When it comes to NBA stars and cannabis, who do you picture first? For a lot of people, it’s Kevin Durant. It’s long been obvious how much the prolific scorer enjoys it.
But how much is “how much,” exactly?
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The truth remains elusive. That makes insights from insiders like Matt Sullivan all the more intriguing.
Sullivan, who has closely followed the Brooklyn Nets, shared his thoughts on this topic during his appearance on the “Dan Le Batard Show” in July 2021.
Durant’s world
How can we trust Sullivan on this topic? The truth is, we can’t fully rely on any single source. However, there are elements that lend credibility to his insights.
Sullivan, after all, had once gotten an inside look at Durant’s world. According to the Nets insider, this happened when the latter was part of that early 2020s Brooklyn roster.
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It was 1 a.m. That’s a time most athletes would be asleep. With Durant, it was different, though. Sullivan said it was still loud. And he wasn’t talking about music blaring from the speakers.
“The entire place just reeks!” he said.
Earlier in the episode, Sullivan had been asked what he could reveal about the star forward that might surprise listeners. Naturally, he shared insights into Durant’s personal habits. He stated, “He smokes even more weed than you’d think.” That wasn’t really surprising given the scene Sullivan described during his late-night visit.
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Off-court routine
During the podcast episode, Sullivan not only discussed how often Durant smokes but also revealed where the 2014 Most Valuable Player prefers to do it.
“He (Durant) only smokes in the car,” said Sullivan. “I don’t know if it’s to avoid getting caught or that’s just his happy place.”
Asked how Durant acts afterward, Sullivan said the now-Houston Rockets veteran stays pretty much the same. Calm. Easygoing. Unbothered. In his eyes, Durant has always been a chill presence.
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Everyone knows Durant is comfortable with weed. He’s just as devoted to the game of basketball. Always has been.
Sullivan stressed that point while recalling that late-night visit. Even in those relaxed moments, Durant remained focused on the game. He, for instance, showed Sullivan videos of his Achilles rehab. Durant also talked about ways to keep improving. It shows the work never really stops for the two-time Finals MVP. In that light, cannabis doesn’t feel like just recreation for him.
And it’s hard to argue that it holds him back in any way, either. After all, the 37-year-old future Hall of Famer remains an elite performer.
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Over the past three seasons, he’s averaged 26.5 points, 6.0 rebounds and 4.6 assists per contest. He has also earned an All-Star nod each year during that same period.
As for Durant’s own words on cannabis, which actually can be taken at face value, he has shared a few insights over the years that reveal his “relaxed” approach.
The Washington D.C. native said he enjoys it casually, that it helps him clear his mind and stay focused, and that it’s a way to unwind without overthinking. In the modern NBA, he also noted, it’s almost as common as having a glass of wine.
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Sometimes it’s simply about finding what suits you best. Durant, it seems, found his a long time ago.
This story was originally published by Basketball Network on Mar 27, 2026, where it first appeared in the Off The Court section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.