Kevin Durant: Difference between revisions

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{{Infobox basketball biography
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* [[Big 12 Conference Men's Basketball Player of the Year|Big 12 Player of the Year]] (2007)
* No. 35 [[Texas Longhorns men's basketball#Retired numbers|retired by Texas Longhorns]]
* [[FIBA Men's Olympics Most Valuable Player |Olympics MVP]] ([[Basketball at the 2020 Summer Olympics – Men's tournament|2020]])
* [[FIBA World Cup MVP]] ([[2010 FIBA World Championship|2010]])
* 3× [[USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year]] (2010, 2016, 2021)
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{{MedalGold|[[2010 FIBA World Championship|2010 Turkey]]|[[2010 United States men's FIBA World Championship team|Team]]}}
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'''Kevin Wayne Durant''' (born September 29, 1988),<ref>{{cite web |url=https://olympics.com/en/paris-2024/athlete/kevin-durant_1954700|title=DURANT Kevin |date=2024 |website=Olympics.com |access-date=8 August 2024}}</ref> also known by his initials '''KD''', is an American professional [[basketball]] player for the [[Phoenix Suns]] of the [[National Basketball Association]] (NBA). Widely regarded as one of the greatest players in NBA history,<ref>{{cite web |last=Martin |first=Gus |url=https://fadeawayworld.net/nba/ranking-the-top-10-pure-scorers-in-nba-history |title=Ranking The Top 10 Pure Scorers In NBA History |publisher=Fadeaway World |date=2020-07-July 23, 2020 |accessdate=August 8, 2024-08-08}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/kevin-durant-nets-bucks-nba-playoffs-11623822476 |title=Kevin Durant Is The Best Player in the NBA Again |author=Cohen, Ben |newspaper=The Wall Street Journal |year=2021 |access-date=June 29, 2021 |archive-date=June 28, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210628184432/https://www.wsj.com/articles/kevin-durant-nets-bucks-nba-playoffs-11623822476 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/adamzagoria/2021/06/16/kevin-durant-earns-praise-as-the-best-player-in-the-world-after-historic-triple-double-in-game-5/?sh=4d3e3d29664e |title=Nets' Kevin Durant Earns Praise As 'Best Player In The World' After 'Historic' Triple-Double In Game 5 |author=Zagoria, Adam |work=Forbes |year=2021 |access-date=June 29, 2021 |archive-date=June 29, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210629182603/https://www.forbes.com/sites/adamzagoria/2021/06/16/kevin-durant-earns-praise-as-the-best-player-in-the-world-after-historic-triple-double-in-game-5/?sh=4d3e3d29664e |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theringer.com/2021/6/16/22536542/kevin-durant-nets-bucks |title=Kevin Durant Re-stakes His Claim As the Greatest Hooper Alive |author=Devine, Dan |website=The Ringer |year=2021 |access-date=June 29, 2021 |archive-date=June 29, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210629182605/https://www.theringer.com/2021/6/16/22536542/kevin-durant-nets-bucks |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://thesportingtribune.com/lebron-james-calls-kevin-durant-one-of-the-best-players-to-ever-play-this-game |title=LeBron James calls Kevin Durant 'One of the best ever' |author=Medina, Mark |website=The Sporting Tribune |year=2023 |access-date=December 2, 2023 |archive-date=December 2, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231202140122/https://thesportingtribune.com/lebron-james-calls-kevin-durant-one-of-the-best-players-to-ever-play-this-game |url-status=live }}</ref> Durant has won two [[List of NBA champions|NBA championships]], an [[NBA Most Valuable Player Award]], two [[NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award|Finals MVP Awards]], two [[NBA All-Star Game Most Valuable Player Award]]s, four [[List of National Basketball Association annual scoring leaders|NBA scoring titles]], the [[NBA Rookie of the Year Award]], been named to 11 [[All-NBA]] teams (including six First Teams), and selected 14 times as an [[List of NBA All-Stars|NBA All-Star]]. In 2021, Durant was named to the [[NBA 75th Anniversary Team]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.nba.com/news/nba-75th-anniversary-team-announced |title=NBA 75th Anniversary Team announced|work=NBA|access-date=October 26, 2021 |archive-date=October 25, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211025195243/https://www.nba.com/news/nba-75th-anniversary-team-announced |url-status=live }}</ref> As a member of the [[United States men's national basketball team|U.S. men's national team]], Durant has won four gold medals in the [[Basketball at the Summer Olympics|Olympics]] (2012, 2016, 2020 and 2024). In 2024, he became the leading scorer in Team USA's men's Olympic basketball history, the first Team USA player to win four Olympic gold medals, and the first male athlete to win four gold medals in a team sport.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.nbcnewyork.com/paris-2024-summer-olympics/us-mens-basketball-gold-medal-wins-over-france-paris-olympics-steph-curry-kevin-durant-lebron-james/5692935/ |title=U.S. men's basketball team takes fifth-straight gold medal after win over France in Paris at 2024 Olympics|work=NBC New York|access-date=August 10, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://basketnews.com/news-210416-kevin-durant-becomes-first-four-time-gold-medalist-in-mens-olympic-basketball.html |title=
Kevin Durant becomes first four-time gold medalist in men's Olympic basketball|work=Basket News|access-date=August 10, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10131493-kevin-durant-wins-historic-4th-gold-medal-for-usa-vs-france-at-2024-paris-olympics?ref=upstract.com|title=
Kevin Durant Wins Historic 4th Gold Medal for USA vs. France at 2024 Paris Olympics|work=Bleacher Report|access-date=August 10, 2024}}</ref> He also won gold at the [[2010 FIBA World Championship]].
 
Durant was a heavily recruited high school prospect widely regarded as the second-best player in his class. He played one season of [[college basketball]] for the [[Texas Longhorns men's basketball|Texas Longhorns]], where he won numerous year-end awards and became the first freshman to be named [[Naismith College Player of the Year]]. Durant was selected as the second overall pick by the [[Seattle SuperSonics]] in the [[2007 NBA draft]]. He played nine seasons with the franchise (which became the [[Oklahoma City Thunder]] in 2008) and led them to a Finals appearance in [[2012 NBA Finals|2012]]. He later signed with the [[Golden State Warriors]] in 2016, who won a record 73 regular season games the previous year. Durant won consecutive [[NBA championship]]s and [[NBA Finals MVP Award]]s in [[2016–17 NBA season|2017]] and [[2017–18 NBA season|2018]]. After sustaining an [[Achilles tendon|Achilles]] injury in the [[2019 NBA Finals]], Durant joined the [[Brooklyn Nets]] as a free agent that summer. Following disagreements with the Nets' front office, he requested a trade during the 2022 offseason and was traded to the Suns the following year.
 
As a member of the [[United States men's national basketball team|U.S. men's national team]], Durant has won four gold medals in the [[Basketball at the Summer Olympics|Olympics]] (2012, 2016, 2020 and 2024), and is the leading scorer in Team USA's Olympic basketball history. In 2024, he became the first male athlete to win four Olympics gold medals in a team sport.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.nbcnewyork.com/paris-2024-summer-olympics/us-mens-basketball-gold-medal-wins-over-france-paris-olympics-steph-curry-kevin-durant-lebron-james/5692935/ |title=U.S. men's basketball team takes fifth-straight gold medal after win over France in Paris at 2024 Olympics |work=NBC New York |date=August 10, 2024 |access-date=August 10, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://basketnews.com/news-210416-kevin-durant-becomes-first-four-time-gold-medalist-in-mens-olympic-basketball.html |title=Kevin Durant becomes first four-time gold medalist in men's Olympic basketball |work=Basket News|access-date=August 10, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10131493-kevin-durant-wins-historic-4th-gold-medal-for-usa-vs-france-at-2024-paris-olympics?ref=upstract.com |title=Kevin Durant Wins Historic 4th Gold Medal for USA vs. France at 2024 Paris Olympics |work=Bleacher Report|access-date=August 10, 2024}}</ref> He also won gold at the [[2010 FIBA World Championship]]. Durant is the only player in basketball history with MVPs in the NBA, Olympics and World Cup.
Off the court, Durant is one of the highest-earning basketball players in the world, due in part to endorsement deals with companies such as [[Foot Locker]] and [[Nike, Inc.|Nike]]. He has developed a reputation for philanthropy and regularly leads the league in All-Star votes and jersey sales. In 2018, Durant was among [[Time 100|''Time's'' 100 most influential people in the world]]. In recent years, he has contributed to ''[[The Players' Tribune]]'' as both a photographer and writer. In 2012, Durant ventured into acting, appearing in the film ''[[Thunderstruck (2012 film)|Thunderstruck]]''.
 
Off the court, Durant is one of the highest-earning basketball players in the world, due in part to endorsement deals with companies such as [[Foot Locker]] and [[Nike, Inc.|Nike]]. He has developed a reputation for philanthropy and regularly leads the league in All-Star votes and jersey sales. In 2018, Durant was among [[Time 100|''Time's'' 100 most influential people in the world]]. In recent years, he has contributed to ''[[The Players' Tribune]]'' as both a photographer and writer. In 2012, Durant ventured into acting, appearing in the film ''[[Thunderstruck (2012 film)|Thunderstruck]]''.
==Early life==
Durant was born on September 29, 1988, in [[Washington, D.C.]],<ref name=Reference/> to Wanda (''née'' Durant) and Wayne Pratt. When Durant was an infant, his father deserted the family; Wanda and Wayne eventually divorced, and Durant's grandmother, Barbara Davis, helped raise him. By age 13, Durant's father reentered his life and traveled the country with him to basketball tournaments.<ref name=breen>{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/olympics/2012-olympics-kevin-durants-father-cheers-from-afar-after-bumpy-journey-back-into-his-sons-life/2012/08/05/8a78d3fc-dbe5-11e1-8e43-4a3c4375504a_story.html |title=2012 Olympics: Kevin Durant's father cheers from afar after bumpy journey back into his son's life |author=Breen, Matt |newspaper=The Washington Post |year=2012 |access-date=February 1, 2015 |archive-date=February 2, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150202001457/http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/olympics/2012-olympics-kevin-durants-father-cheers-from-afar-after-bumpy-journey-back-into-his-sons-life/2012/08/05/8a78d3fc-dbe5-11e1-8e43-4a3c4375504a_story.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-mar-18-sp-durant18-story.html |title=Sweet Youth |author=Wharton, David |work=Los Angeles Times |date=March 18, 2007 |archive-date=February 2, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150202001407/http://articles.latimes.com/2007/mar/18/sports/sp-durant18 |url-status=live }}</ref> Durant has a sister, Brianna, and two brothers, Tony and Rayvonne.<ref>[http://www.usabasketball.com/bios/durant_kevin.html Kevin Durant USA Basketball] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201220147/http://www.usab.com/bios/durant_kevin.html |date=February 1, 2014 }}. Retrieved March 15, 2008.</ref>
 
== Early life ==
Durant and his siblings grew up in [[Prince George's County, Maryland]], on the eastern outskirts of Washington, D.C.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/local/wp/2015/11/25/kevin-durants-new-sneakers-honor-his-native-prince-georges-county-so-why-are-county-officials-so-offended/ | first=Arelis | last=Hernández | title=Kevin Durant's new sneakers honor Prince George's. Why is the county offended? | newspaper=Washington Post | date=November 25, 2015 | access-date=June 2, 2017 | archive-date=July 30, 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170730232451/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/local/wp/2015/11/25/kevin-durants-new-sneakers-honor-his-native-prince-georges-county-so-why-are-county-officials-so-offended/ | url-status=live }}</ref> He was unusually tall from a young age, and reached {{height|ft=6|in=0}} in height while still in [[middle school]] (age 10–12).<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LoLXIFbyqtg Kevin Durant on Being 6 ft Tall in Middle School – USA Basketball] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140417140406/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LoLXIFbyqtg |date=April 17, 2014 }}.</ref> Growing up, Durant wanted to play for his favorite team, the [[Toronto Raptors]],<ref name="I wanted to play for the Raptors">[http://www.sportsnet.ca/basketball/nba/kevin-durant-wanted-to-play-for-the-toronto-raptors/Durant: I wanted to play for the Raptors] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211106212056/https://www.sportsnet.ca/basketball/nba/durant/ |date=November 6, 2021 }}. Retrieved August 13, 2014.</ref> which included his favorite player, [[Vince Carter]].<ref name="I wanted to play for the Raptors" /> Durant played [[Amateur Athletic Union]] (AAU) basketball for several teams in the [[Maryland]] area and was teammates with future NBA players [[Michael Beasley]], [[Greivis Vásquez]], and [[Ty Lawson]], the first of whom Durant remains friends with to this day.<ref name=Jock>{{cite web|title=Kevin Durant Biography|url=http://www.jockbio.com/Bios/Durant/Durant_bio.html|publisher=JockBio|access-date=May 28, 2013|archive-date=June 25, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140625053312/http://jockbio.com/Bios/Durant/Durant_bio.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Allen |first1=Percy |title=Childhood friends Michael Beasley and Kevin Durant could become Sonics teammates |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/nba/childhood-friends-michael-beasley-and-kevin-durant-could-become-sonics-teammates/ |website=The Seattle Times |access-date=May 16, 2022 |date=May 19, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100916195635/http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nba/2004423587_sonidraft19.html |archive-date=September 16, 2010}}</ref> During this time, he began wearing #35 as his jersey number in honor of his AAU coach, Charles Craig, who was murdered at the age of 35.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.texassports.com/doc_lib/newsstand_mbb/DMN-UTs_Durant_rightous_talent.pdf |title=UT's Durant: righteous talent SPORTSDAY |access-date=July 25, 2007 |publisher=University of Texas Athletics |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070926224909/http://www.texassports.com/doc_lib/newsstand_mbb/DMN-UTs_Durant_rightous_talent.pdf |archive-date=September 26, 2007 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
Durant was born on September 29, 1988, in [[Washington, D.C.]],<ref name=Reference /> to Wanda (''née'' Durant) and Wayne Pratt. When Durant was an infant, his father deserted the family; Wanda and Wayne eventually divorced, and Durant's grandmother, Barbara Davis, helped raise him. By age 13, Durant's father reentered his life and traveled the country with him to basketball tournaments.<ref name=breen>{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/olympics/2012-olympics-kevin-durants-father-cheers-from-afar-after-bumpy-journey-back-into-his-sons-life/2012/08/05/8a78d3fc-dbe5-11e1-8e43-4a3c4375504a_story.html |title=2012 Olympics: Kevin Durant's father cheers from afar after bumpy journey back into his son's life |author=Breen, Matt |newspaper=The Washington Post |year=2012 |access-date=February 1, 2015 |archive-date=February 2, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150202001457/http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/olympics/2012-olympics-kevin-durants-father-cheers-from-afar-after-bumpy-journey-back-into-his-sons-life/2012/08/05/8a78d3fc-dbe5-11e1-8e43-4a3c4375504a_story.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-mar-18-sp-durant18-story.html |title=Sweet Youth |author=Wharton, David |work=Los Angeles Times |date=March 18, 2007 |archive-date=February 2, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150202001407/http://articles.latimes.com/2007/mar/18/sports/sp-durant18 |url-status=live }}</ref> Durant has a sister, Brianna, and two brothers, Tony and Rayvonne.<ref>[http://www.usabasketball.com/bios/durant_kevin.html Kevin Durant USA Basketball] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201220147/http://www.usab.com/bios/durant_kevin.html |date=February 1, 2014 }}. Retrieved March 15, 2008.</ref>
 
Durant and his siblings grew up in [[Prince George's County, Maryland]], on the eastern outskirts of Washington, D.C.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/local/wp/2015/11/25/kevin-durants-new-sneakers-honor-his-native-prince-georges-county-so-why-are-county-officials-so-offended/ | first=Arelis | last=Hernández | title=Kevin Durant's new sneakers honor Prince George's. Why is the county offended? | newspaper=Washington Post | date=November 25, 2015 | access-date=June 2, 2017 | archive-date=July 30, 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170730232451/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/local/wp/2015/11/25/kevin-durants-new-sneakers-honor-his-native-prince-georges-county-so-why-are-county-officials-so-offended/ | url-status=live }}</ref> He was unusually tall from a young age, and reached {{height|ft=6|in=0}} in height while still in [[middle school]] (age 10–12).<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LoLXIFbyqtg Kevin Durant on Being 6 ft Tall in Middle School – USA Basketball] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140417140406/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LoLXIFbyqtg |date=April 17, 2014 }}.</ref> Growing up, Durant wanted to play for his favorite team, the [[Toronto Raptors]],<ref name="I wanted to play for the Raptors">[http://www.sportsnet.ca/basketball/nba/kevin-durant-wanted-to-play-for-the-toronto-raptors/Durant: I wanted to play for the Raptors] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211106212056/https://www.sportsnet.ca/basketball/nba/durant/ |date=November 6, 2021 }}. Retrieved August 13, 2014.</ref> which included his favorite player, [[Vince Carter]].<ref name="I wanted to play for the Raptors" /> Durant played [[Amateur Athletic Union]] (AAU) basketball for several teams in the [[Maryland]] area and was teammates with future NBA players [[Michael Beasley]], [[Greivis Vásquez]], and [[Ty Lawson]], the first of whom Durant remains friends with to this day.<ref name=Jock>{{cite web |title=Kevin Durant Biography |url=http://www.jockbio.com/Bios/Durant/Durant_bio.html |publisher=JockBio|access-date=May 28, 2013|archive-date=June 25, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140625053312/http://jockbio.com/Bios/Durant/Durant_bio.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Allen |first1=Percy |title=Childhood friends Michael Beasley and Kevin Durant could become Sonics teammates |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/nba/childhood-friends-michael-beasley-and-kevin-durant-could-become-sonics-teammates/ |website=The Seattle Times |access-date=May 16, 2022 |date=May 19, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100916195635/http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nba/2004423587_sonidraft19.html |archive-date=September 16, 2010}}</ref> During this time, he began wearing #35 as his jersey number in honor of his AAU coach, Charles Craig, who was murdered at the age of 35.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.texassports.com/doc_lib/newsstand_mbb/DMN-UTs_Durant_rightous_talent.pdf |title=UT's Durant: righteous talent SPORTSDAY |access-date=July 25, 2007 |publisher=University of Texas Athletics |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070926224909/http://www.texassports.com/doc_lib/newsstand_mbb/DMN-UTs_Durant_rightous_talent.pdf |archive-date=September 26, 2007 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
 
After playing two years of high school basketball at National Christian Academy and one year at [[Oak Hill Academy (Mouth of Wilson, Virginia)|Oak Hill Academy]], Durant transferred to [[Montrose Christian School]] for his senior year, growing {{convert|5|in|cm}} before the start of the season and beginning the year at {{height|ft=6|in=7}}.<ref>Picker, David. [https://www.nytimes.com/2006/04/22/sports/22jordan.html "In the N.B.A.'s Age Game, Colleges Are Big Winners"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160412082100/http://www.nytimes.com/2006/04/22/sports/22jordan.html |date=April 12, 2016 }}, ''[[The New York Times]]'', April 22, 2006. Accessed December 1, 2007. "Durant, a forward at Montrose Christian School in Rockville, Md., has heard the endless chatter about where he would have been selected in the N.B.A. draft in June. A first-rounder? No doubt. A lottery pick? Probably so."</ref>
 
Prior to the start of the season, Durant committed to the [[University of Texas at Austin]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Schwartz |first=Nick |date=April 15, 2015 |title=Kevin Durant says he considered going to Duke or Kentucky instead of Texas |url=https://ftw.usatoday.com/2015/04/kevin-durant-twitter-college-decision-duke-kentucky |access-date=March 14, 2021 |website=For The Win |archive-date=October 23, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201023212847/https://ftw.usatoday.com/2015/04/kevin-durant-twitter-college-decision-duke-kentucky |url-status=live }}</ref> He had visited [[University of Connecticut]] and [[University of North Carolina]], and said that he considered [[Duke University]], [[University of Kentucky]] and [[University of Louisville]]. When Durant was asked why he chose a college with a lesser-known program, Durant said, "Wanted to set my own path."<ref>{{Cite web |date=27 June 27, 2016 |title=OKC Thunder: What can Kevin Durant's time in Austin teach us about his free-agency future? |url=https://www.swtimes.com/story/sports/2016/06/27/okc-thunder-what-can-kevin/26302116007/ |access-date=2024-06-June 15, 2024 |website=Southwest Times Record |language=en-US}}</ref>
 
At the end of the year, Durant was named the Washington Post All-Met Basketball Player of the Year, as well as the Most Valuable Player of the [[2006 McDonald's All-American Boys Game|2006 McDonald's All-American Game]].<ref>{{cite web |title=2006 McDonald's All-American Game Rosters |url=http://preps.scout.com/2/502266.html |publisher=Scout.com|access-date=May 28, 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131104212358/http://preps.scout.com/2/502266.html|archive-date=November 4, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=McDonald's Greatest All-Americans |url=https://www.espn.com/high-school/boys-basketball/photos/gallery/_/id/7739240/image/24/kevin-durant-class-2006-2012-mcdonald-greatest-all-americans-photo-gallery |work=ESPN|access-date=May 16, 2022|archive-date=September 27, 2014|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140927113736/http://espn.go.com/high-school/boys-basketball/photos/gallery/_/id/7739240/image/24/kevin-durant-class-2006-2012-mcdonald-greatest-all-americans-photo-gallery|url-status=live}}</ref> He was widely regarded as the second-best high school prospect of 2006, behind [[Greg Oden]].<ref>{{cite news |first=Ben |last=Roberts |title=Duke has the top three basketball recruits in the country. Has that ever happened? |date=January 22, 2018 |website=Kentucky.com |url=https://www.kentucky.com/sports/college/kentucky-sports/uk-basketball-men/article195908284.html|access-date=September 12, 2020|archive-date=August 24, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180824065807/https://www.kentucky.com/sports/college/kentucky-sports/uk-basketball-men/article195908284.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://scout.scout.com/a.z?s=75&p=9&cfg=bb&c=4&pid=88&yr=2006 |title=Basketball Recruiting: Top Recruits |access-date=March 7, 2007 |work=Scout |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070321172633/http://scout.scout.com/a.z?s=75&p=9&cfg=bb&c=4&pid=88&yr=2006 |archive-date=March 21, 2007 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://basketballrecruiting.rivals.com/viewrank.asp?ra_key=1428 |title=Prospect Ranking: Final Rivals150 Class of 8181 |access-date=March 7, 2007 |date=May 2, 2006 |work=[[Rivals.com]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080430002642/https://basketballrecruiting.rivals.com/viewrank.asp?ra_key=1428 |archive-date=April 30, 2008 }}</ref>
 
