On August 31, 2014, Kevin Durant signed a 10-year contract with Nike worth $300 million, which was the most significant endorsement deal in the history of the company. Fast forward to August 30th, 2020, and the Brooklyn Nets star cemented his position in the company's folklore by inking a lifetime deal with Nike.

The deal has been churning up headlines; it's been deemed one of the most impressive deals in the sportswear industry. In this article, we highlight the journey of Kevin Durant with Nike, the key highlights of his lifetime deal with the company, his achievements in basketball, his impact on society beyond the game, and our predictions for the partnership's future.

Yomzansi/ Twitter | Kevin Wayne Durant is also known by his initials KD

Kevin Durant's Journey With Nike

Kevin Durant's partnership with Nike began in 2007 when Seattle Supersonics drafted him as the No. 2 pick. Nike offered him a seven-year, $60 million deal, unheard of for a rookie entering the league.

Durant's business-minded camp initially favored Adidas, but Nike offered Durant the chance to create his signature sneaker line in his rookie year, cementing the maverick's ambition and ensuring an inextricable link with the brand.

Durant has been a regular face in Nike campaigns throughout his career, showing off their progressive design, inclusivity, and technological advancement. His ambassadorship with Nike has impacted his profession and contributed to the growth of the sportswear industry.

Michael Laughlin/ USA TODAY Sports | The 13-time All-Star has a relationship with Nike that dates back to 2007

Key Highlights of the Deal

Nike's lifetime partnership with Kevin Durant will give the 10-time NBA All-Star access to a big bag and expand the partnership to include "community outreach" efforts. The specifics of Nike's community outreach plans with Durant are yet to be revealed, but we can expect the collaboration to result in many local and national initiatives.

Sources estimate that Durant's lifetime deal with Nike is worth anywhere between $265 million to $300 million, making him one of the highest-paid endorsers in any sport. Comparing Durant's lifetime deal to Nike's previous deals with Michael Jordan and LeBron James, it's evident that the company is invested in their partnership for the long haul.

Kevin Durant's Achievements

Durant's achievements in basketball are noteworthy. He has won two NBA championships and has been named NBA Finals MVP twice. Durant's stats speak for themselves - he has multiple scoring titles, Olympic Gold Medals, and a list of long enough accolades to fill a book.

He is currently sitting at 31st on the NBA's all-time scoring list, with 22,940 points, and is on track to enter the top 20 by the end of his career. Durant has become one of the greatest basketball players to grace the hardwood.

MARK J. REBILAS/ USA TODAY SPORTS/ REUTERS | He was the youngest player in NBA history to win the league's scoring title

Beyond Basketball

Durant's influence extends beyond the basketball court and into society. He has actively participated in philanthropic initiatives and supports various communities through his charity foundation, WAFFLEs+M10.

The charity's mission is to enrich the lives of at-risk and underserved youth, families, and seniors in four key pillars - education, athletics, music, and perseverance. Durant's partnership with Nike will amplify his voice and raise awareness for his initiatives. It will help him achieve his goal of utilizing his platform to make a difference.

Future Expectations

As Nike's longest-standing athlete partner, expectations will be high for Durant and the company. We can expect future collaboration on innovative designs, technological advancements, and charity events. The partnership is mutually beneficial and will always be a priority for Nike. The deal also highlights Nike's dominance in the sportswear industry and the value they place on their partnerships.