Kevin Durant Prepares for 17th NBA Season with the Phoenix Suns
As Kevin Durant gears up for his 17th NBA season, his illustrious career continues to be a testament to his dedication, talent, and evolution as a player. The 35-year-old forward, currently playing for the Phoenix Suns, remains an integral part of the league's fabric.
Durant, who first picked up a basketball at the age of 8, has come a long way since being selected as the No. 2 overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft by the Seattle SuperSonics. The team would later become the Oklahoma City Thunder, marking the beginning of Durant's remarkable journey through the NBA.
Olympic Glory and NBA Milestones
In addition to his NBA achievements, Durant recently added a fourth Olympic gold medal to his collection, representing Team USA. His consistent performance on the international stage cements his legacy as one of the premier basketball talents of his generation.
Despite the passing years, Durant shows no signs of slowing down. He has two more fully guaranteed years on his contract with the Suns, and he will not become an unrestricted free agent until 2026. This commitment underscores his intent to continue influencing the game he has dedicated nearly three decades of his life to.
Reflecting on Retirement and Future Plans
However, as Durant himself acknowledges, the thought of retirement has begun to surface more frequently. "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 admits. His reflection is understandable; after all, transitioning from a lifestyle centered around basketball for the majority of his life will be a significant change.
Durant is candid about the uncertainty that lies ahead once his playing days are over. "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," he shares. Having committed himself to the sport since the tender age of 8, the eventual shift will indeed be monumental. "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."
Embracing Phoenix and Eyeing the Ring of Honor
Durant's move to Phoenix has been met with enthusiasm from the player himself and the fanbase. "I love playing in Phoenix, I love our fans, I love the city," Durant says, highlighting his deepening connection with his new home. "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." His passion for the franchise is evident, and he has set a personal goal: "One day, I would like to receive the franchise's Ring of Honor."
For Durant, staying in the game in some capacity post-retirement seems like a natural progression. "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 remarks, leaving the door open for future possibilities in coaching, mentoring, or other roles within the sport.
A Storied Career and Bright Future
As Kevin Durant prepares for another NBA season, his legacy is firmly established, yet his journey continues to evolve. Whether it's on the court with the Suns or future endeavors post-retirement, Durant's impact on basketball remains profound and enduring.