photo courtesy of NBA
Kevin Durant has become the third-ever basketball star to sign a lifetime contract deal with Nike. According to the NBA star’s network Boardroom, the announcement went public on April 28. In the press release, the 34-year-old excitedly spoke about following behind Michael Jordan and LeBron James.
Speaking to Boardroom, Durant began,
When I first signed with Nike, I couldn’t have dreamed of how far we’d go in this partnership. We’ve done amazing work creatively and philanthropically. We’ve traveled the world together and built a business that will now last forever.“I’m excited for the future and honored to be in rare company with this deal.”
The Phoenix Suns player took to Twitter to acknowledge how much of an honor it was to join the short list of other NBA greats. He wrote, “
A true honor to be in the game for life with @Nike.”As reported by the release, Durant and Nike’s partnership will push past the realm of just footwear and clothing and into the community and other business endeavors. The Nike EVP of Global Sports Marketing, John Slusher, praised Durant’s NBA career and expressed the company’s excitement to further work with him.
“As one of the best basketball players in the world, Kevin Durant has been an important part of the Nike family for the past 16 years. We look forward to continuing to serve the next generation of athletes together.”
The Nike EVP referenced the company’s and Durant’s longstanding relationship that began in 2007 through the growth of Boardroom.