History of Kevin Durant in Timeline
Kevin Durant, often referred to as KD, is an American professional basketball player for the Phoenix Suns. Considered one of the greatest NBA players, he boasts two NBA championships, an MVP award, two Finals MVP awards, four scoring titles, and numerous All-NBA selections. Durant's impressive career includes three Olympic gold medals and a leading scorer position in US men's Olympic basketball history. He also secured gold at the 2010 FIBA World Championship, solidifying his place as a basketball legend.
1966: Scoring Streak Against Detroit
During the 1966-67 season, Rick Barry became the first player to score at least 40 points in three consecutive games against the Detroit Pistons.
September 29, 1988: Kevin Durant is born
On September 29, 1988, Kevin Wayne Durant, widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players in history, is born.
1996: Historic Scoring with Westbrook
During the 2015-2016 season, Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook became the first pair of teammates to each score at least 40 points in a single game since 1996.
2006: Considers Entering 2006 NBA Draft
In 2006, Kevin Durant expresses his interest in entering the NBA draft but is deterred by the introduction of the one-and-done rule.
2006: Plays for the Texas Longhorns and Wins National Player of the Year Awards
In 2006, Kevin Durant plays for the Texas Longhorns, achieving an impressive season average of 25.8 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game. His performance leads him to be recognized as the unanimous national player of the year, winning prestigious awards like the John R. Wooden Award and the Naismith College Player of the Year Award. He becomes the first freshman to achieve this feat. After this season, he decides to enter the NBA draft.
2006: Named Washington Post All-Met Basketball Player of the Year and MVP of McDonald's All-American Game
In 2006, Kevin Durant receives recognition for his exceptional high school basketball skills, being named the Washington Post All-Met Basketball Player of the Year and the Most Valuable Player of the 2006 McDonald's All-American Game.
February 2007: Durant Invited to US 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 when its roster was trimmed to its twelve-player limit. Coach Mike Krzyzewski cited the experience of the remaining players as the deciding factor in making the cut.
2007: Named NBA Rookie of the Year
At the end of the 2007–08 NBA season, Kevin Durant receives the NBA Rookie of the Year award following impressive averages of 20.3 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game. He joins Carmelo Anthony and LeBron James as the only teenagers in league history to average at least 20 points per game for an entire season.
2007: Drafted by Seattle SuperSonics
In 2007, Kevin Durant is drafted as the second overall pick by the Seattle SuperSonics, marking the start of his NBA career.
2007: Makes NBA Debut
In 2007, Kevin Durant makes his NBA debut with the Seattle SuperSonics, showcasing his skills with 18 points, five rebounds, and three steals against the Denver Nuggets.
2008: Team Relocates to Oklahoma City
In 2008, the Seattle SuperSonics relocate to Oklahoma City and become the Thunder.
2008: SuperSonics Become the Oklahoma City Thunder
Following Durant's rookie season, the SuperSonics relocate to Oklahoma City and become the Thunder, adopting new colors - blue, orange, and yellow. The team also drafts Russell Westbrook, setting the stage for a powerful duo in the future.
2009: Sets Rookie Challenge Record and Improves Scoring Average
At the 2009 NBA All-Star Weekend, Kevin Durant sets a Rookie Challenge record with an impressive 46 points. By the end of the 2008–09 NBA season, he raises his scoring average to 25.3 points per game, demonstrating significant improvement from the previous season.
2009: Selected to First NBA All-Star Game and Becomes Youngest NBA Scoring Champion
During the 2009–10 season, Kevin Durant is selected to his first NBA All-Star Game, marking a significant milestone in his career. He leads the Thunder to an impressive improvement of 27 wins from the previous year, securing their place in the playoffs. His exceptional scoring average of 30.1 points per game makes him the youngest NBA scoring champion, further solidifying his position as a rising star.
2010: Durant Wins First Scoring Title
In 2010, Kevin Durant won the first of four scoring titles in a five-year span, establishing himself as one of the league's most prolific scorers.
2010: Wins Gold at FIBA World Championship
Kevin Durant wins the gold medal with the U.S. men's national basketball team at the 2010 FIBA World Championship.
2010: Contract Extension with the Thunder
Prior to the start of the 2010-2011 season, Kevin Durant signed a five-year contract extension with the Oklahoma City Thunder worth approximately $86 million.
