History of Kevin Durant in Timeline
Kevin Durant (KD) is an American professional basketball player for the Phoenix Suns. A highly decorated player, Durant has won two NBA championships, an NBA MVP award, two Finals MVP awards, and four scoring titles. He's a 15-time All-Star and has been selected to 11 All-NBA teams. Durant also boasts four Olympic gold medals. Named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team, he currently ranks eighth among NBA career scoring leaders, solidifying his status as one of basketball's all-time greats.
1966: Rick Barry scores 40+ points in three straight games against Detroit
In the 1966-1967 season, Rick Barry was the first player since then to score at least 40 points in his last three games against Detroit.
September 29, 1988: Kevin Durant's Birth
On September 29, 1988, Kevin Wayne Durant, also known as KD, was born. He would become a highly decorated American professional basketball player.
1994: Team USA's FIBA World Championship
In 1994, Team USA won its first FIBA World Championship, a feat they would not repeat until 2010 when Kevin Durant led the team.
1996: Teammates Scoring 40 Points in a Single Game
In 2015, Durant and Westbrook became the first teammates since 1996 to each score at least 40 points in a single game.
2006: All-Met Player of the Year and McDonald's All-American MVP
At the end of the year 2006, Kevin Durant was named the Washington Post All-Met Basketball Player of the Year and the Most Valuable Player of the 2006 McDonald's All-American Game. He was widely regarded as the second-best high school prospect of 2006.
2006: Would Have Entered NBA Draft
In 2006, Durant stated that he would have declared for the NBA draft had the "one-and-done" rule not been introduced, and his favorite team, the Toronto Raptors, had the first overall pick.
2006: College Season at Texas Longhorns
In 2006, Kevin Durant played for the Texas Longhorns and averaged 25.8 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game. He 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.
February 2007: Invitation to United States national team training camp
In February 2007, Kevin Durant received an invitation to the United States national team training camp, but was ultimately 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, averaging 20.3 points per game.
2007: NBA Debut and Game-Winning Shot
In 2007, Kevin Durant was drafted by the Seattle SuperSonics and registered 18 points in his first game. Later that year, on November 16, he made the first game-winning shot of his career against the Atlanta Hawks.
2008: Supersonics Relocated and Became Thunder
Following Durant's rookie season, the Supersonics relocated to Oklahoma City in 2008, becoming the Thunder and switching to new team 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 Selection
During the 2009-10 season, Kevin Durant was selected to his first NBA All-Star Game. He became the youngest NBA scoring champion with an average of 30.1 points per game.
2010: Increasing assist numbers
From 2010, Kevin Durant increased his assist numbers every year.
2010: Playing with the United States national team
From 2010, Kevin Durant played with the senior men's United States national team, bringing home five gold medals: four from Olympic tournaments and one from the 2010 FIBA World Championship.
2010: Scoring Titles
From 2010, Kevin Durant won four scoring titles, becoming one of only two players to win four scoring titles in a five-year span.
2010: Selection to the national team at the FIBA World Championship
In 2010, Kevin Durant was selected to the national team at the FIBA World Championship, where he became a leader and led Team USA to its first championship since 1994, earning tournament MVP honors.
2010: Won Gold at FIBA World Championship
In 2010, Kevin Durant won a gold medal at the FIBA World Championship as a member of the U.S. national team.
2010: Signed 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: Conference Finals Appearance
In the 2011 NBA playoffs, Durant led the Thunder to the Conference Finals, where they lost to the Dallas Mavericks in five games.
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: Joins 50-40-90 Club
During the 2012-13 season, Durant became the youngest player in NBA history to join the 50-40-90 club.
2012: All-Star MVP and NBA Finals Appearance
In 2012, Durant was awarded the NBA All-Star Game Most Valuable Player Award, and led the Thunder to the NBA Finals where they lost to the Miami Heat.
2012: Converting 72.2% of shots 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, marking a significant milestone in his career with the team.
