Kevin Durant's Next Nikes Are Leaking

Nike KD 9 Elite surfaces in a tonal grey colorway.

Grey Nike KD 9 Elite TS EP 909140 013
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Image via Gallery2

Grey Nike KD 9 Elite TS EP 909140 013

While Nike Basketball brought prices down for its top-of-the-line models this season, the brand doesn't appear to be backing down from its Elite series, an expensive range intended for post-season play. Over the weekend, Japanese retailer Gallery2 posted the above image of what it says is the Nike KD 9 Elite.

The shoe is slightly higher than the regular Nike KD 9 and has a different shape at the collar and more pronounced support cables on the upper. The bag on bottom appears to be the same.

Kevin Durant has actually worn a different colorway of this sneaker before, breaking out this pair at the top of February.

Nike Basketball's aim with products like these is partly to remind consumers of its dedication to advancing design in sportswear.

"I think it's important to keep that pinnacle piece where we can bring as much innovation as we can bring as a company and really show what we can do," Nike designer Tony Hardman told Sole Collector in a recent interview. "But then also tier it down and have different levels of product."

Gallery2 has this sneaker releasing on Feb. 23 in Japan. Nike has not yet confirmed a U.S. release date.

UPDATE 3/10: Official Nike product imagery of the upcoming Nike KD 9 Elite TS EP, which is still without a confirmed release date, below.

Nike KD 9 Elite TS EP 909140-013 Grey
Nike KD 9 Elite TS EP 909140-013 Grey Profile
Nike KD 9 Elite TS EP 909140-013 Grey Medial
Nike KD 9 Elite TS EP 909140-013 Grey Top
Nike KD 9 Elite TS EP 909140-013 Grey Heel
Nike KD 9 Elite TS EP 909140-013 Grey Sole