In July 2014, the new KD 7 basketball shoes were released by Nike in honor of its years-long advertising deal with 2014 NBA MVP, Kevin Durant. However, the OKC Thunder star might be signing out of the sneaker giant after seven years.
His seven-year deal with Nike worth $60 million is set to expire on July 2016, according to CBS Sports. The report added that sporting goods firm, Under Armour, has been very interested in acquiring Durant as its newest brand endorser.
Reports say that the brand is so bent on getting the MVP to its side that it may pay the All-Star forward as much as $30 million a year if he agrees to a contract. Durant has reportedly met with executives of Under Armour to discuss the details. However, Nike will not be so quick to let him go, considering how the slender star has performed excellently in the past NBA season, even winning the MVP award in the process. There are also talks that ADIDAS is equally interested and might offer a lucrative deal, although probably not as big as what Under Armour or Nike can offer.
Should a deal push through with Under Armour, Durant will be making more than what he is earning in the NBA. With the Thunder, Durant is set to earn under $19 million. He will become a free agent in 2016, which is the same time his contract with Nike expires.
In a report by Bullets Forever, there are a number of factors that might affect Durant's decision to possibly sign with Under Armour. First, he is a native of Maryland, which is conveniently close to the Under Armour headquarters. Second, he might be playing for the Washington Wizards -- which is also very near his home.
A Bullets Forever source said that Durant canceled a scheduled appointment to the Nike headquarters, most probably to meet with Under Armour.
Michael McBride, senior manager of sports marketing of Under Armour, tweeted, "Wish I could tell everyone what is going on today." He added the hashtags "#Future #GoodPeople #Recruiting #Partnerships".
Fans and sneakerheads also started sharing their thoughts on the matter. Some said that it would be a wise financial move for Durant, considering how even the highest players in the NBA like Carmelo Anthony will not make $30 million per year on his maximum salary contract. Others said that it was only normal for Durant to want to come home. Major changes may happen in 2016, such as having the star move to the Washington Wizards and Under Armour. Sneaker collectors said that it may be a good push for Nike to come up with better models for the star.
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