One of the faces of international basketball appears to be taking issue with his primary sponsor.
After Nike released its “Winning Isn’t For Everyone” ad oriented around the 2024 Paris Olympics, star Kevin Durant — who conspicuously wasn’t included in the film — took to Instagram to express his displeasure.
“@nike tell me, am I a bad person?????” Durant posted on his Instagram story while wearing a Nike Team USA basketball shirt.
The 35-year-old appeared to make reference to the refrain used throughout Nike’s commercial, which included basketball stars LeBron James, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kobe Bryant, A’ja Wilson, Victor Wembanyama and Sabrina Ionescu.
Durant then followed up his original post with a picture of him receiving his 2012 gold medal in Nike garb, accompanied with the text “Been wit yall every step of the way @nike.”
The bad beef appeared to extend deeper after Durant’s agent, Rich Kleiman, remarked “It is so nice to be seen” after Durant was photographed for a Team USA x Kith merchandise collaboration.
The 14-time All-Star has only worn Nike shoes throughout his illustrious career and launched his signature “KD” line in 2009.
In April 2023, Durant became just the third athlete ever to sign a lifetime contract with the brand.
Regarding his on-the-court play instead of apparel, Durant has been sidelined from Team USA’s pre-Olympic competition as he rehabs from a calf injury.
However, there appeared optimism for a return, with The Athletic’s Shams Charania noting that Durant practiced on Friday and could play in Monday’s matchup with Germany.
Even sans the four-time scoring champion, Team USA hasn’t missed much of a step, going 4-0 in exhibition showcases thus far — although one such win was a one-point escape against South Sudan.
The Americans begin their journey for a fifth straight gold medal against Serbia — who they crushed, 105-79, on July 17 — on July 28 from Lille, France.