Since high school, Kevin Durant firmly proved he belonged playing basketball at the highest level of competition. He was the cornerstone on each of his three high school basketball teams and was nominated to the McDonald's All-American Team.
As the second-highest basketball recruit heading into the 2006-07 men's college basketball season, Durant competed for the Longhorns at the University of Texas. The former AAU and high school basketball standout exceeded all expectations in his only year at the University of Texas. Durant captured every major award in the 2006-07 college basketball season, from the John R. Wooden Award to the AP Player of the Year, to the Adolph Rupp Trophy. While reaching these accomplishments, Durant became the first freshman to achieve each notable basketball honor.
Kevin Durant was ultimately selected as the second overall pick by the then Seattle SuperSonics in the highly anticipated 2007 NBA Draft held at the legendary Madison Square Garden in New York. Since then, Durant has been on a mission.
After playing exceptional basketball with the Seattle SuperSonics and Oklahoma City Thunder, Durant moved on to play with the Golden State Warriors to compete for an NBA championship. In three seasons with the Warriors, Durant captured two NBA titles, including two NBA Finals MVP Awards. Now, as a member of the Brooklyn Nets, Kevin Durant continues playing basketball at an extremely high level, seeking his third NBA ring.
Through 13 NBA seasons, Kevin Durant has proved to the basketball landscape that he's the image of a generational talent. As one of the league's most dominant players over the last decade, sports card collectors strive to acquire Durant's desired rookie cards. As Durant's rookie cards proceed to rise in value, let's explore the top 15 best Kevin Durant rookie cards.
#15
2007 Upper Deck SP Rookie Edition Kevin Durant Autograph RC #61
Recent sale: $3,500
On eBay Now: Similar | Exact
In the 2006-07 college basketball season, Kevin Durant averaged a double-double behind 25.8 points per game, and 11.8 rebounds, both good for 4th most in the nation in his lone season at the University of Texas. Through 35 games, Durant amassed 20 double-doubles and was the Big 12 scoring champion, Big 12 Player of the Year, 2007 National Freshman of the Year, and the 2007 National Player of the Year, an extraordinary accomplishment for a 1st-year college basketball player.
Upper Deck issued Kevin Durant's autographed rookie card in the 2007-08 SP Authentic set, by far the most treasured card of the product. There are 71 cards in PSA's population report, with 41 collectors obtaining a PSA 10 for Durant's 2007 Upper Deck autographed rookie card. Of the 152 cards submitted to BGS, no collector was fortunate enough to receive a BGS 10, with the highest graded earning a BGS 9.5. Overall, only 21% of Durant's rookie card received a PSA or BGS 10.
Kevin Durant's college success led him to become the 2nd overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft. Despite having a high population and being one of only two Kevin Durant rookie cards on the list not serial-numbered, his 2007 SP Authentic card is a solid investment for collectors.
#14
2007 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection Kevin Durant Exclusives Autographs RC #KD #'d/35
Recent sale: $3,757
On eBay Now: Similar | Exact
Durant made his highly anticipated NBA debut on October 31, 2007, for the Seattle SuperSonics. In 31 minutes of action, Durant shot 7 for 22, scoring 18 points, and racked up the stat sheet with five rebounds, one assist, three steals, and a blocked shot. In his rookie season, Durant led the team in scoring with 20.3 points per game and shot 87% from the free-throw line, the highest free-throw percentage on the team. Durant later captured the 2007-08 NBA Rookie of the Year after receiving 90% of the first-place votes.
Collectors raved about the set to acquire Durant's iconic rookie card, issued in one pack containing five cards. Kevin Durant's 2007 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection autographed rookie card is limited to 35 and is one of his most condition-sensitive rookie cards. With a PSA population of one, and a BGS population of 21, the highest grade earned is a BGS 9.5.
Since its release on July 30, 2008, it's remained the top Kevin Durant rookie card from the set. As this captivating card received a BGS 8, Durant's Exclusives Autographs card from 2007 Upper Deck is loaded with potential, as 62% of the total cards have obtained a higher grade.