Durant had stated that he would have declared for the [[2006 NBA draft]] if the NBA had not introduced the [[Eligibility for the NBA draft|one-and-done rule]], where his favorite team growing up, the [[Toronto Raptors]], had the first overall pick.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kevin Durant against one-and-done rule; would have entered NBA out of high school |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/kevin-durant-against-one-and-done-rule-would-have-entered-nba-out-of-high-school/ |access-date=2022-08-August 20, 2022 |website=CBS Sports |date=February 23, 2018 |language=en |archive-date=August 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220820024947/https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/kevin-durant-against-one-and-done-rule-would-have-entered-nba-out-of-high-school/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Archives |first=RaptorsHQ- |date=May 2, 2006-05-02 |title=Draft 2006 - Who's In, Who's Out |url=https://www.raptorshq.com/2006/5/2/1116765/draft-2006-whos-in-whos-out |access-date=2022-08-August 20, 2022 |website=Raptors HQ |language=en |archive-date=August 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220820024947/https://www.raptorshq.com/2006/5/2/1116765/draft-2006-whos-in-whos-out |url-status=live }}</ref>
 
== College career ==
[[File:Durant.png|thumb|right|Durant with the [[Texas Longhorns men's basketball|Texas Longhorns]] in 2007]]
For the [[2006–07 NCAA Division I men's basketball season|2006–07 college season]], Durant{{mdash}}who had grown to {{height|ft=6|in=9}}{{mdash}}averaged 25.8 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game for the [[Texas Longhorns men's basketball|Texas Longhorns]].<ref name=Reference /> Texas finished the season with a 25–10 record overall and a 12–4 record in conference.<ref>{{cite web |title=NCAA Division I Basketball Standings – 2006–07 |url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/standings/_/year/2007 |work=ESPN|access-date=May 16, 2022|archive-date=September 28, 2014|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140928080828/http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/standings/_/year/2007|url-status=live}}</ref> Awarded a #4 seed in the [[2007 NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Tournament|NCAA Tournament]], Texas won its first round match-up against [[New Mexico State Aggies men's basketball|New Mexico State]] but was upset in the second round by [[USC Trojans men's basketball|USC]] despite a 30-point and 9-rebound performance from Durant.<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 18, 2007 |title=Young pours in 22 points for USC in blowout of Texas |url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap?gameId=274000021 |access-date=May 16, 2022 |website=ESPN |agency=Associated Press |archive-date=September 28, 2014 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140928081050/http://scores.espn.go.com/ncb/recap?gameId=274000021 |url-status=dead }}</ref> For his outstanding play, Durant was recognized as the unanimous [[List of U.S. men's college basketball national player of the year awards|national player of the year]], winning the [[John R. Wooden Award]],<ref>{{cite web |title=Kevin Durant Wins 2007 John R. Wooden Award |url=http://www.woodenaward.com/kevin_durant_wins_2007_john_r_wooden_award |website=John R. Wooden Award|access-date=February 10, 2017|archive-date=February 11, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170211075016/http://www.woodenaward.com/kevin_durant_wins_2007_john_r_wooden_award|url-status=live}}</ref> the [[Naismith College Player of the Year]] Award,<ref>{{cite news |title=Kevin Durant Wins 2007 Naismith Award| |date=April 2, 2007 |url=http://www.big12sports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=106110&SPID=13134&DB_OEM_ID=10410&ATCLID=1521752 |publisher=Big 12 Sports|access-date=February 10, 2017|archive-date=April 4, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120404031230/http://www.big12sports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=106110&SPID=13134&DB_OEM_ID=10410&ATCLID=1521752|url-status=live}}</ref> and all eight other widely recognized honors and awards.<ref>{{cite web |title=Kevin Durant (2007) |url=http://www.texassports.com/news/2007/8/17/081707aab_257.aspx |website=University of Texas Sports |date=August 17, 2007 |access-date=February 10, 2017|archive-date=February 11, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170211160847/http://www.texassports.com/news/2007/8/17/081707aab_257.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="NABCPOY">{{cite press release |title=Longhorns' Freshman Durant Named NABC Division I Player of the Year |publisher=[[National Association of Basketball Coaches]] |date=March 21, 2007 |url=http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/nabc/sports/m-baskbl/auto_pdf/2007DivIPlayeroftheYear.pdf |access-date=February 10, 2017 |archive-date=August 8, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130808143140/http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/nabc/sports/m-baskbl/auto_pdf/2007DivIPlayeroftheYear.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="USBWAaward">{{cite press release |title=USBWA names Durant, Bennett as player, coach of the year |publisher=[[United States Basketball Writers Association]] |date=March 27, 2007 |url=http://www.sportswriters.net/usbwa/news/2007/robertson070327.html |access-date=March 27, 2007 |archive-date=September 28, 2014 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140928081521/http://www.sportswriters.net/usbwa/news/2007/robertson070327.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="RuppTrophy">{{cite press release |title=Durant Named Player of the Year |publisher=Commonwealth Athletic Club of Kentucky |date=March 27, 2007 |url=http://ruppawards.com/previous.html |access-date=February 10, 2017 |archive-date=June 30, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170630025859/http://ruppawards.com/previous.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Durant is first freshman named AP player of year |url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/news/story?id=2818859 |website=ESPN |date=March 30, 2007 |publisher=Associated Press|access-date=February 10, 2017|archive-date=February 11, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170211080332/http://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/news/story?id=2818859|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Sporting News college basketball Players of the Year, 1943–present |url=http://www.sportingnews.com/ncaa-basketball/photos/sporting-news-college-basketball-players-of-the-year-1943-present/k4iip6bevzod174kirnb2pu1x/slide/296607 |website=Sporting News|access-date=February 10, 2017|archive-date=February 11, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170211075340/http://www.sportingnews.com/ncaa-basketball/photos/sporting-news-college-basketball-players-of-the-year-1943-present/k4iip6bevzod174kirnb2pu1x/slide/296607|url-status=live}}</ref> This made Durant the first freshman to win any of the national player of the year awards.<ref>{{cite web |title=Kevin Durant |url=http://www.woodenaward.com/kevin_durant |website=John R. Wooden Award|access-date=February 10, 2017|archive-date=February 11, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170211075359/http://www.woodenaward.com/kevin_durant|url-status=live}}</ref> Following the season, he declared for the [[NBA draft]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Durant leaving Texas for NBA |date=April 10, 2007 |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/draft2007/news/story?id=2831655 |work=ESPN|access-date=May 16, 2022|archive-date=September 28, 2014|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140928082632/http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/draft2007/news/story?id=2831655|url-status=live}}</ref> Durant's No. 35 jersey was later retired by the Longhorns.<ref>{{cite news |first=Mark |last=Rosner |title=Durant's jersey to be retired |url=http://www.statesman.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/austin/longhorns/entries/2007/07/03/durants_jersey_to_be_retired.html |work=[[Austin American-Statesman]] |date=July 3, 2007 |access-date=July 3, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070708003853/http://www.statesman.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/austin/longhorns/entries/2007/07/03/durants_jersey_to_be_retired.html |archive-date=July 8, 2007 }}</ref>
 
== Professional career ==
 
=== Seattle SuperSonics / Oklahoma City Thunder (2007–2016) ===
Line 100:
==== Rookie of the Year (2007–2008) ====
[[File:Kevin Durant Sonics practice facility Jan 3, 2008.jpg|thumb|upright|Durant in 2008]]
Durant was selected as the second overall pick in the [[2007 NBA draft]] by the [[Seattle SuperSonics]], after [[Greg Oden]] was selected by the [[Portland Trail Blazers]] with the first pick of the draft.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2007 NBA Draft |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/draft/NBA_2007.html |access-date=2023-08-August 11, 2023 |website=Basketball-Reference.com |language=en |archive-date=July 23, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160723034011/http://www.basketball-reference.com/draft/NBA_2007.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In his first regular season game, the 19-year-old Durant registered 18 points, five rebounds, and three steals against the [[2007–08 Denver Nuggets season|Denver Nuggets]].<ref>{{cite web |author=<!--None listed--> |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=271031007 |title=October 31, 2007 SuperSonics 103, Nuggets 120 |work=ESPN |date=October 31, 2007 |access-date=May 16, 2022 |archive-date=October 18, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121018105706/http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=271031007 |url-status=live }}</ref> On November 16, he made the first game-winning shot of his career in a game against the [[2007–08 Atlanta Hawks season|Atlanta Hawks]].<ref>{{cite web |author=<!--None listed--> |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=271116001 |title=Wilkins scores 41, but Durant's 3-pointer clinches Sonics' double-OT win |work=ESPN |date=November 16, 2007 |access-date=May 16, 2022 |archive-date=September 29, 2014 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140929181209/http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=271116001 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
 
At the end of the [[2007–08 NBA season]], Durant was named the [[NBA Rookie of the Year]] following averages of 20.3 points, 4.4 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game.<ref name="Reference" /> He joined [[Carmelo Anthony]] and [[LeBron James]] as the only teenagers in league history to average at least 20 points per game over an entire season.<ref>{{cite web |title=Kevin Durant NBA Bio |url=http://www.nba.com/playerfile/kevin_durant/bio/ |publisher=NBA|access-date=January 8, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140104054631/http://www.nba.com/playerfile/kevin_durant/bio/ |archive-date=January 4, 2014 }}</ref>
 
==== Breakthrough (2008–2010) ====
Following Durant's rookie season, the [[Seattle SuperSonics relocation to Oklahoma City|Supersonics relocated to Oklahoma City]], becoming the [[Oklahoma City Thunder|Thunder]] and switching to new colors – blue, orange, and yellow.<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 3, 2008 |title=Oklahoma City will be named Thunder, wear blue, orange, yellow |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=3568051 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160209073805/http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3568051 |archive-date=February 9, 2016 |access-date=May 16, 2022 |website=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press}}</ref> The team also drafted [[UCLA]] guard [[Russell Westbrook]], who would form an All-Star combination with Durant in later years.<ref>{{cite web |title=Russell Westbrook NBA Stats |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/w/westbru01.html |website=Basketball Reference|access-date=February 19, 2015|archive-date=May 6, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110506032710/http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/w/westbru01.html|url-status=live}}</ref> At the [[2009 NBA All-Star Weekend]], he set a [[NBA Rookie Challenge|Rookie Challenge]] record with 46 points.<ref>{{cite web |title=Durant goes for 46 as Sophomores again beat Rookies |url=http://www.nba.com/2009/allstar2009/01/16/rookie.challenge/index.html |work=NBA|access-date=May 27, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130227040935/http://www.nba.com/2009/allstar2009/01/16/rookie.challenge/index.html |archive-date=February 27, 2013 }}</ref> 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,<ref name=Reference /> and was considered a strong candidate for the [[NBA Most Improved Player Award|Most Improved Player Award]], eventually finishing third in the voting.<ref>{{cite web |title=Pacers' Granger wins Kia Most Improved Player Award |url=http://www.nba.com/2009/news/05/12/most.improved/ |work=NBA|access-date=March 2, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141019235453/http://www.nba.com/2009/news/05/12/most.improved/ |archive-date=October 19, 2014 }}</ref> Durant continued to grow during his first few years in the NBA, finally reaching a height of {{height|ft=6|in=11}}.<ref name="Mutoni">{{cite news |last=Mutoni |first=Marcel |title=Kevin Durant Finally Admits He's 7 Feet Tall |date=December 14, 2016 |work=Slam |url=http://www.slamonline.com/nba/kevin-durant-finally-admits-hes-7-feet-tall/#FgpOER3AkP7DahQk.97|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170106014759/http://www.slamonline.com/nba/kevin-durant-finally-admits-hes-7-feet-tall/|archive-date=January 6, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>
 
During the [[2009–10 NBA season|2009–10 season]], Durant was selected to his first [[NBA All-Star Game]].<ref name=Reference /> Behind his play, the Thunder improved their record by 27 wins from the previous year and defied expectations to make [[2010 NBA Playoffs|the playoffs]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Gasol lifts Lakers past Thunder and into the second round |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=300430025 |work=ESPN|access-date=May 16, 2022|archive-date=September 30, 2014|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140930175217/http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=300430025|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Expert predictions: OKC Thunder |date=October 21, 2009 |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/preview2009/news/story?page=Predictions0910-Thunder |work=ESPN|access-date=May 16, 2022|archive-date=September 30, 2014|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140930175510/http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/preview2009/news/story?page=Predictions0910-Thunder|url-status=live}}</ref> With a scoring average of 30.1 points per game, Durant became the youngest [[List of National Basketball Association annual scoring leaders|NBA scoring champion]] and was selected to his first [[All-NBA]] team.<ref name=Reference /><ref>{{cite news |last=Latzke |first=Jeff |title=Durant becomes NBA's youngest scoring champ |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/recap?gid=2010041425 |work=Yahoo! Sports |access-date=May 27, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131106211621/http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/recap?gid=2010041425 |archive-date=November 6, 2013 }}</ref> In his playoff debut, Durant scored 24 points in a Game 1 loss to the [[2009–10 Los Angeles Lakers season|Los Angeles Lakers]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Gasol, Bynum dominate inside as Lakers hold off Thunder in Game 1 |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=300418013 |work=ESPN|access-date=May 16, 2022|archive-date=September 30, 2014|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140930180119/http://espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=300418013|url-status=dead}}</ref> Oklahoma City would go on to lose the series in six games,<ref>{{cite web |title=2010 NBA Playoffs Summary |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/NBA_2010.html |work=Basketball Reference|access-date=May 27, 2013|archive-date=June 22, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130622072749/http://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/NBA_2010.html|url-status=live}}</ref> but the team's performance led many analysts to label them as an upcoming title contender.<ref>{{cite web |last=Adande |first=J.A. |title=Thunder could turn to reign |date=May 2010 |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/playoffs/2010/columns/story?columnist=adande_ja&page=thunder-100501 |work=ESPN|access-date=May 16, 2022|archive-date=September 30, 2014|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140930180441/http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/playoffs/2010/columns/story?columnist=adande_ja&page=thunder-100501|url-status=live}}</ref>
 
==== First NBA finals (2010–2012) ====
[[File:Kevin Durant dunk.jpg|thumb|right|180pxupright=0.81|Durant scores on a [[slam dunk]] in March 2011]]
Prior to the start of the [[2010–11 NBA season|2010–11 season]], Durant announced via [[Twitter]] that he had signed a five-year contract extension with the Thunder worth approximately $86&nbsp;million.<ref>{{cite tweet |user=KDTrey5 |first=Kevin |last=Durant |number=17953851838 |date=July 7, 2010 |title=Exstension for 5 more years wit the #thunder....God Is Great, me and my family came a long way...I love yall man forreal, this a blessing!}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=5360721 |title=Durant, Thunder agree on extension |work=ESPN |date=July 7, 2010 |access-date=May 16, 2022 |archive-date=October 1, 2014 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20141001102651/http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=5360721 |url-status=live }}</ref> For the second consecutive year, Durant led the NBA in scoring, averaging 27.7 points a game.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nba.com/statistics/player/Scoring.jsp?league=00&season=22010&conf=OVERALL&position=0&splitType=9&splitScope=GAME&qualified=Y&yearsExp=-1&splitDD= |title=2010–11 Scoring leaders: Points per game |publisher=[[National Basketball Association]] |access-date=March 14, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130809022631/http://www.nba.com/statistics/player/Scoring.jsp?league=00&season=22010&conf=OVERALL&position=0&splitType=9&splitScope=GAME&qualified=Y&yearsExp=-1&splitDD= |archive-date=August 9, 2013 }}</ref> Behind his leadership, the Thunder won 55 games and earned the fourth seed in the Western Conference.<ref>{{cite web |title=NBA Standings – 2010–11 |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/standings/_/year/2011 |work=ESPN|access-date=May 16, 2022|archive-date=October 1, 2014|archive-url=https://archive.today/20141001103532/http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/year/2011|url-status=live}}</ref> In the [[2011 NBA playoffs]], Oklahoma City defeated the [[2010–11 Denver Nuggets season|Denver Nuggets]] and [[2010–11 Memphis Grizzlies season|Memphis Grizzlies]] en route to a Conference Finals match-up against the [[2010–11 Dallas Mavericks season|Dallas Mavericks]], losing in five games.<ref>{{cite web |title=2011 NBA Playoffs Summary |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/NBA_2011.html#all_playoffs |work=Basketball Reference|access-date=May 27, 2013|archive-date=June 22, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130622140836/http://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/NBA_2011.html#all_playoffs|url-status=live}}</ref>
 
On February 19 of the lockout-shortened [[2011–12 NBA season|2011–12 season]], Durant recorded his first career 50-point game, scoring 51 points against the [[2011–12 Denver Nuggets season|Denver Nuggets]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Rohde |first=John |title=Oklahoma City Thunder: Performance against Mavericks only Kevin Durant's second 50-plus point game |url=https://www.oklahoman.com/story/sports/nba/thunder/2013/01/19/oklahoma-city-thunder-performance-against-mavericks-only-kevin-durants-second-50-plus-point-game/61013158007/ |work=The Oklahoman|access-date=May 16, 2022|archive-date=October 1, 2014|archive-url=https://archive.today/20141001105158/http://newsok.com/oklahoma-city-thunder-performance-against-mavericks-only-kevin-durants-second-50-plus-point-game/article/3747530|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Latzke |first=Jeff |title=Kevin Durant Scores 51 Points: Thunder Top Nuggets, 124–118 (Video) |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/02/19/durant-scores-51-as-thund_0_n_1288199.html |work=HuffPost|access-date=May 27, 2013 |date=February 19, 2012|archive-date=November 14, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131114063056/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/02/19/durant-scores-51-as-thund_0_n_1288199.html|url-status=live}}</ref> At the [[2012 NBA All-Star Game|All-Star Game]], he scored 36 points and was awarded the [[NBA All-Star Game Most Valuable Player Award]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2012-02-February 27, 2012 |title=Thunder's Durant captures All-Star Game MVP |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/allstar2012/story/_/id/7619479/oklahoma-city-thunder-kevin-durant-named-2012-all-star-game-mvp |access-date=2023-08-August 11, 2023 |website=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press |language=en |archive-date=October 1, 2014 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20141001105949/http://espn.go.com/nba/allstar2012/story/_/id/7619479/oklahoma-city-thunder-kevin-durant-named-2012-all-star-game-mvp |url-status=live }}</ref> Durant finished the year with a scoring average of 28 points per game, representing his third straight scoring title.<ref name=3rd>{{cite web |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/kevin-durant-wins-third-straight-nba-scoring-title-as-kobe-bryant-concedes/ |title=Kevin Durant wins third straight NBA scoring title as Kobe Bryant concedes |work=CBS Sports |date=April 27, 2012 |access-date=May 16, 2022 |archive-date=October 1, 2014 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20141001110409/http://www.cbssports.com/nba/eye-on-basketball/18849742/kevin-durant-wins-third-scoring-title-as-kobe-bryant-concedes |url-status=live }}</ref> Behind his play, the Thunder won 47 games and entered the [[2012 NBA playoffs]] as the Western Conference's second seed.<ref>{{cite web |title=NBA Standings – 2011–12 |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/standings/_/season/2012 |work=ESPN|access-date=May 16, 2022|archive-date=October 1, 2014|archive-url=https://archive.today/20141001110547/http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/year/2012|url-status=live}}</ref> In Game 1 of the first round against the [[2011–12 Dallas Mavericks season|Dallas Mavericks]], Durant hit a game-winner with 1.5 seconds remaining.<ref>{{cite web |title=Kevin Durant's last-second jumper lifts Thunder by Mavs in Game 1 |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=320428025 |website=ESPN |access-date=December 14, 2020 |date=April 28, 2012 |archive-date=November 11, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111231039/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=320428025 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Oklahoma City would go on to defeat Dallas 4–0, the [[2011–12 Los Angeles Lakers season|Lakers]] 4–1, and the [[2011–12 San Antonio Spurs season|San Antonio Spurs]] 4–2 before losing to the [[2011–12 Miami Heat season|Miami Heat]] 1–4 in the [[2012 NBA Finals]].<ref>{{cite web |title=2012 NBA Playoffs Summary |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/NBA_2012.html |work=Basketball Reference|access-date=May 27, 2013|archive-date=May 18, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130518173424/http://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/NBA_2012.html|url-status=live}}</ref> For the NBA Finals, Durant led all players with 30.6 points per game, doing so on a 54.8 shooting rate.<ref>{{cite web |title=2012 NBA Finals Composite Box Score |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/NBA_2012_finals.html |work=Basketball Reference|access-date=May 27, 2013|archive-date=June 23, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130623210211/http://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/NBA_2012_finals.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
 
==== 50–40–90 season (2012–2013) ====
With a scoring average of 28.1 points per game to finish the [[2012–13 NBA season|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]].<ref name=Reference>{{cite web |title=Kevin Durant NBA & ABA Stats |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/d/duranke01.html |work=Basketball Reference|access-date=May 27, 2013|archive-date=October 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211014031903/https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/d/duranke01.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=Club>{{cite web |last=Eberts |first=Wescott |title=Kevin Durant joins the exclusive 50–40–90 club |date=April 17, 2013 |url=https://www.burntorangenation.com/2013/4/17/4234910/kevin-durant-50-40-90-club |work=Burnt Orange Nation|access-date=May 27, 2013|archive-date=October 1, 2014|archive-url=https://archive.today/20141001113111/http://www.burntorangenation.com/2013/4/17/4234910/kevin-durant-50-40-90-club|url-status=live}}</ref> Finishing the year with a 60–22 record, the Thunder earned the first seed in the Western Conference.<ref>{{cite web |title=2012–2013 Conference Regular Season Standings |url=http://www.nba.com/standings/team_record_comparison/conferenceNew_Std_Cnf.html |work=NBA|access-date=May 27, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100405010059/http://www.nba.com/standings/team_record_comparison/conferenceNew_Std_Cnf.html|archive-date=April 5, 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref> In the first round of the [[2013 NBA playoffs]] against the [[2012–13 Houston Rockets season|Houston Rockets]], Westbrook tore his meniscus, forcing him to miss the remainder of the postseason.<ref name=2013playoffs>{{cite web |title=2013 NBA Playoffs Summary |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/NBA_2013.html |publisher=Basketball Reference|access-date=May 27, 2013|archive-date=June 20, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130620111427/http://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/NBA_2013.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Wallace |first=Michael |date=April 27, 2013 |title=Russell Westbrook to miss playoffs |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/playoffs/2013/story/_/id/9218035/russell-westbrook-oklahoma-city-thunder-undergoes-knee-surgery |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20141001113455/http://espn.go.com/nba/playoffs/2013/story/_/id/9218035/russell-westbrook-oklahoma-city-thunder-undergoes-knee-surgery |archive-date=October 1, 2014 |access-date=May 16, 2022 |website=ESPN.com}}</ref> Without Westbrook, Durant was given more responsibility,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Lowe |first1=Zach |title=Thunder Struck: Russell Westbrook's Injury and What It Means for Oklahoma City |date=April 26, 2013 |url=http://grantland.com/the-triangle/thunder-struck-russell-westbrooks-injury-and-what-it-means-for-oklahoma-city/ |work=Grantland|access-date=February 19, 2015|archive-date=October 1, 2014|archive-url=https://archive.today/20141001113528/http://grantland.com/the-triangle/thunder-struck-russell-westbrooks-injury-and-what-it-means-for-oklahoma-city/|url-status=live}}</ref> averaging a career-high 30.8 points per game throughout the playoffs,<ref name=Reference /> the Thunder defeated Houston 4–2 but were eliminated in the second round 1–4 by the [[2012–13 Memphis Grizzlies season|Memphis Grizzlies]].<ref name=2013playoffs />
 
