Kevin Durant’s move to Under Armour a ‘forgone conclusion’
By Sam Richmond
It appears Nike is on the verge of losing one of its more profitable clients. There have been rumors swirling that Oklahoma City Thunder superstar Kevin Durant could leave the Oregon-based company for Under Armour and now InsideMDSports.com is reporting that such a move is basically a done deal.
Jeff Ermann writes:
"Kevin Durant‘s rumored move to Under Armour appears to be a foregone conclusion, multiple sources with knowledge of the negotiations told InsideMDSports.com.Durant, whose Nike contract recently expired, canceled a trip to the Swoosh’s Oregon headquarters earlier this week amid speculation Under Armour had offered him a deal in the range of $30 million annually to become the ascending athletic brand’s marquee pitch man. Sources told IMS earlier Under Armour’s proposal could be as high as $325 million over 10 years."
This would be an enormous win for Under Armour. The company already lured Golden State Warriors point guard Stephen Curry away from Nike in September of 2013 and getting another NBA star would further legitimatize them.
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From Durant’s perspective, the move would obviously come with a huge pay day and it would also help get him out from behind LeBron James’ shadow, as Ermann notes.
"And despite his growing popularity, a product of his on-court success and likable persona — highlighted by his emotional MVP acceptance speech — industry sources stressed Durant will remain a secondary figure to James as long as he stays with Nike."
Durant averaged 32.0 point and 7.4 rebounds per game this past season.