Kevin Durant is on the brink of embarking on his 17th NBA season, further cementing his legacy as one of basketball's all-time greats. At 35 years old, Durant finds himself reflecting more frequently on his illustrious career, hinting at the inevitable march towards retirement.
A Storied Career
Durant entered the NBA with much fanfare, being selected as the No. 2 overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft by the Seattle SuperSonics. The history of Durant's career is intertwined with the history of the franchises he has played for; the SuperSonics eventually became the Oklahoma City Thunder, where Durant soared to new heights.
Durant's journey didn't stop with a successful NBA career. He showcased his talent on the international stage, recently securing his fourth Olympic gold medal with Team USA. His contributions to basketball have been nothing short of phenomenal, both in the U.S. and globally.
Aging Gracefully in a Young League
As the years have gone by, the NBA landscape has shifted, becoming younger and faster. Durant acknowledges the passage of time and the thoughts of retirement that occasionally creep into his mind. "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.
Despite these reflections, Durant's passion for the game remains undiminished. He recently expressed his love for playing in Phoenix, noting the city's fans and the historic significance of the Suns franchise. "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.
Contract and Future Plans
Durant's immediate future is secure with the Suns, where he has two more fully guaranteed years left on his contract, keeping him on the court until at least 2026. However, beyond his current contract, Durant's plans remain fluid. When asked about staying in the game post-retirement, Durant mused, "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."
Indeed, the transition from professional athlete to the next phase of life is a monumental one. Durant acknowledges this, expressing uncertainty about what life after basketball might look like but remaining open to possibilities. "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.
Draft Class and Early Beginnings
Durant's NBA story began in earnest in 2007, where he was part of a noteworthy draft class that included Al Horford, Mike Conley, and Jeff Green. From those early days, his passion for basketball has been unwavering. Starting to play the game at the age of 8, Durant's life has revolved around the sport for nearly three decades.
As he prepares for another season with the Phoenix Suns, fans and analysts alike will watch closely to see how this chapter unfolds. Durant's legacy is already secure, but the journey continues—and with it, the stories of triumph and perseverance that define a true sports legend.