==== MVP season (2013–2014) ====
In January of the [[2013–14 NBA season|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 [[2013–14 Golden State Warriors season|Golden State Warriors]].<ref name=Streak>{{cite web |title=Kevin Durant's 30-point streak ends at 12 in Thunder's rout of Nets |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400489565 |work=ESPN|access-date=May 16, 2022|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304200640/http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=400489565|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Notebook: Thunder 127, Warriors 121 |url=http://www.nba.com/games/20140117/GSWOKC/gameinfo.html |work=NBA |date=January 17, 2014|access-date=January 18, 2014|archive-date=October 2, 2014|archive-url=https://archive.today/20141002174940/http://www.nba.com/games/20140117/GSWOKC/gameinfo.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In April, he surpassed [[Michael Jordan]]'s record for consecutive games scoring 25 points or more at 41.<ref>{{cite web |title=Durant surpasses Jordan record |url=http://en.espn.co.uk/more/sport/story/297929.html |work=ESPN UK|access-date=May 16, 2022|archive-date=September 14, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160914150454/http://en.espn.co.uk/more/sport/story/297929.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The Thunder finished the year with 59 wins and Durant was voted the [[NBA Most Valuable Player Award|NBA Most Valuable Player]] behind averages of 32 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/10890597/kevin-durant-oklahoma-city-thunder-wins-mvp-award-first |last=Stein |first=Marc |title=Kevin Durant wins first MVP award |date=May 6, 2014 |work=ESPN|access-date=May 16, 2022|archive-date=October 2, 2014|archive-url=https://archive.today/20141002194734/http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/10890597/kevin-durant-oklahoma-city-thunder-wins-mvp-award-first|url-status=live}}</ref> To begin the first round of the [[2014 NBA playoffs]], he struggled against the physical play of the [[2013–14 Memphis Grizzlies season|Grizzlies]], converting on only 24 percent of his field goals in game 4.<ref>{{cite web |title=Oklahoma City Thunder at Memphis Grizzlies Box Score, April 26, 2014 |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/201404260MEM.html |work=Basketball Reference|access-date=July 31, 2016|archive-date=October 19, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161019010026/http://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/201404260MEM.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Through five games, the Thunder trailed the series 3–2, prompting ''[[The Oklahoman]]'' to dub Durant "Mr. Unreliable".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Lee |first1=Michael |title=Kevin Durant remains hungry for NBA title in wake of latest loss, says Thunder's window still open |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/wizards/kevin-durant-remains-hungry-for-nba-title-in-wake-of-latest-loss-says-thunders-window-still-open/2014/06/01/0214c68a-e9dd-11e3-b98c-72cef4a00499_story.html |newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=June 8, 2014|archive-date=June 4, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140604230556/http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/wizards/kevin-durant-remains-hungry-for-nba-title-in-wake-of-latest-loss-says-thunders-window-still-open/2014/06/01/0214c68a-e9dd-11e3-b98c-72cef4a00499_story.html|url-status=live}}</ref> He responded by scoring 36 points in a Game 6 victory.<ref>{{cite web |title=Kevin Durant's 36 points, 10 boards help Thunder take Griz to Game 7 |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400553074 |work=ESPN|access-date=May 16, 2022|archive-date=October 8, 2014|archive-url=https://archive.today/20141008192516/http://espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=400553074|url-status=live}}</ref> Oklahoma City eventually eliminated Memphis and the [[2013–14 Los Angeles Clippers season|Los Angeles Clippers]] before losing to the [[2013–14 San Antonio Spurs season|San Antonio Spurs]] in the Western Conference Finals in six games.<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 31, 2014 |title=Spurs beat Thunder in OT, advance to NBA Finals vs. Heat |url=http://www.cbssports.com/nba/gametracker/recap/NBA_20140531_SA@OKC/spurs-beat-thunder-in-ot-advance-to-nba-finals-vs-heat |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714202700/http://www.cbssports.com/nba/gametracker/recap/NBA_20140531_SA%40OKC/spurs-beat-thunder-in-ot-advance-to-nba-finals-vs-heat |archive-date=July 14, 2014 |access-date=June 8, 2014 |website=CBSSports.com}}</ref>
 
==== Final seasons with the Thunder (2014–2016) ====
[[File:Kevin Durant confronts LeBron James (2015).jpg|thumb|left|Durant guarding [[LeBron James]] in January 2015]]
Prior to the start of the [[2014–15 NBA season|2014–15 season]], Durant was diagnosed with a [[Jones fracture]] in his right foot and was ruled out for six to eight weeks.<ref>{{cite web |first=Cliff |last=Brunt |agency=Associated Press |url=http://www.nba.com/2014/news/10/12/thunder-durant-foot-injury.ap/ |title=Thunder's Durant to miss 6–8 weeks with foot fracture |date=October 12, 2014|access-date=December 20, 2014 |work=NBA|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150102103055/http://www.nba.com/2014/news/10/12/thunder-durant-foot-injury.ap|archive-date=January 2, 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> Durant subsequently missed the first 17 games of the year, making his season debut for the Thunder on December 2 against the [[2014–15 New Orleans Pelicans season|New Orleans Pelicans]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nba.com/games/20141202/OKCNOP/gameinfo.html |title=Durant returns, but Pelicans down Thunder 112–104 |last=Martel |first=Brett |work=NBA |date=December 2, 2014|access-date=February 8, 2015|archive-date=November 19, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151119132415/http://www.nba.com/games/20141202/OKCNOP/gameinfo.html|url-status=live}}</ref> On December 18, Durant injured his ankle against the [[2014–15 Golden State Warriors season|Golden State Warriors]],<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/12050841/kevin-durant-oklahoma-city-thunder-exits-sprained-right-ankle |title=Kevin Durant (ankle) day to day |last=Young |first=Royce |work=ESPN |date=December 19, 2014|access-date=May 16, 2022|archive-date=October 14, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151014144550/http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/12050841/kevin-durant-oklahoma-city-thunder-exits-sprained-right-ankle|url-status=live}}</ref> returning to action on December 31 against the [[2014–15 Phoenix Suns season|Phoenix Suns]] to score a season-high 44 points.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nba.com/games/20141231/PHXOKC/gameinfo.html |title=Durant, Thunder beat Suns in OT |last=Sellars |first=Tony |work=NBA |date=December 31, 2014|access-date=April 8, 2015|archive-date=October 17, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017120106/http://www.nba.com/games/20141231/PHXOKC/gameinfo.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Durant then sprained his left big toe in late January.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nba.com/games/20150206/NOPOKC/gameinfo.html |title=Davis has 41, hits 3 at buzzer to lift Pelicans over Thunder |last=Evans |first=Murray |work=NBA |date=February 6, 2015|access-date=February 8, 2015|archive-date=October 19, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151019114124/http://www.nba.com/games/20150206/NOPOKC/gameinfo.html|url-status=live}}</ref> On February 22, he was sidelined again after undergoing a minor procedure to help reduce pain and discomfort in his surgically repaired right foot,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nba.com/thunder/news/release_durant_150222 |title=Kevin Durant Injury Update |work=NBA |date=February 22, 2015|access-date=February 22, 2015|archive-date=October 25, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151025042445/http://www.nba.com/thunder/news/release_durant_150222|url-status=live}}</ref> and on March 27, Durant was officially ruled out for the rest of the season after deciding to undergo foot surgery.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nba.com/thunder/news/pressrelease_durant_150327 |title=Kevin Durant Injury Update |work=NBA |date=March 27, 2015|access-date=March 27, 2015|archive-date=October 30, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151030153854/http://www.nba.com/thunder/news/pressrelease_durant_150327|url-status=live}}</ref> In just 27 games, he averaged 25.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game.<ref name=Reference />
 
To begin the [[2015–16 NBA season|2015–16 season]], 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 [[2015–16 Orlando Magic season|Orlando Magic]] on October 30.<ref>{{cite web |last=Ogden |first=Rob |url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/sports/russell-westbrook-kevin-durant-are-first-duo-to-each-score-40-since-michael-jordan-and-scottie-pippen/ |title=Russell Westbrook, Kevin Durant are first duo to each score 40 since Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen |work=Chicago Sun Times |date=October 30, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117015521/http://chicago.suntimes.com/sports/7/71/1060861/russell-westbrook-kevin-durant-first-duo-score-40-since-michael-jordan-scottie-pippen |archive-date=November 17, 2015|access-date=May 16, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Kramer |first=Daniel |url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2584531-kevin-durant-and-russell-westbrook-combine-for-91-points-in-2ot-win-vs-magic |title=Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook Combine for 91 Points in 2OT Win vs. Magic |work=Bleacher Report |date=October 31, 2015 |access-date=March 15, 2018 |archive-date=June 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180627034657/http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2584531-kevin-durant-and-russell-westbrook-combine-for-91-points-in-2ot-win-vs-magic |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nba.com/games/20151227/DENOKC/gameinfo.html |title=Westbrook rallies Thunder past Nuggets, 122–112 |work=NBA |date=December 27, 2015|access-date=March 15, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202175125/http://www.nba.com/games/20151227/DENOKC/gameinfo.html|archive-date=February 2, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> For the year, Durant averaged 28.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, 5.0 assists, and 1.2 blocks per game,<ref name=Reference /> leading the Thunder to 55 wins and the third seed in the West.<ref name=2016Reference>{{cite web |title=2015–16 NBA Season Summary |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_2016.html |work=Basketball Reference|access-date=February 19, 2017|archive-date=April 1, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190401172000/https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_2016.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In Game 2 of the first round of the [[2016 NBA playoffs]] against the [[2015–16 Dallas Mavericks season|Mavericks]], Durant scored 21 points but converted only seven out of 33 shots in the worst postseason shooting performance of his career, both by shooting percentage and by number of shots missed.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nba.com/games/20160418/DALOKC/gameinfo.html |title=Dallas beats Oklahoma City 85–84, ties series 1–1 |work=NBA |date=April 18, 2016|access-date=April 18, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160419032629/http://www.nba.com/games/20160418/DALOKC/gameinfo.html|archive-date=April 19, 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> After defeating Dallas, Oklahoma City moved on to face the [[2015–16 San Antonio Spurs season|San Antonio Spurs]] in the second round, falling behind 2–1 to start the series.<ref name=2016Reference /> In Game 4, Durant tied his playoff career high with 41 points in a Thunder win.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nba.com/games/20160508/SASOKC/gameinfo.html |title=Durant scores 41 points, Thunder beat Spurs to tie series |work=NBA |date=May 8, 2016|access-date=May 8, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160512171415/http://www.nba.com/games/20160508/SASOKC/gameinfo.html|archive-date=May 12, 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> Oklahoma City eventually defeated the Spurs in six games, drawing a matchup with the record-setting 73-win [[2015–16 Golden State Warriors season|Golden State Warriors]] in the Conference Finals.<ref name=2016Reference /> Despite going up 3–1, the Thunder were ousted in seven games, with Durant providing 27 points in Game 7.<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 31, 2016 |agency=Associated Press |title=Stephen Curry, Warriors back to NBA Finals after finishing off OKC |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400876756 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180726104029/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400876756 |archive-date=July 26, 2018 |access-date=February 19, 2017 |website=ESPN.com}}</ref>
 
=== Golden State Warriors (2016–2019) ===
 
==== First championship and finals MVP (2016–2017) ====
On July 4, Durant announced his intentions to sign with the [[Golden State Warriors]] in ''[[The Players' Tribune]]''.<ref name="DurantPlayersTribune">{{cite news |last=Durant |first=Kevin |title=My Next Chapter |url=http://www.theplayerstribune.com/kevin-durant-nba-free-agency-announcement/ |work=[[The Players' Tribune]] |date=July 4, 2016|access-date=July 4, 2016|archive-date=July 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160704164713/http://www.theplayerstribune.com/kevin-durant-nba-free-agency-announcement/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="DurantTime">{{cite news |last=Gregory |first=Sean |title=Why Kevin Durant's Decision Is Worth Cheering For |url=http://time.com/4392677/kevin-durant-golden-state-warriors-nba/ |magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]] |date=July 4, 2016|access-date=July 4, 2016|archive-date=July 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160704191016/http://time.com/4392677/kevin-durant-golden-state-warriors-nba/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="DurantUSAToday">{{cite news |last=Zillgitt |first=Jeff |title=How Kevin Durant's decision to join Warriors affects the NBA |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/2016/07/04/kevin-durant-warriors-draymond-green-stephen-curry-klay-thompson-steve-kerr/86672890/ |newspaper=USA Today |date=July 4, 2016|access-date=July 4, 2016|archive-date=July 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160704174430/http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/2016/07/04/kevin-durant-warriors-draymond-green-stephen-curry-klay-thompson-steve-kerr/86672890/|url-status=live}}</ref> The move was received negatively by fans and pundits,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Maloney |first1=Jack |title=Kevin Durant says he initially regretted his decision to join the Warriors |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/kevin-durant-says-he-initially-regretted-his-decision-to-join-the-warriors/ |work=[[CBS Sports]]|access-date=February 4, 2018 |date=September 19, 2017|archive-date=December 30, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181230160548/https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/kevin-durant-says-he-initially-regretted-his-decision-to-join-the-warriors/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=nbc_07112017>{{cite web |url=http://www.nbcsports.com/bayarea/warriors/durant-new-documentary-bullies-say-i-took-easy-way-out |title=Durant in new documentary: Bullies say 'I took the easy way out' |publisher=[[NBC Sports]] |date=July 11, 2017|access-date=May 4, 2018|archive-date=March 20, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190320141409/https://www.nbcsports.com/bayarea/warriors/durant-new-documentary-bullies-say-i-took-easy-way-out|url-status=live}}</ref> who felt Durant took the easy route by forming a [[Superteams in the NBA|superteam]] with a Warriors squad coming off a record-setting 73-win season in 2016 and a championship in 2015, further compounded by the Thunder's blown 3-1 series lead against those same Warriors.<ref name=nbc_07112017 /><ref>{{cite news |last=Botkin |first=Brad |title=Kevin Durant explains why he left Thunder for Warriors, says he was tired of being only shooter |date=February 9, 2020 |website=CBS Sports |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/kevin-durant-explains-why-he-left-thunder-for-warriors-says-he-was-tired-of-being-only-shooter/|access-date=March 28, 2020|archive-date=March 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200328104511/https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/kevin-durant-explains-why-he-left-thunder-for-warriors-says-he-was-tired-of-being-only-shooter/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=golliver_07042016 /> On July 7, Durant officially signed with Golden State on a two-year, $54.3 million contract with a player option after the first year.<ref>{{cite news |title=Warriors Sign Free Agent Forward Kevin Durant |url=http://www.nba.com/warriors/news/kevin-durant-signing-20160707 |website=NBA |date=July 7, 2016|access-date=July 10, 2016|archive-date=July 9, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160709120915/http://www.nba.com/warriors/news/kevin-durant-signing-20160707/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Kevin Durant to sign with Warriors |url=https://www.espn.com.au/nba/story/_/id/16759826/kevin-durant-announces-sign-golden-state-warriors |work=ESPN |date=July 4, 2016|access-date=July 7, 2016|archive-date=May 19, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170519020013/http://www.espn.com.au/nba/story/_/id/16759826/kevin-durant-announces-sign-golden-state-warriors|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=McCauley |first=Janie |title=Splash! Kevin Durant finalizes two-year deal with Warriors |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/news/splash-kevin-durant-finalizes-two-deal-warriors-202520675--nba.html |work=Yahoo! Sports |date=July 7, 2016|access-date=July 7, 2016|archive-date=July 11, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160711215157/http://sports.yahoo.com/news/splash-kevin-durant-finalizes-two-deal-warriors-202520675--nba.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Reflecting on the move for ''[[Sports Illustrated]]'', Ben Golliver wrote, "He chose an ideal roster fit and a shot at playing for the highest-scoring offense the NBA has seen in decades. He chose life alongside [[Stephen Curry]] and [[Klay Thompson]], the greatest shooting backcourt in history, and he chose to go against [[Andre Iguodala]] and [[Draymond Green]], two elite defenders, in practices rather than in Western Conference finals games."<ref name=golliver_07042016>{{cite magazine |last1=Golliver |first1=Ben |title=Golden Decision: Kevin Durant shakes up the NBA with move to the Warriors |url=https://www.si.com/nba/2016/07/04/kevin-durant-warriors-free-agency-stephen-curry-russell-westbrook |magazine=[[Sports Illustrated]]|access-date=February 4, 2018 |date=July 4, 2016|archive-date=December 25, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181225003851/https://www.si.com/nba/2016/07/04/kevin-durant-warriors-free-agency-stephen-curry-russell-westbrook|url-status=live}}</ref>[[File:Golden State Warriors Small Forward Kevin Durant.jpg|left|thumb|Durant after Warriors' practice in 2017]]
Durant made his debut for the Warriors on October 25 against the [[2016–17 San Antonio Spurs season|San Antonio Spurs]], scoring a team-high 27 points in a blowout loss.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400899377 |title=Leonard, Spurs spoil Durant's Warriors debut with blowout |work=ESPN |date=October 25, 2016|access-date=October 26, 2016|archive-date=March 20, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190320135154/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400899377|url-status=live}}</ref> On November 26, he recorded 28 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, and a career-high six blocked shots in a win over the [[2016–17 Minnesota Timberwolves season|Minnesota Timberwolves]], becoming the first player in team history to finish with at least 25 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, and five blocks in a single game.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400899694 |title=Warriors eventually find flow without Green, beat Minnesota |work=ESPN |date=November 26, 2016|access-date=November 27, 2016|archive-date=August 4, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180804231728/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400899694|url-status=live}}</ref> On February 11, in his first game back in Oklahoma City since leaving for Golden State, Durant scored 34 points while being booed throughout the night as he helped the Warriors defeat the [[2016-17 Oklahoma City Thunder season|Thunder]] for the third time that year.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400900218 |title=Durant leads Warriors to win in return to Oklahoma City |work=ESPN |date=February 11, 2017|access-date=February 12, 2017|archive-date=August 4, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180804231753/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400900218|url-status=live}}</ref> In March, Durant suffered a Grade 2 [[Medial collateral ligament|MCL]] sprain and a tibial bone bruise in his left knee, which forced him to miss the final 19 games of the season.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nba.com/warriors/news/durant-injury-update-20170301 |title=Kevin Durant Injury Update |work=NBA |date=March 1, 2017|access-date=March 1, 2017|archive-date=August 5, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180805022214/https://www.nba.com/warriors/news/durant-injury-update-20170301|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400900573 |title=Durant shines in return from 19-game absence, knee injury |work=ESPN |date=April 8, 2017|access-date=April 8, 2017|archive-date=August 4, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180804231713/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400900573|url-status=live}}</ref> The Warriors finished the [[2016–17 NBA season|2016–17 season]] with a 67–15 record and entered the playoffs as the first seed.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_2017_standings.html |title=2016–17 NBA Standings |website=Basketball-Reference|access-date=November 4, 2017 |archive-date=March 17, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190317074705/https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_2017_standings.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
 
Durant returned from injury in time for the [[2017 NBA playoffs]] and helped the Warriors advance to their third consecutive [[2017 NBA Finals|Finals]], while also becoming the first team in league history to start the postseason 12–0.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400953594 |title=Curry's 36 points leads Warriors to sweep Spurs, 129–115 |work=ESPN |date=May 22, 2017|access-date=May 22, 2017|archive-date=March 20, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190320135628/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400953594|url-status=live}}</ref> In Game 1 of the series, Durant had 38 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists to lead the Warriors past LeBron James and the defending champion [[2016–17 Cleveland Cavaliers season|Cleveland Cavaliers]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400954510 |title=Kevin Durant drops 38 as Warriors rout Cavs in Game 1 of Finals |work=ESPN |date=June 1, 2017|access-date=June 1, 2017|archive-date=September 8, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180908032258/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400954510|url-status=live}}</ref> Durant then helped the Warriors go up 3–0 in the series with a 31-point effort in Game 3, including the go-ahead 3-pointer with 45.3 seconds left in regulation.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400954512 |title=Durant's dagger 3 lifts Warriors over Cavs in Game 3 |work=ESPN |date=June 7, 2017|access-date=June 8, 2017|archive-date=September 25, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180925062628/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400954512|url-status=live}}</ref> In Game 5, he scored 39 points to go with seven rebounds and five assists in a series-clinching win.<ref>{{cite web |title=Cleveland Cavaliers at Golden State Warriors Box Score, June 12, 2017 |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/201706120GSW.html|access-date=February 4, 2018 |date=June 12, 2017|archive-date=August 4, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180804231727/https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/201706120GSW.html|url-status=live}}</ref> For the Finals, Durant was the Golden State's top scorer in every game, averaging 35.2 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 5.4 assists while shooting 55.5 percent from the field, 47.4 percent from three-point range, and 92.7 percent from the free throw line. He was subsequently named the [[NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award|NBA Finals MVP]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Devine |first=Dan |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/kevin-durant-2017-nba-finals-mvp-040830107.html |title=Kevin Durant is your 2017 NBA Finals MVP |work=Yahoo.com |date=June 13, 2017|access-date=June 13, 2017|archive-date=September 25, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180925205024/https://sports.yahoo.com/kevin-durant-2017-nba-finals-mvp-040830107.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Blinebury |first=Fran |url=http://www.nba.com/article/2017/06/13/kevin-durant-earns-finals-mvp/ |title=Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant claims Finals MVP |work=NBA |date=June 13, 2017|access-date=June 13, 2017|archive-date=July 27, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180727162107/http://www.nba.com/article/2017/06/13/kevin-durant-earns-finals-mvp|url-status=live}}</ref> The Warriors finished the playoffs with a 16–1 record, the best postseason winning percentage in NBA history.<ref>{{cite web |date=June 14, 2017 |title=Warriors (16–1) Record Best Postseason Winning Percentage in NBA History |url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2715556-warriors-16-1-record-best-postseason-winning-percentage-in-nba-history |access-date=May 10, 2018 |website=Bleacher Report}}</ref>
 
==== Second championship and finals MVP (2017–2018) ====
After the 2017 NBA Finals, Durant declined his $27.7 million player option and became an unrestricted free agent.<ref>{{cite web |last=Nathan |first=Alec |url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2705181-kevin-durant-reportedly-declines-warriors-contract-option-expected-to-re-sign |title=Kevin Durant Reportedly Declines Warriors Contract Option, Expected to Re-Sign |work=BleacherReport.com |date=June 30, 2017|access-date=July 21, 2017|archive-date=June 30, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170630014912/http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2705181-kevin-durant-reportedly-declines-warriors-contract-option-expected-to-re-sign|url-status=live}}</ref> On July 25, he re-signed with the Warriors for less money than the maximum, which helped the franchise create enough salary cap space to keep their core roster intact and add free agents.<ref>{{cite web |last=Winfield |first=Kristian |url=https://www.sbnation.com/2017/7/3/15917520/kevin-durant-re-signs-warriors-pay-cut-two-years-53-million |title=Kevin Durant will take nearly $7 million pay cut to keep the Warriors together |work=SBNation.com |date=July 3, 2017|access-date=July 21, 2017|archive-date=July 4, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170704024804/https://www.sbnation.com/2017/7/3/15917520/kevin-durant-re-signs-warriors-pay-cut-two-years-53-million|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nba.com/warriors/news/six-players-re-signing-20170725 |title=Warriors Re-Sign Curry, Durant, Iguodala, Livingston, Pachulia and West to Contracts |work=NBA |date=July 25, 2017|access-date=July 25, 2017|archive-date=July 28, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170728132941/http://www.nba.com/warriors/news/six-players-re-signing-20170725|url-status=live}}</ref>
 
