Durant Just Did It

Being a top pick in the NBA Draft does have its’ perks! Just ask recently minted Kevin Durant, who inked a seven-year, $60 million endorsement deal with Nike on July 17th. This contract includes a $10 million signing bonus, making this the second largest rookie deal in NBA history.

After going back and forth between Nike and adidas for two months, Durant finally made up his mind. Insiders say that the adidas deal was even bigger than the Nike! Adidas offered up a seven-year, $70 million contract that included a $12 million signing bonus, and Durant turned it down. See folks, it ain’t always about the money!! Durant was in talks with both since May, but finally decided to stick with Nike, a brand he has been affiliated with since the 8th grade. Durant’s been in cahoots with Nike execs since junior high. Talk about a throw BACK! Nike VP and GM of Global Basketball Craig Zanon had this to say of the pricey deal. “We are very pleased to have Kevin as a part of the Nike Basketball family…Kevin is an amazing talent on the court and a quality person off the court and we are happy to be partnering with him as he starts his NBA career.” Yeah, that is until they find out he’s mating bunnies then entering their offspring in pit bull fights! Then they’ll abandon his ass quicker than they did Michael Vick!

Included in this deal is a signature shoe that will launch after his rookie year. Durant’s also taking a page from Stephon Marbury’s book entitled "Cheap Ass," and is looking to back a "mid-price" shoe. We’ll see how that plays out…

Since Durant’s deal is second, you may be wondering whose is #1. None other than the King himself – Lebron James! He signed his seven-year, $90 million contract after being the 1st pick in the 2003 draft. Looking for another link? Durant’s agent, Aaron Goodwin, brokered this deal. Goodwin is also is James’ former agent, and was part of the team that put together his multi-million dollar Nike deal. SWOOSH!! That's the sound the money makes when it goes in the bag...