Kevin Durant has been out of the playoffs for a couple of weeks, but we still see his face every day via his several endorsement deals (lets all agree that his Sprint commercials where he plays a father who looks like Kevin Durant are now classics). So when news broke late last night that he’s leaving his current agency for a possible representation deal with Roc Nation Sports, it’s definitely comes as a surprise.
Roc Nation Sports has been in the news a lot lately, as the Jay-Z affiliated sports agency has signed Jets rook Geno Smith and Tulsa Shock rook Skylar Diggins. Not to mention there have been rumors of the Giants Victor Cruz and the Eagles DeSean Jackson also considering a move to the upstart agency. Obviously, getting Durant would be a major power move, the sort of difference-maker that can position Roc Nation Sports for a continuous run. The thought is that Durant wants to increase his brand, though it’s curious what exactly that entails, since he’s already one of the most marketable pro athletes around. Still, if you are a new sports agency trying to compete, it’s a good problem to have.
Jay-Z's upstart sports agency has received another big boost, as a source confirmed to ESPN on Friday night that Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant will leave his current agent to join Roc Nation Sports.
The source said 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.
A spokesman for Roc Nation Sports told ESPN that Durant is not currently a client. It's unknown whether Jay-Z will wait until he sells his small ownership share in theBrooklyn Nets — it's believed he owns between one-fifth and one-fifteenth of 1 percent of the team — before signing Durant. A source tells ESPN that Jay-Z's ownership sale has not yet been completed.
