Recent reports indicate that Nike offered superstar small forward Kevin Durant of the Oklahoma City Thunder, US $265 million and a shoe deal to stop him from signing with rival company, Under Armour.

Durant's seven year contract with Nike is expiring soon. Under Armour stepped in with a 10-year offer worth US$265 to $285 million.

Like Us on Facebook

Analyst and senior managing director of ISI's luxury, apparel and footwear team, Omar Saad, said that this was nothing for Nike.

He also pointed out that Nike was the best at monetizing their assets, and that steady business could help build Durant's business at US$60 million a year.

Saad added that Durant's signature "KD" shoes made US$175 million in retail this past year. In an effort to keep Durant from leaving Nike, he says that they could increase the cost of his shoes as a way to sweeten the deal.

Under Armour though has offered Durant 10-percent stock, which would make their offer more substantial.

They are hoping to add Durant to the already growing list of athletes they have, including Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors.

The decision to leave Nike came from Durant's management, Jay-Z.

Since signing with the rap mogul, Durant has "capitalized on his MVP status," as taken from a previous report.

Apart from the Nike debacle, Durant has also parted ways with Gatorade and has since signed with relatively new competitor, Sparkling Ice.

Endorsements aside, Jay-Z has also made several decisions about Durant's playing.

Last August, Durant and his management made the decision to bow out of the now ongoing FIBA World Cup. The decision left his sponsors, team members, and fans, bothered and wary.

TagsKevin Durant, Nike, Under Armour