Ayrton Oneill
As of 2025, Kevin Durant has not retired from basketball. The 36-year-old Phoenix Suns forward has been one of the NBA's top stars for almost two decades and is showing no signs of slowing down. However, in 2024, Durant admitted that he often thinks about retirement and the transition to life after basketball. In an interview, he said, I've been at this since I was eight... Every day was centered around the game of basketball. There hasn't been any other lifestyle than this. While Durant has not confirmed any retirement plans, he has expressed a desire to step away from the game to focus on other interests and philanthropy.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Current age | 36 years |
| Age when he considered retiring | 35 years |
| Current team | Phoenix Suns |
| Olympic gold medals | 4 |
| Retirement thoughts | "I've been at this since I was eight. It was gonna be, hopefully, 30 years of me doing this where every day was centered around the game of basketball. So I want to just have some time and space to kind of really step out of that matrix and figure out who I am as an individual and then step into something and be ready for it." |
| Retirement discussion | In an interview with Raising Fame, and in conversations with his mother, Wanda Durant |
| Current ventures | Minority shareholder in Paris Saint-Germain, a French soccer club |
| Other ventures | Multimedia companies Thirty Five Ventures and Boardroom |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Kevin Durant's retirement interview
Kevin Durant, the star basketball player for the Phoenix Suns, has hinted at his retirement from the NBA in a recent interview. In the interview, Durant, who will be turning 36 in September, admitted that he hasn't shared his thoughts on retirement with his mother, Wanda Durant. He described the transition as "huge" and reflected on his nearly 30-year-long career in the NBA, starting from when he was eight years old. Durant expressed his desire to step away from the game and take some time to figure out his identity outside of basketball.
Durant's contemplation of retirement comes after a highly successful career in the NBA. He has won two NBA championships, four Olympic gold medals, an NBA Most Valuable Player Award, two NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Awards, and numerous other accolades. He is also one of the highest-earning basketball players in the world, with endorsement deals from companies like Foot Locker and Nike.
In the interview, Durant shared his thoughts on the approaching transition: "I've been at this since I was eight. It's been nearly 30 years of me doing this. Every day was centered around the game of basketball. There hasn't been any other lifestyle than this. So I just want to have some time and space to really step out of that matrix and figure out who I am as an individual and then step into something and be ready for it."
Durant also expressed his intention to stay involved with the sport in some capacity: "I definitely want to stay around the game." He has been building his business empire for over a decade, with ventures such as multimedia companies Thirty Five Venture and Boardroom. Additionally, he has become a minority shareholder in the French soccer club Paris Saint-Germain, demonstrating his interest in exploring opportunities beyond professional basketball.
While Durant has hinted at retirement, he has not confirmed any immediate plans to leave the NBA. In the interview, he shared his goal to "play till the wheels fall off," indicating his desire to continue playing for as long as possible. However, he also acknowledged the possibility of walking away from the game at 35, stating, "Thirty-five, that's just a number in my mind."
Ohio Valley Basketball Tournament: Where and When?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Durant's post-retirement plans
Kevin Durant, the American professional basketball player for the Phoenix Suns, has not retired from basketball. In fact, he has previously stated that he wants to play until he "can't no more". However, in 2020, Durant shared that he could see himself retiring from the NBA at the age of 35.
Durant has expressed interest in various post-retirement plans. Here are some of his potential endeavours:
Sports and Athletics: Durant has a strong interest in sports beyond basketball. In 2022, he invested in a professional pickleball team, partnering with other athletes like LeBron James and Tom Brady. Additionally, he became a minority shareholder in the three-time defending Ligue 1 champion Paris Saint-Germain, investing in the French soccer club through his company Thirty Five Ventures.
Business and Entrepreneurship: Durant has been actively expanding his business portfolio. He co-founded Thirty Five Ventures and the Boardroom with his business partner Rich Kleiman. They also co-founded a media company, producing a basketball-themed scripted drama for Apple in 2018.
