Kevin Durant, one of the most iconic figures in modern basketball, is on the brink of starting his 17th NBA season. At 35 years old, Durant’s illustrious career continues to be a focal point of fans and analysts alike.
A Storied Career
Selected as the No. 2 overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft by the Seattle SuperSonics, Durant’s talent was unmistakable from the start. As the SuperSonics transitioned into the Oklahoma City Thunder, Durant's star only grew. Over the years, he has built a résumé that includes multiple All-Star selections, two NBA championships, and numerous scoring titles.
Durant’s achievements extend beyond the NBA as well. Recently, he secured his fourth Olympic gold medal, solidifying his status as one of the greatest to ever represent Team USA on the international stage.
Durant’s Future with the Suns
Currently, Durant plies his trade with the Phoenix Suns and is under a contract that keeps him away from unrestricted free agency until 2026. With two more fully guaranteed years left to offer his immense value to the Suns, Durant’s impact on the team’s aspirations is significant. He expresses a deep affection for his current home:
"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."
Such words reflect not only his commitment but also a desire to etch his name into the legacy of the franchise. His immense experience and on-court prowess make him an invaluable asset to the Suns’ ambitions.
Reflections on Retirement
As is natural for athletes of his tenure, Durant has started contemplating life after basketball. He’s candid about these thoughts:
"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."
It’s clear that the idea of retirement brings a mixed bag of emotions for Durant, who has dedicated nearly his entire life to the sport. Since first picking up a basketball at the age of 8, his journey has been laser-focused on the game. He acknowledges the complexity of this potential transition:
"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."
This introspection reveals both a love for the game and a recognition of the sweeping changes that retirements could bring. Nevertheless, his future plans remain open-ended, as he added, "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."
A Humble and Focused Champion
Durant’s humility and focus are hallmark traits that have endeared him to fans and peers alike. His draft class, which included notable names like Al Horford, Mike Conley, and Jeff Green, is widely regarded as one of the most talented in recent history. Yet, Durant’s sustained excellence sets him apart, reflecting his relentless dedication and passion for the game.
As he embarks on his 17th season, the basketball world watches with bated breath. Each game, each moment on the court adds another chapter to the legacy of a player who has left an indelible mark on the sport. Whether securing more championships, mentoring younger players, or preparing for the eventual next stage of his career, Kevin Durant remains a living legend whose journey continues to captivate and inspire.