Durant talks about retirement: "I hope my passion can make myself in my 40s"

According to US sports media F/W contributor Nico Martinez, Durant has done almost everything in the basketball world, but he is not ready to consider leaving. In a recent interview with “Game Plan,” the 36-year-old superstar revealed that he hasn’t revealed how long he can play and hopes his career will last until his 40s. "As long as I can do it. I haven't given the numbers yet," Durant said. "Obviously, you think about retirement every year, you think about what it would look like. But when people ask me these questions every day, I can't help but think about it."

James set a new precedent for the NBA's longevity, and many people wonder how long Durant can hold on. As of now, despite constant doubts from fans and media, Durant feels that he still has years of elite basketball career to play. "I still love going to the gym. I still love the struggle to get better every day and be a grind as an NBA player," Durant added. “Hopefully I’m in my 40s and I can play until that time.”

Decreased athletic ability is part of any athlete’s natural aging process. What really marks the end is when players lose the motivation to hone and improve their game on the driving field. When the process is no longer sustainable, it is usually the star players who know that it is time for them to quit. In Durant's case, his passion is still stronger than ever, and his game is still very effective. Last season, he played 62 games for the Suns, averaging 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game, with a shooting percentage of 52.7%.

Although Durant hasn't won a championship since 2018, his new start with the Rockets has given him another chance to add a resume. At 36, he may lead them to prosperity along with Shin Kyung, Amen Thompson and Van Vleet in the upcoming campaign.

Of course, Durant is not a priority for Houston and he has to accept a new role if he wants the Rockets to be his long-term team. With the contract due next summer, Durant’s future remains uncertain and he may find himself on a new team again, depending on how he performs in the 2025-26 season. At the moment, Durant only knows that he is still far from retirement and has at least four years left, and he can compete with LeBron in terms of lifespan and stability, becoming an NBA superstar.

As a two-time champion, MVP and 15-time All-Star, Durant has nothing to prove, he just wants to have a love for the game. He, James and Paul are the last of a generation, and are the most powerful examples of how outstanding talents and efforts can sustain greatness for 15+ years.

Durant has always been one of the purest scorers in NBA history, but his biggest battle now is a battle with time. If his body sticks with it and his passion doesn't fade, we might see a KD version that pushes the limits of longevity like LeBron. For someone who still loves to hone, there is no reason to believe that he won’t continue chasing the game in his 40s. How many more seasons do you think he can stay on the field?