First NBA All-Star Game and Playoff Debut
During the 2009–10 season, Kevin Durant was selected to his first NBA All-Star Game. With a scoring average of 30.1 points per game, Durant became the youngest NBA scoring champion and was selected to his first All-NBA team. In his playoff debut, Durant scored 24 points in a Game 1 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers.
2010: Improving Passing Skills
From 2010 to 2014, Kevin Durant grew as a playmaker, increasing his assist numbers every year, though his overall vision still lagged behind the league's best passers'.
2010: All-NBA Honors
In 2010, Kevin Durant earned All-NBA honors for the first time.
2010: Joins United States National Team
In 2010, Kevin Durant joins the United States National Team.
2010: Selected to National Team and Wins FIBA World Championship
In 2010, Kevin Durant was selected to the national team at the 2010 FIBA World Championship and led Team USA to its first FIBA World Championship since 1994, earning tournament MVP honors.
2010: FIBA World Championship Gold Medal
In 2010, Kevin Durant won a gold medal at the FIBA World Championship.
2010: Wins first scoring title
In 2010, Kevin Durant won his first scoring title and from 2010 to 2014, he won four scoring titles, becoming one of only two players to win four scoring titles in a five-year span.
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 and Playoff Run
For the second consecutive year, in 2011, Kevin Durant led the NBA in scoring, averaging 27.7 points a game. Behind his leadership, the Thunder won 55 games and earned the fourth seed in the Western Conference. In the 2011 NBA playoffs, Oklahoma City defeated the Denver Nuggets and Memphis Grizzlies en route to a Conference Finals match-up against the Dallas Mavericks, losing in five games.
2011: 50-Point Game and All-Star MVP
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: Converted 72.2% of shots in the paint
In 2012, Kevin Durant converted 72.2% of shots in the paint.
2012: Finals Appearance with the Thunder
In 2012, Kevin Durant led the Oklahoma City Thunder to an NBA Finals appearance.
2012: Sets Olympic Scoring Record and Wins 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".
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 finished the year with his third straight scoring title. Behind his play, the Thunder reached the 2012 NBA Finals, where they lost to the Miami Heat.
2012: Olympic Gold Medal
In 2012, Kevin Durant won a gold medal as a member of the U.S. national team at the Olympics.
2012: Joined the 50-40-90 Club
In 2012-2013 season, with a 51% shooting rate, a 41.6% three-point shooting rate, and a 90.5% free throw shooting rate, Kevin Durant became the youngest player in NBA history to join the 50–40–90 club.
2013: Joins 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: Playoff Performance and Team Challenges
During the 2012-2013 season, in 2013, Kevin Durant averaged 28.1 points per game. In the first round of the 2013 NBA playoffs, Westbrook tore his meniscus. Durant averaged a career-high 30.8 points per game throughout the playoffs.
2013: Foot Locker Commercials: Nicest Guy in the NBA
Early in his career, Kevin Durant developed a reputation for his kind demeanor; in 2013, Foot Locker released a series of commercials calling him the "nicest guy in the NBA".
2013: Left Pelinka and Signed with Roc Nation
In 2013, Kevin Durant left Pelinka and signed with the Roc Nation group, headed by Jay-Z. In 2013, Durant earned $35 million, making him the fourth-highest-earning basketball player that year.
2013: Listed Primary Residence for Sale and Opened KD's Southern Cuisine
In 2013, Kevin Durant listed his primary residence for sale for $1.95 million and opened a restaurant, KD's Southern Cuisine, in the Bricktown neighborhood.
2013: Pledged $1 Million 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: MVP Award for 2013
In 2013, Kevin Durant won the NBA Most Valuable Player award for the 2013–2014 season.
2013: Record-Breaking Scoring and MVP Award
In January of the 2013–14 season, in 2013, Kevin Durant averaged 35.9 points per game and surpassed Michael Jordan's record for consecutive games scoring 25 points or more at 41. The Thunder finished the year with 59 wins and Durant was voted the NBA Most Valuable Player.
