Kevin Durant: A Legacy in the Making, One Season at a Time
As Kevin Durant gears up for his 17th NBA season, the basketball world watches closely. At 35 years old, Durant is not just a veteran but a stalwart of the game, a player whose name is synonymous with excellence and tenacity.
A New Chapter with the Suns
Durant currently plays for the Phoenix Suns, a team he has grown to love. "I love playing in Phoenix, I love our fans, I love the city," Durant stated, reflecting on his time with the franchise. "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's journey with the Suns is just beginning, but he has ambitious goals, hoping to one day earn the franchise's esteemed Ring of Honor. His drive is evident in every game, a testament to his enduring passion for basketball.
A Career Spanning Over a Decade
Drafted as the No. 2 overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft by the Seattle SuperSonics, Durant's career has been remarkable. The franchise later became the Oklahoma City Thunder, where Durant made a significant impact. From those early days to his current tenure with the Suns, Durant's professional journey has been defined by numerous accolades and memorable moments.
Notably, Durant recently secured his fourth Olympic gold medal representing Team USA, further solidifying his status as one of basketball's greatest players. His draft class, which included notable names like Al Horford, Mike Conley, and Jeff Green, was one of the most talented in recent history.
Looking Toward the Future
With two more fully guaranteed years left on his contract with the Suns, Durant will not become an unrestricted free agent until 2026. This stability allows Durant to focus purely on his game, a luxury he undoubtedly appreciates at this stage of his career.
However, as much as Durant is committed to honing his craft, thoughts of retirement are beginning 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 admitted. It's a candid reflection from a player who has dedicated the majority of his life to basketball, having started playing at the tender age of 8.
Durant's contemplation about life after basketball is poignant. "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 shared.
The Uncertain Path Ahead
While Durant's future beyond his playing days remains uncertain, one thing is clear: his passion for the game will continue to guide him. "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 explained, leaving the door open for a multitude of possibilities.
As Durant continues to carve out his legacy, fans and peers alike will undoubtedly continue to watch, celebrate, and be inspired by his extraordinary career.