Kevin Durant is not opposed to suiting up for Team USA in the Olympics one more time. But he wants to do it on his terms.
Durant was one of the guests of honor at the CNBC Sport x Boardroom: Game Plan event held Tuesday in Los Angeles, Calif. During a panel discussion, Durant was asked about his desire to play for Team USA in the 2028 Olympics, which will also be held in L.A.
“Yeah, if I’m still me,” Durant answered. “I don’t want to give the ‘veteran, come sit on the bench, get your fifth [gold medal].'”
Durant is the only men’s basketball player in Team USA history to have four Olympic gold medals in his trophy cabinet. He participated in each of the last four quadrennial games dating back to the 2012 Olympics in London.
The basketball junkie in Durant would probably want to add a fifth medal if his body allows it. The real challenge is staying healthy and productive when the 2028 games kick off.
Durant will be 39 then, with 20 seasons worth of NBA mileage weighing him down. But based on Durant’s level of play last season at 36, he may still be playing at an All-Star caliber level three years from now. KD earned his 15th All-Star nod with averages of 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.2 assists across 62 games for the Phoenix Suns. Barring injuries, it’s hard to imagine Durant falling off significantly come 2028.
LeBron James has shown that modern-day stars may be able to prolong their careers past what was previously thought possible. Durant’s game can arguably age better than James’ more physical style of play.
If KD does chase a fifth gold medal with Team USA, James probably won’t be there alongside him.