2012: Appearing in the film Thunderstruck
In 2012, Kevin Durant tried his hand at acting, appearing in the children's film "Thunderstruck".
2012: Won Olympic Gold Medal
In 2012, Kevin Durant won a gold medal with the U.S. national team at the Olympics.
2012: Record for total points scored in an Olympic basketball tournament
In 2012, at the Olympics, Kevin Durant set the record for total points scored in an Olympic basketball tournament and helped the national team win a gold medal.
2013: Foot Locker commercials
In 2013, Foot Locker released a series of commercials calling Kevin Durant the "nicest guy in the NBA".
2013: Becoming a member of the 50-40-90 club
In 2013, Kevin Durant became one of only nine members of the 50–40–90 club.
2013: Listing primary residence for sale
In 2013, Kevin Durant listed his primary residence in Oklahoma City for sale for $1.95 million and opened a restaurant, KD's Southern Cuisine.
2013: Pledging 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: Signing with Roc Nation and earning $35 million
In 2013, Kevin Durant signed with the Roc Nation group and earned $35 million, making him the fourth-highest-earning basketball player that year.
2013: Scoring Streak and Career High
In January of the 2013-14 season, Durant averaged 35.9 points per game and scored a career-high 54 points against the Golden State Warriors.
2013: Playoff Elimination After Westbrook's Injury
In the 2013 NBA playoffs, after Russell Westbrook tore his meniscus, the Thunder were eliminated in the second round by the Memphis Grizzlies.
2014: Withdrawal from FIBA Basketball World Cup
In 2014, Kevin Durant announced he would drop out of the FIBA Basketball World Cup, citing mental and physical exhaustion.
2014: Increasing assist numbers
In 2014, Kevin Durant increased his assist numbers every year.
2014: Partnering with KIND snacks
In 2014, Kevin Durant partnered with KIND snacks and launched StrongAndKind.com to show "being kind is not a sign of weakness."
2014: "Mr. Unreliable" and Playoff Performance
In 2014, during the first round of the NBA playoffs, Kevin Durant struggled initially and was dubbed "Mr. Unreliable". He then scored 36 points in a Game 6 victory against the Grizzlies. The Thunder lost to the Spurs in the Western Conference Finals.
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 missed the first 17 games of the year.
2015: Historical Milestones with Westbrook
At the beginning of the 2015-16 season, Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook became the first pair of teammates since 1996 to each score at least 40 points in a single game.
2015: Warriors Championship
In 2016, Kevin Durant moved to the Golden State Warriors, a team coming off a championship win in 2015 and a record 73-win season.
December 2016: Height declaration
In December 2016, Kevin Durant stated 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 joins the Warriors and plays his first game
In 2016, Kevin Durant debuted for the Warriors on October 25 against the San Antonio Spurs, scoring a team-high 27 points. He later recorded 28 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, and a career-high six blocked shots in a win over the Minnesota Timberwolves. He suffered a Grade 2 MCL sprain and a tibial bone bruise in his left knee in March.
2016: Rejoining Team USA and winning a gold medal
In 2016, Kevin Durant rejoined Team USA at the Olympics, leading them to a gold medal and earning recognition as the co-USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year.
2016: Signed with Golden State Warriors
In 2016, Kevin Durant signed with the Golden State Warriors, joining a team that had won a record 73 regular-season games the previous year.
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: Won Olympic Gold Medal
In 2016, Kevin Durant won another gold medal with the U.S. national team at the Olympics.
2016: Conference Finals Loss to Golden State Warriors
In 2016, after defeating the San Antonio Spurs in the second round of the NBA playoffs, the Oklahoma City Thunder, led by Durant, lost to the Golden State Warriors in the Conference Finals despite being up 3-1 in the series.
April 7, 2017: Creation of a YouTube account
On April 7, 2017, Kevin Durant created a YouTube account and began uploading live stream vlogs.