#13
2007 Upper Deck Premier Kevin Durant Rookies Autographs Jerseys Red RC #KD #'d/15
Recent sale: $3,938
On eBay Now: Similar | Exact
Since Durant was in 8th grade, he maintained a strong relationship with Nike and later signed the brand's second most lucrative rookie endorsement deal. After turning down a seven-year, $70 million contract with Adidas, Durant accepted a seven-year $60 million deal with Nike, including a $10 million signing bonus. The only other rookie to receive a more lucrative endorsement deal is LeBron James' $90 million deal with Nike in 2003.
Durant's 2007 Upper Deck Premier rookie patch autographed card is one of his most limited rookie cards, serial-numbered to 15. Released on April 15, 2008, the highly sought-after 2007-08 Premier set featured only one pack in each hobby box, offering seven cards. Since its release, only 10 cards have been graded by PSA and BGS, with this card being the most pristine, with the highest grade of a BGS 8.
As a member of the Seattle SuperSonics, later becoming the Oklahoma City Thunder, Durant's rookie patch autographed card is a memorable piece of Durant's legacy. Now as the face of the Brooklyn Nets, Durant has more to prove in his historic career, where his 2007 Upper Deck Premier rookie patch autographed card is one of the most appreciated Durant rookie cards.
#12
2007 Fleer Hot Prospects Kevin Durant Autograph Patch RC #123 #'d/399
Recent sale: $4,299
On eBay Now: Similar | Exact
Fleer issued their 2007-08 Hot Prospects set on November 27, 2007, the same day Kevin Durant scored 25 points on 10 of 19 shooting for the Seattle SuperSonics as a rookie. The SuperSonics went 20-62 and finished last in the Western Conference in Durant's rookie season, followed by a 23-59 record in his sophomore campaign after the franchise relocated to Oklahoma City.
However, in the 2009-10 season, Durant led the Thunder to a 50-32 record to earn the 8th seed in the NBA Playoffs. The following season, Durant and the Thunder, who were +1600 odds to win the 2010-11 NBA title, challenged the odds and reached the Western Conference Finals.
Fleer issued each hobby box in 18 packs of five cards, where the most excitable commodity of the set remains Durant's rookie patch autographed card. Kevin Durant's 2007 Fleer Hot Prospects rookie patch autographed card is serial-numbered to 399. While the grade of this specific card is a PSA 7, 71% of the card's total population received a higher grade, illustrating the potential of Durant's 2007-08 Fleer Hot Prospects rookie patch autographed card.
#11
2007 Fleer Kevin Durant Retro Rookies Glossy RC #143
Recent sale: $4,950
On eBay Now: Similar | Exact
Fleer Released 2007-08 Basketball as a 200-card set on January 29, 2008, featuring 16 packs of 15 cards in each. On the day of Fleer's 2007-08 release, Durant led the SuperSonics to a massive win over the San Antonio Spurs to commemorate the release. It was one of Durant's rookie season highlights with 26 points, seven rebounds, and five assists.
Durant's rookie card from the set is classified as '86 Retro Rookies, and collectors could find an '86 Retro Rookies insert card in every other pack in hopes of finding Durant's coveted rookie card. Durant's 2007 Fleer Retro glossy rookie card has a PSA population of 90, with only seven cards (7%) earning a PSA 10. His 2007 Fleer Retro card is even more condition-sensitive when calculating the population from BGS. None of the 27 cards submitted to BGS earned a BGS 10, with just eight cards receiving a BGS 9.5.
While Durant's '86 Retro rookie card isn't serial-numbered, collectors seek out Durant's 2007-08 Fleer rookie card because of its condition sensitivity. As one of the few cards from the set to obtain PSA's highest grade, hobbyists should anticipate the growth of Durant's '86 Retro rookie card for years to come.
#10
2007 Upper Deck Ultimate Collection Kevin Durant Rookies Gold RC #115 #'d/50
Recent sale: $6,699
On eBay Now: Similar | Exact
Kevin Durant's gold rookie autographed basketball card from 2007-08 Ultimate Collection highlights Durant soaring through the air for a two-handed dunk. Since the 2000-01 NBA season, Kevin Durant has totaled 1,285 dunks, designating him with the 10th most dunks in the NBA through only 13 seasons. Also since the 2000-01 season, 92 players have totaled more than 100 dunks in a season. Behind Dwight Howard's 14 and LeBron James' 12 100 or more dunk seasons, Kevin Durant ranks third with nine seasons surpassing the 100-dunk milestone.
