Kevin Durant’s love for basketball has never been in question. The two-time NBA champion has always spoken openly about his passion for the game and his hunger to compete against the best players in the world.
Now, in his first season with the Houston Rockets, Durant has set his sights on a different challenge—one that won’t come for another two years, but one he’s already openly embracing.
Feb 25, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) celebrates with center Alperen Sengun (28) after a play during the first quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Durant Wants to Represent Team USA in 2028 LA Olympics
Durant made it clear he intends to compete in the 2028 Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles. Team USA won gold in Paris 2024, and they will defend the title on home soil. Durant will be approaching 40 years old at the time, but he is determined to follow in the footsteps of LeBron James and compete deep into his late 30s.
Speaking to ESPN recently, Durant addressed the speculation and shut down any narrative that he was retiring from international play:
“You guys, the media, have projected that. That narrative, where did the last dance thing come from? I didn’t say I wasn’t playing. LeBron said he wasn’t. You didn’t hear that from me or Steph.”
He didn’t hesitate when directly asked about 2028:
“Hell yeah, I want to play. I would love to, but I’ve got to stay on top of my game. I’m not expecting, I want to produce on the floor and make Grant [Hill] and whoever is making the decisions, want to put me on the team. I don’t want — not just for seniority. I want to still prove I can help the team win. Today, yeah I feel like I’ll put my name in that hat.”
Steph Curry Unlikely, But a Final “Last Dance” Isn’t Impossible
Durant and Stephen Curry played together from 2016–2019, reaching three straight NBA Finals and winning two championships with the Golden State Warriors. Though their partnership ended on difficult terms, the two have remained close over the years.
Vincent Goodwill of ESPN reported that Curry is unlikely to participate in 2028, but a final Olympic run—especially on home soil—could be tempting for the Warriors superstar. The 2024 Paris Olympics showed why Team USA needed its “Avengers” lineup (including Durant, LeBron, Curry, and others) to maintain dominance on the global stage.
Curry will also be in his late 30s by 2028, but LeBron James has already proven that elite talent can defy Father Time at times.
Durant Still Hungry for Gold
Durant’s statement is unequivocal: he wants to play in Los Angeles 2028, and he wants to earn his spot—not ride reputation or seniority. At 37 years old now (turning 40 in September 2028), he remains one of the most dominant and efficient scorers in the league, and his desire to compete internationally remains as strong as ever.
Whether he gets the chance will depend on his health, production, and the decisions of USA Basketball managing director Grant Hill and the selection committee. But one thing is clear: Kevin Durant is not ready to walk away from the game or the international stage.
If he makes it to LA 2028, it would be a fitting capstone to one of the greatest careers in basketball history — and a potential last dance alongside (or in the shadow of) legends like LeBron and Curry.
Basketball fans worldwide should mark their calendars: Durant’s Olympic story may not be over yet.