Warriors' reigning 2017 NBA Finals MVP Kevin Durant is being recognized by GQ Magazine as the 'Champion of the Year' -- and is thrilled that he'll be sharing the cover with Colin Kaepernick.

RATTO: In naming Kaepernick 'Citizen of the Year,' GQ recalibrates what we have taken for granted

Kaepernick, who started a movement in 2016 when he kneeled during the national anthem -- to shine a light on social injustices -- has garnered the magazine's 'Citizen of the Year' honor.

MORE: Kaepernick named GQ's 'Citizen of the Year'

Durant spoke on Kaepernick at Monday's shootaround prior to the Warriors' game against Orlando:

"He knew he would take a lot of heat for what he did, and he stood up for people that can't stand up for themselves. As an athlete, we're taught to kind of shut up and play our sport. He put everything on the line, man, You gotta respect it. We all respect it, and we all stand behind him and support him as athletes. He makes us proud to be part of the athletic community."