Just After Winning Gold, Kevin Durant Considers Retirement: Will He Play in the 2028 Olympics?

Kevin Durant has long been a towering figure in basketball, both in the NBA and on the international stage. Fresh off another gold medal victory with Team USA at the 2024 Paris Olympics, the Brooklyn Nets superstar has added yet another accolade to his already storied career. However, even as the celebration of this latest triumph continues, Durant has revealed that he is seriously contemplating retirement, casting doubt on whether he will compete in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Reflecting on the Future

In the aftermath of Team USA’s gold-medal win in Paris, Durant sat down for an interview where he spoke candidly about his future in the sport. “As I get older and the league gets younger, I find myself thinking more and more about retirement,” Durant admitted. His words struck a chord with fans around the world, many of whom have watched him dominate the sport for over a decade.

Durant continued, “I should stop thinking about it, but it’s on my mind. Honestly, I’m not sure what I’ll do after I retire. I’m interested in a lot of different things. I definitely want to stay involved in the game somehow and give back to my hometown through charity work. It’s going to be a huge transition for me. I’ve been playing basketball since I was eight years old, and I hope I can play for 30 years. But I need to take the time and space to step away from the game to really figure out who I am.”

Durant’s comments are a stark reminder of the physical and mental toll that a long career in professional sports can take. At 35 years old, Durant is still playing at an elite level, but the wear and tear on his body, coupled with the pressure to maintain peak performance, has led him to seriously consider life after basketball.

A Stellar Olympic Performance

Durant’s performance at the Paris Olympics was nothing short of remarkable, especially considering that he had missed all of Team USA’s warm-up games due to injury. Despite this, Durant came out firing in the opening game against Serbia, where he shot 8-for-9 from the field, including 5-for-5 from beyond the arc, to score 23 points. His impact was immediate and undeniable, reminding everyone why he’s considered one of the greatest FIBA players of all time.

Throughout the tournament, Durant averaged 13.8 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game, with shooting splits of 54.0% from the field, 51.9% from three-point range, and 93.8% from the free-throw line. His scoring ranked third on the team, a testament to his efficiency and ability to contribute despite sharing the court with other superstars.

In the knockout stage, Durant once again faced Serbia in a tough quarterfinal match. Team USA trailed for three and a half quarters before finally taking the lead. Durant played the entire fourth quarter, scoring 7 points in the final 10 minutes. With Team USA clinging to a two-point lead in the last 30 seconds, Durant waved off his teammates, isolated his defender, and drained a clutch mid-range jumper to seal the victory.

Durant’s heroics continued in the final against France, where head coach Steve Kerr elevated him to the starting lineup. Durant played 31 minutes, finishing with 15 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 block. His on-court chemistry with Stephen Curry was on full display, evoking memories of their time together with the Golden State Warriors. Durant’s unselfish playmaking in the fourth quarter, where he repeatedly set up Curry for key baskets, was instrumental in securing the gold medal.

Durant’s Legacy with Team USA

With this latest victory, Durant has now won four Olympic gold medals, cementing his place as the greatest player in Team USA history. He also led the United States to a FIBA World Cup championship in 2010, further solidifying his legacy on the international stage. Durant’s influence on Team USA is immeasurable, both as a player and as a leader.

However, Durant’s role in this year’s Olympics was noticeably different from his previous appearances. With the addition of LeBron James and Stephen Curry, as well as the emergence of younger stars like Anthony Edwards and Devin Booker, Durant’s scoring and overall impact were somewhat reduced. This shift was not due to any decline in Durant’s abilities, but rather the result of a more balanced and star-studded roster. Despite this, Durant’s presence was crucial, and his ability to step up in critical moments proved that he remains one of the most clutch players in the game.

Durant’s NBA Performance

Back in the NBA, Durant continues to perform at an extraordinarily high level. Last season, he played in 75 games, averaging 37.2 minutes per game—the fifth-highest in the league—while posting 27.1 points, 6.6 rebounds, 5.0 assists, and 1.2 blocks per game. His shooting percentages were similarly impressive, with a 52.3% field goal percentage, 41.3% from three-point range, and 85.6% from the free-throw line. His true shooting percentage was a staggering 65.3%, underscoring his efficiency as a scorer.

Yet, even for a player as durable as Durant, age and the grueling NBA schedule are beginning to take their toll. As the regular season wore on, Durant’s fatigue became apparent. In the final 17 games of the regular season, he scored over 30 points just once. The playoffs were also a struggle, as Durant’s team was swept 4-0 in the first round by the Minnesota Timberwolves, marking an early and disappointing exit.

Durant, along with LeBron James and Stephen Curry, remains one of the most popular and talented players in the league. Each of these superstars has maintained a remarkably high level of play, even as they approach the twilight of their careers. However, it’s clear that their impact on the game is gradually diminishing as they age. The NBA’s regular season is a marathon, and the physical demands are becoming increasingly difficult to manage.

The 2028 Olympics: The Last Dance?

The 2024 Paris Olympics may well be the last time we see Durant, James, and Curry donning the red, white, and blue for Team USA. After the gold-medal game, all three were asked about their potential participation in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

LeBron James, who will be 39 years old in 2028, was noncommittal, saying, “I can’t imagine myself playing in the 2028 Olympics. I didn’t even think I’d be playing in Paris. But who knows? There’s four years until then.”

Stephen Curry was more direct, stating, “I don’t think I’ll be back for another one.”

Durant, however, left the door open, albeit slightly. “Who knows about Los Angeles? Let’s see what happens,” he said, sparking hope among fans that he might give it one last go.

Interestingly, the American media outlet Hoopshype has already speculated about the roster for the 2028 Olympics, and they included Durant in their projections. By then, Durant will be 39 years old, and while the thought of him competing at that age might seem far-fetched, Hoopshype pointed out that if LeBron can do it, so can Durant.

Despite this optimism, it’s more likely that Durant won’t return for another Olympic run. As much as he loves representing his country and playing the game, Durant’s body has endured significant injuries, including a torn Achilles tendon, one of the most devastating injuries an athlete can suffer. Should Durant decide to sit out the 2028 Olympics, it’s doubtful that fans or analysts would hold it against him.

What is certain is that the basketball world should cherish every remaining moment of Durant’s career. Whether or not he suits up for Team USA in 2028, his legacy as one of the greatest players of all time is already secure. For now, fans should savor the memories that Durant, James, and Curry continue to create, both in the NBA and on the international stage. Their joint appearance at the 2024 Olympics was a dream come true for many basketball enthusiasts, and they undoubtedly have more magic left to share.