How long is Kevin Durant out? Knee injury timeline, return date, latest updates on Suns forward

Kyle Irving

How long is Kevin Durant out? Knee injury timeline, return date, latest updates on Suns forward image

The Nets organization and fan base collectively held their breath after Kevin Durant suffered a knee injury in a game against the Heat on Jan. 8. Durant left the game in the third quarter after Jimmy Butler landed on his right knee — the opposite knee that kept the All-Star forward sidelined for over 20 games last season.

A month later, the anxiety shifted to the Suns and their fans. Brooklyn agreed to deal Durant to Phoenix late on Feb. 8.

MORE: Nets deal KD to Suns | NBA Twitter reacts in real time

Durant is enjoying an MVP-caliber season, averaging 29.7 points, 6.7 rebounds and 5.3 assists per game. He's joining a Phoenix team that's intent on winning a Western Conference that got tougher at the deadline.

For the latest updates on the All-Star forward's injury, The Sporting News has you covered below.

What is Kevin Durant's injury?

On Jan. 8, Durant left the game against the Heat with a sprained MCL in his right knee and did not return.

He suffered the injury in the third quarter when Butler landed awkwardly on his knee after a layup attempt.

How long will Kevin Durant be out?

While The Athletic's Shams Charania reported that there was "optimism" that Durant would return before the All-Star break and play in the All-Star Game, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski broke the news that Durant was not expected to return to the lineup until after the All-Star break.

The Suns announced on Feb. 28 that Durant is expected to play against the Hornets on March 1.

Kevin Durant career stats, highlights

  • 27.3 points per game
  • 7.1 rebounds per game
  • 4.3 assists per game
  • 1.1 blocks per game
  • 1.1 steals per game
  • 3.2 turnovers per game
  • 36.7 minutes per game
  • 49.8 percent shooting
  • 38.4 percent 3-point shooting
  • 88.6 percent free throw shooting

Kyle Irving

Kyle Irving Photo

You read that wrong – not Kyrie Irving. From Boston, graduated from the University of New Hampshire. Sixth season as a content producer for NBA.com's Global editions. Covering the NBA Draft has become his annual "dream come true" moment on the job. Irving has a soft spot for pass-first point guards, with Rajon Rondo and Steve Nash being two of his favorite players of all time.