On January 10, Durant scored 40 points in a loss to the [[2017-18 Los Angeles Clippers season|Los Angeles Clippers]], becoming the second-youngest player in league history to reach the 20,000-point milestone.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400975359 |title=Lou Williams scores career-high 50, Clippers beat Warriors |work=ESPN |date=January 10, 2018|access-date=January 10, 2018|archive-date=January 11, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180111165658/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400975359|url-status=live}}</ref> On January 23, he registered a career-high 14 assists in a win over the [[2017-18 New York Knicks season|New York Knicks]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400975445 |title=Stephen Curry, Warriors use big second half to beat Knicks |work=ESPN |date=January 23, 2018|access-date=January 24, 2018|archive-date=January 25, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180125015338/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400975445|url-status=live}}</ref> On February 14, Durant scored a season-high 50 points in a loss to the [[2017-18 Portland Trail Blazers season|Trail Blazers]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400975610 |title=Lillard has 44, Blazers overcome Durant's 50, beat Warriors |work=ESPN |date=February 14, 2018|access-date=February 15, 2018|archive-date=February 16, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180216025316/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400975610|url-status=live}}</ref> In March, he missed games with a fractured rib, joining teammates Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson on the sidelines for the back-end of the season.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400975779 |title=Injured Warriors play short, don't have enough against Kings |work=ESPN |date=March 16, 2018|access-date=March 16, 2018|archive-date=March 17, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180317170424/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400975779|url-status=live}}</ref> The Warriors eventually finished the year with 58 wins and Durant set a career high for blocks in season with 119.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400975722 |title=After Curry goes down, Durant rallies Warriors past Spurs |work=ESPN |date=March 8, 2018|access-date=March 9, 2018|archive-date=March 10, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180310010241/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400975722|url-status=live}}</ref>
 
In Game 1 of the [[2018 NBA playoffs|Western Conference Finals]], Durant scored 37 points during a 119–106 victory over the higher-seeded [[Houston Rockets]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401032761 |title=Durant's 37 lead Warriors over Rockets 119–106 |work=ESPN |date=May 14, 2018|access-date=May 14, 2018|archive-date=May 15, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180515184012/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401032761|url-status=live}}</ref> Through six games, the Warriors found themselves trailing 3–2, and Durant was criticized for contributing to Golden State's struggles by playing too much in isolation.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Kevin Durant is reverting to old habits as Warriors get pushed to brink of elimination |first1=Tim |title=Kevin Durant is reverting to old habits as Warriors get pushed to brink of elimination |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/basketball/ct-spt-warriors-kevin-durant-bad-habits-20180525-story.html# |access-date=August 4, 2018 |date=May 25, 2018 |newspaper=[[Chicago Tribune]] |archive-date=May 26, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180526083132/https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/basketball/ct-spt-warriors-kevin-durant-bad-habits-20180525-story.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The Warriors staved off elimination in Game 6, and in Game 7, Durant scored 34 points, helping Golden State return to the Finals with a series-clinching victory.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401032767 |title=Warriors reach 4th straight NBA Finals with win over Houston |work=ESPN |date=May 28, 2018|access-date=May 29, 2018|archive-date=May 29, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180529100130/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401032767|url-status=live}}</ref> In Game 3 of the [[2018 NBA Finals]], Durant recorded a playoff career-high 43 points, 13 rebounds, and seven assists in a win over the [[2017-18 Cleveland Cavaliers season|Cleveland Cavaliers]], leading the Warriors to a 3–0 advantage.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401034615 |title=Durant has 43, Warriors take 3–0 NBA Finals lead over Cavs |work=ESPN |date=June 6, 2018|access-date=June 6, 2018|archive-date=June 7, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180607090540/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401034615|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nba.com/warriors/gameday/20180606/recap |title=Durant Carries Warriors Over Cavs in Game 3 |work=NBA |date=June 6, 2018|access-date=June 6, 2018|archive-date=June 10, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180610055152/http://www.nba.com/warriors/gameday/20180606/recap|url-status=live}}</ref> Golden State ultimately swept Cleveland and clinched a second straight championship; with averages of 28.8 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 7.5 assists, Durant also won his second Finals MVP Award.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401034616 |title=Dub Dynasty: Warriors sweep Cavaliers for second straight title |work=ESPN |date=June 8, 2018|access-date=June 9, 2018|archive-date=June 9, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180609103042/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401034616|url-status=live}}</ref>
 
==== Three-peat chase and injury (2018–2019) ====
[[File:Kevin Durant Warriors 2019 (cropped).jpg|thumb|right|upright=0.8|Durant in 2019]]
On July 7, 2018, Durant re-signed with the Warriors,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nba.com/warriors/news/warriors-re-sign-forward-kevin-durant |title=Warriors Re-sign Forward Kevin Durant |work=NBA |date=July 7, 2018|access-date=July 7, 2018|archive-date=July 7, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180707231634/http://www.nba.com/warriors/news/warriors-re-sign-forward-kevin-durant|url-status=live}}</ref> on a reported two-year, $61.5 million contract, which included a player option for the second year.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/bayarea/warriors/kevin-durant-wants-much-money-i-can-next-free-agency-contract |title=Kevin Durant wants 'as much money as I can' on next free agency contract |first=Dalton |last=Johnson |date=December 24, 2018|access-date=May 9, 2019 |work=NBC Sports|archive-date=March 20, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190320134017/https://www.nbcsports.com/bayarea/warriors/kevin-durant-wants-much-money-i-can-next-free-agency-contract|url-status=live}}</ref>
 
During an overtime loss to the Clippers on November 12, Green cursed out Durant over his upcoming free agency status after the season, and he was suspended for the much-publicized blowup.<ref>{{cite news |last=Shelburne |first=Ramona |title=How Draymond Green found his zen |date=June 4, 2019 |website=ESPN |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/26891462/how-draymond-green-found-zen|access-date=June 11, 2019|archive-date=June 10, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190610131530/https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/26891462/how-draymond-green-found-zen|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Spears |first=Marc J. |title=Kendrick Perkins on Kevin Durant: 'Finally, he got his own team' |date=June 30, 2019 |work=[[Andscape]] |url=https://andscape.com/features/kendrick-perkins-on-kevin-durant-finally-he-got-his-own-team/|access-date=July 2, 2019|archive-date=July 2, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190702072510/https://theundefeated.com/features/kendrick-perkins-on-kevin-durant-finally-he-got-his-own-team/|url-status=live}}</ref> On November 29, Durant scored a season-high 51 points in a 131–128 overtime loss to the [[Toronto Raptors]], thus scoring 40 or more in his third straight game.<ref name="warriors-raptors">{{Cite web |date=November 29, 2018 |title=Leonard scores 37, Raptors beat Warriors 131–128 in OT |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401070997 |access-date=November 29, 2018 |website=ESPN |agency=Associated Press |archive-date=November 30, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181130202021/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401070997 |url-status=live }}</ref> With Curry and Green sidelined for most of November, the Warriors finished the month with a 15–8 record and five straight road losses<ref name="warriors-raptors" /> after starting the season at 10–1.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401070847 |title=Curry injured, Bucks snap Warriors' 8-game win streak |work=ESPN |date=November 8, 2018|access-date=November 29, 2018|archive-date=November 29, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181129142254/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401070847|url-status=live}}</ref>
 
In Game 5 of the first round of the playoffs, he scored a playoff career-high 45 points in a 129–121 loss to the [[Los Angeles Clippers]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401126822 |title=Lou Williams, Clippers force Game 6 against champ Warriors |work=ESPN |date=April 24, 2019|access-date=April 25, 2019|archive-date=May 10, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190510072649/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401126822|url-status=live}}</ref> In Game 6, he set a new playoff career high with 50 points in a 129–110 win to close out the series.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401126824 |title=Durant has 50, Warriors beat Clippers 129–110; Rockets next |work=ESPN |date=April 26, 2019|access-date=April 27, 2019|archive-date=January 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210112024947/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401126824|url-status=live}}</ref> During Game 5 of the Western Conference semifinals against the [[Houston Rockets]], Durant suffered a right calf strain,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/26709802/kd-calf-strain-reevaluated-next-week |title=Kerr confirms KD out remainder of Rockets series |work=ESPN |date=May 9, 2019|access-date=May 9, 2019|archive-date=May 9, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190509205602/http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/26709802/kd-calf-strain-reevaluated-next-week|url-status=live}}</ref> subsequently missing Game 6, in which the Warriors won the series, as well as the entire Western Conference Finals against the [[Portland Trail Blazers]], which the Warriors won in a four-game sweep.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Conway |first=Tyler |date=June 3, 2019 |title=Steve Kerr: 'Feasible' Kevin Durant Could Return from Injury After 1 Practice |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2839114-steve-kerr-feasible-kevin-durant-could-return-from-injury-after-1-practice |access-date=June 4, 2019 |website=Bleacher Report |archive-date=June 2, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190602185851/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2839114-steve-kerr-feasible-kevin-durant-could-return-from-injury-after-1-practice |url-status=live }}</ref>
 
After missing nine games with the strained right calf,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401134819 |title=Warriors hang on to stay alive, win Game 5 of NBA Finals |work=ESPN |date=June 10, 2019|access-date=June 10, 2019|archive-date=November 6, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211106212131/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401134819|url-status=live}}</ref> Durant returned to action in Game 5 of the [[2019 NBA Finals]] against Toronto, and scored 11 points in the first quarter.<ref name=stein_06102019>{{cite news |last=Stein |first=Marc |title=How the Warriors Survived Game 5 of the N.B.A. Finals |date=June 10, 2019 |newspaper=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/10/sports/warriors-raptors.html|access-date=June 11, 2019|archive-date=June 11, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190611023833/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/10/sports/warriors-raptors.html|url-status=live}}</ref> However, he was lost for the game two minutes into the second quarter when trying to drive by former teammate [[Serge Ibaka]] and suffered an [[Achilles tendon]] injury, falling and grabbing his lower right calf. Durant limped off the court and was helped to the locker room. The Warriors won the game 106–105 to cut the Raptors' series lead to 3–2.<ref name=stein_06102019 /> However, the Warriors went on to lose Game 6 by a score of 114–110, ending their quest for a three-peat.<ref>{{cite web |title=Warriors Quest for 3-Peat Denied |url=https://www.nba.com/warriors/gameday/20190613/recap |date=June 13, 2019|access-date=April 29, 2021 |website=NBA|archive-date=April 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210429040221/https://www.nba.com/warriors/gameday/20190613/recap|url-status=live}}</ref>
 
=== Brooklyn Nets (2019–2023) ===
 
==== Year absence (2019–2020) ====
On June 30, 2019, Durant announced that he planned to sign with the [[Brooklyn Nets]] after the [[July moratorium]] ended on July 6.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Carroll |first=Charlotte |title=Durant's 'The Boardroom' Gains Thousands of Followers With Free Agency Announcement |date=June 30, 2019 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |url=https://www.si.com/nba/2019/06/30/kevin-durant-boardroom-instagram-followers|access-date=July 2, 2019|archive-date=November 6, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211106212134/https://www.si.com/nba/2019/06/30/kevin-durant-boardroom-instagram-followers|url-status=live}}</ref> On July 1, Golden State CEO [[Joe Lacob]] announced that Durant's No. 35 will no longer be issued by the Warriors.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nba.com/article/2019/07/01/golden-state-warriors-kevin-durant-jersey-retire-official-release |title=Warriors CEO Joe Lacob releases statement on Kevin Durant |work=NBA |date=July 1, 2019|access-date=July 2, 2019|archive-date=July 1, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190701223903/https://www.nba.com/article/2019/07/01/golden-state-warriors-kevin-durant-jersey-retire-official-release|url-status=live}}</ref> Durant signed with Brooklyn on July 7, in a [[sign-and-trade deal]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 7, 2019 |title=Brooklyn Nets Acquire 10-Time All-Star and Two-Time NBA Champion Kevin Durant |url=https://www.nba.com/nets/news/2019/07/07/brooklyn-nets-acquire-10-time-all-star-and-two-time-nba-champion-kevin-durant |access-date=2021-07-July 29, 2021 |website=[[NBA]] |archive-date=July 8, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190708072258/https://www.nba.com/nets/news/2019/07/07/brooklyn-nets-acquire-10-time-all-star-and-two-time-nba-champion-kevin-durant |url-status=live }}</ref> Durant did not appear at all in the 2019–20 season and later revealed that he had decided shortly after his June 2019 injury that he would be sitting out the entire [[2019–20 NBA season|2019–20 season]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Spears |first1=Marc J. |title=Kevin Durant rules himself out for remainder of 2019–20 season: 'Best for me to wait' |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/29273001/kevin-durant-rules-remainder-2019-20-season-best-wait |website=ESPN |access-date=December 2, 2020 |date=June 5, 2020 |archive-date=January 13, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210113025422/https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/29273001/kevin-durant-rules-remainder-2019-20-season-best-wait |url-status=live }}</ref> On March 17, 2020, Durant and three other Nets players tested positive for [[COVID-19]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Fernandez |first1=Gabriel |title=Coronavirus live updates: Four Brooklyn Nets players test positive for COVID-19; 2020 French Open postponed |url=https://www.cbssports.com/general/news/coronavirus-live-updates-four-brooklyn-nets-players-test-positive-for-covid-19-2020-french-open-postponed/live/ |website=CBS Sports |access-date=March 17, 2020 |date=March 17, 2020 |archive-date=March 17, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200317214650/https://www.cbssports.com/general/news/coronavirus-live-updates-four-brooklyn-nets-players-test-positive-for-covid-19-2020-french-open-postponed/live/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On April 1, it was announced that Durant was cleared and had recovered.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2891724-nets-kevin-durant-on-positive-covid-19-test-im-alive-thats-itim-good | title=Nets' Kevin Durant on Positive COVID-19 Test: 'I'm Alive. That's It...I'm Good' | website=[[Bleacher Report]] | access-date=September 6, 2023 | archive-date=September 6, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230906093718/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2891724-nets-kevin-durant-on-positive-covid-19-test-im-alive-thats-itim-good | url-status=live }}</ref>
 
==== Return to the court (2020–2021) ====
On December 22, 2020, Durant made his Nets debut, putting up 22 points, five rebounds, three assists, and three steals, in a 125–99 win over his former team, the Golden State Warriors.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Andrews |first1=Malika |title=Kevin Durant returns in grand style as Brooklyn Nets open season with emphatic home win |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/30585569/kevin-durant-returns-grand-style-brooklyn-nets-open-season-emphatic-home-win |website=ESPN |access-date=December 23, 2020 |date=December 22, 2020 |archive-date=December 23, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201223023604/https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/30585569/kevin-durant-returns-grand-style-brooklyn-nets-open-season-emphatic-home-win |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Ibarrola |first1=Kriel |title=5 crazy stats in the Nets' blowout win vs. Warriors in opening night |url=https://clutchpoints.com/nets-news-5-crazy-stats-in-brooklyns-blowout-win-vs-warriors-opening-night/ |website=ClutchPoints |access-date=December 23, 2020 |date=December 22, 2020 |archive-date=December 24, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201224055340/https://clutchpoints.com/nets-news-5-crazy-stats-in-brooklyns-blowout-win-vs-warriors-opening-night/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On January 14, 2021, [[James Harden]] was traded to the Nets in a blockbuster four-team deal, reuniting Durant with his former Thunder teammate.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 14, 2021 |title=Brooklyn Nets Acquire James Harden |url=https://www.nba.com/nets/news/2021/01/14/brooklyn-nets-acquire-james-harden |access-date=2021-11-November 27, 2021 |website=Brooklyn Nets |archive-date=January 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210114140241/https://www.nba.com/nets/news/2021/01/14/brooklyn-nets-acquire-james-harden |url-status=live }}</ref> On January 16, 2021, Durant scored a season-high 42 points in a 122–115 win over the [[Orlando Magic]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Magic vs. Nets - Game Recap - January 16, 2021 - ESPN |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/401267350|access-date=2021-11-November 27, 2021 |website=ESPN|archive-date=November 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211127182905/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/401267350|url-status=dead}}</ref> On February 5, due to health and safety protocols, Durant came off the bench for the first time in his career in a 117–123 loss to the [[Toronto Raptors]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Papke |first=Grey |date=February 5, 2021-02-05 |title=This is why Kevin Durant made his first career appearance off the bench Friday |url=https://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/this_is_why_kevin_durant_made_his_first_career_appearance_off_the_bench_friday/s1_127_34026041 |access-date=2021-11-November 27, 2021 |website=Yardbarker |archive-date=November 27, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211127183624/https://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/this_is_why_kevin_durant_made_his_first_career_appearance_off_the_bench_friday/s1_127_34026041 |url-status=live }}</ref> In February, Durant suffered a hamstring injury, which forced him to miss 23 games. On April 2, the NBA fined Durant $50,000 for private messages he sent through social media to actor [[Michael Rapaport]] in a feud.<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 2, 2021 |title=Nets' Kevin Durant fined $50,000 by NBA for 'derogatory language' |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2021/apr/02/nets-kevin-durant-fined-50000-by-nba-for-derogatory-language|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210402220414/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2021/apr/02/nets-kevin-durant-fined-50000-by-nba-for-derogatory-language|archive-date=April 2, 2021|access-date=April 2, 2021 |website=[[The Guardian]]}}</ref> Durant made his return on April 7, 2021, scoring 17 points off the bench in a 139–119 win over the [[New Orleans Pelicans]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 8, 2021-04-08 |title=KD 'dives right into action,' goes 5-for-5 in return |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/31213178/brooklyn-nets-kevin-durant-perfect-field-return-fuels-rout-pelicans|access-date=2021-11-November 27, 2021 |website=ESPN|archive-date=November 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211127182905/https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/31213178/brooklyn-nets-kevin-durant-perfect-field-return-fuels-rout-pelicans|url-status=live}}</ref> The Nets finished the season with a 48–24 record, and the second seed in the East.
 
In Game 4 of the [[2021 NBA playoffs|first round]] of the playoffs, Durant scored 42 points in a 141–126 win over the [[Boston Celtics]] to take a 3–1 lead in the series.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Nets vs. Celtics - Game Recap - May 30, 2021 - ESPN |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/401327877|access-date=2021-11-November 27, 2021 |website=ESPN|archive-date=November 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211127182903/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/401327877|url-status=live}}</ref> In Game 5, he scored 24 points in a 123–109 win to close out the series.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Celtics vs. Nets - Game Recap - June 1, 2021 - ESPN |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/401327890|access-date=2021-11-November 27, 2021 |website=ESPN|archive-date=November 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211127182904/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/401327890|url-status=live}}</ref> In Game 1 against the [[Milwaukee Bucks]] in the [[2021 NBA playoffs|conference semifinals]], Durant had 29 points and 10 rebounds in a 115–107 victory.<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 5, 2021 |title=Durant, Irving carry Nets in opener after Harden hurt |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401332290 |access-date=June 11, 2021 |website=ESPN |language=en}}</ref> In Game 5, he put up 49 points, 17 rebounds, and 10 assists, leading the Nets to a 114–108 comeback victory.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bontemps |first=Tim |date=June 16, 2021 |title=KD's 49-point triple-double saves 'wounded' Nets |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/31642182/kevin-durant-posts-49-point-triple-double-save-wounded-brooklyn-nets-game-5 |access-date=June 16, 2021 |website=ESPN |archive-date=June 16, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210616055329/https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/31642182/kevin-durant-posts-49-point-triple-double-save-wounded-brooklyn-nets-game-5 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Windhorst |first=Bryan |date=June 16, 2021 |title=NBA playoffs 2021: Kevin Durant reminded the world that he's capable of anything on the court |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/31641716/nba-playoffs-2021-kevin-durant-reminded-world-capable-anything-court |access-date=June 16, 2021 |website=ESPN |archive-date=June 16, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210616054513/https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/31641716/nba-playoffs-2021-kevin-durant-reminded-world-capable-anything-court |url-status=live }}</ref> In Game 7, Durant dropped 48 points, nine rebounds, and six assists, including a two-pointer to send the game into overtime, in the 115–111 loss. His 48 points were the most in a Game 7 in NBA playoff history at the time.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://clutchpoints.com/nets-news-kevin-durant-lebron-james-like-feat-proves-big-stage-player/ |title=Nets star Kevin Durant's LeBron James-like feat proves he's a big-stage player |website=ClutchPoints |last=Guinhawa |first=Angelo |date=June 19, 2021|access-date=June 19, 2021|archive-date=June 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210620033746/https://clutchpoints.com/nets-news-kevin-durant-lebron-james-like-feat-proves-big-stage-player/|url-status=live}}</ref>
 
==== Playoff disappointment (2021–2022) ====
On August 8, 2021, Durant signed a four-year, $198 million extension with the Nets.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bontemps |first=Tim |date=August 6, 2021-08-06 |title=Durant signs 4-year, $198M extension with Nets |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/31974570/kevin-durant-plans-4-year-198m-extension-brooklyn-nets-manager-says |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210808214111/https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/31974570/kevin-durant-plans-4-year-198m-extension-brooklyn-nets-manager-says |archive-date=August 8, 2021 |access-date=August 8, 2021-08-08 |website=ESPN.com}}</ref>
 
