Kevin Durant Signs Lifetime Deal with Nike

By: Adonis Armstrong

Today April 28th, Boardroom, the media network of NBA star Kevin Durant, announced that he had signed a lifetime contract with Nike, thereby joining an exclusive group of basketball players who have signed with the brand, such as Michael Jordan and LeBron James. Durant, who is 34 years old, will now be associated with Nike for the rest of his career.

The partnership between the basketball star and Nike began in 2007. Over the years, they have collaborated on 15 signature shoe releases, with the 16th expected to come out soon. In addition to footwear, Nike has also worked with Durant on his family foundation and EYBL program, showcasing the depth of their partnership beyond just the basketball court.

A true honor to be in the game for life with @Nike https://t.co/VNj1IJUVWG

— Kevin Durant (@KDTrey5) April 28, 2023

“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,” Durant said on the deal. 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 newly signed lifetime deal between Durant and Nike includes their continued partnership on community and philanthropic projects, as well as footwear and apparel. Nike's EVP of Global Sports Marketing, John Slusher, commented on Durant and the agreement in a statement.

“As one of 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,” he said.

As Durant closes out a new deal, he aims to add another Larry O’Brien championship trophy to his resume after helping the Phoenix Suns advance to the second round of the NBA playoffs by defeating the Los Angeles Clippers 4-1. He and the Suns will face the Denver Nuggets in the second round, beginning this Saturday, April 29th.

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71-point Performance by Donovan Mitchell Prompted a Drug Tested by NBA

Cleveland Cavaliers All Star Guard Donovan Mitchell

Jason Miller | Credit: Getty Images

By: Adonis Armstrong

26 year old Cleveland Cavaliers guard, Donovan Mitchell, had a record breaking game in scoring against the Chicago Bulls. January 2nd, Monday night Mitchell torched the Bulls with a whooping 71 point performance followed with 11 assists to complete a double double. He also hauled in 8 rebounds as well. While his memorable night energized basketball fans around the world, the NBA wanted to validate his performance by drug testing him.

Even though the action seems like it’s not random because of the timing, it’s completely legal according to the collective bargaining agreement between the NBA and the National Basketball Players Association. It reads that players are subjected to four random tests during the year; two during the season and two during the off season. So after the 71 point performance, the league used one of their random tests to make sure Mitchell is an honest player.

Donovan isn’t the first player randomly selected to have a drug test. De’Aron Fox of the Sacramento Kings was subject to one after posting workout videos online. Even Bradly Beal after back to back 50 point games a couple seasons ago had to go through it.

Some fans are arguing that the NBA should test the All NBA guard Luka Doncic, who is having an MVP caliber year himself.

Donovan Mitchell is the 7th player to score 70+ points in an NBA game. pic.twitter.com/N4Bu3akUy0

— NBA (@NBA) January 3, 2023

Mitchell was hot from the field shooting 64 percent from the floor, while making 7 3-pointers, and finishing the game out strong in overtime with 13 points to erase a 21-point deficit to get a win against the Bulls. He is just the seventh player in the league’s history to score 70 points in a game. The last player to accomplish the feat of 70 points is Phoenix Suns All star Guard Devin Booker in a loss to the Boston Celtics on March 24, 2017.

Andddd just like that we are drug tested this morning 😂😂😂 https://t.co/LvlbcPDucP

— Donovan Mitchell (@spidadmitchell) January 3, 2023

Mitchell joins the likes of Wilt Chamberlain, Kobe Bryant, David Thompson, Elgin Baylor, David Robinson and Devin Booker as the only players to score 70 or more points in an NBA game. 

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