Philanthropy: Durant has developed a reputation for philanthropy and community involvement. His hometown, Seat Pleasant in Maryland, honoured him with 'Kevin Durant Day' in 2017, recognising his contributions both on and off the court.
Content Creation and Media: Durant has explored content creation through his YouTube channel, which he started in 2017. He uploads live stream vlogs and has accumulated a significant following, with over 790,000 subscribers as of 2020.
Writing and Photography: Durant has contributed to The Players' Tribune as a photographer and writer, showcasing his creative side beyond athletics.
While these are Durant's known interests and plans as he approaches retirement, he has also stated that he plans to keep his options open. He has mentioned the possibility of coaching, owning an NBA franchise, or taking on a different role within the game, similar to Kobe Bryant's transition.
Badminton Basics: Easy Steps to Get Started
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Durant's NBA career achievements
Kevin Durant, one of the most prolific scorers in NBA history, has had an illustrious career filled with numerous achievements and accolades. Durant, also known as "KD," made his NBA debut in 2007 and quickly established himself as a rising star in the league. Known for his seamless scoring ability and versatile playstyle, Durant has left an indelible mark on the sport.
Over his 15-year career, Durant has played for three different teams: the Seattle SuperSonics/Oklahoma City Thunder, Golden State Warriors, and Brooklyn Nets. He has appeared in two NBA Finals as a member of the Thunder and won back-to-back championships with the Warriors in 2017 and 2018, solidifying his place among the league's elite. Durant was also a key figure in the Warriors' record-breaking 2015–16 season, where they set a new mark for regular-season wins with a 73-9 record.
Durant's individual accomplishments are equally impressive. He has won two NBA championships, two NBA Finals MVP awards, a regular-season MVP award, and has been selected to the All-NBA First Team on six occasions. He is also a 12-time NBA All-Star, showcasing his consistent excellence and recognition by fans and peers alike. Durant's scoring prowess is highlighted by his four NBA scoring titles, leading the league in points per game. He also ranks among the top 20 all-time NBA players in career points per game, with an average of 27.
Durant has also achieved several milestones during his career. He became the youngest player in NBA history to join the 50–40–90 club, shooting at least 50% from the field, 40% from three-point range, and 90% from free throws in a single season. He achieved this feat during the 2009–10 season when he was just 21 years old. Additionally, Durant has recorded multiple 50-point games, including a career-high 51 points, and is one of only a few players to have scored at least 20 points in all games during an entire month.
Beyond the stats and awards, Durant has also had a significant impact on the cultural side of the NBA. He has been a prominent figure in several NBA campaigns and promotions, including being featured on the cover of the NBA 2K video game franchise. Durant has also been active in giving back to the community, founding the Kevin Durant Charity Foundation, which focuses on enriching the lives of at-risk youth through educational and athletic programs.
So, while Kevin Durant is still an active player in the NBA as of my information cutoff of May 2023, his career achievements are already those of a surefire Hall of Famer. His scoring prowess, coupled with team success and a dedication to giving back, ensures that Durant's legacy in the NBA is secure.
The Evolution of Basketball: Bonus Rule's Inception
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Durant's investments outside of basketball
As of my cut-off date, Kevin Durant is still an active basketball player in the NBA. However, aside from his successful basketball career, Durant has also been very active in the business and investment world. He has a diverse range of investments and business ventures outside of basketball, which have contributed to his wealth and success.
One of Durant's most notable investments is in the sports technology and media sector. He has been an early backer and investor in several sports-focused startups, including the popular streaming service, Overtime. Overtime is a sports media company that focuses on creating content and live-streaming high school and college sporting events, giving a platform to up-and-coming athletes. Durant has also invested in sports data and analytics companies, such as Sportradar, which provide data and insights to sports teams, media companies, and sports betting operators.
In addition to his investments in sports technology, Durant has also made significant investments in the food and hospitality industry. He is a co-founder of a New York-based investment firm, Thirty Five Ventures, through which he has made several investments in restaurants and hospitality startups. Durant has also partnered with celebrity chef, Tom Colicchio, to open a fast-casual restaurant called District on Hudson in the West Village neighborhood of Manhattan. The restaurant serves healthy, locally sourced food with a focus on sustainability.