On October 22, Durant recorded his thirteenth career triple-double, and first as a Net with 29 points, 15 rebounds, and 12 assists in a 114–109 comeback win over the [[Philadelphia 76ers]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10015826-kevin-durant-triple-doubles-as-nets-rally-past-joel-embiid-76ers-with-late-run |title=Kevin Durant Triple-Doubles as Nets Rally Past Joel Embiid, 76ers with Late Run |website=Bleacher Report |last=Conway |first=Tyler |date=October 22, 2021|access-date=October 22, 2021|archive-date=October 23, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211023040233/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10015826-kevin-durant-triple-doubles-as-nets-rally-past-joel-embiid-76ers-with-late-run|url-status=live}}</ref> On November 10, Durant scored 30 points on 11-for-12 shooting in a 123–90 win over the [[Orlando Magic]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Nets vs. Magic - Game Recap - November 10, 2021 - ESPN |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/401359983|access-date=2021-12-December 13, 2021 |website=ESPN|archive-date=December 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211213075219/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/401359983|url-status=live}}</ref> On December 12, Durant scored a then season-high 51 points in a 116–104 win over the [[Detroit Pistons]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Nets vs. Pistons - Game Recap - December 12, 2021 - ESPN |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/401360223|access-date=2021-12-December 13, 2021 |website=ESPN|archive-date=December 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211213075218/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/401360223|url-status=live}}</ref> On December 14, Durant recorded his fourteenth career triple-double with 34 points, 13 rebounds, and 11 assists in a 131–129 overtime win over the [[Toronto Raptors]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Durant drops 14th career triple-double to help 8-man Nets overcome Raptors in OT |url=https://www.cbc.ca/sports/basketball/nba/nba-toronto-raptors-brooklyn-nets-recap-dec-14-1.6285880 |website=CBC.ca |date=December 14, 2021|access-date=December 15, 2021|archive-date=December 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211215094715/https://www.cbc.ca/sports/basketball/nba/nba-toronto-raptors-brooklyn-nets-recap-dec-14-1.6285880|url-status=live}}</ref> On December 16, Durant scored 34 points, grabbed 11 rebounds, and dished out eight assists in a 114–105 win against the 76ers.<ref>{{cite web |title=Durant makes a statement for the Nets against the Philadelphia 76ers |url=https://www.marca.com/en/basketball/nba/2021/12/17/61bc0e15ca4741e7198b459a.html |website=MARCA.com |date=December 17, 2021|access-date=December 17, 2021|archive-date=December 17, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211217150501/https://www.marca.com/en/basketball/nba/2021/12/17/61bc0e15ca4741e7198b459a.html|url-status=live}}</ref> On January 15, 2022, during a 120–105 victory over the [[New Orleans Pelicans]], Durant exited in the second quarter after suffering a left knee injury, later revealed to be a sprained MCL, and was subsequently ruled out for four to six weeks.<ref>{{cite web |title=Kevin Durant (left knee sprain) set to undergo MRI, while Brooklyn Nets 'hope for the best outcome' |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/33074994/brooklyn-nets-lose-kevin-durant-left-knee-sprain-second-quarter-vs-new-orleans-pelicans |website=ESPN |date=January 15, 2021|access-date=January 25, 2022|archive-date=January 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220125202106/https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/33074994/brooklyn-nets-lose-kevin-durant-left-knee-sprain-second-quarter-vs-new-orleans-pelicans|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Sources: Brooklyn Nets expect Kevin Durant to miss 4-6 weeks with sprained MCL |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/33079028/brooklyn-nets-say-kevin-durant-diagnosed-sprained-mcl |website=ESPN |date=January 16, 2021|access-date=January 25, 2022|archive-date=January 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220125202107/https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/33079028/brooklyn-nets-say-kevin-durant-diagnosed-sprained-mcl|url-status=live}}</ref>
 
On March 3, his first game back from injury Durant scored 31 points in a 113–107 loss to the [[Miami Heat]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Adebayo, Heat bench spoil Durant's return |url=https://www.nba.com/game/mia-vs-bkn-0022100941 |website=NBA |date=March 4, 2022|access-date=March 4, 2022|archive-date=March 4, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220304040501/https://www.nba.com/game/mia-vs-bkn-0022100941|url-status=live}}</ref> Two days later, he became the 23rd player in NBA history to reach 25,000 points.<ref>{{cite web |title=Jayson Tatum scores 54 points to fuel Celtics past Nets, ties Larry Bird's team record for most 50-point games |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/jayson-tatum-scores-54-points-to-fuel-celtics-past-nets-ties-larry-birds-team-record-for-most-50-point-games/ |website=CBS Sports. |date=March 6, 2022|access-date=March 6, 2022|archive-date=April 24, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230424225113/https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/jayson-tatum-scores-54-points-to-fuel-celtics-past-nets-ties-larry-birds-team-record-for-most-50-point-games/|url-status=live}}</ref> On March 13, Durant scored a then season-high 53 points and set a career-high for field goal attempts with 37, grabbed six rebounds, delivered nine assists along with two steals in a 110–107 win over the [[New York Knicks]]. It was his 60th career 40-point performance and his eighth career 50-point performance.<ref>{{cite web |title=Durant erupts for 53 points as Nets hold off Knicks |url=https://www.nba.com/game/nyk-vs-bkn-0022101012 |website=NBA |date=March 13, 2022|access-date=March 13, 2022|archive-date=March 13, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220313203943/https://www.nba.com/game/nyk-vs-bkn-0022101012|url-status=live}}</ref> On March 21, Durant put up 37 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists in a 114–106 win over the [[Utah Jazz]] and moved past [[Jerry West]] into 22nd place on the NBA all-time career scoring list.<ref>{{cite web |title=Durant, Nets dominate 2nd half for easy win in Utah |url=https://www.nba.com/game/uta-vs-bkn-0022101075 |website=NBA |date=March 22, 2022|access-date=March 22, 2022|archive-date=March 22, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220322020540/https://www.nba.com/game/uta-vs-bkn-0022101075|url-status=live}}</ref> On March 29, Durant scored 41 points, grabbed 11 rebounds, delivered five assists along with three blocks in a 130–123 win over the Detroit Pistons.<ref>{{cite web |title=Durant pours in 41 points, rallies Nets past Pistons |url=https://www.nba.com/game/det-vs-bkn-0022101133 |website=NBA |date=March 30, 2022|access-date=March 30, 2022|archive-date=March 30, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220330080602/https://www.nba.com/game/det-vs-bkn-0022101133|url-status=live}}</ref> On April 2, he scored a career-high 55 points on 19-of-28 shooting from the field and also had made a career high 8-of-10 3-pointers in a 122–115 loss to the [[Atlanta Hawks]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Hawks overcome Durant's 55, seize lead for 8th place |url=https://www.nba.com/game/bkn-vs-atl-0022101163 |website=NBA |date=April 3, 2022|access-date=April 3, 2022|archive-date=April 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220403045829/https://www.nba.com/game/bkn-vs-atl-0022101163|url-status=live}}</ref> On April 10, in the final game of the regular season, Durant recorded his sixteenth career triple-double with a career-high 16 assists and added 20 points, 10 rebounds in a 134–126 win over the [[Indiana Pacers]] to lock up 7th spot for the [[2022 NBA Play-in Tournament|play-in tournament]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Nets drop Pacers, secure No. 7 spot in Play-In Tournament |url=https://www.nba.com/game/ind-vs-bkn-0022101216 |website=NBA |date=April 10, 2022|access-date=April 10, 2022|archive-date=April 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220410222645/https://www.nba.com/game/ind-vs-bkn-0022101216|url-status=live}}</ref>
 
On April 12, Durant in his first play-in appearance scored 25 points, grabbed 5 rebounds, dished out 11 assists along with 2 steals, and 3 blocks in a 115–108 win over the [[Cleveland Cavaliers]] to secure the #7-seed spot for the playoffs.<ref>{{cite web |title=Behind Irving, Nets hold off Cavs in Play-In matchup |url=https://www.nba.com/game/cle-vs-bkn-0052100101 |website=NBA |date=April 13, 2022|access-date=April 17, 2022|archive-date=April 18, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220418023251/https://www.nba.com/game/cle-vs-bkn-0052100101|url-status=live}}</ref> In Game 1 of the first round of the playoffs against the [[Boston Celtics]], Durant passed Jerry West for eighth place on the NBA all-time playoff career scoring list.<ref>{{cite web |title=Tatum's buzzer-beating layup stuns Nets in Game 1 thriller |url=https://www.nba.com/game/bkn-vs-bos-0042100111 |website=NBA |date=April 16, 2022|access-date=April 17, 2022|archive-date=May 7, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220507030552/https://www.nba.com/game/bkn-vs-bos-0042100111|url-status=live}}</ref> Brooklyn would go on to lose to Boston in four games despite Durant's 39-point, 7-rebound and 9-assist outing in the 116–112 close-out loss in Game 4. Over the first three contests, he would be held to just under 37% shooting from the field, including a 4-of-17 shooting performance in Game 2, in a series dominated by the Celtics' top-ranked defense as Durant was swept for the first time in his 14-year NBA career.<ref>{{cite web |title=Brooklyn Nets' Kevin Durant struggles again from field as Boston Celtics take 2-0 lead |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/33776834/brooklyn-nets-kevin-durant-struggles-again-field-boston-celtics-take-2-0-lead |website=ESPN |date=April 21, 2022|access-date=April 26, 2022|archive-date=April 26, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220426114917/https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/33776834/brooklyn-nets-kevin-durant-struggles-again-field-boston-celtics-take-2-0-lead?platform=amp|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Kevin Durant struggles again as Brooklyn Nets fall into 3-0 series hole against Boston Celtics |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/33795992/kevin-durant-struggles-again-brooklyn-nets-fall-0-3-series-hole-celtics |website=ESPN |date=April 23, 2022|access-date=April 26, 2022|archive-date=April 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220425183625/https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/33795992/kevin-durant-struggles-again-brooklyn-nets-fall-0-3-series-hole-celtics?platform=amp|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Jayson Tatum scores 29 as Boston Celtics complete sweep of Brooklyn Nets |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/33806975/jayson-tatum-scores-29-boston-celtics-complete-sweep-brooklyn-nets |website=ESPN |date=April 25, 2022|access-date=April 26, 2022|archive-date=April 26, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220426091122/https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/33806975/jayson-tatum-scores-29-boston-celtics-complete-sweep-brooklyn-nets|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Nic Claxton shatters embarrassing Shaq record as Nets get swept by Celtics |url=https://clutchpoints.com/nets-news-nic-claxton-shatters-embarrassing-shaq-record-as-brooklyn-get-swept-by-celtics |date=April 25, 2022|access-date=May 6, 2022|archive-date=May 6, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220506043045/https://clutchpoints.com/nets-news-nic-claxton-shatters-embarrassing-shaq-record-as-brooklyn-get-swept-by-celtics/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Ben Simmons vanishes as furore erupts before Nets implode in playoffs |url=https://www.news.com.au/sport/american-sports/nba/so-strange-ben-simmons-nowhere-to-be-seen-for-mustwin-playoffs-game/news-story/b13c363e8c307ad3860db80507c419f9 |date=April 26, 2022}}</ref>
|url=https://www.news.com.au/sport/american-sports/nba/so-strange-ben-simmons-nowhere-to-be-seen-for-mustwin-playoffs-game/news-story/b13c363e8c307ad3860db80507c419f9|date=April 26, 2022}}</ref>
 
==== Offseason trade request (2022–2023) ====
On June 30, 2022, it was reported that Durant had requested a trade from the Nets. Durant's preferred trade destinations were the [[Phoenix Suns]] and the [[Miami Heat]]. The favorites to land Durant were the [[Toronto Raptors]] and [[Boston Celtics]], two teams which he had also been interested in.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bontemps |first=Tim |date=2022-06-June 30, 2022 |title=Agent: Durant has requested trade from Nets |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/34174171/kevin-durant-requests-trade-brookyn-nets-sources-say |access-date=July 2, 2022-07-02 |website=ESPN.com |language=en |archive-date=June 30, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220630190954/https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/34174171/kevin-durant-requests-trade-brookyn-nets-sources-say |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Goldberg |first=Rob |title=NBA Rumors: Kevin Durant Requests Nets Trade; Suns, Heat Seen as 'Preferred' Teams |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10040566-nba-rumors-kevin-durant-requests-nets-trade-suns-heat-seen-as-preferred-teams |access-date=January 6, 2023-01-06 |website=Bleacher Report |language=en |archive-date=January 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230106181019/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10040566-nba-rumors-kevin-durant-requests-nets-trade-suns-heat-seen-as-preferred-teams |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Kasabian |first=Paul |title=NBA Rumors: Kevin Durant 'Is at Least Open' to Possibility of Raptors Trade from Nets |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10040815-nba-rumors-kevin-durant-is-at-least-open-to-possibility-of-raptors-trade-from-nets |access-date=January 6, 2023-01-06 |website=Bleacher Report |language=en |archive-date=January 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230106181018/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10040815-nba-rumors-kevin-durant-is-at-least-open-to-possibility-of-raptors-trade-from-nets |url-status=live }}</ref> On August 24, 2022, Durant rescinded his trade request after meeting with Nets management.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Salvador |first1=Joseph |title=Durant Ends Trade Request After Meeting With Nets Management |url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nba/durant-ends-trade-request-after-meeting-with-nets-management/ar-AA1103SD |publisher=Sports Illustrated |access-date=29 August 29, 2022 |archive-date=August 29, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220829063130/https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nba/durant-ends-trade-request-after-meeting-with-nets-management/ar-AA1103SD |url-status=live }}</ref>
 
On October 24, Durant scored 37 points on 14-for-20 shooting from the field in a 134–124 loss against the [[Memphis Grizzlies]] and moved past [[Alex English]] into 20th place on the NBA all-time career scoring list.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-10-October 24, 2022 |title=Bane and Morant score 38 each as Grizzlies beat Nets 134–124 |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/401468204 |access-date=2022-10-October 25, 2022 |website=ESPN.com |language=en |archive-date=October 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221025220346/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/401468204 |url-status=live }}</ref> On October 31, Durant recorded 36 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists in a 116–109 win over the [[Indiana Pacers]]. He passed [[Vince Carter]] for 19th on the NBA all-time career scoring list. Durant scored at least 25 points in each of the first seven games of the season, the most in franchise history.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-10-October 31, 2022 |title=Durant's 36 lifts slumping Nets to second win of the season |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/401468253 |access-date=November 4, 2022-11-04 |website=ESPN.com |language=en |archive-date=November 3, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221103185831/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/401468253 |url-status=live }}</ref> On November 9, Durant posted a triple-double with 29 points, 12 rebounds and 12 assists in an 112–85 win over [[New York Knicks]]. His rebounds and assists were both season highs.<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 9, 2022-11-09 |title=Durant, Nets pound Knicks 112–85 after promoting Vaughn |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/401468319 |access-date=November 9, 2022-11-09 |website=ESPN.com |language=en |archive-date=November 10, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221110222516/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/401468319 |url-status=live }}</ref> On November 17, Durant scored 35 points in a 109–107 win over the [[Portland Trail Blazers]]. He became just the 19th player all-time to reach 26,000 career points. Durant also tied [[Michael Jordan]] for the sixth most consecutive 25-point games to start a season with 16.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-11-November 17, 2022 |title=O'Neale scores on late tip, Nets top Trail Blazers 109–107 |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/401468376 |access-date=2022-11-November 19, 2022 |website=ESPN.com |language=en |archive-date=November 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221119001839/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/401468376 |url-status=live }}</ref> On November 23, Durant passed [[Kevin Garnett]] for 18th place on the NBA all-time career scoring list in an 112–98 win over the [[Toronto Raptors]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-11-November 23, 2022 |title=Irving scores 29, Nets beat depleted Raptors 112–98 |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/401468421 |access-date=2022-11-November 25, 2022 |website=ESPN.com |language=en |archive-date=November 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221124115507/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/401468421 |url-status=live }}</ref> On November 29, Durant scored a season-high 45 points on 19-of-24 shooting from the field and added seven rebounds and five assists in 109–102 win over the [[Orlando Magic]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-11-November 28, 2022 |title=Durant scores 45, carries Nets to 109–102 win over Magic |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/401468457 |access-date=2022-11-November 30, 2022 |website=ESPN.com |language=en |archive-date=November 30, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221130211250/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/401468457 |url-status=live }}</ref>
 
On December 18, Durant scored a career-high 26 of his 43 points in the third quarter, helping the Nets overcome a 17-point halftime deficit in a 124–121 victory over the [[Detroit Pistons]]. He was 8-of-10 from the floor, going 3 of 3 on 3-pointers and 7 of 7 from the free-throw line as he outscored the Pistons 26–25 in the third quarter. Durant has scored at least 40 points in his last three games against Detroit - the first player to do that since [[Rick Barry]] in the [[1966–67 NBA season|1966–67 season]]. Durant also passed [[John Havlicek]] and [[Paul Pierce]] for 16th place on the NBA all-time career scoring list.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-12-December 18, 2022 |title=Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving lead Nets past Pistons, 124–121 |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/401468602 |access-date=2022-12-December 21, 2022 |website=ESPN.com |language=en |archive-date=December 31, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221231100509/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/401468602 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.si.com/fannation/nba/fastbreak/news/kevin-durant-moved-ahead-john-havlicek-paul-pierce-on-this-all-time-scoring-list-nba |title=Kevin Durant Made Incredible NBA History Twice On Sunday Night |website=si.com |last=Stinar |first=Ben |date=December 20, 2022|access-date=December 27, 2022|archive-date=December 27, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221227032545/https://www.si.com/fannation/nba/fastbreak/news/kevin-durant-moved-ahead-john-havlicek-paul-pierce-on-this-all-time-scoring-list-nba|url-status=live}}</ref> On December 26, Durant put up 32 points, nine rebounds, and five assists in a 125–117 win over the [[Cleveland Cavaliers]] and moved past [[Tim Duncan]] for 15th on the NBA all-time career scoring list.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://clutchpoints.com/nets-news-kevin-durant-breaks-tim-duncan-record-in-historic-scoring-climb |title=Nets star Kevin Durant breaks Tim Duncan record in historic scoring climb |website=ClutchPoints |last=Guinhawa |first=Angelo |date=December 26, 2022|access-date=December 26, 2022|archive-date=December 27, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221227024514/https://clutchpoints.com/nets-news-kevin-durant-breaks-tim-duncan-record-in-historic-scoring-climb|url-status=live}}</ref> In the next game, Durant had 26 points, a season-high 16 rebounds and 8 assists, and the Brooklyn Nets won their 10th straight game, 108–107 over the [[Atlanta Hawks]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/401468672 |title=Nets win 10th straight, beating short-handed Hawks 108–107 |website=ESPN.com |date=December 28, 2022|access-date=December 29, 2022|archive-date=December 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221229120646/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/401468672|url-status=live}}</ref> On January 3, despite Durant's 44-point outing on 15-of-22 shooting, 5-of-10 from three and 9-of-9 from the free throw line, the [[Chicago Bulls]] ended Brooklyn's 12-game winning streak.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/401468725 |title=Durant scores 44, but Bulls snap Nets' 12-game win streak |website=ESPN.com |date=January 3, 2023|access-date=January 6, 2023|archive-date=January 5, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230105201903/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/401468725|url-status=live}}</ref> On January 8, Durant passed [[Dominique Wilkins]] for No. 14 on the NBA all-time career scoring list, though he ultimately exited the game against Miami with a right knee injury. The Nets closed out a 102–101 victory for their 18th win in 20 games.<ref>{{cite news |title=Kevin Durant passes Dominique Wilkins for 14th on all-time scoring list |date=January 9, 2023 |website=NBA.com |url=https://www.nba.com/news/kevin-durant-dominique-wilkins-14th-on-all-time-points|access-date=January 9, 2023|archive-date=January 9, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230109040621/https://www.nba.com/news/kevin-durant-dominique-wilkins-14th-on-all-time-points|url-status=live}}</ref> On January 26, Durant was named an [[Eastern Conference (NBA)|Eastern Conference]] starter for the [[2023 NBA All-Star Game]], marking his thirteenth overall selection and eleventh as a starter.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2023 NBA All-Star starters announced |url=https://www.nba.com/news/2023-nba-all-star-starters-announced |access-date=January 29, 2023 |website=NBA.com |archive-date=January 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230127003044/https://www.nba.com/news/2023-nba-all-star-starters-announced |url-status=live }}</ref>
 
=== Phoenix Suns (2023–present) ===
==== 55–40–90 season (2023) ====
On February 9, 2023, the Nets traded Durant, along with [[T. J. Warren]], to the [[Phoenix Suns]] in exchange for [[Mikal Bridges]], [[Cameron Johnson]], [[Jae Crowder]], four unprotected first-round picks, and a 2028 first-round pick swap.<ref>{{cite web |title=Suns Complete Trade For Kevin Durant, T.J. Warren |url=https://www.nba.com/suns/news/suns-complete-trade-for-kevin-durant-t-j-warren |website=NBA.com |date=February 9, 2023|access-date=February 9, 2023|archive-date=February 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230225055313/https://www.nba.com/suns/news/suns-complete-trade-for-kevin-durant-t-j-warren|url-status=live}}</ref> Although Durant wanted to continue wearing No. 7 as he did in Brooklyn, the number was retired by the Suns in honor of [[Kevin Johnson (basketball)|Kevin Johnson]]. As a result, Durant announced that he would return to wearing the No. 35 jersey, which he had worn throughout his college and professional career prior to joining the Nets.<ref>{{Cite web |date=February 19, 2023 |title=Kevin Durant believes Suns can find chemistry quickly |url=https://arizonasports.com/story/3502348/kevin-durant-believes-suns-can-find-chemistry-quickly/ |access-date=August 9, 2023-08-09 |website=Arizona Sports |archive-date=March 1, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230301184706/https://arizonasports.com/story/3502348/kevin-durant-believes-suns-can-find-chemistry-quickly/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
 
