Suns star Kevin Durant named 2024-25 Magic Johnson Award recipient

Kevin Durant of the Phoenix Suns was named the Magic Johnson Award winner for 2024-25, which acknowledges the NBA player who combines on-court excellence with “cooperation and grace in dealing with the media and fans,” the Professional Basketball Writers Association announced Wednesday.

Durant, who candidly dealt with reporters after his name was widely circulated in trade rumors before the deadline, averaged 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game while shooting 53% overall and 43% from three.

“We’re really pleased to honor KD again,” PBWA president Howard Beck said in a release. “Kevin has long been one of the NBA’s most thoughtful and accessible stars. He always makes time for reporters, whether for on-the-record interviews or just informal chit-chat, and he never shies away from any topic. He’s as eager to dive into the minutiae of a single play as he is to discuss broader issues facing the league.

“His passion for the game always comes through. Our members were also really appreciative of Kevin’s public advocacy for reopening locker rooms after the pandemic, recognizing how critical that access is for building trust and rapport between players and journalists.”

Durant is the second Phoenix player to earn the Magic Johnson Award, which has existed since 2000-01. Point guard Steve Nash was named the 2011-12 recipient in his last year with the Suns.

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell finished second in this year’s balloting. Bam Adebayo of the Miami Heat, Tyrese Haliburton of the Indiana Pacers and Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors were the other finalists.

Well deserved to KD. He was available for extended time on the side as soon as he got here (to local media as a global superstar) and was cool doing quick extra stuff on the side throughout the season when his full media obligations are obviously up there with anyone. https://t.co/RPPeWqCAEC

— Kellan Olson (@KellanOlson) May 14, 2025

Only time I recall Kevin ducking a question was when I asked about exchanging words with Jae Crowder and he acted like he wasn’t familiar with Jae. Which was funny. Overall, he was awesome. Well-deserved. https://t.co/cCHdexcWpa

— Doug Haller (@DougHaller) May 14, 2025

Incredibly deserving recipient, @KDTrey5. Superstars who help us better understand the game raise the quality of our coverage and, in turn, inform the fans on a deeper level. https://t.co/pLvQY67FYB

— Jon Krawczynski (@JonKrawczynski) May 14, 2025

Kevin Durant’s media session in Chicago this season was extraordinary. He knew his comments about Matas Buzelis carried weight. The respect he showed each questioner was palpable. https://t.co/5l5hR0f3El

— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) May 14, 2025

Magic Johnson Award winners

2000-01: Ray Allen, Milwaukee Bucks
2001-02: Elton Brand, L.A. Clippers
2002-03: Jalen Rose, Chicago Bulls
2003-04: Jermaine O’Neal, Indiana Pacers
2004-05: Antawn Jamison, Washington Wizards
2005-06: Grant Hill, Orlando Magic
2006-07: Shane Battier, Houston Rockets
2007-08: Derek Fisher, Los Angeles Lakers
2008-09: Brandon Roy, Portland Trail Blazers
2009-10: Chris Bosh, Toronto Raptors
2010-11: Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City Thunder
2011-12: Steve Nash, Phoenix Suns
2012-13: Shane Battier, Miami Heat
2013-14: Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas Mavericks
2014-15: Pau Gasol, Chicago Bulls
2015-16: Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors
2016-17: Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers
2017-18: DeMar DeRozan, Toronto Raptors
2018-19: Dwyane Wade, Miami Heat
2019-20: Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers
2020-21: N/A (pandemic)
2021-22: N/A (pandemic)
2022-23: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks
2023-24: Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors
2024-25: Kevin Durant, Phoenix Suns

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