It looks like Nike is keeping Kevin Durant as early reports are stating that Nike has countered the massive contract offered by Under Armour.
Under Armour's offer was between $265 million and $285 million which showed just how serious they were in adding KD to their growing roster of NBA talent. Exact details of the Nike deal haven't been made available yet, but according to ESPN sources, Durant, who is scheduled to make $41.2 million over the next two years, should make more via the Nike deal through base pay and royalties. Based on market retail tracking firm SportsOneSource, Durant's signature KD model generated $175 million last year. Sources also reported that not only is business on the rise, but by raising the retail price and opening up wider distribution, Nike could justify this deal.
What does this mean for sneakerheads? Fans of Nike's KD line don't have to fear the jump to UA. KDs could be made in greater numbers and be more widely available. 'Heads will probably end up paying more at retail. The current KD model, the VII, retails at $150 so seeing a jump in price for the VIII wouldn't be surprising. Stay tuned as details of the deal are sure to emerge.
[via ESPN]
