History of Kevin Durant in Timeline

Kevin Durant, or KD, is a highly decorated American professional basketball player currently playing for the Houston Rockets. He boasts an impressive resume including two NBA championships, four Olympic gold medals, one NBA MVP award, and two NBA Finals MVP awards. A prolific scorer, Durant has also secured four NBA scoring titles and was named Rookie of the Year. He's an 11-time All-NBA team selection, a 15-time All-Star, and was honored on the NBA 75th Anniversary Team in 2021. His scoring prowess places him eighth on the NBA's all-time scoring list, solidifying his place among basketball's elite.

Sections (4)

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

1966: Last Player to Achieve Three Consecutive 40-Point Games Against Detroit Before Durant

In 1966, Rick Barry was the last player to score at least 40 points in three consecutive games against Detroit before Durant did it in 2022.

September 29, 1988: Kevin Durant's Birth

On September 29, 1988, Kevin Wayne Durant, nicknamed KD, was born. He is now a professional basketball player for the Houston Rockets.

Others born on this day/year

1994: Team USA FIBA World Championship

In 1994, Team USA won the FIBA World Championship, after which, in 2010, Kevin Durant led them to their next FIBA World Championship.

1996: Historical Milestones with Westbrook

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: Washington Post All-Met Player of the Year

At the end of the year, in 2006, Durant was named the Washington Post All-Met Basketball Player of the Year and MVP 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, winning the John R. Wooden Award and the Naismith College Player of the Year Award. Following the season, he declared for the NBA draft.

2006: Declaration for NBA Draft

In 2006, Durant said he would have declared for the NBA draft if the NBA hadn't introduced the one-and-done rule.

February 2007: Invitation to US 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 due to the experience of other players.

2007: Named NBA Rookie of the Year

At the end of the 2007–08 NBA season, Durant was named the NBA Rookie of the Year after averaging 20.3 points, 4.4 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game.

2007: First NBA Game and Game-Winning Shot

In 2007, Durant played his first NBA game and made the first game-winning shot of his career.

2007: Drafted by Seattle SuperSonics

In 2007, Kevin Durant was selected as the second overall pick in the NBA draft by the Seattle SuperSonics.

2008: Thunder's New Colors

In 2008, following Durant's rookie season, the Supersonics relocated to Oklahoma City, becoming the Thunder and switching to new colors – blue, orange, and yellow.

2008: SuperSonics Become Oklahoma City Thunder

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

2009: All-Star Rookie Challenge Record

At the 2009 NBA All-Star Weekend, Durant set a Rookie Challenge record with 46 points. By the end of the 2008–09 NBA season, Durant had raised his scoring average by five points from the prior season to 25.3 points per game, and was considered a strong candidate for the Most Improved Player Award, eventually finishing third in the voting.

2009: First NBA All-Star Game Selection and Playoff Debut

During the 2009-10 season, 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: All-NBA Honors

In 2010, Kevin Durant earned one of his 11 All-NBA honors.

2010: FIBA World Championship Victory and MVP

In 2010, Kevin Durant was selected to the national team and led Team USA to its first FIBA World Championship since 1994, earning tournament MVP honors.

2010: Contract Extension and Second Scoring Title

Prior to the start of the 2010-11 season, Durant announced via Twitter that he had signed a five-year contract extension with the Thunder worth approximately $86 million. For the second consecutive year, Durant led the NBA in scoring, averaging 27.7 points a game.

2010: Start of International Career

Starting in 2010, Kevin Durant began a long run with the senior men's United States national team.

2010: Improving Playmaker

Starting in 2010, Kevin Durant increased his assist numbers every year.

2011: Playoff Run to Conference Finals

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: First 50-Point Game and All-Star MVP

On February 19 of the lockout-shortened 2011–12 season, Durant recorded his first career 50-point game, scoring 51 points against the Denver Nuggets. At the All-Star Game, he scored 36 points and was awarded the NBA All-Star Game Most Valuable Player Award.

2012: NBA Finals Appearance and Scoring Title

In 2012, Durant finished the year with a scoring average of 28 points per game, representing his third straight scoring title. The Thunder reached the NBA Finals, losing to the Miami Heat. Durant led all players with 30.6 points per game during the Finals.