2011: Leading Scorer and Playoff Run
In 2011, Kevin Durant led the NBA in scoring for the second consecutive year, averaging 27.7 points per game. He led the Thunder to 55 wins and the fourth seed in the Western Conference. They reached the Conference Finals but lost to the Dallas Mavericks in five games.
2011: First 50-Point Game
On February 19, 2011, during the lockout-shortened season, Kevin Durant scored his first career 50 points against the Denver Nuggets.
2012: Durant's Acting Debut
In 2012, Kevin Durant ventured into acting, appearing in the children's film Thunderstruck.
2012: Wins Olympic Gold Medal
Kevin Durant wins his first Olympic gold medal as part of the U.S. men's national basketball team at the 2012 Olympic Games.
2012: All-Star MVP and Playoff Run
In 2012, Kevin Durant won the NBA All-Star Game Most Valuable Player Award after scoring 36 points. He also led the NBA in scoring for the third consecutive year, averaging 28 points per game. The Thunder reached the NBA Finals but lost to the Miami Heat.
2012: Durant Sets Olympic Scoring Record
At the 2012 Olympics, Kevin Durant set the record for total points scored in an Olympic basketball tournament. With averages of 19.5 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.6 steals per game, he helped the national team go undefeated en route to a gold medal. In the tournament's final game, Durant led all scorers with 30 points.
2012: Appears in the film Thunderstruck
In 2012, Kevin Durant expands his horizons by venturing into acting, making an appearance in the film Thunderstruck.
2012: Joining the 50-40-90 Club
Although he did not win the scoring title in the 2012-2013 season, Kevin Durant became the youngest player in NBA history to join the 50-40-90 club, representing his shooting percentages in field goals, three-pointers, and free throws.
2012: Durant's Dominant Finishing Ability
In 2012, Durant showcased his exceptional finishing ability by converting 72.2% of shots in the paint, highlighting his effectiveness near the rim.
2013: Durant's Life Events and Ventures
In 2013, Kevin Durant was engaged to WNBA player Monica Wright. He listed his Oklahoma City residence for sale, opened a restaurant called KD's Southern Cuisine, and faced criticism for his slim build and passing abilities.
2013: Playoff Run Without Westbrook
In 2013, the Oklahoma City Thunder earned the first seed in the Western Conference but lost Russell Westbrook to a meniscus injury in the first round of the playoffs. Despite Durant averaging a career-high 30.8 points per game in the playoffs, the Thunder were eliminated in the second round by the Memphis Grizzlies.
2013: Career-High 54 Points and Scoring Streak
In January 2013, Kevin Durant averaged 35.9 points per game and scored 30 or more points in 12 straight games, including a career-high 54 points against the Golden State Warriors.
2013: Durant's Philanthropic Efforts
In 2013, Kevin Durant exhibited his philanthropic spirit by pledging $1 million to the American Red Cross for victims of the Moore tornado, inspiring matching donations from the Thunder and Nike. He also served as a spokesperson for a non-profit music program.
2013: Durant's Earnings and Endorsements
In 2013, Kevin Durant earned $35 million, making him the fourth-highest-earning basketball player that year. He had endorsement deals with various companies and expressed a lack of interest in "global marketing."
2013: Durant Joins the 50–40–90 Club
In 2013, Kevin Durant achieved a historic feat by joining the exclusive 50–40–90 club, signifying his exceptional shooting efficiency.
2013: Durant's "Nice Guy" Image
In 2013, Foot Locker launched a series of commercials branding Kevin Durant as the "nicest guy in the NBA," solidifying his kind and beloved image, particularly in Oklahoma City.
2014: Durant Wins Fourth Scoring Title, Defensive Improvement
By 2014, Durant had won four scoring titles in five years. He also demonstrated significant defensive improvement, holding opponents to a league-best .62 points per isolation play.
2014: Durant's "Strong and Kind" Campaign
In 2014, Kevin Durant partnered with KIND snacks for a campaign promoting kindness as a strength, further reinforcing his reputation for niceness.
2014: Foot Injury and Season Debut
Kevin Durant was diagnosed with a Jones fracture in his right foot and missed the first 17 games of the 2014-2015 season. He made his season debut in December but suffered subsequent ankle and toe injuries. He underwent foot surgery in March and was ruled out for the rest of the season.
