Thunder F Kevin Durant yesterday was in Las Vegas "talking to 10 companies that sponsor him while addressing questions on how he handles being a public figure and being ... a popular figure on Madison Avenue," according to Darren Rovell of ESPN.com. Q Score data shows that Durant became the most-liked player in the NBA this season, "thanks in great part to his MVP speech in which he emotionally thanked his mother." Durant: "I didn't do that to be marketable, to be looked at as one of the more marketable guys. Was just being myself, and, if people like (me) for me being myself, then I'm cool with it." Rovell noted Durant's "biggest deal is in limbo," as his Nike contract "expires this week." Sources said that Under Armour "is preparing a robust offer." Durant: "Nike has been a part of me ever since I was in high school and have been great since I've been in the league but I'm just going to let my team be the ones who handle that behind the scenes." Rovell notes Durant "switched agents last June," becoming the first NBA client for Roc Nation Sports. Durant: "They work so hard for me. It's like a family atmosphere over there. I love it. It's a great decision I made. A lot of people didn't know what was going on before because it was new. I think it has paid off because these guys know how to handle business and they put me in the right positions and gave me some great opportunities." Rovell notes one of those opportunities was with Sparkling Ice, a bervage brand for which he is the "only celebrity spokesperson." Durant: "I was like, 'Look, this is something I drink every single day and would be cool to be a part of'" (ESPN.com, 7/30). See the full endorsement portfolio for Kevin Durant at Resource Guide LIVE.