Upper Deck released the 2007-08 Ultimate Collection on May 13, 2008, presenting four packs of four cards in each. On average, collectors discovered one autograph and two memorabilia cards per pack. Kevin Durant's gold rookie card is serial-numbered to 50, with only 24 cards unveiled to date. Graded a BGS 8.5, only 21% of Durant's 2007-08 Ultimate Collection Gold rookie card graded higher, with just 4% obtaining a PSA or BGS 10.
Kevin Durant's Ultimate Collection Gold rookie card shows the high-flying Durant in his element. As one of the most prolific scorers and dunkers in NBA history, Durant is on the path to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, where his 2007-08 Ultimate Collection Gold rookie card is the embodiment of Durant's prosperous NBA career.
#9
2007 Upper Deck SP Authentic Kevin Durant Autographs Patch RC #152 #'d/299
Recent sale: $6,750
On eBay Now: Similar | Exact
Kevin Durant's 2007 SP Authentic rookie patch autographed card references Durant as the 2nd overall draft pick in the 2007 NBA Draft, selected after Greg Oden of the Ohio State Buckeyes by the Portland Trail Blazers. Traveling back to their high school playing days, Durant and Oden were often discussed in the same sentence. Oden was a standout player in high school, capturing the 2005 and 2006 Gatorade Player of the Year and named Indiana's Mr. Basketball.
Oden was the highest-ranked recruit in the 2006-07 college basketball season, with Durant ranked second. Even after Durant won every major award in the 2006-07 NCAA season, Oden was still selected over Durant in the 2007 NBA Draft. Unfortunately for Oden, he only played 105 games in his NBA career due to continuous knee injuries.
When Upper Deck released 2007 SP Authentic on February 12, 2008, Greg Oden was dealing with a season-ending injury while collectors focused on the value of Kevin Durant's rookie cards. Durant's 2007 SP Authentic rookie patch autographed card remains one of his most condition-sensitive cards, with one of 16 cards earning a PSA 10 and zero of 107 obtaining a BGS 10. Between PSA and BGS, less than 1% of Durant's 2007 SP Authentic RPA card received a PSA or BGS 10. While Durant was continuously ranked behind Oden, Durant proved his doubters wrong, becoming one of the game's greatest NBA players and securing precious value for his rookie cards.
#8
2007 Bowman Sterling Kevin Durant Refractors Gold RC #KD #'d/99
Recent sale: $7,100
On eBay Now: Similar | Exact
Durant was a journeyman in high school, spending two years at National Christian Academy in Fort Washington, Maryland, his junior year at Oak Hill Academy in Wilson, Virginia, and his senior year at Montrose Christian School in Rockville, Maryland. On June 16, 2005, Durant committed to the University of Texas. On March 26, 2006, all eyes were on Durant as he competed in the McDonald's All-American game. As a co-MVP of the game, Durant shot 10 of 17 from the floor, totaling 25 points, five rebounds, four assists, and two steals.
Bowman released the 2007-08 Sterling set on April 15, 2008, configured in six packs of five cards. Each 2007 Bowman Sterling pack included two rookie cards, two relic cards, and one autographed card. Durant's Gold Refractor rookie card is serial-numbered to 99 and is the highlight of the Bowman release.
Durant's card is graded a BGS 9.5, the highest awarded grade by BGS for this remarkable card. With a total PSA and BGS population of 60, only five cards, approximately 8%, received the coveted PSA or BGS 10. Despite attending three different high schools, Durant fused well with his teammates and excelled on the basketball court from an early age. As Durant attended three different high schools, he should continue his journey in the NBA with the Brooklyn Nets, his third franchise. Durant's success in high school carried over to both college and the NBA, where his 2007 Bowman Sterling Gold Refractor rookie card holds immense value.
#7
2007 Topps Finest Kevin Durant Black Refractors RC #71 #'d/75
Recent sale: $7,500
On eBay Now: Similar | Exact
In Durant's rookie season, his minutes progressively increased, and his performance improved as well. Through 16 games in November of his rookie season, Durant averaged 34.5 minutes per game and scored 20.6 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.2 assists. By the season's final month, Durant averaged 40.1 minutes per game and scored 24.3 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game.
