As Kevin Durant prepares to embark on his 17th NBA season, the 35-year-old Phoenix Suns forward contemplates a career that has been as much a journey of personal growth as it has been one of professional success. From being the No. 2 overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft by the Seattle SuperSonics, a franchise that later became the Oklahoma City Thunder, to securing his fourth Olympic gold medal for Team USA, Durant's career is a testament to resilience and excellence in the game of 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, offering a candid glimpse into the psyche of a player who has been at the pinnacle of his sport for nearly two decades. Yet, despite these contemplations, Durant remains deeply committed to the game and to his current team.
A Storied Career and New Aspirations
Durant, who started playing basketball at the tender age of 8, has made an indelible mark on the sport. His draft class, which included notable players like Al Horford, Mike Conley, and Jeff Green, has seen him rise to remarkable heights. And with two more fully guaranteed years on his contract with the Suns, Durant's immediate future in the NBA is securely anchored in Phoenix.
Durant's love for the city and its fans is palpable. "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 expressed, showing his desire to etch his name in the annals of Suns history.
The Transition on the Horizon
While Durant's current focus is firmly on continuing his illustrious career, the idea of what life might look like post-basketball is never far from his mind. "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 reflected.
There is a sense of uncertainty mixed with optimism in Durant's voice when he discusses his post-retirement plans. "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 noted, leaving the door open to various possibilities once his playing days are over.
A Legacy in the Making
As Durant looks ahead to the upcoming season and beyond, his legacy in the world of basketball is already firmly established. From his early days with the SuperSonics to his current role with the Suns, Durant's impact on the game is undeniable. With a career that spans four Olympic gold medals and numerous accolades, his contributions to basketball continue to inspire both current and future generations of players.
However, it's not just the accolades and statistics that define Kevin Durant. It's his ability to connect with fans, embrace the communities he’s part of, and his unwavering dedication to the sport. As the Phoenix Suns pursue their championship ambitions, Durant remains a central figure both on and off the court, poised to add more chapters to his storied career.