2014: NBA Most Valuable Player and Playoff Run
Kevin Durant was named the NBA Most Valuable Player for the 2013-2014 season, averaging 32 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game. He led the Thunder to the Western Conference Finals, where they lost to the San Antonio Spurs.
2014: Durant Withdraws from FIBA World Cup
Less than a month before the start of the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup, Kevin Durant announced that he would be dropping out of the competition, citing mental and physical exhaustion as reasons for his departure.
December 2016: Durant Clarifies his 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, rather than a power forward.
2016: Wins Second Olympic Gold Medal
Kevin Durant wins his second Olympic gold medal with the U.S. men's national basketball team at the 2016 Olympic Games.
2016: Durant Wins Olympic Gold and Co-USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year
Kevin Durant rejoined Team USA on the 2016 Olympic team, where he led them to a gold medal. Durant's final averages for the competition were 19.4 points, 5.0 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game in eight games. In recognition of his performances, Durant was named the 2016 co-USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year, along with Carmelo Anthony, for the second time in his career.
2016: Durant as a Photographer at Super Bowl 50
In 2016, Kevin Durant took on a new role as a credentialed photographer for The Players' Tribune at Super Bowl 50.
2016: Signs with the Golden State Warriors
In 2016, Kevin Durant signs with the Golden State Warriors after nine seasons with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
2016: Durant Joins the Golden State Warriors
In 2016, Durant made a significant career move by joining the Golden State Warriors, further enhancing an already elite offense.
2016: Playoff Run and Conference Finals
In 2016, Kevin Durant led the Thunder to the Western Conference Finals, where they lost to the Golden State Warriors. He had a notable performance in Game 2 of the first round against the Mavericks, where he scored 21 points but had the worst postseason shooting performance of his career.
April 7, 2017: Durant Launches YouTube Channel
On April 7, 2017, Kevin Durant embraced a new platform by creating a YouTube account and starting to upload live stream vlogs, marking a shift in his social media presence.
2017: Durant Establishes Thirty Five Ventures
In 2017, Kevin Durant and Rich Kleiman established Thirty Five Ventures, expanding Durant's endeavors beyond basketball.
2017: Wins First NBA Championship and Finals MVP Award
In 2017, Kevin Durant wins his first NBA championship and Finals MVP Award with the Golden State Warriors.
February 13, 2018: Durant Partners with Imagine Television for Apple TV+ Series
On February 13, 2018, it was announced that Kevin Durant would collaborate with Brian Grazer's Imagine Television to develop a basketball-themed drama series for Apple.
July 2018: Durant's Twitter Controversy
In July 2018, Kevin Durant was involved in a public Twitter exchange with CJ McCollum, showcasing his increased outspokenness and controversial side.
2018: Durant Considered for Defensive Player of the Year
By 2018, Durant had developed into a more reliable off-ball defender and rim protector, earning consideration for the NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award.
2018: Named one of Time's 100 Most Influential People
In 2018, Kevin Durant is recognized for his influence both on and off the court, being named one of Time's 100 most influential people in the world.
2018: Wins Second NBA Championship and Finals MVP Award
In 2018, Kevin Durant wins his second consecutive NBA championship and Finals MVP Award with the Golden State Warriors.
2018: Durant Named One of Time's 100 Most Influential People
In 2018, Kevin Durant's impact transcended sports, as he was recognized as one of Time magazine's 100 Most Influential People.
2019: Sustains Achilles Injury
During the 2019 NBA Finals, Kevin Durant suffers an Achilles injury.
June 2020: Durant's YouTube Channel Reaches Milestones
As of June 2020, Kevin Durant's YouTube channel achieved notable milestones, surpassing 790,000 subscribers and accumulating over 38 million video views.
June 15, 2020: Durant Becomes Minority Owner of Philadelphia Union
On June 15, 2020, Kevin Durant expanded his business portfolio by acquiring a 5% stake in the Philadelphia Union, an MLS soccer team, with the potential to increase his ownership in the future.
December 22, 2020: Nets Debut
On December 22, 2020, Kevin Durant made his debut for the Brooklyn Nets, scoring 22 points in a win against his former team, the Golden State Warriors.
2020: Thirty Five Ventures Produces 'Basketball County'
In 2020, Thirty Five Ventures produced 'Basketball County,' a documentary focusing on youth basketball in Durant's home county in Maryland, with Durant serving as executive producer.