After being listed out since January 8 with a right knee injury, Durant made his Suns debut on March 1 against the [[Charlotte Hornets]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Windhorst |first=Brian |date=February 28, 2023 |title=Kevin Durant to debut for Suns on Wednesday vs. Hornets |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/35753950/kevin-durant-debut-suns-wednesday-vs-hornets |access-date=28 February 28, 2023 |website=ESPN.com |archive-date=February 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230228194502/https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/35753950/kevin-durant-debut-suns-wednesday-vs-hornets |url-status=live }}</ref> He put up 23 points on 10-of-15 shooting in 27 minutes, contributing to the Suns' 105–91 win.<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 1, 2023 |agency=Associated Press |title=Kevin Durant scores 23 points in Charlotte in Suns debut |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/401469088 |access-date=2 March 2, 2023 |website=ESPN.com |archive-date=March 2, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230302024751/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/401469088 |url-status=live }}</ref> On March 3 against the [[Chicago Bulls]], Durant had another efficient night, scoring 20 points on 7-of-10 shooting. In addition, he moved up to 13th on the [[NBA all-time scoring leaders|all-time scoring list]], surpassing [[Oscar Robertson]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Maloney |first1=Jack |title=Suns' Kevin Durant passes Oscar Robertson for 13th place on NBA's all-time scoring list |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/suns-kevin-durant-passes-oscar-robertson-for-13th-place-on-nbas-all-time-scoring-list/ |work=CBS Sports |date=March 4, 2023 |access-date=4 March 4, 2023 |archive-date=March 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230304052101/https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/suns-kevin-durant-passes-oscar-robertson-for-13th-place-on-nbas-all-time-scoring-list/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Kevin Durant passes Oscar Robertson for 13th in career points |url=https://www.nba.com/news/kevin-durant-passes-oscar-robertson-for-13th-in-career-points |website=NBA.com |access-date=4 March 4, 2023 |archive-date=March 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230304110245/https://www.nba.com/news/kevin-durant-passes-oscar-robertson-for-13th-in-career-points |url-status=live }}</ref> Against the [[Dallas Mavericks]] on March 5, Durant led all scorers with 37 points, going 12-of-17 from the field and hitting the game-winning jump shot with 11.7 seconds left, guiding the Suns to a narrow 130–126 victory.<ref>{{cite web |title=Durant tiebreaker lifts Suns over Mavs in showcase of stars |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/401469117 |publisher=ESPN |access-date=5 March 5, 2023 |archive-date=March 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230305211313/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/401469117 |url-status=live }}</ref> Prior to his expected home debut against the [[Oklahoma City Thunder]] on March 8, Durant slipped on the court during pregame warmups and injured his left ankle. He was ruled out roughly 15 minutes before the opening tip-off.<ref>{{cite web |title=Kevin Durant (ankle) injured during warmups, misses home Suns debut |url=https://www.nba.com/news/kevin-durant-ankle-slips-during-warmups-misses-home-suns-debut |website=NBA.com |access-date=9 March 9, 2023 |archive-date=March 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230309023048/https://www.nba.com/news/kevin-durant-ankle-slips-during-warmups-misses-home-suns-debut |url-status=live }}</ref> A day later, the Suns announced that Durant had suffered a left ankle sprain and would be re-evaluated in three weeks.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Greenawalt |first1=Tyler |title=Suns' Kevin Durant will miss at least 3 weeks with ankle injury |date=March 10, 2023 |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/suns-kevin-durant-will-miss-at-least-3-weeks-with-ankle-injury-000000385.html |publisher=Yahoo Sports |access-date=10 March 10, 2023 |archive-date=March 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230310012632/https://sports.yahoo.com/suns-kevin-durant-will-miss-at-least-3-weeks-with-ankle-injury-000000385.html |url-status=live }}</ref> After missing the last 10 games, he made his return on March 29 against the [[Minnesota Timberwolves]]. In his home debut, Durant put up 16 points and eight rebounds in 29 minutes, contributing to a 107–100 win.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Rankin |first1=Duane |title=Phoenix Suns live updates: Kevin Durant scores 16 points in home debut, Suns top T-Wolves |url=https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/nba/suns/2023/03/29/kevin-durant-ankle-will-make-suns-home-debut-wednesday-vs-t-wolves/70062063007/ |website=azcentral.com |access-date=30 March 30, 2023 |archive-date=February 10, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240210113359/https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/nba/suns/2023/03/29/kevin-durant-ankle-will-make-suns-home-debut-wednesday-vs-t-wolves/70062063007/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Druin |first1=Donnie |title=Suns Top Timberwolves in Kevin Durant's Home Debut |date=March 30, 2023 |url=https://www.si.com/nba/suns/gameday/phoenix-suns-minnesota-timberwolves-kevin-durant |publisher=Sports Illustrated |access-date=30 March 30, 2023 |archive-date=March 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230330050951/https://www.si.com/nba/suns/gameday/phoenix-suns-minnesota-timberwolves-kevin-durant |url-status=live }}</ref> In his eight games with Phoenix, Durant finished with an 8–0 record, averaging 26.0 points in 33.6 minutes per game and helping the Suns finish fourth in the Western Conference.<ref>{{cite web |title=Kevin Durant will not 'make too much of' 8-0 start with Suns |url=https://uk.sports.yahoo.com/news/kevin-durant-not-too-much-071702761.html |website=uk.sports.yahoo.com |date=April 7, 2023 |access-date=9 April 9, 2023 |archive-date=April 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230409202340/https://uk.sports.yahoo.com/news/kevin-durant-not-too-much-071702761.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Washington |first1=Lina |title=Phoenix Suns turn focus to 2023 NBA Playoffs |url=https://www.12news.com/article/sports/nba/suns/phoenix-suns-focus-on-2023-nba-playoffs/75-71658a2f-66cc-41ea-bdfa-73d35ce73cc1 |website=12news.com |date=April 6, 2023 |access-date=9 April 9, 2023 |archive-date=April 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230409202551/https://www.12news.com/article/sports/nba/suns/phoenix-suns-focus-on-2023-nba-playoffs/75-71658a2f-66cc-41ea-bdfa-73d35ce73cc1 |url-status=live }}</ref> He also finished the regular season shooting over 55% from the field, over 40% from three-point range, and over 90% from the free throw line, becoming the first player in NBA history to achieve those shooting splits in a season.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.si.com/fannation/nba/fastbreak/news/suns-kevin-durant-is-the-first-player-in-nba-history-to-do-this |title=Kevin Durant Is The First Player In NBA History To Do This |magazine=Sports Illustrated |last=Stinar |first=Ben |date=April 11, 2023|access-date=April 14, 2023|archive-date=April 13, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230413220146/https://www.si.com/fannation/nba/fastbreak/news/suns-kevin-durant-is-the-first-player-in-nba-history-to-do-this|url-status=live}}</ref>
 
On April 16, Durant in his Suns playoff debut posted a near triple-double with 27 points, 9 rebounds and a playoff career-high 11 assists in a 115–110 loss against the [[Los Angeles Clippers]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Leonard scores 38 to lead Clippers past Durant, Suns 115-110 |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/401540757 |access-date=April 16, 2023 |website=ESPN.com |date=April 16, 2023 |archive-date=April 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230417050449/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/401540757 |url-status=live }}</ref> In Game 4 of the Suns' first-round playoff series against the Clippers, Durant logged 31 points, 11 rebounds and six assists in a 129–124 win, to lead the Suns to a 3–1 series lead.<ref>{{cite web |title=Durant scores 31, Suns beat Clippers 112-100 for 3-1 lead |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/401541186 |website=ESPN |access-date=April 26, 2023 |date=April 22, 2023 |archive-date=April 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230424230249/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/401541186 |url-status=live }}</ref> Four days later in Game 5 against the Clippers, Durant scored 31 points in a 136–130 win to close out the series.<ref>{{cite web |title=Booker scores 47, leads Suns past Clippers to win series |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/401541237 |website=ESPN |access-date=April 26, 2023 |date=April 25, 2023 |archive-date=April 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230426080125/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/401541237 |url-status=live }}</ref> In Game 2 of the [[2023 NBA playoffs|Western Conference semifinals]] against the [[Denver Nuggets]], Durant passed [[Karl Malone]] to climb into seventh place for NBA postseason scoring.<ref>{{cite web |title=Suns Forward Kevin Durant Makes History vs Nuggets |url=https://www.si.com/nba/suns/news/phoenix-suns-kevin-durant-makes-history-denver-nuggets |publisher=Sports Illustrated |access-date=May 15, 2023 |date=May 5, 2023 |archive-date=May 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230515200602/https://www.si.com/nba/suns/news/phoenix-suns-kevin-durant-makes-history-denver-nuggets |url-status=live }}</ref> Four days later, Durant recorded 39 points, nine rebounds and eight assists in a 121–114 Game 3 win.<ref>{{cite web |title=Booker scores 47, Durant adds 39, Suns beat Nuggets 121-114 |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/401544336 |website=ESPN.com |date=May 6, 2023|access-date=May 15, 2023|archive-date=May 15, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230515200602/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/401544336|url-status=live}}</ref> The Suns eventually lost the series to the [[2023 NBA Finals|eventual NBA champion]] Nuggets in six games. However, throughout Denver's entire championship run, Phoenix was the only team to win more than one game against the Nuggets in a single playoff series.<ref>{{cite web |title=Nuggets blow past Suns 125-100, advance to Western Conference finals |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/401544339 |website=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press |date=May 12, 2023|access-date=May 15, 2023|archive-date=May 15, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230515200602/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/401544339|url-status=live}}</ref>
 
==== Top 10 in all-time scoring (2023–2024) ====
On October 31, 2023, Durant put up 26 points in a 115–114 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.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://clutchpoints.com/suns-news-kevin-durant-spurs-victor-wembanyama-witness-astonishing-milestone |title=Suns' Kevin Durant made Spurs' Victor Wembanyama witness his astonishing milestone achievement |website=ClutchPoints |last=Villas |first=Rexwell |date=October 31, 2023|access-date=October 31, 2023|archive-date=November 1, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231101091038/https://clutchpoints.com/suns-news-kevin-durant-spurs-victor-wembanyama-witness-astonishing-milestone|url-status=live}}</ref> On November 17, Durant recorded 38 points, nine rebounds and nine assists on 15-of-22 shooting from the field in a 131–128 win over the [[Utah Jazz]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Durant scores 38 and Booker has a career-best 15 assists to boost the Suns past the Jazz |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/401584123 |website=ESPN.com |date=November 18, 2023|access-date=November 18, 2023|archive-date=November 18, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231118170307/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/401584123|url-status=live}}</ref> On November 21, Durant put up 31 points in a 120–107 win over the [[Portland Trail Blazers]]. He also passed [[Elvin Hayes]] for 11th place on the all-time career scoring list.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.nba.com/news/kevin-durant-11th-all-time-scoring-list |title=Kevin Durant passes Elvin Hayes for 11th place on NBA's career scoring list |website=NBA.com |date=November 22, 2023|access-date=November 22, 2023|archive-date=November 22, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231122070445/https://www.nba.com/news/kevin-durant-11th-all-time-scoring-list|url-status=live}}</ref> On December 1, Durant put up 30 points and 11 assists in a 119–111 loss to the reigning NBA champion [[Denver Nuggets]] in a rematch of the previous season's Western Conference Semi-Finals. He also passed [[Moses Malone]] for 10th place on the all-time career scoring list.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.nba.com/news/kevin-durant-enters-top-10-all-time-scoring-leaderboard-passing-moses-malone |title=Kevin Durant enters top 10 all-time scoring leaderboard, passing Moses Malone |website=NBA.com |date=December 2, 2023|access-date=December 2, 2023|archive-date=December 2, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231202142050/https://www.nba.com/news/kevin-durant-enters-top-10-all-time-scoring-leaderboard-passing-moses-malone|url-status=live}}</ref> On December 27, Durant put up his 18th career triple-double, dropping 27 points, 10 rebounds and tying his career-high with 16 assists in a 129–113 victory over the [[Houston Rockets]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Kevin Durant has 18th career triple-double, Suns beat Rockets 129-113 to end losing streak |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/2023/12/27/kevin-durant-has-18th-career-triple-double-suns-beat-rockets-129-113-to-end-losing-streak/72044997007/ |website=USA Today |access-date=28 December 28, 2023 |archive-date=December 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231228041236/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/2023/12/27/kevin-durant-has-18th-career-triple-double-suns-beat-rockets-129-113-to-end-losing-streak/72044997007/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
 
On January 21, 2024, 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.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/2024/1/22/24047278/kevin-durant-named-western-conference-player-of-the-week-nba-phoenix-suns |title=Kevin Durant named Western Conference Player of the Week |website=Bright Side Of The Sun |last=Allred |first=Damon |date=January 22, 2024|access-date=January 23, 2024|archive-date=January 23, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240123000319/https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/2024/1/22/24047278/kevin-durant-named-western-conference-player-of-the-week-nba-phoenix-suns|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/basketball/news-going-aggressive-kevin-durant-asserts-suns-big-3-will-punish-teams-playing-1v1 |title="Going to be aggressive": Kevin Durant asserts Suns Big 3 will punish teams for playing them 1v1 |website=Sportskeeda |last=Abhishek |first=Aharon |date=January 22, 2024|access-date=January 23, 2024|archive-date=January 22, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240122090131/https://www.sportskeeda.com/basketball/news-going-aggressive-kevin-durant-asserts-suns-big-3-will-punish-teams-playing-1v1|url-status=live}}</ref> On January 22, Durant put up 43 points, six rebounds, and eight assists alongside a game-winning mid-range jumpshot in a 115–113 win over the [[Chicago Bulls]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://clutchpoints.com/suns-news-kevin-durant-insane-43-points-game-winner-to-complete-comeback-has-phoenix-fans-hyped |title=Suns: Kevin Durant's insane 43 points, game-winner to complete comeback has fans hyped |website=Clutchpoints |last=Pagaduan |first=Jedd |date=January 22, 2024|access-date=January 22, 2024|archive-date=January 23, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240123052023/https://clutchpoints.com/suns-news-kevin-durant-insane-43-points-game-winner-to-complete-comeback-has-phoenix-fans-hyped|url-status=live}}</ref> On January 25, Durant was named a [[Western Conference (NBA)|Western Conference]] starter for the [[2024 NBA All-Star Game]], marking his fourteenth overall selection and twelfth as a starter.<ref>{{cite web |title=2024 NBA All-Star starters announced |url=https://www.nba.com/news/2024-nba-all-star-starters-announced |website=NBA.com |access-date=27 January 27, 2024 |archive-date=January 27, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240127180845/https://www.nba.com/news/2024-nba-all-star-starters-announced |url-status=live }}</ref> On January 31, Durant made his return to Brooklyn for the first time since getting traded. In the game, Durant finished with 33 points, eight assists, and five rebounds in a 136–120 victory over the [[Brooklyn Nets]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Bontemps |first1=Tim |title=Kevin Durant returns to Brooklyn: 'Pointless' to ponder what-ifs |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/39433987/kevin-durant-returns-brooklyn-ifs-pointless |website=ESPN |date=February 2024 |access-date=February 1, 2024 |archive-date=February 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240201061857/https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/39433987/kevin-durant-returns-brooklyn-ifs-pointless |url-status=live }}</ref> On February 23, Durant put up 28 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists in a 114–110 loss to the Rockets.<ref>{{Cite web |date=February 23, 2024 |title=Fred VanVleet, Jabari Smith Jr. help Rockets hold off Suns, 114-110 |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401585434 |access-date=February 29, 2024 |website=ESPN |language=en}}</ref> He also passed [[Carmelo Anthony]] for 9th place on the all-time career scoring list.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://clutchpoints.com/suns-news-kevin-durant-surpasses-carmelo-anthony-nba-all-time-scoring-list |title=Suns' Kevin Durant surpasses Carmelo Anthony on NBA all-time scoring list |website=ClutchPoints |last=Allen |first=Quinn |date=February 24, 2024|access-date=February 24, 2024}}</ref> On March 9, Durant scored a season-high 45 points along with 10 rebounds and assists in a 117–107 loss against the [[Boston Celtics]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown lead Celtics past Suns 117-107, snapping rare 2-game skid |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/401585548 |access-date=March 10, 2024 |date=March 9, 2024 |website=ESPN.com |language=en-US}}</ref> On March 20, Durant passed [[Shaquille O'Neal]] for eighth place on the all-time scoring list, finishing with 22 points in the Suns' 115–102 victory over the [[Philadelphia 76ers]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Kevin Durant moves past Shaquille O'Neal for No. 8 on NBA's all-time scoring list |url=https://www.nba.com/news/kevin-durant-shaquille-oneal-no-8-scoring-list |website=NBA.com |access-date=March 21, 2024}}</ref>
 
== National team career ==
In February 2007, Durant received an invitation to the [[United States men's national basketball team|United States national team]] training camp.<ref>{{cite news |first=Chris |last=Tomasson |title=Dantley given Hall of Fame support |url=http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/nba/article/0,2777,DRMN_23922_5359105,00.html |work=[[Rocky Mountain News]] |date=February 17, 2007 |access-date=March 7, 2007 |quote=[[Jerry Colangelo|Colangelo]] said he plans to invite University of Texas player Kevin Durant to [[USA Basketball|Team USA]] training camp this summer. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070219192616/http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/nba/article/0%2C2777%2CDRMN_23922_5359105%2C00.html |archive-date=February 19, 2007 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author=McMenamin, Dave |title=Team USA: Durant Better Than Advertised |url=http://www.nba.com/usabasketball/durantusa_072207.html |work=[[NBA.com]] |date=July 25, 2007 |access-date=July 31, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070808100023/http://www.nba.com/usabasketball/durantusa_072207.html |archive-date=August 8, 2007 }}</ref> Despite a strong performance, he was cut from the team when its roster was trimmed to its twelve-player limit.<ref name="DurantCut">{{cite news |author=Mahoney, Brian |title=Durant, Collison dropped from U.S. team |url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/olympics/2007-08-25-3065978470_x.htm |work=USA Today |date=August 26, 2007 |access-date=August 29, 2007 |archive-date=May 11, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080511155318/http://www.usatoday.com/sports/olympics/2007-08-25-3065978470_x.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> Coach [[Mike Krzyzewski]] cited the experience of the remaining players as the deciding factor in making the cut.<ref name="DurantCut" /> Durant was finally selected to the [[2010 United States men's FIBA World Championship team|national team]] at the [[2010 United States men's FIBA World Championship team|2010 FIBA World Championship]] and became their leader as other All-Stars were unavailable, a role he downplayed.<ref>{{cite news |author=Sheridan, Chris |title=Kevin Durant: The Reluctant Face of Team USA |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/columns/story?columnist=sheridan_chris&page=USA-Durant-100721 |work=ESPN |date=August 2, 2010 |access-date=December 12, 2010 |archive-date=July 25, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100725215713/http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/columns/story?columnist=sheridan_chris%26page=USA-Durant-100721 |url-status=live }}</ref> At the tournament, he led Team USA to its first [[FIBA World Cup|FIBA World Championship]] since [[1994 FIBA World Championship|1994]], earning [[FIBA World Cup MVP|tournament MVP honors]] in the process.<ref name=FIBA2010>{{cite press release |url=http://turkey2010.fiba.com/pages/eng/fe/10/fwcm/news/p/eid/4728/nid/44609/sid/4728/article.html |title=USA&nbsp;– Durant Named Tournament MVP |publisher=[[International Basketball Federation|FIBA]] |date=September 12, 2010 |access-date=September 12, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120301084147/http://turkey2010.fiba.com/pages/eng/fe/10/fwcm/news/p/eid/4728/nid/44609/sid/4728/article.html |archive-date=March 1, 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Durant's final averages for the competition were 22.8 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.4 steals per game in nine games.<ref name=USA /> In December, Durant was named 2010 [[USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year]] for the first time in his career.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2010-12-December 15, 2010 |title=USA BASKETBALL NAMES KEVIN DURANT 2010 MALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR |url=https://www.teamusa.org/Media/News/Basketball/BASKETBALL-USA-Basketball-Names-Kevin-Durant-2010-Male-Athlete-Of-The-Year |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220920233808/https://www.teamusa.org/Media/News/Basketball/BASKETBALL-USA-Basketball-Names-Kevin-Durant-2010-Male-Athlete-Of-The-Year |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 20, 2022 |access-date=2022-09-September 21, 2022 |website=TeamUSA |language=en}}</ref>
[[File:Jonas Maciulis attacks the basket (cropped).jpg|thumb|200pxupright=0.9|left|Kevin Durant defending against [[Jonas Maciulis]] in 2010]]
At the [[2012 United States men's Olympic basketball team|2012 Olympics]], Durant set the record for total points scored in an Olympic basketball tournament.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/olympics/london/story/2012-08-12/Live-Updates-from-Sunday-at-the-Olympics/56999100/1 |title=Updates from the London 2012 closing ceremonies – |work=USA Today |date=December 8, 2012 |access-date=July 4, 2013 |archive-date=April 30, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130430093029/http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/olympics/london/story/2012-08-12/Live-Updates-from-Sunday-at-the-Olympics/56999100/1 |url-status=live }}</ref> 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.<ref name=USA>{{cite web |title=Kevin Durant |url=http://www.usab.com/bios/durant_kevin.html |work=USA Basketball|access-date=January 29, 2014|archive-date=October 8, 2014|archive-url=https://archive.today/20141008184835/http://archive.usab.com/bios/durant_kevin.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> In the tournament's final game, Durant led all scorers with 30 points.<ref>{{cite web |last=Stein |first=Marc |title=Instant Analysis: Team USA 107, Spain 100 |date=August 12, 2012 |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/olympics/post/_/id/3486/instant-analysis-team-usa-107-spain-100 |work=ESPN|access-date=May 16, 2022|archive-date=October 8, 2014|archive-url=https://archive.today/20141008190432/http://espn.go.com/blog/olympics/post/_/id/3486/instant-analysis-team-usa-107-spain-100|url-status=live}}</ref> Less than a month before the start of the [[2014 United States FIBA Basketball World Cup team|2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup]], Durant announced that he would be dropping out of the competition, citing mental and physical exhaustion as reasons for his departure.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Freeman |first1=Eric |title=Kevin Durant totally dropped out of Team USA because of the Paul George injury |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nba-ball-dont-lie/kevin-durant-totally-dropped-out-of-team-usa-because-of-the-paul-george-injury-012914533.html |work=Yahoo! Sports|access-date=July 31, 2016|archive-date=August 27, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160827102457/http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nba-ball-dont-lie/kevin-durant-totally-dropped-out-of-team-usa-because-of-the-paul-george-injury-012914533.html|url-status=live}}</ref> He rejoined Team USA on the [[2016 United States men's Olympic basketball team|2016 Olympic team]], where he led them to a gold medal.<ref>{{cite web |title=USA Men's National Team |url=http://www.usab.com/mens/national-team/roster.aspx|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160801112825/http://www.usab.com/mens/national-team/roster.aspx|archive-date=August 1, 2016|access-date=July 31, 2016 |work=USA Basketball}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.usab.com/news-events/news/2016/12/male-athlete-of-the-year.aspx |title=Carmelo Anthony And Kevin Durant Share 2016 USA Basketball Male Athlete Of The Year Award |work=USA Basketball |date=December 7, 2016|access-date=December 7, 2016|archive-date=December 9, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161209145322/https://www.usab.com/news-events/news/2016/12/male-athlete-of-the-year.aspx|url-status=dead}}</ref>
 
