5 Reasons Why Kevin Durant Calls Angel Reese His 'Favorite Female Athlete' (And The Truth About The Dating Rumors)

The dynamic between WNBA star Angel Reese and NBA legend Kevin Durant has been one of the most talked-about topics in basketball circles throughout 2024 and into late 2025. The conversation, which often oscillates between genuine mutual respect and persistent, unfounded dating rumors, was reignited recently when Durant openly named the Chicago Sky forward his "favorite female athlete." This high-profile endorsement from a four-time NBA scoring champion and Olympic gold medalist not only highlights Reese’s meteoric rise but also keeps the celebrity gossip mills churning, despite definitive statements from the players themselves. The latest buzz, as of December 2025, centers on the continued support from Durant, which has repeatedly sparked dating speculation online. However, Reese, in a September 2024 episode of her podcast, "Unapologetically Angel Reese," firmly put an end to the gossip, clarifying that any alleged romantic link was "never a thing" and emphasizing her deep, long-standing admiration for Durant as a player. The true story is one of mentorship, fandom, and a shared passion for the game that transcends the courts of the NBA and WNBA.

Complete Biography and Latest Career Status

To fully appreciate the context of their high-profile interactions, it is essential to understand the current career status and respective legacies of both Angel Reese and Kevin Durant.

Angel Reese (The ‘Bayou Barbie’)

• Full Name: Angel Reese
• Born: May 6, 2002 (Age 23 as of late 2025)
• Hometown: Randallstown, Maryland, U.S.
• College: LSU (Louisiana State University)
• Current Team (2025): Chicago Sky (WNBA)
• Position: Forward
• Key Accolades: 2023 NCAA Champion, 2023 NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player, 2024 SEC Player of the Year, WNBA All-Star (rookie season).
• Latest Status: Reese completed a highly successful WNBA rookie season in 2024 and is quickly becoming one of the most recognizable and marketable athletes in the league.

Kevin Durant (The ‘Slim Reaper’ / ‘KD’)

• Full Name: Kevin Wayne Durant
• Born: September 29, 1988 (Age 37 as of late 2025)
• Hometown: Washington, D.C., U.S.
• College: University of Texas at Austin
• Current Team (2025): Houston Rockets (NBA)
• Position: Power Forward / Small Forward
• Key Accolades: 2x NBA Champion, 2x NBA Finals MVP, 2014 NBA MVP, 4x NBA Scoring Champion, 14x NBA All-Star, 4x Olympic Gold Medalist (most recently in 2024).
• Latest Status: Durant was notably traded to the Houston Rockets in July 2025, continuing his decorated, Hall-of-Fame-bound career as one of the game's greatest scorers.

The Origin of the Rumors: Why KD is Angel Reese's Biggest Fan

The continuous link between the two stars stems from a powerful, public display of mutual admiration and a shared connection to the intensity of professional basketball. For Angel Reese, the connection is rooted in a lifelong fandom. She has frequently stated that Kevin Durant has been her favorite player since she was a little kid, a sentiment she reiterated when addressing the speculation. This deep respect is a crucial LSI keyword for understanding their relationship. The rumors began to truly take off when Durant, one of the most influential voices in the NBA, began to publicly and repeatedly praise the young WNBA star. In a recent celebration of Women’s Empowerment Month, the NBA superstar named Reese his favorite female athlete, a high-profile endorsement that instantly went viral across social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram. The public sightings and shared moments, such as when they were spotted sitting together at a game in July 2024, only added fuel to the fire. For many fans, the idea of two generational talents—one a veteran legend, the other a rising icon—forming a power couple was too compelling to ignore, despite any evidence to the contrary.

Angel Reese Sets the Record Straight: "That Was Never a Thing"

While Kevin Durant’s praise is genuine, Angel Reese has taken definitive steps to put an end to the persistent dating speculation, ensuring that the focus remains on her career with the Chicago Sky and not on her personal life. In a candid moment on her podcast, "Unapologetically Angel Reese," in September 2024, the WNBA All-Star addressed the rumors head-on. She unequivocally stated that the romantic connection alleged by social media was "never a thing." Reese clarified that her relationship with Durant is purely one of admiration and respect. She provided two key pieces of evidence that solidify the non-romantic nature of their bond:

1. Lifelong Fandom: Reese confirmed that KD remains her favorite player of all time.
2. Family Connection: She highlighted the supportive relationship she shares with Durant's family, stating, "I love his mom, she comes out and supports the games. So yeah, that (the rumor) was dead." This connection to Wanda Durant, KD's mother, confirms a familial, non-romantic bond.

Reese’s decisive comments serve as a clear message to fans and media that the narrative should shift from celebrity gossip to celebrating the mutual respect between two elite athletes.

The Broader Impact: WNBA Endorsements and Athlete Support

The Angel Reese and Kevin Durant narrative is a powerful example of the growing intersection between the NBA and WNBA, driven by high-profile endorsements and athlete-to-athlete support. Durant's public support is more than just a personal preference; it's a significant endorsement of the WNBA's rising stars and the league's growing visibility. When a player of KD's stature calls a WNBA rookie his favorite, it draws massive attention, new viewers, and further legitimizes the WNBA as a top-tier professional sports league. This is particularly important for Angel Reese, who, alongside other stars like Caitlin Clark, is driving unprecedented viewership and interest in the Chicago Sky and the entire league. Furthermore, the mutual respect between them highlights a deeper cultural connection in the basketball community. When Durant posted an emotional reflection on his Olympic experience, Reese immediately resonated with the message, responding on X with a heartfelt, “This hoop mean sum man.” This exchange underscores a shared understanding of the passion, sacrifice, and emotional weight of playing the game at an elite level. While the dating rumors persist—often reignited by Durant's playful or genuine praise—the core of the "Angel Reese Kevin Durant" story is a positive one: a legendary NBA player championing a rising WNBA star, fostering an environment of support, and bridging the gap between two of the world’s premier basketball leagues. The drama is manufactured, but the mutual admiration is entirely real.