I’ve had the pleasure of already seeing numerous Warriors fans sporting Kevin Durant jerseys before he has even played an official game for them. There’s something about that yellow embroidered “Durant” that just seems so natural on that blue background.
As Warriors fans eagerly embrace a new star player, Thunder fans are going through a distinctly bitter separation, and one sporting goods store is taking notice.
Academy Sports+Outdoors is taking this opportunity to mark down Kevin Durant Thunder jerseys to 99% off.
The replica jersey normally sells for $69.99, but is now being sold for a measly 48 cents. Instead of buying a gum ball on the way out of the store, fans could leave with a jersey of an NBA superstar for around the same price as that gum ball.
Oklahoma City store discounts Thunder Durant jerseys to 99% off https://t.co/2hoflwYAms pic.twitter.com/rRBOq9gHKS
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) July 22, 2016
If the intention was to clear as many jerseys as possible, the radical plan worked, as the jerseys sold out after this ridiculous discount.
For me personally, jersey investments are a matter of deep analyzation. There’s really important factors you have to take into consideration beyond just admiration for the player.
One important detail is contract situation. It’s always wise to buy a jersey of a guy who recently signed a big long term deal to stay with the team, because nothing is worse than buying a jersey of a guy who gets traded just a few months later, or leaves as a free agent the next offseason.
It’s not like a jersey instantly becomes obsolete when that player switches teams, but the aura is definitely diminished. All things being equal, if you’re choosing between different jerseys to wear to the Warriors game, you’re probably going to lean towards a guy still on the team that you’ll actually be cheering for.
I still have a really nice Monta Ellis jersey, but to choose to wear it to a Warriors game now over my Stephen Curry or Klay Thompson jersey simply isn’t an option.
Throwback jerseys are an entirely different story, and are proof that there’s truly no such thing as an obsolete jersey.
Those Thunder fans are going to have some pretty cool throwback Durant jerseys in 20 years, and they’ll have originally gotten them for less than a dollar. In 2036, throwback Durant Thunder jerseys are probably going to be selling for like $400.
So my Ellis jersey is going to come back in vogue once he retires, and it can be added to my Chris Mullin, Al Harrington, Baron Davis, and Jason Richardson retro collection.
If there’s any jersey selling for 48 cents, the rules of economics basically force savvy consumers to buy it, no matter what name is on the back. When it’s a legendary superstar like Durant, it’s an opportunity especially too enticing to pass up.
Thunder fans can wear those jerseys with fond remembrance of everything Durant achieved while with that franchise. As Durant starts a new chapter of his basketball career with the Warriors, the sting of disappointment for Thunder fans can be remedied with a brilliant economic investment, as they use the jersey to wipe their tears.