As Kevin Durant embarks on his 17th NBA season, the seasoned veteran continues to make headlines, both on and off the court. At 35 years old, Durant’s illustrious career, marked by individual accolades and team success, shows no signs of slowing down.
Selected as the No. 2 overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft by the Seattle SuperSonics, Durant's journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. The SuperSonics later transformed into the Oklahoma City Thunder, setting the stage for Durant’s remarkable career trajectory, which has now led him to the Phoenix Suns.
Chasing More Glory
Durant recently added to his impressive list of achievements by securing his fourth Olympic gold medal with Team USA. Despite the wear and tear that comes with playing at the highest level for well over a decade, Durant remains a formidable force in the NBA. Currently with the Suns, he has two more fully guaranteed years left on his contract and won't become an unrestricted free agent until 2026.
Reflecting on his passion for the game, Durant shared, “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.”
A Legacy in the Making
Durant's love for basketball ignited at the tender age of 8, and it has been the driving force behind his legendary career. His draft class, which included notable players like Al Horford, Mike Conley, and Jeff Green, set the foundation for an era defined by skill and competitiveness. Over his career, Durant has evolved into one of the sport’s most respected and accomplished figures.
However, even as he enjoys success and reverence, Durant acknowledges the passage of time and the thoughts of what lies beyond his playing days. “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,” he admitted, providing a rare glimpse into the introspective side of a player whose life has been consumed by the sport.
Looking Ahead
Durant’s openness about his future speaks to the eventual transition every professional athlete faces. He contemplates the challenge of adjusting to a life not centered around basketball. “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 reflected.
Despite the uncertainty, Durant expresses a tentative desire to remain connected to basketball even after he hangs up his sneakers. “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 stated, acknowledging the unpredictability of the future.
As Durant continues to write the chapters of his storied career with the Phoenix Suns, fans can relish the opportunity to witness one of the game’s greats in action. Whether adding another championship to his resume or simply inspiring the next generation, Durant’s influence on the court remains indelible.
For now, Kevin Durant remains a pivotal player to watch, navigating the twilight years of his career while still chasing greatness.