LAS VEGAS — Kevin Durant’s state of mind, happiness, and wanderlust are always topics of discussion. Despite athletes like him being trained to ignore the noise, it affects him, as he knows it influences how fans perceive him. Durant is on the verge of his fourth Olympics, and rumors suggest his fifth NBA franchise might not be far behind.
The “KD Want to Leave” Button
“You could just press the ‘KD want to leave’ button anytime you want some attention,” Durant told Yahoo Sports in an exclusive interview following Team USA’s first practice. “Yes, it’s a button. What else is gonna get people going around this time? Besides, ‘Oh, the journeyman is leaving again.’ That story is always gonna hit.”
Draft Night Rumors
The conversation stemmed from draft night rumors about Durant, who has spent just over a season with the Phoenix Suns. With the Suns having three maximum salary players and new luxury tax aprons penalizing big spenders, some speculated the Suns might trade Durant for future draft capital. The Houston Rockets were mentioned as potential suitors, and Durant, frequently online, saw the rumors.
“It’s hard not to hear what they got to say about you,” Durant said. “Especially when you could just make up lies and everybody gonna believe you.” He repeatedly called the claims “lies” and emphasized his regular contact with the Suns’ front office, coaching staff, and players.
Durant’s Frustration with False Narratives
“It bothers me that people lie like that and that the audience eats up the headline. I get sad when people buy into lies and just make up stuff,” Durant expressed. “It’s bigger than ball at that point for me. I can’t control that. I feel for people. It’s a bad practice to have when you just believe anything, for one. Just believe what you see on TV. And then it’s another bad habit when you’re just lying.”
Durant’s Consistency and Achievements
Durant finished another efficient season, playing 75 games, his most since 2018-19. He was close to a 50-40-90 season, shooting 86 percent from the line, and averaged 27 points, nearly seven rebounds, and five assists.
Career Highlights
- Olympic Scorer: All-time leading U.S. Olympic basketball scorer, surpassing Carmelo Anthony in 2021.
- NBA Performance: Holds the record for points per game in a career at 19.8.
Reuniting with Kerr and Curry
Durant will reunite with Steve Kerr and Stephen Curry for the Olympics, believing it will be an easy transition. He considers this team potentially the most talented since the 1992 Dream Team or the 2008 Redeem Team.
Media Focus and Career Moves
Despite his longevity and consistency, the media often focus on Durant’s career moves. He left Oklahoma City to join the Golden State Warriors, then moved to Brooklyn, and eventually requested a trade to Phoenix. On draft night, new Suns owner Mat Ishbia tweeted support for Durant, emphasizing their championship aspirations.
Durant’s Message to Fans
“Don’t let that blind you from what I’m doing on the basketball court. Even if I do leave, am I playing good basketball, though? Like, what matters?” Durant asked. “I want better for the fans. I want them to enjoy the experience.”
Durant’s Future and Retirement Plans
Durant, nearing his 36th birthday, contemplates the end of his career. “I’ve always played a role. My whole career. That’s why I’m so good at basketball,” he said, listing his roles as a wing defender, ball-handler, facilitator, and scorer. “If it’s a good situation, if I’m still enjoying the game of basketball, my goal is to play this till the wheels fall off, for whatever role that is.”
| Season | Games Played | Points per Game | Rebounds per Game | Assists per Game |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018-19 | 78 | 26.0 | 6.4 | 5.9 |
| 2022-23 | 75 | 27.0 | 6.7 | 5.4 |
| Olympic Career | – | 19.8 | – | – |
As Durant looks forward to his fourth Olympics and beyond, his commitment to playing good basketball remains unwavering.(747Live)
