Kevin Durant's Upcoming NBA Season: Embracing Legacy and Eyeing Future Milestones
As the 2023-2024 NBA season approaches, Kevin Durant finds himself reflecting on both his storied past and the uncertain future that lies ahead. Now gearing up for his 17th season, the 35-year-old forward is showing no signs of slowing down on the court. Durant, who was selected as the No. 2 overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft by the Seattle SuperSonics—a franchise that has since become the Oklahoma City Thunder—continues to be a dominant force.
Durant's career has been nothing short of illustrious. He recently added a fourth Olympic gold medal to his collection, representing Team USA on the global stage. Through his long and prosperous career, Durant has displayed an unwavering commitment to the game, which he began playing at the tender age of 8. Now, with two more fully guaranteed years left on his contract with the Phoenix Suns, Durant is setting his sights on new heights.
Turning Eyes Towards Retirement
Even as he prepares for another grueling season, Durant can't help but ponder the end of his playing days. "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. The rigors of nearly two decades in professional basketball have undoubtedly left an impact, yet the superstar remains deeply passionate about the sport that has defined his life.
His contemplation of retirement is balanced by his desire to remain connected to basketball in some capacity. "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," Durant shared, hinting at the magnitude of the change he anticipates.
A Deep Bond with Phoenix
Since joining the Phoenix Suns, Durant has quickly developed a strong connection with the team and its fans. "I love playing in Phoenix, I love our fans, I love the city," he said. "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." This profound appreciation has also manifested in a personal goal for Durant: "One day, I would like to receive the franchise's Ring of Honor."
The Suns have a storied history and a passionate fan base, and Durant's presence has only added to the team's aspirations. His experiences and insights provide invaluable guidance to younger players, as well as a stabilizing force in the locker room.
Future Prospects and Personal Aspirations
Durant's long-term future in the NBA is a topic of much speculation. Although he won't become an unrestricted free agent until 2026, his plans post-basketball remain fluid. Durant himself admits to the unpredictability of life after professional sports. "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 confessed, underlining the open-ended nature of his future endeavors.
What is clear, however, is that Durant's legacy is far from being written in full. His draft class, which included notable players like Al Horford, Mike Conley, and Jeff Green, has seen many thrive, but Durant’s achievements with the SuperSonics, Thunder, and now the Suns, have set him apart as one of the greats.
As Kevin Durant embarks on his 17th NBA season, he stands at a unique crossroads, both appreciating the journey that has brought him here and looking ahead to the chapters yet to be written. His dedication to the game, the deep bonds he's formed with his teammates and fans, and his ever-evolving perspective on life and career make him a singular figure in the annals of basketball history.