2012: Strong Finisher

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: Olympic Record and Gold Medal

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

2012: Joined 50-40-90 Club

With a scoring average of 28.1 points per game to finish the 2012–13 season, Durant failed to defend his scoring title; however, with a 51 percent shooting rate, a 41.6 percent three point shooting rate, and a 90.5 free throw shooting rate, Durant became the youngest player in NBA history to join the 50–40–90 club.

2013: 50-40-90 Club Member

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: Earnings and Roc Nation Signing

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

2013: Real Estate and Restaurant Ventures

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

2013: $1 Million 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. This inspired the Thunder and Nike to match his donation.

2013: MVP Award

In 2013, Kevin Durant won the NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) award.

2013: Scoring Streak and MVP Season

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. In April, he 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 behind averages of 32.0 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game.

2013: Playoff Elimination after Westbrook's Injury

In the first round of the 2013 NBA playoffs against the Houston Rockets, Westbrook tore his meniscus, forcing him to miss the remainder of the postseason. The Thunder were eliminated in the second round by the Memphis Grizzlies.

2014: Improving Playmaker

Ending in 2014, Kevin Durant increased his assist numbers every year.

2014: Scoring Titles

Ending in 2014, Kevin Durant won four scoring titles.

2014: Partnership with KIND Snacks

In 2014, Kevin Durant partnered with KIND snacks and launched StrongAndKind.com to promote kindness.

2014: Withdrawal from FIBA World Cup

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

2014: Jones Fracture Diagnosis and Season Interruption

Prior to the start of the 2014–15 season, 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.

2014: MVP Season Concludes

The 2013-2014 season saw Kevin Durant win the MVP award.

2014: Playoff Struggles and Conference Finals Loss

To begin the first round of the 2014 NBA playoffs, 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: Context of Move to the Warriors

On July 4, 2016, Durant announced his intention to sign with the Golden State Warriors in The Players' Tribune. The move was negatively received by fans and pundits as the team was coming off a record-setting 73-win season in 2016 and a championship in 2015.

2015: Historical Milestones with Westbrook

To begin the 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.

July 4, 2016: Announcement of Intent to Sign with Warriors

On July 4, 2016, Durant announced his intention to sign with the Golden State Warriors in The Players' Tribune, receiving negative reactions from fans and pundits.

December 2016: Height Revelation

In December 2016, Kevin Durant revealed 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: Durant Joins the Golden State Warriors

In 2016, Kevin Durant joined the Golden State Warriors. He made his debut on October 25 against the San Antonio Spurs, scoring 27 points. On November 26, he recorded 28 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, and six blocks against the Minnesota Timberwolves. On February 11, Durant played his first game back in Oklahoma City, scoring 34 points. In March 2016, he suffered a Grade 2 MCL sprain, which forced him to miss 19 games. The Warriors finished the 2016-17 season with a 67-15 record.

2016: Joining the Warriors

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

2016: Olympic Gold Medal and Athlete of the Year

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

2016: Credentialed Photographer

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

2016: Olympic Gold Medal

In 2016, Kevin Durant won another gold medal as a member of the U.S. national team at the Olympics.

April 7, 2017: YouTube Channel Creation

On April 7, 2017, Kevin Durant created a YouTube account and began uploading live stream vlogs.

August 17, 2017: Kevin Durant Day

On August 17, 2017, Kevin Durant Day was announced in his hometown of Seat Pleasant, Maryland, honoring his contributions and achievements.

2017: Founding Thirty Five Ventures

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

2017: Durant Wins First NBA Championship and Finals MVP

In 2017, Kevin Durant returned from injury for the NBA playoffs and helped the Warriors advance to the Finals. In Game 1, he scored 38 points against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Durant helped the Warriors go up 3-0 in the series with 31 points in Game 3. He scored 39 points in Game 5, securing the series win. Durant was named the NBA Finals MVP in 2017, averaging 35.2 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 5.4 assists during the Finals. The Warriors finished the playoffs with a 16-1 record.

2017: Durant Re-Signs with the Warriors

In 2017, after the NBA Finals, Durant declined his $27.7 million player option and became an unrestricted free agent. On July 25, 2017, he re-signed with the Warriors on a two-year, $51.25 million contract, taking less than the maximum to help the team retain its core players.