August 17, 2017: Kevin Durant Day in Seat Pleasant
On August 17, 2017, Kevin Durant's hometown of Seat Pleasant in Prince George's County, Maryland, announced Kevin Durant Day in honor of his contributions to the community, as well as for his NBA Championship wins and NBA Finals MVP awards.
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, advancing to the Finals and ultimately winning his first NBA championship with the Warriors. He was named the NBA Finals MVP, averaging 35.2 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 5.4 assists, leading the Warriors to a 16-1 playoff record.
2017: Durant Re-Signs with the Warriors
In 2017, after the NBA Finals, Kevin Durant declined his player option and became a free agent. On July 25, 2017, he re-signed with the Warriors for less than the maximum salary, allowing the team to retain its core players.
February 13, 2018: Creating a basketball-themed scripted drama for Apple
On February 13, 2018, Kevin Durant, in partnership with Imagine Television, planned to 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 Warriors on a two-year, $61.5 million contract, including a player option for the second year.
July 2018: Twitter interaction 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, Kevin Durant recorded a playoff career-high 43 points in Game 3 of the NBA Finals, leading the Warriors to a 3-0 lead and an eventual sweep of the Cavaliers. Durant won his second consecutive Finals MVP Award, averaging 28.8 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 7.5 assists.
2018: Consideration for NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award
In 2018, Kevin Durant was considered for the NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award.
2018: Inclusion in Time magazine'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 magazine's 100 most influential people in the world, acknowledging his impact beyond the basketball court.
June 2019: Durant decides to sit out 2019-2020 season after injury.
In June 2019, shortly after sustaining his Achilles injury, Kevin Durant decided that he would sit out the entire 2019-2020 season to focus on recovery and rehabilitation.
June 30, 2019: Durant announces plan to sign with the Brooklyn Nets
On June 30, 2019, Kevin Durant announced his plans to sign with the Brooklyn Nets after the July moratorium ended. This marked a significant change in his career, as he prepared to join a new team.
2019: Durant suffers Achilles injury in the NBA Finals
In 2019, Kevin Durant returned from a calf strain during Game 5 of the NBA Finals against Toronto, scoring 11 points in the first quarter. However, he suffered an Achilles tendon injury in the second quarter, which sidelined him for the remainder of the game and impacted the Warriors' quest for a three-peat championship.
2019: Achilles Injury in NBA Finals
In 2019, Kevin Durant sustained an Achilles injury during the NBA Finals while playing for the Golden State Warriors, marking a significant setback in his career.
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, highlighting the impact of the pandemic on professional sports and the broader community.
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.
June 2020: Subscriber count on Durant's YouTube channel
As of June 2020, Kevin Durant's YouTube channel had received over 790,000 subscribers and 38 million video views.
December 22, 2020: Durant makes Nets debut
On December 22, 2020, Kevin Durant debuted for the Nets, scoring 22 points in a win against his former team, the Golden State Warriors.
2020: Commitment to playing on the Olympic team
In 2020, Kevin Durant committed to playing on the Olympic team, which was delayed until 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
2020: Won Olympic Gold Medal
In 2020, Kevin Durant secured his third gold medal with the U.S. national team at the Olympics.
2020: Producing Basketball County
In 2020, Thirty Five Ventures produced Basketball County, a documentary about youth basketball in Durant's home county, with Durant serving as an executive producer.
January 14, 2021: Harden traded to the Nets
On January 14, 2021, James Harden was traded to the Nets, reuniting Kevin Durant with his former Thunder teammate.
January 16, 2021: Durant scores season-high 42 points
On January 16, 2021, Kevin Durant scored a season-high 42 points in a win against the Orlando Magic.
April 7, 2021: Durant returns from injury
On April 7, 2021, Kevin Durant returned from a hamstring injury, scoring 17 points off the bench in a win against the New Orleans Pelicans.
May 2021: Investor in Just Women's Sports
In May 2021, Kevin Durant, through Thirty Five Ventures, was announced as an investor in Just Women's Sports, an American media platform dedicated to women's sports.