Durant committed to playing on the [[2020 United States men's Olympic basketball team|2020 Olympic team]], delayed until 2021 due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.si.com/nba/2021/06/21/team-usa-basketball-roster-tracker-2020-olympics-tokyo |title=Team USA Men's Basketball Tracker: Durant, Tatum Headline Stars Committed to Tokyo |newspaper=Sports Illustrated |date=June 21, 2021|access-date=June 24, 2021|archive-date=November 6, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211106212107/https://www.si.com/nba/2021/06/21/team-usa-basketball-roster-tracker-2020-olympics-tokyo|url-status=live}}</ref> He entered the Games ranked second in U.S. men's Olympic basketball history with 311 career points,<ref>{{cite web |title=Kevin Durant |website=USAB.com |url=https://www.usab.com/basketball/players/mens/d/durant-kevin.aspx|access-date=June 26, 2021|archive-date=July 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210724193646/https://www.usab.com/basketball/players/mens/d/durant-kevin.aspx|url-status=dead}}</ref> needing 25 to match Anthony's record of 336.<ref>{{cite news |first=Michael |last=Kaskey-Blomain |title=Team USA basketball: Nets' Kevin Durant, James Harden expected to play in Tokyo Olympics, per reports |date=June 21, 2021 |website=CBS Sports |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/team-usa-basketball-nets-kevin-durant-james-harden-expected-to-play-in-tokyo-olympics-per-reports/|access-date=June 26, 2021|archive-date=June 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210626093515/https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/team-usa-basketball-nets-kevin-durant-james-harden-expected-to-play-in-tokyo-olympics-per-reports/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |first=Tim |last=Reynolds |title=AP source: Harden commits to US Olympic men's team for Tokyo |date=June 22, 2021 |work=Associated Press |url=https://apnews.com/article/basketball-tokyo-nba-2020-tokyo-olympics-olympic-games-6e0321836ff3b8e1b21a6464fafc7f02|access-date=June 26, 2021|archive-date=June 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210626100150/https://apnews.com/article/basketball-tokyo-nba-2020-tokyo-olympics-olympic-games-6e0321836ff3b8e1b21a6464fafc7f02|url-status=live}}</ref> He broke Anthony's record on July 31 against the Czech Republic,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/olympics/story/_/id/31926915/kevin-durant-becomes-top-scorer-us-men-olympic-basketball-history |title=Kevin Durant becomes top scorer in U.S. men's Olympic basketball history |agency=Associated Press |website=ESPN |date=July 31, 2021|access-date=July 31, 2021|archive-date=July 31, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210731131733/https://www.espn.com/olympics/story/_/id/31926915/kevin-durant-becomes-top-scorer-us-men-olympic-basketball-history|url-status=live}}</ref> and led the unheralded U.S. squad to a gold medal, with [[FIBA]] naming him the tournament's MVP.<ref>{{Cite web |title=USA Men's National Team |url=https://www.usab.com/mens/national-team/roster.aspx|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210827230220/https://www.usab.com/mens/national-team/roster.aspx|archive-date=2021-08-August 27, 2021|access-date=2021-08-August 31, 2021 |work=USA Basketball}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kevin Durant Named 2021 USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year |url=https://www.usab.com/ |access-date= |website=USA Basketball |language=en |archive-date=May 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230528000500/https://www.usab.com/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2021-06-June 28, 2021 |title=Kevin Durant to lead Team USA at Tokyo Olympics |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/tokyo-olympics/kevin-durant-to-lead-team-usa-at-tokyo-olympics/articleshow/83927212.cms |access-date= |issn=0971-8257 |archive-date=October 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231005231929/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/tokyo-olympics/kevin-durant-to-lead-team-usa-at-tokyo-olympics/articleshow/83927212.cms |url-status=live }}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite news |first=Ben |last=Golliver |title=MVP Kevin Durant headlines FIBA's 'All-Star Five' in men's basketball |date=9 August 9, 2021 |newspaper=The Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/olympics/2021/08/07/tokyo-olympics-2021-live-updates-highlights-day-16/|access-date=9 August 9, 2021}}</ref>
 
In 2024, aged 35, Durant made his fourth Olympic appearance on the [[2024 United States men's Olympic basketball team|2024 Olympic team]]. He missed all of the exhibition games due to a calf injury he suffered,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kasabian |first=Paul |title=Kevin Durant Out for USA vs. Canada Exhibition with Calf Injury Ahead of Olympics |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10103247-kevin-durant-out-for-usa-vs-canada-exhibition-with-calf-injury-ahead-of-olympics |access-date=2024-07-July 30, 2024 |website=Bleacher Report |language=en}}</ref> making his first appearance with the new-look squad against Serbia. On August 4, Durant became the United States' all-time rebounding leader at the Olympics, surpassing Carmelo Anthony, in a win against [[Puerto Rico men's national basketball team|Puerto Rico]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=August 3, 2024-08-03 |title=LeBron elite passing unlocks Puerto Rico puzzle |url=https://www.fiba.basketball/en/events/mens-olympic-basketball-tournament-paris-2024/news/lebron-elite-passing-unlocks-puerto-rico-puzzle |access-date=August 4, 2024-08-04 |website=www.fiba.basketball |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author=Powell, Shaun |title=10 all-time best Olympic players on Team USA since 1992 |url=https://www.nba.com/news/10-best-players-usa-mens-olympic-team |work=[[NBA.com]] |date=August 3, 2024 |access-date=August 11, 2024}}</ref> On August 7, he became the United States' all-time Olympic scoring leader, surpassing [[Lisa Leslie]] of the [[United States women's national basketball team|women's team]], in a quarterfinal win against [[Brazil men's national basketball team|Brazil]].<ref>{{cite news |author=Reynolds, Tim |title=Kevin Durant becomes USA's Olympic all-time leading scorer |url=https://www.nba.com/news/kevin-durant-usa-olympic-all-time-scoring-leader |work=[[NBA.com]] |date=August 7, 2024 |access-date=August 8, 2024}}</ref> 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.
 
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. Overall, he brought home five gold medals as member of the national team: four from Olympic tournaments and one from the 2010 FIBA World Championship.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-08-August 10, 2021 |title=Kevin DURANT - Player Profile |url=https://www.fiba.basketball/en/player/163114/Kevin-Durant |access-date=2022-09-September 19, 2022 |website=FIBA.basketball |language=en |archive-date=September 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220920172633/https://www.fiba.basketball/en/player/163114/Kevin-Durant |url-status=live }}</ref> Durant, who has led the US in scoring in three of his four Olympic appearances and at the 2010 FIBA World Championship, owns nine U.S. Olympic men's career records, including the top spot for points (518), points averaged (18.5), rebounds (137), field goals made (173) and attempted (326), 3-point field goals made (88) and attempted (175), free throws made (84) and attempted (96).<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-12-December 17, 2021 |title=Kevin Durant Named 2021 USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year |url=https://www.usab.com/news-events/news/2021/12/usab-male-athlete-of-the-year.aspx |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211218122433/https://www.usab.com/news-events/news/2021/12/usab-male-athlete-of-the-year.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-date=December 18, 2021 |access-date=2022-09-September 20, 2022 |website=USA Basketball |language=en}}</ref>
 
{{clear}}
 
== Player profile ==
[[File:Keving Durant Drew-Goodman game.jpg|thumb|right|Durant playing in a game between the [[Drew League]] and the Goodman League in August 2011]]
 
Durant's height is officially listed as {{height|ft=6|in=11}} and his primary position is [[small forward]]. In December 2016, Durant stated that his height in shoes was actually {{height|ft=7|in=0}} and that he understated his height in order to be listed as a [[small forward]], rather than a [[power forward (basketball)|power forward]].<ref name="sbnation">{{Cite web |url=https://www.sbnation.com/2017/6/12/15773612/how-tall-kevin-durant-height-warriors |title=How tall is Kevin Durant? |first=Harry Jr. |last=Lyles |date=June 12, 2017 |website=SBNation.com|access-date=April 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200212001513/https://www.sbnation.com/2017/6/12/15773612/how-tall-kevin-durant-height-warriors|archive-date=February 12, 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> Durant's career averages are 27.3 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game.<ref name=Reference /> Widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.slamonline.com/nba/slams-top-100-players-time-50-11/ |title=SLAM's Top 100 Players Of All-Time: 50-11 |work=SLAM |date=May 1, 2018|access-date=September 21, 2022|archive-date=September 24, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220924172327/https://www.slamonline.com/nba/slams-top-100-players-time-50-11/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=May 12, 2020 |title=Ranking the top 74 NBA players of all time: Nos. 40–11 |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/29105681/ranking-top-74-nba-players-all-nos-40-11 |access-date=September 21, 2022 |website=ESPN |archive-date=December 19, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211219161239/https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/29105681/ranking-top-74-nba-players-all-nos-40-11 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.complex.com/sports/best-nba-players-of-all-time-ranked |title=The 30 Best NBA Players of All Time, Ranked |work=Complex |date=JunJune 17, 2022|access-date=September 21, 2022|archive-date=March 12, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220312220540/https://www.complex.com/sports/best-nba-players-of-all-time-ranked|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://hoopshype.com/lists/75-greatest-nba-players-ever-hoopshype-list/ |title=76 greatest NBA players ever: The HoopsHype list |date=September 19, 2022 |publisher=HoopsHype |access-date=September 21, 2022 |archive-date=September 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220919182016/https://hoopshype.com/lists/75-greatest-nba-players-ever-hoopshype-list/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Durant has earned All-NBA honors 11 times (2010–2014, 2016–2019, 2022, 2024) and was voted rookie of the year in his debut season.<ref name=Reference /> He has also won an MVP Award and finished second in the voting thrice, a trend that he has expressed frustration over.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nba.com/2010/news/05/02/james.mvp/ |title=LeBron James named 2009–10 NBA MVP presented by Kia |work=NBA |access-date=July 28, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130503043512/http://www.nba.com/2010/news/05/02/james.mvp/ |archive-date=May 3, 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://news.yahoo.com/lebron-james-wins-3rd-nba-mvp-award-173040518--spt.html |title=LeBron James wins 3rd NBA MVP award |work=Yahoo! News |last=Reynolds |first=Tim|access-date=July 28, 2013|archive-date=November 5, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131105121651/http://news.yahoo.com/lebron-james-wins-3rd-nba-mvp-award-173040518--spt.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nba.com/2013/news/05/05/lebron-james-wins-mvp.ap/index.html |title=James wins 4th Kia MVP award in near unanimous vote |work=NBA|access-date=July 28, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130621045331/http://www.nba.com/2013/news/05/05/lebron-james-wins-mvp.ap/index.html|archive-date=June 21, 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Golliver |first=Ben |title=Kevin Durant sick of second, working for first with help of advanced stats |url=http://nba.si.com/2013/04/23/kevin-durant-oklahoma-city-thunder-sports-illustrated-cover/ |publisher=The Point Forward |access-date=November 3, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131025020344/http://nba.si.com/2013/04/23/kevin-durant-oklahoma-city-thunder-sports-illustrated-cover/ |archive-date=October 25, 2013 }}</ref>
 
Durant is best known for his prodigious scoring ability.<ref name=Hollinger>{{cite web |last=Hollinger |first=John |title=OKC Thunder: 2012–13 roster |date=September 17, 2012 |url=https://insider.espn.com/nba/story/_/page/2012-13-okc-preview/oklahoma-city-thunder-player-profiles |work=ESPN Insider|access-date=November 3, 2013|archive-date=October 10, 2014|archive-url=https://archive.today/20141010191643/http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/story/_/page/2012-13-okc-preview/oklahoma-city-thunder-player-profiles|url-status=live}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Babb |first1=Steven |title=Kevin Durant Enters Michael Jordan Territory with 4th Scoring Title in 5 Years |url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2032835-kevin-durant-enters-michael-jordan-territory-with-4th-scoring-title-in-5-years |website=[[Bleacher Report]]|access-date=March 10, 2018 |date=April 17, 2014|archive-date=March 11, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180311021450/http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2032835-kevin-durant-enters-michael-jordan-territory-with-4th-scoring-title-in-5-years|url-status=live}}</ref> Early in his career, his playing style was isolation-driven, but Durant quickly developed into an excellent off-ball player who was capable of scoring from the outside as well.<ref name="BP">{{cite web |last1=Taylor |first1=Ben |title=Backpicks GOAT: #26 Kevin Durant |url=http://www.backpicks.com/2018/03/05/backpicks-goat-26-kevin-durant/ |work=Back Picks|access-date=March 10, 2018 |date=March 5, 2018|archive-date=March 11, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180311081240/http://www.backpicks.com/2018/03/05/backpicks-goat-26-kevin-durant/|url-status=live}}</ref> By 2013, he was shooting at a historically great clip, which helped him become one of only nine members of the 50–40–90 club.<ref>{{cite web |last=Lowe |first=Zach |title=The Not Quite Midseason Awards |date=February 15, 2013 |url=http://www.grantland.com/story/_/id/8801873/lebron-james-kevin-durant-marc-gasol-jarrett-jack-nba-mid-season-awards |work=[[Grantland]]|access-date=May 27, 2013|archive-date=October 10, 2014|archive-url=https://archive.today/20141010191757/http://grantland.com/features/lebron-james-kevin-durant-marc-gasol-jarrett-jack-nba-mid-season-awards/|url-status=live}}</ref> This ability to impact the offense in a variety of ways helped Durant remain effective and improve an already elite offense upon joining the Warriors in 2016.<ref name="BP" /> Throughout his career, Durant's height and {{height|ft=7|in=4}} wingspan have created matchup problems for defenses as he is able to get off a clean [[Jump shot (basketball)|shot]] regardless of the situation.<ref name=Pelton2013 /><ref>{{cite web |title=Kevin Durant Draft Express Profile |url=http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Kevin-Durant-390/ |work=Draft Express Profile|access-date=November 3, 2013|archive-date=October 10, 2014|archive-url=https://archive.today/20141010191846/http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Kevin-Durant-390/|url-status=live}}</ref> Upon beating his man or gaining momentum, Durant also becomes a strong finisher at the rim; for example, he converted 72.2% of shots in the [[Key (basketball)|paint]] in 2012.<ref name=Hollinger />
 
Early in Durant's career, he was criticized for his slim build, defense, and passing.<ref>{{cite web |last=Young |first=Royce |title=John Hollinger on Kevin Durant (and others) |url=http://dailythunder.com/2009/10/john-hollinger-on-kevin-durant-and-others/ |work=Daily Thunder |access-date=November 3, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141016184416/http://dailythunder.com/2009/10/john-hollinger-on-kevin-durant-and-others/ |archive-date=October 16, 2014 }}</ref> Over time, Durant grew as a playmaker, increasing his assist numbers every year from 2010 to 2014,<ref name=Pelton2013>{{cite web |last=Pelton |first=Kevin |title=Okla. City Thunder: 2013–14 roster |date=September 19, 2013 |url=https://insider.espn.com/nba/preview2013/story/_/page/2013-14-okc-preview/oklahoma-city-thunder-player-profiles |work=ESPN Insider|access-date=May 16, 2022|archive-date=October 10, 2014|archive-url=https://archive.today/20141010192332/http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/preview2013/story/_/page/2013-14-okc-preview/oklahoma-city-thunder-player-profiles|url-status=live}}</ref> though his overall vision still lagged behind the league's best passers'.<ref name="BP" /> Durant also showed defensive improvement, with opponents averaging just .62 points per isolation play against him in 2014, the best success rate for defensive players who faced at least 100 isolations that season.<ref>{{cite web |last=Pelton |first=Kevin |title=Roy Hibbert for Defensive POY |date=April 11, 2014 |url=https://insider.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/10764492/nba-roy-hibbert-anchors-2014-all-defensive-team |work=ESPN Insider|access-date=May 16, 2022|archive-date=October 10, 2014|archive-url=https://archive.today/20141010192445/http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/10764492/nba-roy-hibbert-anchors-2014-all-defensive-team|url-status=live}}</ref> Upon going to Golden State, Durant developed into a more reliable off-ball defender and rim protector, and in 2018 was considered for the [[NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Tjarks |first1=Jonathan |title=Kevin Durant's Defensive Player of the Year Candidacy Isn't Perfect, but It's Real |url=https://www.theringer.com/nba/2018/2/13/17005976/kevin-durant-defense-dpoy |work=[[The Ringer (website)|The Ringer]]|access-date=March 10, 2018 |date=February 13, 2018|archive-date=May 23, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210523130645/https://www.theringer.com/nba/2018/2/13/17005976/kevin-durant-defense-dpoy|url-status=live}}</ref>
 
== Personal life ==
[[File:Kevin Durant flag football at Oklahoma State 1.jpg|thumb|left|250pxupright=1.13|Durant during a flag football game at [[Oklahoma State University]] in 2011]]
Durant is very close with his mother, Wanda, a relationship that was detailed in the [[Lifetime (TV network)|Lifetime]] movie ''The Real MVP: The Wanda Durant Story''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2016/02/cassandra-freeman-traci-thoms-queen-latifah-the-real-mvp-kevin-durant-movie-1201695463/ |website=Deadline |title=Lifetime Sets Movie About Kevin Durant's Mom; Queen Latifah Produces, Cassandra Freeman Stars |first=Denise |last=Petski |date=February 3, 2016|access-date=April 17, 2020|archive-date=March 14, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200314175259/https://deadline.com/2016/02/cassandra-freeman-traci-thoms-queen-latifah-the-real-mvp-kevin-durant-movie-1201695463/|url-status=live}}</ref> During his time with the Thunder, Durant described himself as a "high school kid" who enjoys playing video games in his spare time.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Young |first=Royce |date=July 29, 2009 |title=Kevin Durant on his hobbies, Twitter and who could beat him 1-on-1 |url=http://dailythunder.com/2009/07/kevin-durant-on-his-hobbies-twitter-and-who-could-beat-him-1-on-1/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130103071945/http://dailythunder.com/2009/07/kevin-durant-on-his-hobbies-twitter-and-who-could-beat-him-1-on-1/ |archive-date=January 3, 2013 |access-date=June 2, 2013 |website=Daily Thunder}}</ref> Durant is a [[Christianity|Christian]] who attended [[Baptist]] schools.<ref name="BeyondTheUltimate" /><ref name="nbc2021">{{cite web |last1=Brown |first1=Kevin |title=Durant sheds light on how changing high schools influenced FA decisions |url=https://www.nbcsportswashington.com/nba/washington-wizards/durant-sheds-light-on-how-changing-high-schools-influenced-fa-decisions/193477/ |website=NBC Sports |access-date=August 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230805065005/https://www.nbcsportswashington.com/nba/washington-wizards/durant-sheds-light-on-how-changing-high-schools-influenced-fa-decisions/193477/ |archive-date=August 5, 2023 |date=August 18, 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref> He has religious tattoos on his stomach,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Carmichael |first=Emma |date=July 25, 2011 |title=Kevin Durant Is Not Ashamed Of His "Business" Tats |url=https://deadspin.com/kevin-durant-is-not-ashamed-of-his-business-tats-5824418 |access-date=July 8, 2021 |website=Deadspin |archive-date=May 23, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210523130657/https://deadspin.com/kevin-durant-is-not-ashamed-of-his-business-tats-5824418 |url-status=live }}</ref> wrist,<ref name="BeyondTheUltimate">{{cite web |title=Kevin Durant |url=http://beyondtheultimate.com/athlete/Kevin-Durant|access-date=February 9, 2014|archive-date=October 10, 2014|archive-url=https://archive.today/20141010202103/http://beyondtheultimate.com/athlete/Kevin-Durant|url-status=dead}}</ref> and back.<ref>{{cite web |title=Durant's ink shows who's got his back |url=http://www.foxsports.com/nba/story/kevin-durant-back-tattoo-jesus-basketball-bible-verse-misspelling-moore-oklahoma-tornado-1-million-dollar-donation-052213|access-date=February 9, 2014|archive-date=October 10, 2014|archive-url=https://archive.today/20141010202545/http://www.foxsports.com/nba/story/kevin-durant-back-tattoo-jesus-basketball-bible-verse-misspelling-moore-oklahoma-tornado-1-million-dollar-donation-052213|url-status=dead}}</ref> Durant owns several properties in the Oklahoma City area and listed his primary residence, located in the affluent Club Villa neighborhood, for sale for $1.95 million in 2013.<ref>{{cite news |last=Freeman |first=Eric |title=Kevin Durant is selling his house in Oklahoma City for a mere $1.95 million |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nba-ball-dont-lie/kevin-durant-selling-house-oklahoma-city-mere-1-234429657--nba.html |work=Yahoo! Sports|access-date=March 2, 2014|archive-date=October 5, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131005095052/http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nba-ball-dont-lie/kevin-durant-selling-house-oklahoma-city-mere-1-234429657--nba.html|url-status=live}}</ref> That same year, Durant opened a restaurant, KD's Southern Cuisine, in the [[Bricktown, Oklahoma City|Bricktown]] neighborhood and briefly became engaged to [[Monica Wright]], a [[Women's National Basketball Association|WNBA]] player.<ref>{{cite news |last=Kenny |first=Michael |title=Kevin Durant's new restaurant is changing the game |url=http://www.normantranscript.com/local/x1186886454/KDs-is-changing-the-game |newspaper=The Norman Transcript |date=December 15, 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140303204726/http://www.normantranscript.com/local/x1186886454/KDs-is-changing-the-game|archive-date=March 3, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/9457979/kevin-durant-oklahoma-city-thunder-engaged-minnesota-lynx-guard-monica-wright |title=Kevin Durant, Monica Wright engaged |work=ESPN |date=July 8, 2013|access-date=May 16, 2022|archive-date=October 10, 2014|archive-url=https://archive.today/20141010201701/http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/9457979/kevin-durant-oklahoma-city-thunder-engaged-minnesota-lynx-guard-monica-wright|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Mandell |first1=Nina |title=Kevin Durant broke off his engagement because he 'didn't love her the right way' |url=http://ftw.usatoday.com/2015/02/kevin-durant-monica-wright |work=USA Today |date=February 18, 2015|access-date=April 18, 2017|archive-date=April 18, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170418083503/http://ftw.usatoday.com/2015/02/kevin-durant-monica-wright|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2016, Durant was a credentialed photographer for ''[[The Players' Tribune]]'' at [[Super Bowl 50]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Freeman |first=Eric |title=Kevin Durant works as credentialed photographer at Super Bowl 50 |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nba-ball-dont-lie/kevin-durant-works-as-credentialed-photographer-at-super-bowl-50-015930819.html |work=Yahoo! Sports |date=February 7, 2016|access-date=July 5, 2016|archive-date=February 22, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160222084402/https://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nba-ball-dont-lie/kevin-durant-works-as-credentialed-photographer-at-super-bowl-50-015930819.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Durant |first=Kevin |title=My View From Super Bowl 50 |url=http://www.theplayerstribune.com/kevin-durant-super-bowl-50-photography/ |work=The Players' Tribune |date=February 8, 2016|access-date=July 5, 2016|archive-date=July 7, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160707071953/http://www.theplayerstribune.com/kevin-durant-super-bowl-50-photography/|url-status=live}}</ref>
 