February 13, 2018: Apple Basketball Drama Series

On February 13, 2018, it was reported that Kevin Durant and 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, 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 Exchange with CJ McCollum

In July 2018, Kevin Durant was involved in a Twitter back-and-forth with CJ McCollum.

2018: Durant Wins Second NBA Championship and Finals MVP

In 2018, Durant recorded a playoff career-high 43 points in Game 3 of the NBA Finals, leading the Warriors to a 3–0 advantage. Golden State ultimately swept Cleveland and Durant won his second back-to-back Finals MVP Award with averages of 28.8 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 7.5 assists.

2018: Defensive Player of the Year Consideration

In 2018, Kevin Durant was considered for the NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award.

2018: Time's 100 Most Influential People

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

2018: Named One of Time's 100 Most Influential People

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

June 2019: Durant Decides to Sit Out the 2019-20 Season

Shortly after sustaining his injury in June 2019, Durant decided he would sit out the entire 2019-20 season.

June 30, 2019: Durant Announces Plans to Sign with the Brooklyn Nets

On June 30, 2019, Durant announced his intention to sign with the Brooklyn Nets after the July moratorium. Golden State later announced that Durant's No. 35 would no longer be issued.

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: Durant Suffers Achilles Injury in NBA Finals

In 2019, Durant returned from a strained right calf in Game 5 of the NBA Finals against Toronto and scored 11 points in the first quarter. However, he suffered an Achilles tendon injury two minutes into the second quarter. The Warriors won the game, but ultimately lost the series in Game 6.

2019: All-NBA Honors

In 2019, Kevin Durant earned one of his 11 All-NBA honors.

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. He was later cleared and recovered by April 1, 2020.

June 15, 2020: Minority Owner of Philadelphia Union

On June 15, 2020, Kevin Durant became a minority owner of MLS side Philadelphia Union, acquiring a 5% stake with the possibility to add another 5% in the near future.

June 2020: YouTube Channel Success

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 win against his former team, the Golden State Warriors.

2020: Olympic Gold Medal

In 2020, Kevin Durant won a gold medal as a member of the U.S. national team at the Olympics.

2020: Basketball County Documentary

In 2020, Thirty Five Ventures produced Basketball County, a documentary about youth basketball in Durant's home county. Durant served as an executive producer and appeared in interviews.

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: Durant Scores Season-High 42 Points

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

April 7, 2021: Durant Returns From Hamstring Injury

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

August 8, 2021: Durant Signs Extension with the Nets

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

2021: Named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team

In 2021, Kevin Durant was named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team, recognizing his significant contributions to the league.

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 MVP Award

In 2021, delayed from 2020 due to COVID-19, Kevin Durant broke Carmelo Anthony's Olympic scoring record, led the U.S. to a gold medal, and was named the tournament's MVP. He was also named 2021 USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year.

January 15, 2022: Durant Suffers Knee Injury

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

June 30, 2022: Durant Requests Trade from the 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 the Miami Heat.

August 24, 2022: Durant Rescinds Trade Request

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

2022: Trade Request from the Nets

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

2022: All-NBA Honors

In 2022, Kevin Durant earned one of his 11 All-NBA honors.

February 9, 2023: Durant Traded to the Phoenix Suns

On February 9, 2023, the Nets traded Durant, along with T. J. Warren, to the Phoenix Suns. Durant returned to wearing No. 35 for the Suns.

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

On October 31, 2023, Durant scored 26 points in a loss to the San Antonio Spurs. He passed Hakeem Olajuwon for 12th on the all-time career scoring list and became the 12th player all-time 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 against the Indiana Pacers, becoming the first Sun and the 14th player in NBA history to achieve this feat with zero free throw attempts.

October 26, 2024: Durant Reaches 29,000 Career Points

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

2024: End of International Career

By 2024, Kevin Durant had played 37 official games for the senior men's United States national team, bringing home five gold medals and setting numerous U.S. Olympic men's career records.

2024: All-NBA Honors

In 2024, Kevin Durant earned one of his 11 All-NBA honors.

2024: Fourth Olympic Appearance and Record-Breaking Performance

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

2024: Fourth Olympic Gold Medal

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

January 25, 2025: 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 fifteenth overall selection and thirteenth as a starter.