Kevin Durant, one of basketball's most notable figures, is gearing up for his 17th NBA season. At 35 years old, Durant continues to demonstrate that age is just a number, balancing both his NBA career and a storied international presence, as evidenced by his recent acquisition of a fourth Olympic gold medal while representing Team USA.
A Storied Career
Durant's journey in professional basketball began when he was selected as the No. 2 overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft by the Seattle SuperSonics, a franchise that later became the Oklahoma City Thunder. Since then, he has been a formidable force on the court, securing his legacy among the all-time greats.
Now a critical player for the Phoenix Suns, Durant has made it clear that his ambitions remain high. With two more fully guaranteed years left on his contract before he becomes an unrestricted free agent in 2026, Durant is focused on achieving greatness with his current team. “I love playing in Phoenix, I love our fans, I love the city,” Durant shared. “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 Lifetime Around Basketball
Basketball has been a constant in Durant's life since he started playing at the age of 8. As he reflects on his lengthy career, thoughts of retirement have naturally surfaced with increasing frequency. “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 admitted.
While the end of his playing days looms somewhere on the horizon, Durant remains uncertain about his future off the court. "I honestly don't know what I'll do [when I stop playing]," he confessed. "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 tentatively envisions a continued relationship with the sport that has given him so much. "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 said, hinting at an uncertain yet optimistic post-playing career intertwined with basketball.
Reflecting on Draft Night and Beyond
The 2007 NBA Draft was a significant milestone not only for Durant but also for his peers, including Al Horford, Mike Conley, and Jeff Green. Each has carved out a noteworthy career, contributing to the rich landscape of the NBA. Durant's selection marked the beginning of a career filled with accolades, championships, and personal achievements.
As Durant prepares for another season, his presence in the Suns' locker room is invaluable. The blend of his experience and skill set offers Phoenix a unique advantage. With his meticulous approach to the game, Durant continues to inspire both teammates and fans alike.
While the day will eventually come when Durant steps off the court for the last time, his influence on the game and its future generations remains indelible. For now, fans can look forward to witnessing the next chapter of Durant's illustrious career as he takes to the court for his 17th season, driven by passion and a personal mission to etch his name deeper into NBA history.