Kevin Durant's illustrious NBA career is entering its 17th season, but the 35-year-old basketball phenom shows no signs of slowing down. Fresh off securing his fourth Olympic gold medal with Team USA, Durant prepares for yet another chapter with the Phoenix Suns. Despite his achievements, Durant remains contemplative about his future in the sport that has defined his life.
A Stellar Career and Unfinished Business
Selected as the No. 2 overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft by the Seattle SuperSonics, Durant's journey has been nothing short of remarkable. The franchise would later transition to the Oklahoma City Thunder, where Durant's stardom would continue to ascend. Today, he’s a key player for the Phoenix Suns, a team he has grown to admire deeply. "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," Durant shared. "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."
On the Horizon: Contract and Future Plans
Durant's immediate future seems secure with two more fully guaranteed years left on his contract with the Suns. He isn't set to become an unrestricted free agent until 2026, allowing fans to savor more performances from the veteran forward. However, as the seasons progress, Durant has begun to ponder life post-basketball. "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. Reflecting on his career, he noted, "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."
A Legacy Beyond Basketball
Durant's reflections extend beyond just the court. With a wealth of interests outside basketball, he envisions a future still connected to the game in some capacity. "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. "I have a lot of different interests. I definitely want to stay around the game... That's gonna be a huge, huge transition."
Durant’s draft class, which included notable players like Al Horford, Mike Conley, and Jeff Green, has witnessed its members evolve in various directions. Yet, Durant's enduring passion for the game has kept him at the top echelon of the sport. His early start in basketball set the tone for a career that other young athletes aspire to emulate.
As Durant prepares to take the court for another season, the blend of experience, skill, and wisdom he brings is invaluable. His journey continues to unfold, compelling both fans and analysts to speculate about what’s next for this NBA giant. One thing remains certain: whether on or off the court, Kevin Durant's impact on basketball is far from over.