2014: Improving Passing Skills and Defense
From 2010 to 2014, Kevin Durant grew as a playmaker, increasing his assist numbers every year, though his overall vision still lagged behind the league's best passers'. In 2014, Durant also showed defensive improvement.
2014: Wins scoring titles
From 2010 to 2014, Kevin Durant won four scoring titles, becoming one of only two players to win four scoring titles in a five-year span.
2014: Durant Drops Out of FIBA World Cup
In 2014, Kevin Durant announced that he would be dropping out of the FIBA Basketball World Cup, citing mental and physical exhaustion.
2014: Partnered with KIND Snacks and Launched StrongAndKind.com
In 2014, Kevin Durant partnered with KIND snacks and launched StrongAndKind.com to show "being kind is not a sign of weakness."
2014: MVP Award for 2014
Kevin Durant won the MVP award for the 2013-2014 season in 2014.
2014: Jones Fracture and Season Debut
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. Durant subsequently missed the first 17 games of the year, making his season debut for the Thunder on December 2 against the New Orleans Pelicans.
2014: Playoff Struggles and Western Conference Finals Appearance
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. Oklahoma City eventually eliminated Memphis and the Los Angeles Clippers before losing to the San Antonio Spurs in the Western Conference Finals in six games.
2015: Warriors Championship
In 2015, the Golden State Warriors won the NBA championship.
2015: Historical Milestones with Westbrook
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, doing so in a win over the Orlando Magic on October 30.
December 2016: Height Listed as 7 ft 0 in
In December 2016, Kevin Durant, whose height was still listed as 6 ft 9 in, stated that his height in shoes was actually 7 ft 0 in and that he understated his height in order to be listed as a small forward.
2016: Warriors debut and season
In 2016, Kevin Durant debuted with the Warriors on October 25 against the San Antonio Spurs, scoring 27 points. On November 26, he recorded 28 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists, and a career-high 6 blocks against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Later in the season, in March, Durant suffered a Grade 2 MCL sprain and a tibial bone bruise.
2016: Joins the Warriors
In 2016, Kevin Durant joined the Warriors and his ability to impact the offense in a variety of ways helped Durant remain effective and improve an already elite offense upon joining the Warriors.
2016: Wins Gold Medal and Named USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year
In 2016, Kevin Durant rejoined Team USA on the Olympic team, led them to a gold medal, and was named the co-USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year.
2016: Olympic Gold Medal
In 2016, Kevin Durant secured another gold medal with the U.S. national team at the Olympics.
2016: Signed with the Golden State Warriors
In 2016, Kevin Durant signed with the Golden State Warriors.
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: Playoff Performance and Conference Finals Loss
In the 2015-2016 season, Durant averaged 28.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, 5.0 assists, and 1.2 blocks per game. Durant had a poor shooting performance in Game 2 of the first round of the 2016 NBA playoffs against the Mavericks. After defeating Dallas and the San Antonio Spurs, Oklahoma City was ousted in seven games by the Golden State Warriors in the Conference Finals, with Durant providing 27 points in Game 7.
April 7, 2017: Kevin Durant Creates YouTube Channel
On April 7, 2017, Kevin Durant launched his YouTube channel, where he began posting livestream vlogs, after stepping away from other social media platforms.
August 17, 2017: Kevin Durant Day Announced
On August 17, 2017, Kevin Durant's hometown of Seat Pleasant, Maryland, declared it Kevin Durant Day to celebrate his contributions to the community and his NBA achievements.
2017: Re-signing with the Warriors
After the 2017 NBA Finals, Kevin Durant declined his player option and became a free agent. On July 25, 2017, he re-signed with the Warriors on a two-year contract for $51.25 million.
2017: NBA Finals MVP
In 2017, Kevin Durant returned from injury for the NBA playoffs, helping the Warriors advance to the Finals. He led the Warriors to victory against the Cleveland Cavaliers, earning the NBA Finals MVP award. The Warriors finished the playoffs with a 16-1 record.
2017: Durant Apologizes for Third-Person Tweets
In 2017, Kevin Durant used his personal Twitter account in the third person to discuss his departure from the Oklahoma City Thunder, later apologizing for his "childish" behavior.