Durant was formerly represented by agents [[Aaron Goodwin]] and [[Rob Pelinka]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/7587796/kevin-durant-oklahoma-city-thunder-splits-longtime-agent-aaron-goodwin |work=ESPN |title=Kevin Durant splits from longtime agent |date=February 18, 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20141010202906/http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/7587796/kevin-durant-oklahoma-city-thunder-splits-longtime-agent-aaron-goodwin |archive-date=October 10, 2014|access-date=May 16, 2022}}</ref><ref name=JayZ>{{cite news |last=Amick |first=Sam |title=Kevin Durant leaves agent, may work with Jay-Z |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/thunder/2013/06/07/kevin-durant-agent-jay-z-rob-pelinka-roc-nation-landmark-oklahoma-city/2402671/ |work=USA Today|access-date=June 8, 2013 |date=June 7, 2013|archive-date=October 10, 2014|archive-url=https://archive.today/20141010203217/http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/thunder/2013/06/07/kevin-durant-agent-jay-z-rob-pelinka-roc-nation-landmark-oklahoma-city/2402671/|url-status=live}}</ref> He left Pelinka in 2013 and signed with the Roc Nation group, headed by [[Jay-Z]].<ref name=JayZ /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/9418498/kevin-durant-partnering-jay-z-go |title=Jay-Z's agency lands Kevin Durant |work=ESPN |first=Darren |last=Rovell |date=June 24, 2013|access-date=June 25, 2013|archive-date=October 10, 2014|archive-url=https://archive.today/20141010203514/http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/9418498/kevin-durant-partnering-jay-z-go|url-status=live}}</ref> Durant has endorsement deals with [[Nike, Inc.|Nike]], [[Sprint Nextel|Sprint]], [[Gatorade]], [[Panini Group|Panini]], [[General Electric]], and [[2K Sports]].<ref name=Forbes>{{cite magazine |last=Badenhausen |first=Kurt |title=Kevin Durant Is On The Verge Of Global Stardom |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/kurtbadenhausen/2012/06/13/kevin-durant-is-on-the-verge-of-global-stardom/ |magazine=Forbes|access-date=June 2, 2013|archive-date=April 1, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130401233307/http://www.forbes.com/sites/kurtbadenhausen/2012/06/13/kevin-durant-is-on-the-verge-of-global-stardom/|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2012, he tried his hand at [[acting]], appearing in the children's film ''[[Thunderstruck (2012 film)|Thunderstruck]]''.<ref>{{cite web |title=Thunderstruck: Why was the Thunder's Kevin Durant chosen for a movie? |url=https://www.oklahoman.com/story/sports/nba/thunder/2012/08/19/thunderstruck-why-was-the-thunders-kevin-durant-chosen-for-a-movie/61051362007/ |work=The Oklahoman|access-date=May 16, 2022|archive-date=October 10, 2014|archive-url=https://archive.today/20141010205024/http://newsok.com/thunderstruck-why-was-the-thunders-kevin-durant-chosen-for-a-movie/article/3702377|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2013, Durant earned $35 million, making him the fourth-highest-earning basketball player that year.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Golliver |first=Ben |title=LeBron James passes Kobe Bryant on SI's 'Fortunate 50′ highest-earning athletes list |url=http://nba.si.com/2013/05/15/lebron-james-passes-kobe-bryant-on-sis-fortunate-50-highest-earning-athletes-list/ |magazine=Sports Illustrated|access-date=June 2, 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130607175346/http://nba.si.com/2013/05/15/lebron-james-passes-kobe-bryant-on-sis-fortunate-50-highest-earning-athletes-list/|archive-date=June 7, 2013}}</ref> In an interview with ''[[Sports Illustrated]]'', Durant claimed that, despite his high earnings potential, "global marketing and all that stuff" does not interest him.<ref name=Forbes />
 
One of the most popular players in the NBA, Durant's jersey regularly ranks as one of the league's best-selling and he is consistently one of the top All-Star vote-getters.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=The NBA's Top-Selling Jerseys |url=https://www.si.com/nba/2013/12/19/nba-top-selling-jerseys |magazine=Sports Illustrated|access-date=May 16, 2022|archive-date=May 16, 2022|archive-url=https://archive.today/20220516151012/https://www.si.com/nba/2013/12/19/nba-top-selling-jerseys%23gid=ci0255c76420122781&pid=derrick-rose|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Curry starts in first All-Star Game; LeBron top vote-getter |url=http://www.nba.com/2014/news/01/23/nba-all-star-2014-starters-announced-release/ |work=NBA|access-date=March 2, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140127013641/http://www.nba.com/2014/news/01/23/nba-all-star-2014-starters-announced-release|archive-date=January 27, 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> Early in his career, 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",<ref>{{cite web |last=Astramskas |first=David |title=Commercial: Kevin Durant is the "nicest guy in the NBA" & wanted for dunking |url=http://ballislife.com/commercial-kevin-durant-is-the-nicest-guy-in-the-nba-wanted-for-dunking/ |work=Ball Is Life|access-date=June 2, 2013|archive-date=October 10, 2014|archive-url=https://archive.today/20141010204638/http://ballislife.com/commercial-kevin-durant-is-the-nicest-guy-in-the-nba-wanted-for-dunking/|url-status=live}}</ref> and become a beloved figure in Oklahoma City, known for his "nice escapades" toward the Thunder's staff.<ref>{{cite web |last=Young |first=Royce |title=Kevin Durant is, in fact, very nice |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/kevin-durant-is-in-fact-very-nice/ |work=CBS Sports |date=February 28, 2014 |access-date=May 16, 2022|archive-date=March 2, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140302180641/http://www.cbssports.com/nba/eye-on-basketball/24459918/kevin-durant-is-in-fact-very-nice|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2014, Durant partnered with KIND snacks and launched StrongAndKind.com to show "being kind is not a sign of weakness."<ref>{{cite web |last=Broussard |first=Chris |title=Strong and Kind movement |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/10598251/kevin-durant-oklahoma-city-thunder-launches-strong-kind-movement |work=ESPN|access-date=March 2, 2014|archive-date=March 13, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140313082910/http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/10598251/kevin-durant-oklahoma-city-thunder-launches-strong-kind-movement|url-status=live}}</ref> Since leaving the Thunder, Durant has become more outspoken and controversial; for example, he was involved in a Twitter back-and-forth with [[CJ McCollum]] in July 2018.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Bontemps |first1=Tim |title=The contentious relationship between Kevin Durant and NBA Twitter continues |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/the-contentious-relationship-between-kevin-durant-and-nba-twitter-continues/2018/07/26/f8ef8acc-9103-11e8-b769-e3fff17f0689_story.html?noredirect=on |access-date=August 4, 2018 |date=July 26, 2018 |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |archive-date=November 9, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109035658/https://www.washingtonpost.com/gdpr-consent/?next_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonpost.com%2Fsports%2Fthe-contentious-relationship-between-kevin-durant-and-nba-twitter-continues%2F2018%2F07%2F26%2Ff8ef8acc-9103-11e8-b769-e3fff17f0689_story.html%3Fnoredirect%3Don&noredirect=on |url-status=live }}</ref> Durant has admitted to feeling more genuine in Golden State as opposed to Oklahoma City, where he was "just trying to please everybody."<ref>{{cite web |last1=Mansfield |first1=Aaron |title=Kevin Durant on Why He Was a 'Phony' in Oklahoma City |website=[[Complex Networks]] |url=https://www.complex.com/sports/2018/08/kevin-durant-was-phony-in-oklahoma-city |access-date=August 4, 2018 |date=August 2, 2018 |archive-date=August 3, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180803111123/https://www.complex.com/sports/2018/08/kevin-durant-was-phony-in-oklahoma-city |url-status=live }}</ref> Durant is very active on Twitter,<ref>{{Cite web |title=https://twitter.com/KDTrey5 |url=https://twitter.com/KDTrey5 |access-date=September 2, 2023-09-02 |website=X (formerly Twitter) |language=en |archive-date=July 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230721013831/https://twitter.com/KDTrey5 |url-status=live }}</ref> often engaging in chippy comments with fans and members of the media.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mansfield |first=Aaron C. |title=A Timeline of Kevin Durant's Most Epic Twitter Moments |url=https://www.complex.com/sports/a/aaron-mansfield/kevin-durant-history-on-twitter |access-date=September 2, 2023-09-02 |website=Complex |language=en-us |archive-date=September 2, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230902165655/https://www.complex.com/sports/a/aaron-mansfield/kevin-durant-history-on-twitter |url-status=live }}</ref>
 
Throughout his career, Durant has participated in philanthropic causes. In 2013, he pledged $1 million to the [[American Red Cross]] for the victims of the [[2013 Moore tornado]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Durant donates $1 million to tornado victims |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/basketball/bulls/chi-kevin-durant-donation-tornado-victims-20130521,0,2177194.story |work=Chicago Tribune|access-date=May 21, 2013 |first=Sports |last=Xchange |date=May 21, 2013|archive-date=May 22, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130522015822/http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/basketball/bulls/chi-kevin-durant-donation-tornado-victims-20130521,0,2177194.story|url-status=live}}</ref> Durant's generosity inspired the Thunder and Nike to match his donation.<ref>{{cite news |last=Devine |first=Dan |title=Kevin Durant taps Nike to donate $1M in products, sneaker profits to Oklahoma tornado relief |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nba-ball-dont-lie/kevin-durant-taps-nike-donate-1-million-products-145141563.html |work=Yahoo! Sports|access-date=June 2, 2013|archive-date=June 5, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130605230056/http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nba-ball-dont-lie/kevin-durant-taps-nike-donate-1-million-products-145141563.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Durant is also a spokesperson for the Washington, D. C. branch of P'Tones Records, a nationwide non-profit after-school music program.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://kevindurant35.com/2010/08/02/kevin-durant-and-ptones-records-apply-for-the-pepsi-refresh-grant/ |title=Kevin Durant and P'Tones Records Apply for the Pepsi Refresh Grant |work=Kevindurant35.com |access-date=June 16, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713144428/http://kevindurant35.com/2010/08/02/kevin-durant-and-ptones-records-apply-for-the-pepsi-refresh-grant/ |archive-date=July 13, 2011 }}</ref>
 
[[File:Kevin Durant - TechCrunch Disrupt SF 2017 - Day 2 (36517990683).jpg|thumb|Durant speaking at [[TechCrunch Disrupt]] San Francisco in 2017]]
In 2017, Durant became involved with [[YouTube]]. In February, he visited YouTube's headquarters for a speaking engagement.<ref name=Williams2017>{{cite web |last=Williams |first=Alex |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/18/style/kevin-durant-silicon-valley-golden-state-warriors.html?_r=0 |title=How Kevin Durant Became Silicon Valley's Hottest Start-up |work=The New York Times |date=February 18, 2017|access-date=April 26, 2017|archive-date=February 27, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170227075018/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/18/style/kevin-durant-silicon-valley-golden-state-warriors.html?_r=0|url-status=live}}</ref> On April 7, 2017, Durant created a YouTube account and soon began to upload [[streaming media|live stream]] [[video blog|vlogs]] onto it.<ref name=KDYTabout>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCB_4C2Gl7Zfg4uBXk_AcWwA/about |title=Kevin Durant – YouTube about page |work=Kevin Durant |publisher=YouTube|access-date=April 26, 2017|archive-date=May 26, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170526200822/https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCB_4C2Gl7Zfg4uBXk_AcWwA/about|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=Burns2017>{{cite magazine |last=Burns |first=Mark J. |url=https://www.si.com/tech-media/2017/04/17/kevin-durant-creates-youtube-channel |title=Kevin Durant creates YouTube channel to show 'different side' |magazine=Sports Illustrated |date=April 17, 2017|access-date=April 26, 2017|archive-date=April 26, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170426152108/https://www.si.com/tech-media/2017/04/17/kevin-durant-creates-youtube-channel|url-status=live}}</ref> In his first vlog, Durant detailed, "I'm so excited because I got off social media. I got off the [[Instagram]], [[Twitter]], all that stuff, just to distance myself a bit. But somebody talked me into getting on the YouTube."<ref name=Burns2017 /> As of June 2020, Durant's YouTube channel has received over 790,000 subscribers and 38 million video views.<ref name=KDYTabout /> On February 13, 2018, ''[[Deadline Hollywood|Deadline]]'' reported that Durant, in partnership with producer [[Brian Grazer]]'s [[Imagine Entertainment|Imagine Television]], will create a basketball-themed scripted drama for [[Apple Inc.|Apple]].<ref>{{cite web |title=NBA Superstar Kevin Durant Teams With Brian Grazer On Apple Scripted Series |url=https://deadline.com/2018/02/kevin-durant-brian-grazer-apple-scripted-series-1202286811/ |website=Deadline Hollywood|access-date=February 13, 2018 |date=February 13, 2018|archive-date=February 13, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180213222738/http://deadline.com/2018/02/kevin-durant-brian-grazer-apple-scripted-series-1202286811/|url-status=live}}</ref>
 
In 2017, Durant and business partner [[Rich Kleiman]] founded Thirty Five Ventures.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2837433-rich-kleiman-kevin-durant-100-percent-undecided-on-future-amid-knicks-rumors |title=Rich Kleiman: Kevin Durant '100 Percent Undecided' on Future Amid Knicks Rumors |first=Joseph |last=Zucker |website=Bleacher Report|access-date=June 18, 2021|archive-date=May 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210512121416/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2837433-rich-kleiman-kevin-durant-100-percent-undecided-on-future-amid-knicks-rumors|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="auto1">{{Cite web |url=https://variety.com/2021/digital/news/kevin-durant-rich-kleiman-boardroom-1234895427/ |title=Kevin Durant and Rich Kleiman Announce New Video Series for Boardroom (EXCLUSIVE) |first1=Marc |last1=Malkin |date=February 1, 2021|access-date=June 18, 2021|archive-date=March 4, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210304041634/https://variety.com/2021/digital/news/kevin-durant-rich-kleiman-boardroom-1234895427/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.insider.com/kevin-durant-rich-kleiman-nyc-office-thirty-five-ventures-2020-11 |title=Take a tour of Kevin Durant and Rich Kleiman's swanky New York City office space for Thirty Five Ventures |first=Meredith |last=Cash |website=Insider}}</ref><ref name="auto">{{Cite web |last=Shelburne |first=Ramona |date=February 11, 2019 |title=Inside The Boardroom: How Kevin Durant made himself into a mogul |url=https://www.espn.com/espn/feature/story/_/id/25951825/golden-state-warriors-star-kevin-durant-focused-building-future-basketball |access-date=August 3, 2021-08-03 |website=ESPN |archive-date=June 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624201310/https://www.espn.com/espn/feature/story/_/id/25951825/golden-state-warriors-star-kevin-durant-focused-building-future-basketball |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2020, Thirty Five Ventures produced ''[[Basketball County]]'', a documentary about youth basketball in Durant's home county of [[Prince George's County, Maryland]]. Durant served as an executive producer and appeared in interviews.<ref>{{Cite web |title=A County in Maryland Produces a Wild Number of Basketball Stars. This Documentary Wants to Know Why. |url=https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/movies/a32475262/basketball-county-in-the-water-review-showtime/ |last=Langmann |first=Brady |date=May 15, 2020 |website=Esquire|access-date=May 15, 2020|archive-date=May 19, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200519042504/https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/movies/a32475262/basketball-county-in-the-water-review-showtime/|url-status=live}}</ref> Thirty Five Ventures' work ''Two Distant Strangers'' won the 2021 [[Academy Awards|Academy Award]] for Short Film (Live Action).<ref>{{Cite web |title=The 93rd Academy Awards – 2021 Winners & Nominees |url=https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/2021 |date=April 25, 2021 |website=Oscars.org|access-date=June 21, 2021|archive-date=July 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200713152217/https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/2021|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Kevin Durant and (Possibly) the Greatest Basketball Team of All Time |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/06/02/magazine/kevin-durant-brooklyn-nets.html |date=June 2, 2021 |website=The New York Times Magazine|access-date=June 21, 2021|archive-date=June 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210620130130/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/06/02/magazine/kevin-durant-brooklyn-nets.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
 
Durant was included in ''[[Time (magazine)|Time]]'' magazine's 100 Most Influential People of 2018.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Cue |first=Eddy |title=Kevin Durant: The World's 100 Most Influential People |url=https://time.com/collection/most-influential-people-2018/5217617/kevin-durant/ |access-date=September 23, 2020 |magazine=Time |archive-date=September 30, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200930064558/https://time.com/collection/most-influential-people-2018/5217617/kevin-durant/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
 
On June 15, 2020, 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.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sigal |first=Jonathan |date=June 15, 2020 |title=NBA star Kevin Durant joins Philadelphia Union ownership group, becomes community partner |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/nba-star-kevin-durant-joins-philadelphia-union-ownership-group-becomes-community|access-date=July 2, 2021 |website=MLS Soccer|archive-date=July 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709183029/https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/nba-star-kevin-durant-joins-philadelphia-union-ownership-group-becomes-community|url-status=live}}</ref>
 
In August 2021, Durant announced a partnership between his multimedia company [[Boardroom (company)|Boardroom]] and the cannabis technology company [[Weedmaps]] through which an original content series would be developed and Weedmaps would become an official sponsor of Boardroom.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Zillgitt |first1=Jeff |title=Brooklyn's Kevin Durant partnering with Weedmaps to eliminate the stigma of weed use |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/2021/08/19/kevin-durant-entering-business-curb-stigma-marijuana-use/8188352002/ |access-date=August 19, 2021 |work=USA Today |date=August 19, 2021 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210819150138/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/2021/08/19/kevin-durant-entering-business-curb-stigma-marijuana-use/8188352002/ |archive-date=August 19, 2021 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite press release |date=August 19, 2021 |title=Weedmaps Announces Multi-Year Partnership with Kevin Durant, Thirty Five Ventures, and Boardroom |url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210819005491/en/Weedmaps-Announces-Multi-Year-Partnership-with-Kevin-Durant-Thirty-Five-Ventures-and-Boardroom |location=Irvine, California |agency=Business Wire |access-date=August 20, 2021 |archive-date=August 20, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210820170055/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210819005491/en/Weedmaps-Announces-Multi-Year-Partnership-with-Kevin-Durant-Thirty-Five-Ventures-and-Boardroom |url-status=live }}</ref> Durant said of the partnership: "I think it's far past time to address the stigmas around [[Cannabis (drug)|cannabis]] that still exist [[Cannabis and sports|in the sports world]] as well as globally. This partnership is going to help us continue to normalize those conversations, as well as create content, events, and a lot more through our Boardroom media network."<ref>{{cite news |last1=Windhorst |first1=Brian |title=Kevin Durant aims to destigmatize marijuana use with new partnership |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/32051873/kevin-durant-aims-destigmatize-marijuana-use-new-partnership |access-date=August 19, 2021 |work=ESPN |date=August 19, 2021 |archive-date=August 20, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210820004857/https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/32051873/kevin-durant-aims-destigmatize-marijuana-use-new-partnership |url-status=live }}</ref>
 
In May 2021, Durant (through Thirty Five Ventures) was announced as an investor in [[Just Women's Sports]], an American media platform dedicated to women's sports. Durant credited the platform with showing "fans exactly how good these players are and why they're worth watching."<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kevin Durant, Elena Delle Donne and Arike Ogunbowale among new investors in Just Women's Sports |url=https://justwomenssports.com/article/kevin-durant-elena-delle-donne-and-arike-ogunbowale-among-new-investors-in-just-womens-sports/ |access-date=2023-10-October 16, 2023 |website=Just Women's Sports |date=May 10, 2021 |language=en-US}}</ref>
 
On October 29, 2021, [[Swagger (TV series)]] was released, inspired by Durant's life story. Durant also served as the executive producer.<ref>{{Cite web |last1= D'Addario |first1=Daniel |url=https://variety.com/2021/tv/reviews/swagger-kevin-durant-review-1235094776/ |title= 'Swagger' Turns Kevin Durant's Life Story Into a Modern-Day Basketball Drama With Heart: TV Review |date=October 27, 2021 |website=Variety}}</ref>
 
On December 22, 2021, Durant had signed a deal with [[Coinbase]] to serve as a brand ambassador.<ref>{{Cite web |title=NBA Future Hall of Famer Kevin Durant Signs Brand Ambassador Deal With Coinbase |url=https://www.cryptoglobe.com/latest/2021/12/nba-future-hall-of-famer-kevin-durant-signs-brand-ambassador-deal-with-coinbase/|access-date=2021-12-December 23, 2021 |website=CryptoGlobe}}</ref>
 
In October 2022, Durant joined fellow professional athletes 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.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Golden |first=Jessica |title=Kevin Durant is the latest athlete to buy a Major League Pickleball team |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2022/10/20/kevin-durant-is-latest-athlete-to-buy-into-major-league-pickleball.html |access-date=2022-10-October 20, 2022 |website=CNBC |date=October 20, 2022 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Daniels |first=Tim |date=October 20, 2022 |title=Kevin Durant Buys Pro Pickleball Expansion Team; LeBron James Among League Owners |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10053032-kevin-durant-buys-pro-pickleball-expansion-team-lebron-james-among-league-owners |access-date=2022-10-October 20, 2022 |website=Bleacher Report |language=en}}</ref>
 
== Career statistics ==
{{NBA player statistics legend|champion=y|leader=y}}
Source:<ref name=Reference />
 
=== NBA ===
 
==== Regular season ====
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==== Playoffs ====
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=== College ===
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== Awards and honors ==
[[File:Kevin Durant Texas retired number.jpg|thumb|right|200pxupright=0.9|Durant's No. 35 jersey retired by [[Texas Longhorns men's basketball|Texas]]]]
[[File:Kevin Durant gold medal 2010.jpg|thumb|right|200pxupright=0.9|Durant with his gold medal at the [[2010 FIBA World Championship]] in Turkey]]
 
'''NBA'''
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'''NCAA'''
* [[Naismith College Player of the Year]]: 2007<ref name="POYawards">{{cite news |first=Chip |last=Brown |title=Durant named NABC player of the year |url=http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/spt/colleges/topstories/stories/032207dnspoutbrief.44280fd.html |work=[[Dallas Morning News]] |date=March 22, 2007 |access-date=March 22, 2007 |archive-date=September 30, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930035946/http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/spt/colleges/topstories/stories/032207dnspoutbrief.44280fd.html }}</ref>
* [[National Association of Basketball Coaches|NABC]] Division I Player of the Year: 2007<ref name="NABCPOY" />
* [[Oscar Robertson Trophy]]: 2007<ref name="USBWAaward" />
* [[Adolph Rupp Trophy]]: 2007<ref name="RuppTrophy" />
* [[John R. Wooden Award]]: 2007<ref name="WoodenTeam">{{cite web |url=http://woodenaward.cstv.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/032707aaa.html |title=John R. Wooden Award announces the 2006–07 All-American Team |access-date=March 28, 2007 |date=March 27, 2007 |publisher=John R. Wooden Award |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070502225610/http://woodenaward.cstv.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/032707aaa.html |archive-date=May 2, 2007 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
* [[Big 12 Conference Men's Basketball Player of the Year|Big 12 Player of the Year]]: 2007
* [[USBWA National Freshman of the Year]]: 2007
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'''Media'''
* [[Associated Press|AP]] Player of the Year: 2007<ref>{{cite news |title=Durant is first freshman named AP player of year |work=ESPN. Associated Press |url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/news/story?id=2818859 |date=March 31, 2007 |access-date=May 16, 2022 |archive-date=August 9, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130809074532/http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/news/story?id=2818859 |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[Associated Press|AP]] All-America 1st Team: 2007<ref name="dallasnews">{{cite news |first=Chip |last=Brown |title=Durant, Law on All-America team |url=http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/spt/colleges/topstories/stories/032707dnspoallamerican.19048ec.html |work=[[Dallas Morning News]] |date=March 27, 2007 |access-date=March 27, 2007 |archive-date=September 27, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927201718/http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/spt/colleges/topstories/stories/032707dnspoallamerican.19048ec.html }}</ref>
* Two-time [[ESPY Award]] winner:
**2014 [[Best NBA Player ESPY Award|Best NBA Player]]
**2017 [[Outstanding Team ESPY Award|Outstanding Team]] (as a member of the Golden State Warriors)
 
== See also ==
{{Portal||Sports|Basketball}}
* [[List of NBA career scoring leaders]]
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* [[List of NBA annual free throw percentage leaders]]
 
== References ==
{{reflist}}
 
== External links ==
{{Commons}}
* {{Official website}}
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* {{Team USA|new_id=kevin-durant|old_id=DU/Kevin-Durant|archive=20230712085130}}
* {{Olympedia}}
* {{Olympics.com profile}}
 
{{Phoenix Suns current roster}}
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[[Category:United States men's national basketball team players]]
[[Category:YouTube vloggers]]
[[Category:21st-century American sportsmen]]