Russell Westbrook’s retirement made Kevin Durant confront his own NBA future, with the Houston Rockets star admitting that his time as a player is also getting closer to an end.
Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook entered the NBA together with the Oklahoma City Thunder and spent eight seasons as teammates. They also shared the court with Team USA, making Westbrook one of the players Durant has known for most of his professional career.
Speaking to Speedy Morman on Boardroom Talks, Durant said Westbrook’s decision to retire hit him differently because he still believed his former teammate could contribute at the NBA level.
“It was a hit on me, because he was one of the first guys I started with and worked with every day who ended up retiring. A lot of guys younger than me or drafted after me retired, but I wasn’t as close to them. And he’s someone who, in my opinion, still had the level to continue playing. So it surprised me.”
Westbrook’s retirement also gave Durant a chance to reflect on everything the two experienced together since entering the league.
“This is where you can enjoy all the time spent together. And someone like Russ also accomplishes a lot off the court. I can’t wait to see what he’s going to do next.”
Kevin Durant knows his own retirement is approaching
Now approaching his 19th NBA season, Durant acknowledged that he is getting closer to that point while making it clear that he has no intention of walking away while he still feels capable of competing.
“It’s soon my turn… It’s a youth sport and, even though I still feel like I can play, I keep hearing that I’m getting old. I understand that, but I give everything I’ve got.
I’m at peace with everything that can happen after that and I’m going to keep giving it my all until I can’t take it anymore.”
Durant reveals what he wants to do after retirement
Although Kevin Durant is still focused on his NBA career, he already has an idea of what he would like to do once his playing days are over. His next role could come with the national team that has been such a major part of his career.
“One of my main goals is to be the GM of Team USA, one of these Olympics one of these years. I want to do that job one time.”
The role is currently held by Grant Hill, who has served as USA Basketball’s managing director since 2021. Durant, meanwhile, has built one of the strongest international resumes in American basketball history, winning four Olympic gold medals and a FIBA World Cup gold medal with Team USA.
