As Kevin Durant prepares for his 17th NBA season, the 35-year-old veteran continues to captivate fans and critics alike with his remarkable journey in the world of basketball. Selected as the No. 2 overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft by the Seattle SuperSonics—a franchise that would eventually become the Oklahoma City Thunder—Durant's career has been nothing short of extraordinary. The forward, who now plies his trade with the Phoenix Suns, is reflective yet driven as he contemplates the twilight years of his career.
A Storied Career and Olympic Glory
Durant's achievements on the court are numerous, but his recent accomplishment stands out as he secured his fourth Olympic gold medal representing Team USA. This accolade adds to an impressive list of accomplishments that have defined his career since he started playing basketball at the tender age of eight.
His basketball journey has been closely followed since his draft class, which included notable players like Al Horford, Mike Conley, and Jeff Green. Over the years, Durant has established himself as one of the game's all-time greats, and now, as a critical player for the Suns, he has his eyes set on more milestones.
Reflections on Retirement
With his current contract fully guaranteed for the next two years and not becoming an unrestricted free agent until 2026, Durant is starting to think about life after basketball. "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 acknowledges, hinting at the inevitable end every athlete must face.
The introspection goes deeper as Durant considers the prospect of life without the game. "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.
Embracing the Phoenix Suns
Durant's affinity for his current team is palpable. "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," he shared, revealing his deep connection with the team and its community.
The Suns, with their dedicated fanbase and rich history, offer Durant a platform to further cement his legacy. His desire to one day be honored by the franchise speaks volumes about his commitment to his team and the sport.
The Future in Focus
Durant's future may still be filled with uncertainties, but his passion for basketball remains unwavering. "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 admits, leaving the door open for various possibilities post-retirement.
As fans and analysts watch Durant continue his storied career, one thing is clear: his impact on the game of basketball is profound and enduring. Whether it's through securing more championships, mentoring younger players, or even venturing into new interests off the court, Durant's journey is far from over. The basketball world will undoubtedly watch closely as one of its brightest stars navigates the remaining chapters of his illustrious career.