Kevin Durant Is Signing With Jay-Z's New Sports Agency

Jay-Z's Roc Nation Sports outfit has reportedly signed its first NBA client, and this might be the burgeoning agency's biggest splash yet.

According to the SportsBusiness Journal's Liz Mullen, Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant has left his current representation at Landmark Sports and is expected to sign with Roc Nation:



There is no word on when an official announcement will be made, but Mullen notes Durant's move seems imminent. ESPN's Darren Rovell has confirmed Durant desires Jay-Z's representation services:



The 24-year-old All-Star joined Landmark just last year, signing with agent Rob Pelinka, who is best known for representing Lakers guard Kobe Bryant.

Pelinka released a statement regarding Durant's departure to Mullen:



Durant is seen largely as the second-best player in the NBA—a selling point that undoubtedly makes him an attractive client for Roc Nation. Founded by Jay-Z in conjunction with Creative Arts Agency, Roc Nation Sports marked the 43-year-old rap mogul's first foray into athlete representation.

CBS Sports' Gary Parrish noted Jay-Z's habitual excellence in all his endeavors:



As part of his transition into the sports representation field, Jay-Z agreed to sell his stake in the Nets. Durant will become the first NBA client for Roc Nation Sports, which also represents Yankees second baseman Robinson Cano, Tulsa Shock guard Skylar Diggins and New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz.

According to Yahoo! Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski, Durant grew up idolizing Jay-Z and saw an undeniable opportunity land at his feet:



Becoming the "first" at something has to be significant for Durant, who lamented his second-place history in an April issue of Sports Illustrated.



"I've been second my whole life,” Durant said. “I was the second-best player in high school. I was the second pick in the draft. I've been second in the MVP voting three times. I came in second in the Finals. I'm tired of being second. I'm not going to settle for that. I'm done with it.”