Kevin Durant told The Oklahoman that his decision to change his representation to Jay-Z’s Roc Nation Sports doesn’t mean he’s looking to leave the Oklahoma City Thunder when his contract expires.
“He has nothing to do with if I’m going to leave OKC or none of that,” Durant told the newspaper. “I heard that before, so put that out on the table. He has nothing to do with that. He knows his 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 became Roc Nation Sports’ first NBA client last week. It’s the third time he has switched agents in his six years in the league. He was represented by Goodwin Sports and, most recently, Landmark Sports before joining Jay-Z’s agency.
“It just seemed like a perfect move to me, something that there’s no risk in doing,” Durant told ESPN.com’s Darren Rovell in a “SportsCenter” interview. “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.”
A source told ESPN.com earlier this month that Durant believes he doesn’t need a contract agent now because he signed an $85 million extension with the Thunder in 2010 that will take him through the 2015-16 season. Instead, Durant — already one of the most marketable players in the league — has told those close to him that he wants to increase his brand.
Durant has endorsement deals with Nike, Sprint, Gatorade, Skullcandy headphones, BBVA Compass, 2K Sports and Panini America.