2020: Wins Third Olympic Gold Medal
Kevin Durant wins his third Olympic gold medal with the U.S. men's national basketball team at the 2020 Olympic Games.
2020: Durant Commits to 2020 Olympics (Delayed to 2021)
Kevin Durant committed to playing on the 2020 Olympic team, delayed until 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
January 14, 2021: James Harden Trade
On January 14, 2021, James Harden was traded to the Brooklyn Nets, reuniting Durant with his former Oklahoma City Thunder teammate.
January 16, 2021: 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: Return 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: Kevin Durant Invests in Just Women's Sports
In May 2021, Kevin Durant, through his company Thirty Five Ventures, became an investor in Just Women's Sports, a media platform dedicated to women's sports.
August 8, 2021: Contract Extension with Nets
On August 8, 2021, Kevin Durant signed a four-year, $198 million contract extension with the Brooklyn Nets.
August 2021: Kevin Durant Partners with Weedmaps
In August 2021, Kevin Durant announced a partnership between his multimedia company Boardroom and the cannabis technology company Weedmaps to develop an original content series. Weedmaps also became an official sponsor of Boardroom.
October 29, 2021: Release of Swagger (TV series)
On October 29, 2021, Swagger (TV series), inspired by Kevin Durant's life story, was released. Durant also served as the executive producer.
December 22, 2021: Kevin Durant Signs with Coinbase
On December 22, 2021, Kevin Durant signed a deal with Coinbase to serve as a brand ambassador.
2021: Named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team
In 2021, Kevin Durant is named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team, recognizing him as one of the most impactful players in NBA history.
2021: Thirty Five Ventures Wins Academy Award
In 2021, Thirty Five Ventures' project 'Two Distant Strangers' earned an Academy Award for Short Film (Live Action), highlighting their success in filmmaking.
2021: Durant Wins Olympic Gold, Tournament MVP, and USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year
In 2021, Kevin Durant broke Carmelo Anthony's record for most points scored in US men's Olympic basketball history on July 31 against the Czech Republic. Durant led Team USA to a gold medal, and FIBA named him the tournament's MVP. Durant's 20.7 points per game set a U.S. Olympic men's single-competition record for points averaged, and he tied Carmelo Anthony for most Olympic gold medals (three). Durant is also one of just four U.S. male basketball athletes to play in three or more Olympics. 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.
January 15, 2022: Knee Injury
On January 15, 2022, Kevin Durant suffered a sprained MCL in his left knee during a game against the New Orleans Pelicans and was ruled out for four to six weeks.
June 30, 2022: Trade Request
On June 30, 2022, Kevin Durant requested a trade from the Brooklyn Nets, with his preferred destinations being the Phoenix Suns and Miami Heat.
August 24, 2022: Trade Request Rescinded
On August 24, 2022, Kevin Durant rescinded his trade request after a meeting with the Brooklyn Nets management.
October 2022: Kevin Durant Invests in Professional Pickleball Team
In October 2022, Kevin Durant joined LeBron James, Tom Brady, and Drew Brees as an investor in a professional pickleball team with his business partner, Rich Kleiman, via their Thirty Five Ventures (35V) firm.
2022: Requests Trade from Brooklyn Nets
In 2022, after disagreements with the Brooklyn Nets' front office, Kevin Durant requests a trade from the team.
February 9, 2023: Trade to Phoenix Suns
On February 9, 2023, Kevin Durant was traded to the Phoenix Suns along with T.J. Warren. In return, the Nets received Mikal Bridges, Cameron Johnson, Jae Crowder, four unprotected first-round picks, and a 2028 first-round pick swap.
October 31, 2023: Career Scoring Milestone
On October 31, 2023, Kevin Durant surpassed Hakeem Olajuwon for 12th on the NBA's all-time scoring list, becoming the 12th player in history to reach 27,000 career points. This occurred during a game against the San Antonio Spurs, which the Suns lost 115-114.
2023: All-Star Selection
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 Zero Free Throws
On January 21, 2024, Kevin Durant scored 40 points and grabbed nine rebounds on 18-of-25 shooting from the field in a 117–110 win over the Indiana Pacers. He became the first Sun and the 14th player in NBA history to score 40 points with zero free throw attempts.
2028: First-Round Pick Swap
The 2028 first-round pick swap was part of the trade that sent Kevin Durant from the Brooklyn Nets to the Phoenix Suns on February 9, 2023.