Deep into his illustrious career, Kevin Durant continues to command attention—not just for his undeniable prowess on the court, but also in the vibrant world of sports memorabilia. Two decades into this high-octane era of basketball, the hobbyists and collectors revel in the star power of icons like LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Durant himself. With murmurs of retirement perpetually buzzing around NBA veterans, Durant brings a breath of fresh air with recent news of his contract extension with the Houston Rockets as he struts into his 18th season. This announcement injected a shot of enthusiasm into his memorabilia markets, sending his rookie cards soaring higher than his vertical leap.
Since his debut, Durant has consistently impressed, validating the excitement surrounding his arrival in the 2007 NBA Draft as the second overall pick. He secured the Rookie of the Year title with the Seattle Supersonics (now Oklahoma City Thunder), before amassing accolades that include two championship titles along with Finals MVP nods in 2017 and 2018, a 2014 league MVP award, and a staggering 15 appearances in the All-Star Games. With his name etched in the NBA history books for leading scoring charts across four seasons, Durant’s offensive genius saw him average a peak of 32.0 points per game in the 2013-14 season. As the 2025-26 season commenced, he stood proudly in eighth place on the all-time scoring list, inching tantalizingly close to surpassing legends like Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Wilt Chamberlain, and Dirk Nowitzki.
Within this vibrant tapestry of basketball heritage, Durant’s rookie cards have emerged as cherished relics, prized by aficionados and casual collectors alike. Despite the inflated market at the top echelon, opportunities still abound for newcomers aiming to own a piece of basketball history. Many intrepid collectors start with raw card editions—these gems can often be acquired for a modest sum, sometimes settling under 20 dollars. Examples of such sought-after cards include the 2007-08 SP Rookie Edition 61, SP Authentic Retail 152, and Topps 112.
The seasoned or aspirational collector, however, often finds solace in Beckett’s Online Price Guide, which meticulously tracks no fewer than 35 true rookies from Durant’s playing years. Not counting the myriad inserts or parallels, a wide array of offerings from celebrated brands like Upper Deck and Topps range from 25 dollars to a few hundred, contingent on the condition and market fluctuations. Highlights include collector favorites such as the Upper Deck First Edition 202 and the Upper Deck 234 SP RC.
For those seeking to delve deeper into their pockets, mid-tier options present an enticing investment opportunity—these pieces usually break the 100-dollar threshold comfortably and can ascend towards the 1,000-dollar mark for pristine specimens. Notable cards include the Bowman 111, Fleer Hot Prospects 123 JSY AU RC, and SP Rookie Threads 49 JSY AU RC.
Aficionados pursuing the crème de la crème often find themselves gravitating towards Upper Deck offerings, where Durant’s exclusive autograph and memorabilia agreements during his rookie year add layers of desirability and value. Here, the spectrum of raw editions typically begins at 1,500 dollars, with a putative value card within this tier being the SP Authentic 152 JSY AU out of 299. The creme de la creme of this gold standard tier is dominated by cards like the Chronology 135 AU RC and UD Black 106 JSY AU RC.
Standing above all, high on a pedestal of collector glory, is the 2007-08 Exquisite Collection 94 JSY AU out of 99—a masterpiece regarded with reverence amongst enthusiasts. Even the “near mint” versions can command stratospheric prices, reaching upwards of 30,000 dollars with ease and ballooning to a jaw-dropping 75,000 dollars for mint-quality pieces. In what might be described as a fever of auction fervor during July 2021, a graded 9 specimen fetched 108,000 dollars at Goldin with a buyer’s premium. Similarly, a graded 8, complete with a coveted NBA Logoman patch, saw the bidding escalate to 125,000 dollars in a March 2021 eBay sale.
As the narrative of Kevin Durant’s basketball journey continues to be drafted on the courts, the vibrant chronicles of collecting his memorabilia add another intriguing chapter. In the bustling marketplaces and discreet home displays, his rookie cards serve as a testament to Durant’s legacy—a continual embrace of sporting excellence.
