Kevin Durant Prepares for 17th NBA Season with the Suns
As Kevin Durant gears up for his 17th NBA season, the veteran forward continues to make headlines not only for his performances on the court but also for his reflections on his storied career and future in the league. At 35 years old, Durant's name is synonymous with basketball excellence, boasting achievements that span from the NBA to the global stage.
Durant's journey began when he was selected as the No. 2 overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft by the Seattle SuperSonics, a franchise that would later become the Oklahoma City Thunder. From his early days, it was clear that Durant was destined for greatness. Fast forward to today, and he finds himself an integral part of the Phoenix Suns, a team he has grown particularly fond of. "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," Durant shared.
With two years left on his fully guaranteed contract with the Suns, Durant's future remains a subject of intrigue. He is not set to become an unrestricted free agent until 2026, providing Phoenix fans with more opportunities to witness his prowess on the court. Despite his age, Durant shows no signs of slowing down and continues to make significant contributions to his team. A testament to his enduring skill and commitment, Durant recently secured his fourth Olympic gold medal representing Team USA, further solidifying his status as one of the game's greats.
Durant’s personal reflections reveal a player deeply aware of his career's inevitable twilight. "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. His connection to the game runs deep, having started playing basketball at just 8 years old. The transition away from an active playing career is something that weighs heavily on 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.
Despite these looming thoughts, Durant remains focused on his current team and their goals. His desire to make history with the Suns is clear, and he has expressed a wish to be honored by the franchise. "One day, I would like to receive the franchise's Ring of Honor," Durant declared, indicating his commitment to leaving a lasting legacy in Phoenix.
As he heads into another season, Durant finds himself in good company, reminiscent of his draft class peers like Al Horford, Mike Conley, and Jeff Green, who have all carved out impressive careers in their own right. The similarities highlight the enduring impact of a draft class that has continued to shape the NBA landscape over the years.
For now, Kevin Durant's focus remains on contributing to the Suns' success and enjoying his time on the court. While the thoughts of retirement and life beyond basketball cross his mind, his dedication to the game and his team remains unwavering. "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 remarked, encapsulating the uncertainty and excitement that comes with being one of the NBA's most enduring talents.
As the new season approaches, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely, eager to see what Durant will bring to the floor as he continues to add to his storied career.