Kevin Durant, one of the most celebrated figures in basketball, is on the verge of embarking on his 17th NBA season. At 35 years old, Durant's longevity and consistency in the game have cemented his status as an all-time great. His journey, which began when he was just eight years old, has been nothing short of extraordinary.
Drafted as the No. 2 overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft by the Seattle SuperSonics, Durant has witnessed significant changes in the league, including the SuperSonics' transition to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Over the years, he has adorned various jerseys, but his latest chapter unfolds with the Phoenix Suns. Durant holds a deep appreciation for his current team, expressing, "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."
Chasing Legacy
Durant’s impressive career milestones include securing four Olympic gold medals representing Team USA. Yet, his hunger for success remains insatiable. The forward is still focused on achieving greatness with the Suns and has even set his sights on receiving the franchise's Ring of Honor, saying, "One day, I would like to receive the franchise's Ring of Honor."
With two more fully guaranteed years left on his contract, Durant won't become an unrestricted free agent until 2026. This long-term commitment to Phoenix indicates his desire to help the team achieve its championship aspirations.
Reflecting on the Future
Durant's journey has been filled with accolades, but as he inches closer to the twilight of his career, thoughts of retirement begin to surface. "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 candidly shared.
The prospect of stepping away from the game is daunting 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."
A Storied Career
Durant's draft class of 2007 was remarkable, featuring notable players like Al Horford, Mike Conley, and Jeff Green. All these years later, Durant continues to stand out, not just for his talent but also for his dedication and love for the sport.
"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," Durant mentioned, reflecting the uncertainty that even seasoned athletes face as they contemplate life after basketball.
As Kevin Durant prepares for another season, fans and analysts alike remain eager to see what new heights he will reach with the Phoenix Suns. His presence on the court continues to inspire countless aspiring athletes, and his legacy, already rich with achievements, shows no signs of fading. With his eyes set on further glory, Durant's journey in the NBA is far from over.