Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) reacts after hitting a three-pointer in a Saturday game against the New York Knicks.Yuki Iwamura/The Associated Press
Kevin Durant will be less than two months shy of his 40th birthday when the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics begin, but he said Monday night he told USA Basketball managing director Grant Hill he’d like to be considered for the U.S. men’s team when the time comes.
“I didn’t want to just take my name out of consideration just because of the simple fact that I’m older and I did it before,” Durant said on Monday. “Grant understands my love for Team USA. That’s my family. The level of love I have for Team USA and the whole organization over there is unmatched, so I’d love to be part of it until I’m done playing.”
Durant has played in the last four Olympics – a men’s team record – becoming USA men’s basketball’s career scoring leader in the process. He knows that doesn’t guarantee him anything.
“I understand how tough that decision is for Grant, and how many great players are going to emerge the next year and a half, and I’m also very old compared to a lot of these players,” Durant said.
Durant is averaging 25.9 points per game on 50.7 per cent shooting in his 18th NBA season.