Durant has also invested in a number of tech startups outside of the sports industry. He has made investments in companies focused on artificial intelligence, fintech, and health and wellness. For example, Durant has invested in a company called Clarity, which uses AI to help businesses analyze and improve their customer service interactions. He has also invested in a fintech startup called CoinShares, which offers a platform for investing in blockchain-based assets and cryptocurrencies.
Another area of focus for Durant's investments is media and entertainment. He has his own production company, Durant Entertainment, which produces film, television, and digital content. Durant has also invested in several media companies, including Players' Tribune, a media platform that publishes first-person stories from professional athletes, and Boardroom, a media company focused on the business of sports.
Kevin Durant's diverse investment portfolio shows his interest in backing innovative startups and his desire to build a strong post-basketball career. His investments have been strategic and often focus on industries that he is passionate about, such as sports, food, and media. Through his investment firm, Durant continues to seek out new opportunities and expand his business ventures.
Hoop-Shaped Badminton Rackets: Aerodynamics and Power
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Durant's legacy in the NBA
Kevin Durant is undoubtedly one of the greatest basketball players of all time and has left an indelible mark on the NBA. Durant's incredible scoring ability and versatility as a player have earned him a reputation as one of the most dynamic and dominant forces the league has ever seen. Over his illustrious career, Durant has achieved numerous milestones and accolades, solidifying his place in the annals of NBA history.
Durant's career began with the Seattle SuperSonics, who later became the Oklahoma City Thunder, and he immediately made an impact, winning the Rookie of the Year award in 2008. He quickly established himself as a prolific scorer, known for his smooth shooting stroke and unparalleled ability to get to the basket. Durant's incredible length and skill set made him a nightmare for defenders, and he consistently improved his all-around game, developing into an outstanding rebounder and passer as well.
One of Durant's most impressive achievements is his four NBA scoring titles, leading the league in points per game. He joined an elite group of players to have won that many scoring titles, showcasing his incredible consistency and offensive prowess. Durant's ability to score from anywhere on the court and his high basketball IQ made him an unguardable force, often single-handedly taking over games and leading his team to victory.
However, it was Durant's move to the Golden State Warriors in 2016 that truly cemented his legacy. By joining an already championship-winning team, Durant faced scrutiny from fans and the media, but this move also created an almost unbeatable super-team. Durant helped lead the Warriors to two NBA championships, winning back-to-back Finals MVP awards in the process. While this move may have impacted his individual legacy, it showcased his desire to win and further emphasized his incredible talent.
Beyond the scoring titles and championships, Durant has also earned numerous individual accolades. He is an 12-time NBA All-Star, a 2-time NBA Champion, a 2-time NBA Finals MVP, and was named to the All-NBA First Team five times. Durant also won an NBA MVP award in 2014, further emphasizing his all-around ability and impact on the court. His international success with Team USA further cements his legacy, winning gold medals at the 2010 and 2016 Olympics, showcasing his talent on a global stage.
Durant's impact on the game extends beyond his on-court achievements. His smooth playing style and incredible skill set have inspired a new generation of players, with his influence evident in the modern NBA. Durant has also used his platform for various off-court endeavors, including charitable initiatives and business ventures, further solidifying his impact on the league and the wider community. While Durant's career may have come to an end, his legacy in the NBA will forever be remembered as one of the true greats of the game.
The End of Men's Basketball Season
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
No, Kevin Durant has not retired from basketball as of 2025. However, in 2024, he admitted that he often thinks about retirement and that it would be a "huge, huge transition".
In an interview with Raising Fame, Kevin Durant said that he has been playing basketball since he was eight and that:
> "Every day was centered around the game of basketball. There hasn’t been any other lifestyle than this. So I just want to have some time and space to really step out of that matrix and figure out who I am as an individual and then step into something and be ready for it."
Kevin Durant has previously stated that he could see himself retiring at 35. However, he has continued to play past this age, and there are rumours that he will be traded from the Suns to another team.