Durant's Black Refractor rookie card from 2007-08 Topps Finest has been highly sought after by collectors since its release on June 24, 2008. Topps issued the 130-card set in a mini box containing six packs of six cards. Durant's Black Refractors rookie card is serial-numbered to 75 and remains the worthiest card of the set. With a BGS population of 36, 26 cards received a BGS 9.5, this card included, with only one card obtaining a BGS 10.
2007-08 Topps Finest is an extraordinary Kevin Durant rookie card that continues to rise in value each time it hits the market. The price of Kevin Durant's rookie card would command serious attention if his 2007 Topps Finest Black Refractor rookie card graded a BGS 10.
#6
2007 Bowman Kevin Durant Chrome Refractor RC #111 #'d/299
Recent sale: $7,707
On eBay Now: Similar | Exact
Piggybacking off Durant's card description, Durant undoubtedly had the most dominant game of his college career on January 31, 2007 versus their instate rivals, Texas Tech. At the time, Texas was ranked 22nd in the nation and was facing a formidable Big 12 opponent in their home arena. In the highly anticipated matchup versus the Red Raiders, Durant shot 15 of 29 from the floor, including 5 of 9 beyond the arc, leading the Longhorns to a 2nd half comeback to earn the victory. Durant played the entire 40 minutes, showcasing his ridiculous talent.
Kevin Durant's Refractor rookie card from 2007 Bowman Chrome is one of his most valuable rookie cards. Bowman released the 160-card set on November 6, 2007, featuring 110 NBA veterans and 50 NBA rookies. Durant's 2007 Bowman Chrome rookie card is serial-numbered to 299, with 12% of all cards submitted earning a PSA or BGS 10. This distinct card received a PSA 9, which has a population of 23 out of 46 PSA graded cards.
As one of the most sought-after Kevin Durant rookie cards, collectors should anticipate paying a premium for Kevin Durant's iconic 2007 Bowman Chrome refractor rookie card.
#5
2007 Topps Kevin Durant Rookies Orange RC #2 #'d/14
Recent sale: $7,800
On eBay Now: Similar | Exact
Rick Barnes coached the University of Texas basketball team from 1998 to 2015, including Kevin Durant's 2006-07 season. Throughout his tenure, Barnes expressed how Durant was the most outstanding player he ever coached. Durant and the Longhorns went 12-4 in conference play in the 2006-07 college basketball season and led the Big 12 in points scored, averaging 81.7 points per game. Durant's 25.8 points per game had a lot to do with it.
Topps issued the 2007-08 set on August 22, 2007, in 48 packs of 11 cards. Durant's orange rookie card from 2007-08 Topps is his 5th most valuable rookie card. On top of that, Durant's 2007 Topps Basketball orange rookie card is his third-most limited card, serial-numbered to 14. Durant's orange rookie card is graded a PSA 10, one of only two cards to obtain the ultimate grade.
Behind one of the most dominant seasons in college basketball history, Durant captured every major player of the year award in the 2006-07 season. Resuming to make headlines in his NBA career, the 2007-08 Topps orange rookie card prevails as one of his most valuable Kevin Durant cards.
#4
2007 Upper Deck Chronology Kevin Durant Autographs Gold RC #215 #'d/10
Recent sale: $11,411
On eBay Now: Similar | Exact
Durant and the SuperSonics totaled just 20 wins compared to 62 losses in his rookie season. In the SuperSonics victories, Durant averaged 23.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 2.8 assists, compared to their losses, where Durant averaged 19.2 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.3 assists. It's safe to say that the Seattle SuperSonics relied on Durant's success.
Durant's fourth most valuable card emerged from 2007-08 Upper Deck Chronology. Durant's autographed gold rookie card is his second most limited card, serial-numbered to only 10. Upper Deck issued the memorable set on August 12, 2008, in one pack among seven cards per pack. On average, collectors can anticipate three autographed cards, one memorabilia card, and a Rookie Redemption card featuring rookies from the 2007 NBA Draft.
The total PSA and BGS population of Durant's 2007 Upper Deck Chronology card is seven, with one card from PSA obtaining a PSA 10 and six cards receiving a BGS 9, the highest grade awarded by BGS. Overall, just one card, 14% of all cards, graded a PSA or BGS 10. With Durant's success on the court, the value of his 2007 Upper Deck Chronology has followed suit, becoming one of his most valuable rookie cards along the way.
