Kevin Durant is not going anywhere. As the Oklahoma City Thunder star signed with his third agent in six years last week, many fans worried that he could be on his way out once his contract expires. However, Durant told The Oklahoman that no one should be concerned because he is committed to the team and plans on staying put for years to come.
Durant became the first NBA athlete to sign with Jay-Z's new Roc Nation Sports. Already home to Geno Smith and Robinson Cano, Durant put pen to paper last week after parting ways with Landmark Sports. Durant said the move was perfect for him and felt very low risk.
"Jay-Z is someone who is a guy who is well-respected in the business area, a guy that has done so well for himself and his brand. I'm looking forward to partnering with him and learning as much as I can from him," Durant said to ESPN.com.
Durant is currently signed through the 2015-16 season with Oklahoma after signing an $85 million extension with the Thunder back in 2010. Durant is not seeking any kind of a new contract with the team is a satisfied with what he has. Many fans worried that the Roc Nation signing meant the beginning of the end for Durant in Oklahoma, but he promises that is not true.
"He has nothing to do with if I'm going to leave OKC or none of that. I heard that before, so put that out on the table. He has nothing to do with that. He knows this lane with me. Their team knows their lane with me. And they're letting me handle the basketball part. I would tell fans not to worry about that at all," Durant said.
Durant is easily one of the most marketable NBA players and with Jay-Z's influence he could seek a larger market, but Durant continues to express his desire to remain in Oklahoma for as long as possible. Durant refuted a report that he only signed to Roc Nation to be closer to Jay-Z. Instead, the All-Star said he does not know Jay-Z at all, but simply admires the way he has handled his career.
Roc Nation Sports will certainly help Durant increase his overall brand, something he has been looking to do. Durant already has endorsement deals with Nike, Sprint, Gatorade, 2K Sports, Skullcandy headphones, BBVA Compass and Panini America. Anything is possible with Jay-Z.