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NBA legend Kevin Durant, renowned as one of the greatest basketball players in league history, is on the cusp of a historic milestone as he is poised to accumulate career earnings nearing $400 million by the conclusion of the 2023-2024 NBA season.
Durant’s salary for the season, which includes impressive cash incentives, is expected to reach a staggering $46.4 million, solidifying his position as one of the highest-paid athletes in the world.
With the 2023-2024 NBA season officially underway since Oct. 24 and set to conclude on April 14, 2024, Durant’s remarkable 17-season journey in the league is on the verge of reaching a financial zenith.
According to data tracked by Billionaires.Africa, his career earnings will soar to $396.7 million by the season’s end. Furthermore, projections suggest that by the close of the 2025-2026 season, Durant’s career earnings could reach an even more remarkable $490 million.
Durant’s off-court ventures contribute to his impressive earnings
In the previous 2022-2023 NBA season, Durant’s earnings totaled $28.4 million, positioning him among the world’s highest-earning athletes. However, in the current season, the star forward’s salary is anticipated to increase substantially, skyrocketing to $46.4 million.
This pay raise, including cash incentives amounting to $4.3 million, underscores Durant’s exceptional on-court prowess and his status as one of the most sought-after talents in the league.
Durant’s earnings extend beyond the basketball court, with a significant portion coming from lucrative endorsements. According to Forbes, Durant ranks as one of the world’s highest-paid athletes, with endorsement deals from industry giants such as Gatorade, Degree, and a recent lifetime sneaker deal with Nike.
These deals, coupled with income from appearances, licensing, memorabilia sales, and his entrepreneurial ventures, are set to add another $45 million to his already impressive earnings.
With on-court earnings projected at $46.4 million and off-court income totaling $45 million, his total earnings for the current NBA season are expected to reach $91.4 million. This figure solidifies his standing as one of the world’s highest-earning athletes.
Kevin Durant: A philanthropist and businessman off the court
While Durant’s financial success is noteworthy, his commitment to philanthropy and community initiatives is equally commendable. Throughout his career, he has actively supported various charitable causes, including a $1-million pledge to the American Red Cross in 2013.
Durant also serves as a spokesperson for P’Tones Records, a nationwide non-profit after-school music program based in Washington, D.C., emphasizing his dedication to giving back and making a positive impact on the community.
In addition to his on-court and off-court successes, Durant has been actively diversifying his earnings through strategic investments and flourishing business ventures.
Through his firm, 35V, he holds stakes in a Major League Pickleball team, the digital creator business Goldenset Collective, and the media asset manager ScorePlay, signaling his foresight in planning for a successful post-basketball career.
