Kevin Durant is gearing up for his 17th season in the NBA, a journey that has seen him rise to stardom and cement his legacy as one of the league's all-time greats. At 35 years old, Durant is hardly winding down. Instead, he continues to add to an impressive career that began when he was selected as the No. 2 overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft by the now-defunct Seattle SuperSonics, who eventually relocated and became the Oklahoma City Thunder.
A Storied Career
Durant's illustrious career is marked by numerous achievements, both in the NBA and on the international stage. Recently, he secured his fourth Olympic gold medal representing Team USA, an accomplishment that underscores his status as a global basketball icon. As Durant heads into another NBA season, his thoughts naturally drift toward retirement and the eventual transition away from a game he has played since he was 8 years old.
"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 candidly. Though the prospect of retirement is becoming more real, Durant's passion for the game remains undiminished.
Future Prospects
While Durant ponders life after basketball, he is quick to note his desire to stay connected to the sport. "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.
Durant's current contract with the Phoenix Suns ensures he won't become an unrestricted free agent until 2026, with two more fully guaranteed years left. This secures his presence in Phoenix, where he has found a new home and gained an appreciation for the team's history and its fans.
A Phoenix Chapter
"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 says, expressing his deepening connection with the team and its community.
Durant's journey with the Suns has been marked by his characteristic dedication and high-level performance, signaling his intent to leave a lasting legacy in Phoenix. His commitment to the Suns and their mission highlights not just his loyalty but also a professional ethos that has guided him through nearly two decades of NBA play.
Reflecting on a Draft Class
Durant's NBA journey began in 2007, a draft class that included notable players like Al Horford, Mike Conley, and Jeff Green. Over the years, Durant has often stood out not just for his on-court prowess but also for his leadership and versatility. As he prepares for another season, it’s evident that Durant’s influence extends beyond just his statistical contributions; he has become a role model and mentor to many younger players entering the league.
Looking ahead, while retirement thoughts linger, Durant remains uncertain about what the future holds. "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," he says, encapsulating the uncertainty and excitement that the next chapter of his life may bring.
As Durant approaches yet another season, it’s clear that his impact on the game of basketball is far from over. With a career that spans milestones and accolades, both individually and as part of a team, Kevin Durant continues to be a defining figure in the NBA, showing no signs of slowing down.