Kicks

Kevin Durant Says Ja Morant Has Second-Best Shoes in NBA

Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant admires Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant's new Nike basketball shoes.

Pat Benson

In this story:

After last week's blockbuster trade between the Brooklyn Nets and the Phoenix Suns, Kevin Durant has a new conference of contenders to battle. However, it is all love at the 2023 NBA All-Star Game for Durant and his opponents.

Earlier today, Nick Crain of Forbes asked Durant who had the second-best signature sneaker in the line in the NBA. After a brief moment of contemplation, Durant replied, "Probably Ja (Morant) right now. Probably got the best one."

That is high praise coming from Durant. In addition to being one of the most dominant scorers in league history, he is a serious sneakerhead with an equally-incredible signature line of his own with Nike.

Durant has played in his 15th signature basketball shoe this season, the Nike KD 15. The perennial All-NBA forward has played in a wide array of colorways that have ranged from general releases to rare player-exclusive models. Most of Durant's shoes are available at a discounted price on Nike's website now.

Nike Ja 1

View of Ja Morant's purple and orange shoes.
A detailed look at Ja Morant's shoes / Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

However, there is a lot of buzz surrounding Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant's new signature line. Fans at All-Star Weekend in Salt Lake City, Utah, were the first people able to purchase the shoes at a special Nike pop-up shop held inside an igloo.

Everyone who did not make the pilgrimage to Salt Lake City for All-Star Weekend must wait for the Nike Ja 1 to officially launch in April for $110. There have already been several confirmed colorways, and sneakerheads have reason to be excited about Morant's new line.

As for Durant, he has his work cut out for him in the Western Conference. Once he returns from injury, he will be tasked with leading the Phoenix Suns back to the NBA Finals. It is safe to assume Nike is already planning some fire colorways for Durant when he makes his debut in the Valley of the Sun.

The Arena Media Brands, LLC and respective content providers may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website.

Recommended For You

Look: LeBron, KD, Giannis' Nike shoes release in special All-Star colorways.

News: Kevin Durant's shoes release in 'Olympics Gold' colorway.

Story: DeMar DeRozan debuts a new Nike Kobe 6 Protro colorway.

Published
Pat Benson
PAT BENSON

Pat Benson covers the sneaker industry for Sports Illustrated's FanNation. Previously, he has reported on the NBA, authored "Kobe Bryant's Sneaker History (1996-2020)," and interviewed some of the biggest names in the sports world. You can email him at 1989patbenson@gmail.com.

Home/News