Kevin Durant Preparing for Milestone 17th NBA Season: Reflects on Career and Future
As Kevin Durant embarks on his 17th NBA season, his illustrious career continues to be a testament to dedication and excellence. At 35, the Phoenix Suns forward remains an indomitable force on the court, yet he acknowledges the creeping thoughts of retirement. "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.
Olympic Stalwart and Draft Origins
Durant recently added another accolade to his name, securing his fourth Olympic gold medal with Team USA. His journey in professional basketball began in 2007 when he was selected as the No. 2 overall pick by the Seattle SuperSonics, a franchise that subsequently became the Oklahoma City Thunder. The 2007 draft was noted for its depth of talent, featuring notable players like Al Horford, Mike Conley, and Jeff Green who stand alongside Durant in NBA history.
Contract and Commitment
Currently, Durant’s contractual ties with the Phoenix Suns keep him under wraps until 2026. He has two more fully guaranteed years left on his deal with the Suns and has expressed his appreciation for his current environment. "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 remarked.
Beyond Basketball
As Durant reflects on his future, he admits uncertainty about life after 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," he said, highlighting the profound imprint the game has left on his life. While staying in the game seems likely, he remains open to numerous 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," Durant added.
A Glance Back and Ahead
Durant's passion for basketball was kindled at a young age when he started playing at just 8 years old. Over the decades, this passion has translated into a career filled with milestones, including numerous NBA accolades and Olympic triumphs. A future in the Phoenix Suns' Ring of Honor would be a fitting tribute to his impact on the team and the sport.
As the coming season approaches, fans and analysts alike are keen to see what Durant will bring to the court. Despite considerations of retirement, Durant's focus and drive remain unwavering, promising yet another chapter in a career that has already etched his name among the greats of the game.