Kevin Durant and Nike have agreed to a lifetime contract, making him only the third NBA player to do so, following Michael Jordan and LeBron James.
The 13-time All-Star has had a relationship with Nike since 2007, when he released 15 different sets of shoes. A 16th set is on its way.
“When I first signed with Nike, I couldn’t have dreamed of how far we’d go in this partnership,” Durant said in a statement posted on Boardroom, a media company he co-founded. “We’ve done amazing work creatively and philanthropically. We’ve traveled the world together and built a business that will now last forever. I’m excited for the future and honored to be in rare company with this deal.”
The lifetime agreement will include shoes and other apparel, as well as other community and philanthropic collaborations centered on grassroots basketball.
Kevin Durant, 34, was acquired by the Phoenix Suns in a midseason trade from the Brooklyn Nets. The two-time NBA Finals MVP teamed up with Devin Booker, Chris Paul, and Deandre Ayton to help the Suns defeat the Los Angeles Clippers in the first round of the playoffs.
On Saturday, they’ll face the Denver Nuggets in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals.
“As one of the best basketball players in the world, Kevin Durant has been an important part of the Nike family for the past 16 years,” said John Slusher, Nike executive vice president of global marketing. “We look forward to continuing to serve the next generation of athletes together.”
