Kevin Durant Eyes Fifth Olympic Gold, Dismisses Retirement Talk
Published: February 24, 2026
Durant Determined to Continue Olympic Journey
Despite already boasting four Olympic gold medals (2012, 2016, 2020, and 2024) and holding the record for Team USA’s all-time leading Olympic scorer, Kevin Durant has no intention of retiring from international competition. The 37-year-old forward is setting his sights on the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Responding to speculation about a potential farewell tour, Durant stated, “It was you, the media, who imagined this”
, according to ESPN. “Where does this last dance story come from? I didn’t say I wouldn’t play (in Los Angeles in 2028). LeBron said he wouldn’t play. You didn’t hear that from me or Steph (Curry).”
While LeBron James and Stephen Curry have indicated they will not participate in the 2028 Games, Durant remains committed, provided he maintains his high level of play.
Earning a Spot, Not Relying on Legacy
“I don’t want to be selected just for my seniority”
Durant emphasized his desire to earn his place on the team through performance. “Of course I want to be,”
he continued. “I would love to, but I have to stay at the top of my game. I want to perform well on the field and make Grant (Hill) and those who make the decisions want to select me in the team. I don’t want to be selected just for my seniority. I still want to prove that I can help the team win. Today, yes, I feel I can still apply.”
Addressing Basketball Style Debates
Durant also addressed ongoing discussions about the differences between American and European basketball styles. “I just don’t like all the talk about American style versus European style in approach to the game,”
he stated. “All I hear is, ‘The AAU (the high school basketball circuit in the United States) is destroying the game, the Europeans are doing it right and the Americans are doing it wrong.’ It’s nonsense. I can read between the lines: Here’s an attack on black Americans. We control this sport and they are sick of us controlling it. ‘France is coming’. Really ? We beat them soundly.”
Kevin Durant – Olympic Statistics
| Season | Team | MJ | Min | Shots | 3pts | LF | Off | Def | To | Pd | Fte | Int | Bp | Ct | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007-08 | OKC | 80 | 34:36 | 43.0 | 28.8 | 87.3 | 0.9 | 3.5 | 4.4 | 2.4 | 1.5 | 1.0 | 2.9 | 0.9 | 20.3 |
| 2008-09 | OKC | 74 | 38:59 | 47.6 | 42.2 | 86.3 | 1.0 | 5.5 | 6.5 | 2.8 | 1.8 | 1.3 | 3.0 | 0.7 | 25.3 |
| 2009-10 | OKC | 82 | 39:30 | 47.6 | 36.5 | 90.0 | 1.3 | 6.3 | 7.6 | 2.8 | 2.1 | 1.4 | 3.3 | 1.0 | 30.1 |
| 2010-11 | OKC | 78 | 38:57 | 46.2 | 35.0 | 88.0 | 0.7 | 6.1 | 6.8 | 2.7 | 2.0 | 1.1 | 2.8 | 1.0 | 27.7 |
| 2011-12 | OKC | 66 | 38:35 | 51.0 | 38.7 | 86.0 | 0.6 | 7.4 | 8.0 | 3.5 | 2.0 | 1.3 | 3.8 | 1.2 | 28.0 |
How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive rebound; Tot = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; Pts = Points.