Kevin Durant has won the 2024-25 Magic Johnson Award, which honors the NBA player who best combines excellence on the court with cooperation and grace in dealing with the media and fans, the Professional Basketball Writers Association announced today.
The PBWA is composed of more than 200 writers and editors who regularly cover the NBA and WNBA for newspapers, magazines, and online news outlets.
“We’re really pleased to honor KD again,” said PBWA president Howard Beck. “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 becomes the second member of the Suns to win this award, joining Steve Nash, who took home the honors in the 2011-2012 season. It is the second time in Durant’s career winning the award.
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, 2021-22 N/A (pandemic)
2022-23 Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks
2023-24 Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors
2024-25 Kevin Durant, Phoenix Suns
Here is the full press release: https://probasketballwriters.org/kevin-durant-wins-2024-25-magic-johnson-award/