2017: NBA Championship and Finals MVP
In 2017, Kevin Durant won an NBA championship and was named Finals MVP with the Golden State Warriors.
February 13, 2018: Durant to Create 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: Re-signing with the Warriors
On July 7, 2018, Kevin Durant re-signed with the Warriors on a two-year, $61.5 million contract, including 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: Considered for Defensive Player of the Year
In 2018, Kevin Durant developed into a more reliable off-ball defender and rim protector, and was considered for the NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award.
2018: Named Among Time's 100 Most Influential People
In 2018, Kevin Durant was recognized as one of Time's 100 most influential people in the world.
2018: Consecutive NBA Championship and Finals MVP
In 2018, Kevin Durant won his second consecutive NBA championship and Finals MVP with the Golden State Warriors.
2018: Second Finals MVP Award
In 2018, during Game 3 of the NBA Finals, Kevin Durant scored a playoff career-high 43 points, leading the Warriors to a 3-0 advantage and eventually a second straight championship. Durant won his second consecutive Finals MVP Award.
June 2019: Decision to sit out 2019-20 season
Shortly after his Achilles injury in June 2019, Kevin Durant decided he would be sitting out the entire 2019-20 season to recover.
June 30, 2019: Plans to sign with Brooklyn Nets
On June 30, 2019, Kevin Durant announced his plans to sign with the Brooklyn Nets.
2019: Achilles Injury and Joining the 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: Durant Admits to Using Burner Account on Twitter
In 2019, Kevin Durant admitted to using a burner account on Twitter to interact privately with friends, revealing a behind-the-scenes aspect of his social media usage.
2019: Achilles Tendon Injury
In 2019, during Game 5 of the NBA Finals, Kevin Durant returned from a strained calf but suffered an Achilles tendon injury, ending his season.
March 17, 2020: Positive COVID-19 Test
On March 17, 2020, Kevin Durant and three other Nets players tested positive for COVID-19.
June 15, 2020: Durant Becomes Minority Owner of Philadelphia Union
On June 15, 2020, Kevin Durant acquired a 5% stake in the MLS side Philadelphia Union, becoming a minority owner and expanding his investment portfolio in sports.
June 2020: YouTube Channel Statistics
As of June 2020, Kevin Durant's YouTube channel had over 790,000 subscribers and 38 million video views, marking a significant milestone in his online presence.
December 22, 2020: Nets Debut
On December 22, 2020, Kevin Durant made his debut for the Brooklyn Nets, scoring 22 points against his former team, the Golden State Warriors.
2020: Durant Invests in Skydio
In 2020, Kevin Durant became a passive investor in Skydio, an autonomous drone company, expanding his business ventures.
2020: Commits to the 2020 Olympic Team
In 2020, Kevin Durant committed to playing on the 2020 Olympic team, delayed until 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
2020: Durant Discusses Burner Account Usage
In 2020, Kevin Durant stated on the All The Smoke podcast that he intended to continue using burner accounts on Twitter, reinforcing his approach to social media interaction.
2020: Olympic Gold Medal
In 2020, Kevin Durant won his third gold medal at the Olympics as a member of the U.S. national team.
2020: Thirty Five Ventures Produces 'Basketball County'
In 2020, Thirty Five Ventures produced Basketball County, a documentary about youth basketball in Prince George's County, Maryland; Kevin Durant served as an executive producer and appeared in interviews.
January 14, 2021: Trade for 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 Score
On January 16, 2021, Kevin Durant scored a season-high 42 points in a win over the Orlando Magic.
April 7, 2021: Return After Injury
On April 7, 2021, after recovering from a hamstring injury, Kevin Durant returned, scoring 17 points off the bench in a win against the New Orleans Pelicans.
May 2021: Durant Invests 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.
August 8, 2021: Extension with the Nets
On August 8, 2021, Kevin Durant signed a four-year, $198 million extension with the Brooklyn Nets.
