Durant Reflects on Career and Future as He Enters 17th NBA Season
Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant is preparing for his 17th NBA season, fresh off securing his fourth Olympic gold medal representing Team USA. At 35 years old, the seasoned veteran continues to prove his enduring prowess on the court. Yet, as he prepares for another grueling season, thoughts of retirement are beginning to surface.
"As I get older in the league and the league is getting younger, I tend to think about retirement more," Durant confessed. "It creeps in my mind for sure."
It is hard to overstate Durant's impact on basketball since he was selected as the No. 2 overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft by the Seattle SuperSonics, a franchise that has since become the Oklahoma City Thunder. The fact that Durant was drafted by a team no longer in existence underscores the lengthy career he has enjoyed. In a draft class that included names like Al Horford, Mike Conley, and Jeff Green, Durant remains one of the few still actively contributing at a high level.
With two more fully guaranteed years left on his contract with the Suns, Durant will not become an unrestricted free agent until 2026. However, the increasing specter of retirement is a reality he's gradually coming to terms with. "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," Durant explained.
Reflecting on his legacy and the upcoming years, Durant shared his appreciation for his current environment in Phoenix. "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 said.
Durant's time in Phoenix represents a significant chapter in a career that has spanned multiple teams and accolades. Known for his remarkable scoring ability, versatility, and competitive drive, he has cemented himself as one of the greats in NBA history. As he continues to add to his accolades, his influence extends beyond the hardwood.
While no one can predict the future, Kevin Durant's journey is one of resilience, adaptation, and a love for the game that has remained constant since he first picked up a basketball at the age of eight. "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," Durant noted, encapsulating the uncertainty and excitement of the journey ahead.
For now, Kevin Durant remains focused on the present, eager to lead the Phoenix Suns and contribute to a storied franchise. As fans and analysts watch his every move, one thing is clear: Durant’s legacy is poised to continue growing, both on and off the court.