Kevin Durant is gearing up for a milestone in his illustrious NBA career as he prepares for his 17th season in the league. At 35 years old, Durant has carved out a legacy that few can match, both in the NBA and on the international stage.
Seventeen Seasons of Stardom
From his early beginnings, Durant's journey in basketball has been nothing short of remarkable. Selected as the No. 2 overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft by the Seattle SuperSonics, Durant has since become a household name. It's worth remembering that the team he started with eventually became the Oklahoma City Thunder, a transformation that saw Durant's career taking off.
As Durant looks forward to the new season with the Phoenix Suns, he brings with him two more fully guaranteed years left on his contract—a tenure that stretches until 2026 before he becomes an unrestricted free agent. His impact on the team and the league is underscored by numerous accolades, most notably his recent achievement of securing his fourth Olympic gold medal representing Team USA.
A Lifetime in Basketball
Durant's love affair with basketball began when he was a mere 8 years old. Reflecting on this lifelong journey, he candidly noted, "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." Such thoughts are natural for any athlete who has devoted their youth and prime years to the sport. Yet, Durant's passion for the game remains undiminished.
"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 elaborated.
The Phoenix Suns Connection
Durant's current stint with the Phoenix Suns has brought renewed excitement to fans in the Valley. "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, indicating his deepening connection with the team and its supporters.
Durant's commitment to the Suns is apparent not just on the court but also in his aspirations for the future. "One day, I would like to receive the franchise's Ring of Honor," he said—a testament to his desire to leave an indelible mark on the franchise's history.
What Lies Ahead
As Durant continues to add chapters to his storied career, questions about his post-playing days inevitably arise. While the future remains uncertain, Durant is open to possibilities. "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, reflecting the fluid nature of life after professional sports.
Beyond the statistics and the records, Durant's journey is one driven by an unyielding love for the game. His draft class, which included notable names like Al Horford, Mike Conley, and Jeff Green, saw many stars emerge, yet Durant's path has been uniquely his own. Now, as he embarks on another season, fans and pundits alike will be keenly watching to see how Durant continues to shape his legacy in the twilight of his career.
Whether it's securing another championship, adding to his Olympic triumphs, or being an inspirational figure for the next generation, Kevin Durant remains a pivotal figure in the sport he has dedicated his life to. And as he has shown time and time again, he still has plenty of greatness left to offer.