#3
2007 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection Kevin Durant Gold RC #94 #'d/25
Recent sale: $15,100
On eBay Now: Similar | Exact
Durant is one of the NBA's most clutch shooters, often scoring game-winning buckets down the stretch of games or forcing games to overtime. In Durant's nine seasons with the Seattle SuperSonics/Oklahoma City Thunder, he knocked down three buzzer-beaters, ranked the most in franchise history.
Like Durant's 14th most valuable card, Durant's third most valuable card emerged from the 2007 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection. The Upper Deck 2007-08 Exquisite Collection introduced a unique configuration with cases containing three hobby boxes. Durant's Gold rookie card is extremely limited, serial-numbered to only 25 cards. To date, none of the 18 cards graded by either PSA or BGS obtained the ultimate 10 grade. Durant's Gold rookie card from 2007-08 Upper Deck is graded a BGS 8.5, with only 12% of cards graded higher.
As one of the most well-known Kevin Durant rookie cards, his 2007-08 Upper Deck card is one of basketball card collectors' most sought-after rookie cards. Durant will continue to be one of the league's greatest players with his clutch shooting, shooting prowess, and defensive abilities. With Durant putting together a Hall of Fame NBA career, expect his 2007 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection card to soar in value for years to come.
#2
2007 Topps Chrome Kevin Durant Refractors RC #131 #'d/1499
Recent sale: $18,700
On eBay Now: Similar | Exact
In his rookie season with the SuperSonics, Durant launched 434 field goal attempts between 16 feet to three-point range, making 180 shots, about 41%. If you look at Durant's 2020-21 season with the Brooklyn Nets, he attempted 118 field goals from 16 feet to three-point range, knocking down 60 of them, about 50%. Durant has always had an exceptional jump shot, though his accuracy has improved due to his seasoned shot selection.
When Topps released the 2007-08 Chrome hobby box on January 2, 2008, not all collectors were convinced that Durant's Refractor rookie card would carry such significant value. Ranked as his second most valuable card, Durant's PSA 10 refractor rookie card from 2007 Topps is serial-numbered to 1,499. Since its release, 26% of Durant's 2007 Topps Chrome rookie cards received a PSA or BGS 10.
As Kevin Durant's shooting accuracy has developed over the years, so too has his 2007-08 Topps Chrome refractors rookie card. When collectors purchased a 2007-08 Topps Chrome hobby box, they tirelessly searched all 24 packs containing four cards for Durant's refractor rookie card. If you were fortunate to be one of the collectors who discovered his 2007 Topps Chrome refractors card, you would hold one of Durant's most treasured rookie cards.
#1
2007 Upper Deck Premier Kevin Durant Stitchings Patches Autograph RC #PS-KD #'d/5
Recent sale: $20,000
On eBay Now: Similar | Exact
A week after Kevin Durant was drafted second overall to the Seattle SuperSonics, the team announced their decision to move the franchise. While Kevin Durant only played in the city of Seattle for one season, his NBA career started there and will inhabit a part of his legacy.
The lowest serial-numbered and most valuable Kevin Durant rookie card is his 2007 Upper Deck Premier rookie patch autographed card. Limited to only five cards, Durant's 2007 Upper Deck Premier RPA has a population of only one, which earned a BGS 8.5.
Upper Deck released the 140-card set holding Kevin Durant's iconic card on April 15, 2008. Upper Deck issued hobby boxes with just one pack in each box, containing seven cards. The premium Upper Deck set was loaded with autographed cards, though Kevin Durant's Stitching's Patches autographed rookie card is the most coveted. With his roots deeply embedded in Seattle SuperSonics history, his rookie patch autographed card from 2007 Upper Deck will also remain a part of Durant's history as his most valuable rookie card.
Kevin Durant's Legacy
Kevin Durant is an electrifying basketball player who delivers his exceptional talents on a nightly basis. Through 13 NBA seasons, Kevin Durant has secured NBA Rookie of the Year honors, 11 NBA All-Star selections, become a four-time NBA scoring champion, and selected as the 2014 NBA's Most Valuable Player. When all is said and done, Kevin Durant will be enshrined in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hal of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts. Kevin Durant will be regarded as one of the most prominent basketball players to step on the court, and the value of his rookie cards will attain unprecedented value.