August 8, 2021: Durant signs extension with the Nets
On August 8, 2021, Kevin Durant signed a four-year, $198 million contract extension with the Brooklyn Nets, securing his future with the team.
August 2021: Partnership between Boardroom and Weedmaps
In August 2021, Kevin Durant announced a partnership between his multimedia company Boardroom and the cannabis technology company Weedmaps.
October 29, 2021: Premiere of Swagger on Apple TV+
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.
December 22, 2021: Deal with Coinbase
On December 22, 2021, Kevin Durant signed a deal with Coinbase to serve as a brand ambassador.
2021: Breaking Olympic records and winning gold
In 2021, Kevin Durant broke Carmelo Anthony's record for career points in U.S. men's Olympic basketball history, led the U.S. squad to a gold medal, and was named the tournament's MVP. He also tied Anthony for most Olympic gold medals.
2021: Named to NBA 75th Anniversary Team
In 2021, Kevin Durant was named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team, solidifying his place as one of the greatest basketball players of all time.
2021: 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, Kevin Durant exited a game against the New Orleans Pelicans due to a left knee injury, which was later revealed to be a sprained MCL, resulting in him being ruled out for four to six weeks.
June 30, 2022: Durant requests a trade from the Nets
On June 30, 2022, it was reported that Kevin Durant 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, Kevin Durant rescinded his trade request after meeting with Nets management, deciding to stay with the team.
October 2022: Investment in a professional pickleball team
In October 2022, Kevin Durant joined fellow professional athletes as an investor in a professional pickleball team with his business partner, Rich Kleiman, via their Thirty Five Ventures (35V) firm.
2022: Requested Trade from Brooklyn Nets
In 2022, after disagreements with the Brooklyn Nets' front office, Kevin Durant requested a trade during the offseason.
February 9, 2023: Durant traded to the Phoenix Suns
On February 9, 2023, Kevin Durant was traded to the Phoenix Suns, along with T. J. Warren, in exchange for Mikal Bridges, Cameron Johnson, Jae Crowder, four unprotected first-round picks, and a 2028 first-round pick swap.
October 31, 2023: Durant passes Hakeem Olajuwon on all-time scoring list
On October 31, 2023, Kevin Durant scored 26 points in a loss to the San Antonio Spurs, passing Hakeem Olajuwon for 12th place on the NBA all-time career scoring list and becoming the 12th player to reach 27,000 career points.
2023: Durant named an Eastern Conference starter for the 2023 NBA All-Star Game
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: Durant scores 40 points with no free throw attempts
On January 21, 2024, Kevin Durant scored 40 points and grabbed nine rebounds in a win over the Indiana Pacers, becoming the first Sun and the 14th player in NBA history to achieve 40 points without attempting a free throw.
October 26, 2024: Durant reaches 29,000 career points
On October 26, 2024, Kevin Durant reached 29,000 career points in a game against the Dallas Mavericks, becoming the eighth player in NBA history to accomplish the feat.
2024: Durant's Stats Playing With The National Team
In 2024, Durant played with the senior men's United States national team averaging 18.8 points, 4.9 rebounds and 2.9 assists.
2024: Won Olympic Gold Medal
In 2024, Kevin Durant won his fourth gold medal with the U.S. national team at the Olympics, and became the first male athlete to win four Olympics gold medals in a team sport.
2024: Fourth Olympic appearance and becoming the all-time rebounding and scoring leader
In 2024, at age 35, Kevin Durant made his fourth Olympic appearance, becoming the United States' all-time rebounding and scoring leader, and winning his fourth gold medal in men's basketball.
January 2025: OKC 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: Durant named 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.
2028: Suns Receive First-Round Pick Swap as part of Durant Trade
In 2023, as part of the trade that sent Durant to the Phoenix Suns, the team acquired a first-round pick swap for the 2028 NBA draft.
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