Kevin Durant is entering Year 19 at 37 years old. At his rate, him playing 25 seasons is possible, and it would mean playing into his early 40s.
Durant’s production hasn’t dipped, and he's still a 20-point scorer since he entered the league in 2007. His career average is 27.1 points per game. The scoring has barely dipped for the two-time NBA champion and one-time NBA MVP, as his game is built on skill, not explosion.
However, the only thing that might stop him from playing 25 seasons isn't his body; it’s the pursuit of his next championship.
Last season, Durant played 78 games in his first campaign with the Houston Rockets and produced 26.0 points, 5.5 rebounds and 4.8 assists. He remained efficient, shooting 52.0% from the field, including 41.3% from downtown. The 16-time All-Star still averaged over 30 minutes per game.
Unlike other wings and bigs, who rely on their first-step burst to score, Durant’s points come from different spots like the midrange, pull-up and free throws. If he keeps this pace, he could still average 20-22 points per night as a 40-year-old sniper, keeping him relevant in the league and among the most skilled scorers.
With Durant’s style of play, he could avoid the battle inside the paint by living in the elbow and wings to spot up for jumpers. His 7-foot frame, paired with his high release and shot selection, could still trouble defenders when they contest him.
However, with other young stars emerging, his usage rate and playmaking are expected to decrease, especially as he ages. It could benefit him long-term because Durant can recover faster. Even though the first step is gone, mainly due to the Achilles injury he suffered in 2019, his touch and clutch genes are still very much alive.
Durant can be a dependable closer and a major option in crunch time if teams want a proven winner in those situations. But his body and health are not his biggest rivalries that can stop him from playing at a high level. It’s his happiness and opportunity to win another ring.
The two-time Finals MVP continues to be associated with joining the Golden State Warriors to get him over the hump and win championships, which he did in 2017 and 2018. He left in 2019 after falling short of a three-peat and played for the Brooklyn Nets, Phoenix Suns and the Rockets, aiming to author a different path in his career.
Durant wanted to get the monkey off his back and lead a team of his own to the promised land outside the shadow of the Warriors’ superteams. However, that would be a risk for 25 seasons as he’ll spend time adapting to new cities, new fits and new pressure to deliver. If his hunt keeps him in max-minute, win-now roles, his body may not handle the wear and tear, and the run could end before Year 25.
But if Durant accepts a smaller, specified role with a contender, his chances of winning his third ring will increase exponentially. The Texas product’s numbers and skill set can carry him into the 2030s, and playing 25 seasons is possible, thanks to a jumper that doesn’t retire. Whether he gets there depends on lifting another Larry O’Brien Trophy as a leader or assuming a smaller role that makes the game easier for him.
