As Kevin Durant gears up for his 17th NBA season, the prolific forward's illustrious career continues to be a focal point for basketball aficionados around the globe. At 35 years old, Durant shows no signs of slowing down, even as younger talent floods into the league. His most recent accolade, a fourth Olympic gold medal with Team USA, only solidifies his status as one of basketball’s all-time greats.
Durant, who began playing basketball at the tender age of 8, has come a long way since being selected as the No. 2 overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft by the Seattle SuperSonics, a team that would later become the Oklahoma City Thunder. Over the years, he’s built an impressive resume that includes multiple scoring titles, MVP awards, and now, a key role with the Phoenix Suns.
A New Chapter in Phoenix
Currently, Durant has two fully guaranteed years left on his contract with the Suns, and he won’t hit unrestricted free agency until 2026. In Phoenix, Durant has found a fresh start and a passionate fanbase that has embraced him wholeheartedly. “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,” Durant shared. His ambitions don’t stop at just playing; he aspires to earn a place in the Phoenix Suns’ Ring of Honor.
Reflecting on a Stellar Career
As Durant ages, the thought of retirement has been inching into his mind more frequently. “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. The idea of stepping away from the game is monumental for someone who has dedicated nearly his entire life to 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," Durant reflected.
Uncertain but Hopeful Future
While Durant ponders his post-playing career, he remains uncertain about what the future holds. “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 remarked. It’s an understandable sentiment, given the significant life changes that come with leaving a profession that has been his cornerstone for nearly three decades.
Looking back, Durant's draft class also featured notable talents such as Al Horford, Mike Conley, and Jeff Green, many of whom continue to leave their mark on the league. His journey from the No. 2 pick to becoming one of the most recognized faces in sports is a testament to his skill, resilience, and passion for the game.
As he prepares for another season, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see what heights Durant can still achieve. Whether it’s guiding the Suns to a championship or adding another personal milestone to his already storied career, Kevin Durant remains a compelling figure in the world of basketball, a man whose legacy is already etched in the annals of the sport.