Kevin Durant, widely recognized for his athletic achievements and influence in the NBA, has also developed a profile as a careful investor off the court. However, his stake in the drone technology company Skydio has reignited debate following reports that the firm sold stock to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) amid their military actions in Gaza. The issue came to light during a heated exchange on X just before the NBA All-Star Game, where Durant was confronted about the ethical implications of this investment.
The conversation started over the NBA’s redesigned trophies but quickly turned to Durant’s financial involvement with Skydio. User @PranavSriraman challenged Durant to address concerns about the drone company supplying technology to the IDF, suggesting a moral conflict given the ongoing occupation in Gaza. Durant instead pressed the user to explain their dissatisfaction with the new trophies, deflecting direct engagement on the investment topic.
“They look cheap and uncreative,” @PranavSriraman wrote. “There I answered your question. Will you answer my question about Skydio, a drone company you invested in, selling to the IDF, or will you stick by your brand of deflecting and ducking?”
More than ten hours passed with Durant remaining silent after this direct challenge. The controversy deepened when screenshots allegedly showing a burner account linked to Durant, @gethigher77, surfaced online. The account reportedly responded to accusations of profiting from violence in Gaza with the message,
If they need drones!! We got ya,
The investment in Skydio happened during the company’s Series E funding round, which raised $230 million. Durant was among a group of high-profile investors including Magic Johnson and Justin Timberlake. Skydio’s cutting-edge drone technology has attracted attention for both commercial and military applications, intensifying debates about the ethical responsibilities of investors backing such firms.
Social Media Turmoil: Alleged Burner Account Critiques Current and Former Teammates
Adding fuel to the fire, Kevin Durant has also found himself embroiled in social media drama due to inflammatory posts from an alleged burner account believed to be his. The @gethigher77 account on X posted harsh criticisms targeting his former Phoenix Suns teammates and coaching staff, as well as expressing dissatisfaction with members of his current Houston Rockets squad.
“Two dictators… Stalin and Hitler. Mussolini and Kim Jong Un.”
This blunt comparison appeared aimed at Devin Booker and former Suns head coach Frank Vogel, referencing Durant’s troubled time in Phoenix. The account also leveled heavy comments at Rockets teammates, highlighting frustration with Jabari Smith Jr.’s performance and showing a dismissive stance toward the team’s future prospects.
“I can’t trust Jabari to make a f**kin shot or get a stop.”
“Ima turn the ball over with this shitty ass team. Idgaf. Your franchise player can’t shoot or defend. That’s a wayyyyyyy bigger issue than my turnovers. Remember, these guys are your future.”
Durant has previously admitted to using burner accounts to respond to critics anonymously, which makes the recent activity credible yet unconfirmed as directly his. Should these allegations be verified or persist without clarification, they could create further friction within the Houston Rockets organization and strain relationships with teammates.
Implications for Kevin Durant’s Public Image and Professional Relationships
This controversy arrives at a sensitive moment for Durant, who remains one of the NBA’s most influential figures both on and off the court. The connection to Skydio’s sales to the IDF amid a contentious geopolitical conflict presents reputational challenges, especially as scrutiny grows around investment ethics among athletes. Furthermore, the social media conduct implied by the burner account threatens to alienate Durant from his current team and former colleagues.
As the story continues to develop, Durant’s handling of these issues will likely impact perceptions among fans, peers, and sponsors. The situation raises important questions about accountability for prominent athletes and business figures when their investments intersect with global conflicts. How Durant addresses this controversy could shape his legacy beyond his basketball achievements.
They look cheap and uncreative. There I answered your question. Will you answer my question about Skydio, a drone company you invested in, selling to the IDF, or will you stick by your brand of deflecting and ducking?
— Pranav Sriraman (@PranavSriraman) February 15, 2026
— saeed (@saeedemon25) February 15, 2026
The KD Files FULL THREAD: pic.twitter.com/UIKR3WdC0h
— ☀️ (@OwnedBySuns) February 16, 2026
