Kevin Durant has undeniably established himself as one of the best players of the 20s generation, etching his name in the icon books of the NBA. However, behind every successful athlete lies a partnership that plays a pivotal role in their journey to greatness. In Durant’s case, Nike has been one such ally that has fueled his success on and off the court.
Kevin Durant’s alliance with Nike has not only secured his stature as a basketball superstar, but it has also redefined his financial worth. The massive endorsement deal between Durant and Nike has undoubtedly been a game-changer for the Suns forward, but how much does the Suns forward earn from the deal?
How much does Kevin Durant earn from Nike contract?
Kevin Durant, the Phoenix Suns basketball star, has recently signed a lifetime endorsement deal with Nike, the US sportswear titan. The partnership includes a range of collaborations in footwear, apparel, and community and philanthropic initiatives centered around grassroots basketball.
It is yet to be confirmed whether this new lifetime deal is an extension of Durant’s existing contract or an entirely new agreement. Regardless, this move solidifies Durant’s long-standing relationship with Nike, which began in 2007. Nike has released an impressive 15 sets of Durant’s signature shoes throughout their partnership.
In 2014, reports from USA Today estimated that Durant’s then-new ten-year extension with Nike was valued at $250 million with an additional $50 million retirement package. This previous deal was set to conclude after the 2024–25 NBA season. With this new lifetime partnership, Durant joins the elite group of NBA stars like Michael Jordan and LeBron James who have secured similar long-term agreements with Nike.
Excited about this new development, Durant expressed his gratitude and acknowledged that he couldn’t have imagined the significant achievements they would accomplish together. Looking ahead, Durant’s expanded role with Nike is expected to lead to more collaborations between the brand and the Durant Family Foundation in philanthropic efforts.
And when considering Durant’s substantial contract with the Phoenix Suns, it becomes clear that his financial success knows no bounds.
How much is Kevin Durant’s Suns contract worth?
In 2023-24, Durant will earn a base salary of $46,407,433, making him one of the highest-paid players in the NBA. His cap hit for that season will be slightly higher at $47,649,433. The contract also comes with a dead cap value of $46,407,433, which reflects the amount of money that would be charged against the team’s salary cap if Durant were to be released.
Kevin Durant signed a lucrative four-year, $191 million extension with the Suns in 2021 after his trade, which came into effect this season. This means he still has three years remaining on his contract. Currently, Durant will earn $43 million in salary, plus an additional $1.1 million through incentives. This arrangement continues into the following season, where he will earn a base salary of $46.4 million, along with incentives of around $1.25 million.
Looking ahead, by the 2024-25 season, Kevin Durant’s salary will soar to $49.9 million, further solidifying his status as one of the highest-paid players in the league. In the contract’s final year, 2025-26, he will be earning an astounding $53.3 million, with an additional incentive of $1.4 million.
Comparatively, Durant’s Suns teammates may find themselves dwarfed by his impressive contract. Nonetheless, this move elevates the Suns’ potential ceiling, surpassing even their recent NBA Finals appearance. With Durant’s continued prosperity, both on and off the court, he is poised to become a vital figure for the Suns in the coming years.
