Kevin Durant - Los Angeles Clippers v Phoenix Suns - Game Five
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - Kevin Durant (#35) of the Phoenix Suns looks on prior to game five of the Western Conference First Round Playoffs against the LA Clippers at Footprint Center on April 25, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. Christian Petersen / Staff

Kevin Durant, a Phoenix Suns NBA star, has signed a lifetime contract with Nike, making him the third NBA player ever to receive this honor.

The other two players who have received lifetime contracts from Nike are Michael Jordan and LeBron James, who are considered among the greatest basketball players of all time.

Durant is Excited for the Future

Durant announced the news exclusively on Boardroom, a media outlet he co-founded with his manager Rich Kleiman, focusing on sports, culture, and entertainment business.

Durant expressed his excitement for the future and gratitude for being in rare company with this deal.

The partnership between Durant and Nike started in 2007 when he was a rookie, and they have since collaborated on 15 versions of KD's signature shoe.

Nike and Durant have also worked together in philanthropic efforts, particularly in refurbishing basketball courts in underserved communities through the Durant Family Foundation and Team Durant.

Boardroom reports that Nike has plans to maintain its charitable partnership with Durant.

John Slusher, Nike's EVP of global sports marketing, stated to Boardroom that Kevin Durant, recognized as one of the top basketball players in the world, has been a significant member of the Nike family for the past 16 years. He expressed the company's excitement to continue serving the upcoming generation of athletes alongside Durant.

Durant is a 15-year NBA veteran, a 13-time All-Star, and has won two NBA championships and three Olympic gold medals as part of Team USA. He ranks 13th on the NBA's all-time scoring list and is making his 12th appearance in the playoffs.

Durant's first appearance in the playoffs with the Suns will be in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Denver Nuggets on Saturday.