As Kevin Durant gears up for his 17th NBA season, the 35-year-old veteran reflects on a storied career that has made him one of the most accomplished players in basketball history. Having started his professional journey as the No. 2 overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft by the Seattle SuperSonics, Durant's path has been nothing short of remarkable. The franchise he began with eventually became the Oklahoma City Thunder, and Durant now finds himself with the Phoenix Suns, a team he has grown to appreciate deeply.
Durant's talents and leadership on the court have earned him four Olympic gold medals with Team USA, a testament to his commitment and skill. As he approaches nearly two decades in the league, Durant candidly acknowledges the thoughts of retirement that occasionally cross his mind. "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 admits.
Despite these contemplations, Durant's passion for basketball remains unwavering. "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," he shares.
The Phoenix Suns Connection
Durant's move to the Phoenix Suns has given him a new sense of appreciation for the team's history and its dedicated fanbase. "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," Durant expresses. This sentiment highlights his desire to leave a lasting legacy in Phoenix, a city he now holds dear.
While Durant's current contract with the Suns includes two more fully guaranteed years, he won't hit the free-agent market until 2026. This gives Durant ample time to continue contributing to the team's success and potentially secure his place in the Phoenix Suns' storied history.
Reflections on a Storied Career
Durant's basketball journey began at the tender age of 8, carving a path that would lead him to rub shoulders with some of the best in the sport. His draft class in 2007 featured notable players like Al Horford, Mike Conley, and Jeff Green, further underscoring the talent pool he emerged from. Over the years, Durant has amassed an impressive collection of achievements, both individually and as part of his teams.
As he contemplates the future, Durant remains open to various 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 indicates. This openness reflects Durant's awareness of the unpredictable nature of life after a professional sports career.
Whether it's reflecting on his early days with the Seattle SuperSonics, his numerous accolades, or his current tenure with the Phoenix Suns, Durant’s legacy in the NBA is secure. He has not only captivated fans with his incredible skills but has also shown a deep respect for the game that has defined his life for so many years.
This season, as he steps onto the court for his 17th year, the basketball world watches with eager anticipation. Durant continues to defy expectations, adding chapters to his illustrious career while inspiring the next generation of players. Through it all, he remains a figure synonymous with excellence, dedication, and an unyielding love for the game of basketball.