Kevin Durant Prepares for 17th NBA Season, Eyes the Future
As Kevin Durant gears up for his 17th NBA season, the 35-year-old Phoenix Suns forward is facing the inevitable questions that come with age and experience in professional sports. With a storied career that began when he was drafted as the No. 2 overall pick by the Seattle SuperSonics (now the Oklahoma City Thunder) in the 2007 NBA Draft, Durant has left an indelible mark on the league.
Durant, who recently celebrated winning his fourth Olympic gold medal representing Team USA, reflects on the passage of time and his future in the sport. "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," he acknowledges.
His pride in representing Team USA and bringing home gold is just one chapter in a career marked by achievements and accolades. Despite the thoughts of retirement that periodically cross his mind, Durant remains focused on his current mission with the Phoenix Suns. "I love playing in Phoenix, I love our fans, I love the city," Durant enthuses. "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."
A Journey Rooted in Basketball
Durant’s journey in basketball started at the tender age of 8. Over the decades, this game has been more than just a profession; it's been a way of life. "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 muses, contemplating the significant transition that retirement will eventually bring.
For now, Durant remains firmly focused on his on-court duties. With two more fully guaranteed years left on his contract with the Suns, he's committed to contributing to the team's success. His contract ensures he won't become an unrestricted free agent until 2026, giving Suns fans ample time to enjoy his talents.
As Durant envisions his legacy with the Suns, he expresses a desire to be honored by the franchise. "One day, I would like to receive the franchise's Ring of Honor," Durant admits—a clear indication of the deep connection and appreciation he feels for his current team and its history.
The Road Ahead
The journey to this point has been marked by significant milestones and partnerships. Durant's draft class is notable for including NBA stalwarts like Al Horford, Mike Conley, and Jeff Green—players who, like Durant, have left their mark on the league. Yet, as he moves forward, Durant is also keenly aware of the inevitable end to this chapter of his life. "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."
Durant’s aversion to making definitive statements about his post-playing career is evident. "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 says, revealing the uncertainty that most athletes face as they approach the twilight of their careers.
For now, Kevin Durant continues to be a pivotal figure in the NBA, inspiring younger players and thrilling fans with his extraordinary talents. As he embarks on his 17th season, the basketball world watches closely, cherishing every moment of a career that has already given so much to the sport.