August 2021: Boardroom Partners with Weedmaps
In August 2021, Kevin Durant's Boardroom partnered with cannabis technology company Weedmaps to develop original content and normalize conversations around cannabis in sports.
December 22, 2021: Durant Signs Deal with Coinbase
On December 22, 2021, Kevin Durant signed a deal with Coinbase to serve as a brand ambassador, marking a partnership in the cryptocurrency industry.
2021: Leads Team USA to Gold at the Olympics
In 2021, Kevin Durant led the U.S. squad to a gold medal at the Olympics, and was named the tournament's MVP. In recognition of his accomplishments in the tournament, Durant was named 2021 USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year for the third time in his career.
2021: Named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team
In 2021, Kevin Durant was named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team.
2021: Thirty Five Ventures Wins Academy Award
In 2021, Thirty Five Ventures' work Two Distant Strangers won the Academy Award for Short Film (Live Action), highlighting Durant's success in the film industry.
January 15, 2022: Left Knee Injury
On January 15, 2022, during a game against the New Orleans Pelicans, Kevin Durant exited in the second quarter after suffering a left knee injury, later revealed to be a sprained MCL.
June 30, 2022: Trade Request from Nets
On June 30, 2022, it was reported that Kevin Durant had requested a trade from the Brooklyn Nets, with his preferred destinations being the Phoenix Suns and Miami Heat.
August 24, 2022: Rescinded Trade Request
On August 24, 2022, Kevin Durant rescinded his trade request after a meeting with Nets management.
October 2022: Durant Invests in Professional Pickleball Team
In October 2022, Kevin Durant joined fellow athletes LeBron James, Tom Brady, and Drew Brees as an investor in a professional pickleball team, expanding his investment portfolio.
2022: Requested a Trade from the Nets
During the 2022 offseason, Kevin Durant requested a trade from the Brooklyn Nets due to disagreements with the front office.
February 9, 2023: Traded to Phoenix Suns
On February 9, 2023, Kevin Durant was traded, along with T. J. Warren, from the Nets to the Phoenix Suns.
October 31, 2023: Passes Hakeem Olajuwon on Scoring List
On October 31, 2023, Kevin Durant scored 26 points and passed Hakeem Olajuwon for 12th on the all-time career scoring list, also becoming the 12th player to reach 27,000 career points, in a game against the San Antonio Spurs.
2023: All-Star Game Selection
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: 40 points vs. Pacers
On January 21, 2024, Kevin Durant scored 40 points against the Indiana Pacers, becoming the first Suns player and 14th in NBA history to score 40 points without any 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 the eighth player in NBA history to reach this milestone.
2024: 37 Official games with United States National Team
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.
2024: Fourth Olympic Gold Medal
In 2024, Kevin Durant won his fourth gold medal in the Olympics with the U.S. national team, becoming the first male athlete to win four Olympic gold medals 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. He also 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 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.
July 6, 2025: Traded to the Houston Rockets
On July 6, 2025, Kevin Durant was traded to the Houston Rockets in a seven-team trade, marking the largest trade in NBA history.
July 2025: Traded to the Houston Rockets
In July 2025, after two full seasons with the Phoenix Suns, Kevin Durant was traded to the Houston Rockets.
January 5, 2026: Durant hits game winner against Phoenix Suns
On January 5, 2026, Kevin Durant scored 26 points 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, saying he felt he was scapegoated during his time in Phoenix.
February 2026: Lack of Conclusive Evidence Linking Durant to Burner Account
As of February 2026, no conclusive evidence had been made public to link Kevin Durant to the Twitter account @GetHigher77, and the allegations remained based on user-generated screenshots and social media claims.
February 2026: Renewed Scrutiny Over Alleged Burner Account
In February 2026, Kevin Durant faced renewed scrutiny following reports highlighting screenshots of messages from an alleged burner account on Twitter, @GetHigher77, said to be part of a private group chat involving Durant and his acquaintances.
February 21, 2026: Boardroom Dismisses Editorial Team
On February 21, 2026, Kevin Durant and Rich Kleiman dismissed the full-time editorial team at Boardroom, leading to speculation about the reasons behind the decision.
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