Kevin Durant, one of the most iconic figures in modern basketball, continues to carve out his legacy as he prepares for his 17th NBA season. At the age of 35, Durant's career has been filled with both individual accolades and team successes, spanning from his early years with the Seattle SuperSonics to his current tenure with the Phoenix Suns.
A Stellar Career
Durant was selected as the No. 2 overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft by the Seattle SuperSonics, a franchise that later became the Oklahoma City Thunder. Since then, his journey through the NBA has been nothing short of remarkable. Durant not only made a name for himself with the Thunder but also left an indelible mark with the Golden State Warriors, where he secured two NBA Championships and earned two NBA Finals MVP Awards.
Recently, Durant added another milestone to his illustrious career by securing his fourth Olympic gold medal while representing Team USA. This achievement underscores his enduring skill and commitment to the sport on an international level.
Current Chapter with the Phoenix Suns
After years of navigating the highs and lows of professional basketball, Durant finds himself as a pivotal player for the Phoenix Suns. With two more fully guaranteed years left on his contract and not set to become an unrestricted free agent until 2026, Durant is poised to play a central role in the Suns' pursuit of greatness.
Durant's dedication to the franchise is not lost on the ardent fans in Phoenix. He recently expressed his admiration for the city and its passionate supporters, stating, "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."
The Future and Retirement Musings
As Durant continues to add to his storied career, thoughts of retirement have naturally started to surface. He candidly shared, "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." Having dedicated nearly his entire life to basketball, starting from the tender age of 8, the transition away from the sport he loves will be profound.
Contemplating his post-playing days, Durant said, "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."
Despite these reflective moments, Durant remains focused on the present and his contributions to the game. He acknowledges the uncertainty of the future, adding, "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."
A Legacy in the Making
Durant's pursuit of excellence has him eyeing one of the highest honors a player can receive from a franchise. "One day, I would like to receive the franchise's Ring of Honor," he admitted. This aspiration speaks volumes about his connection with the Suns and his desire to be remembered not just as a great player, but as an integral part of the team’s history.
From the early days of playing basketball as a child to becoming one of the NBA's most respected veterans, Kevin Durant's journey is a testament to enduring talent, relentless perseverance, and an unyielding love for the game. As he continues to compete at the highest level, fans and analysts alike remain captivated by his every move, anticipating what new heights he will reach before eventually hanging up his sneakers.