As Kevin Durant approaches his 17th NBA season, the 35-year-old veteran remains a formidable force in the league. With a career decorated by achievements and accolades, Durant's name is synonymous with excellence on the court. Selected as the No. 2 overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft by the Seattle SuperSonics—a franchise that eventually became the Oklahoma City Thunder—Durant's journey has been nothing short of remarkable.
A Storied Career and Olympic Glory
Durant's prowess is not confined to the NBA alone. Recently, he secured his fourth Olympic gold medal representing Team USA, an accomplishment that further cements his legacy as one of the game's greats. "As I get older in the league and the league is getting younger, I tend to think about retirement more. It creeps in my mind for sure," Durant admits, reflecting on his illustrious career and the inevitable march of time.
Two More Years in Phoenix
Currently, Durant is donning the Phoenix Suns jersey and has expressed his deep affection for the team and its supporters. "I love playing in Phoenix, I love our fans, I love the city. ... I realized what our mission is by being in the Valley and I realized how much these people care about their team. I started to understand the history of the Phoenix Suns and I am happy to be a part of it. One day, I would like to receive the franchise's Ring of Honor," Durant shared. With two more fully guaranteed years left on his contract, Durant's focus is on making a significant impact for the Suns before becoming an unrestricted free agent in 2026.
The Genesis of a Basketball Phenomenon
Durant's journey began at a tender age. He picked up a basketball when he was just 8 years old, setting in motion a career that would see him become one of the most prolific scorers in NBA history. His draft class, which included notable names like Al Horford, Mike Conley, and Jeff Green, has produced several stars, but Durant's achievements stand out prominently.
Thoughts on Retirement
While Durant's focus remains on the game, thoughts of life post-basketball do occasionally surface. "I honestly don't know what I'll do [when I stop playing]. I have a lot of different interests. I definitely want to stay around the game... That's gonna be a huge, huge transition. I've been at this since I was 8. It's gonna be hopefully 30 years of me doing this where every day was centered around the game of basketball. It hasn't been no other lifestyle but this," he reflects. Although he remains committed to basketball, Durant acknowledges the uncertainty of the future, stating, "Right now I would say yes [about staying in the game], but that's just a figure of speech, I can't know what's going to happen."
As Durant prepares for yet another season, the basketball world watches with anticipation. The blend of experience, skill, and deep understanding of the game's nuances ensures that Kevin Durant remains a pivotal player. His legacy, both on and off the court, continues to grow, and fans are left wondering what more the storied career of this basketball legend will bring.