Along with the success that he has achieved in his 17 years as an NBA player, Kevin Durant has also made a mark on the international level. His stint at the ongoing 2024 Paris Olympics marks his fourth one, after having secured a gold medal in the previous games. Along with his appearance, his dominance has also allowed him to set memorable records, as he recently became the 8 player in Olympic Men’s Basketball history to score 500+ career points. With Durant just one more win away from securing his fourth gold medal, the question arises: Will he try out for a fifth one as well?

In an interview with USA Basketball writer Mathew Silver, the Phoenix Suns star discussed his current stint, and what winning a fourth Olympic Gold Medal would mean to him. In light of such a conversation, it would be remiss to not discuss the future. After all, the 2028 Olympics will be returning to the USA for a record-breaking ninth time, with the games set to be held in Los Angeles. By that point, Kevin Durant would have well attained the age of 39. While it would be an unusual age for a basketball player participating in the Olympics, it is the same years at which LeBron James is currently representing Team USA, and rightfully dominating. For now, however, the future is not something that Kevin Durant wants to focus on.

“I try to stay in the present as much as I can and just try to enjoy the moment,” said Durant. “Keep your body in shape, keep your mind in the right place. You never know.”

The Phoenix Suns star’s remarks about keeping the “body in shape” come just as the player developed a calf strain prior to the commencement of the 2024 Olympics. With the injury taking place right at training camp, Durant was allowed some rest by excluding him from the exhibition games that took place prior to the main tournament. However, given the player’s advanced age, and the fact that he should be healthy enough to compete in the NBA’s upcoming season, questions should be raised on whether the player should be sent out for the pursuit of the Gold medal.

“He’s got three gold medals,” said longtime radio host Chris Broussard in a segment of ‘The Odd Couple’ podcast. “It’s a tad bit baffling. I mean, really, you know. You’ve done it, you’ve experienced it, you’ve won gold medals. It’s different for the guys who have never done it, and it’s their first chance. I get that, but guys who have already won, what are you repeating about?”

When Kawhi Leonard’s previous injury prevented him from performing at training camp, he was replaced on the Team USA roster with Derrick White. For Durant, however, Steve Kerr and the rest of the team management waited. It paid off, as the player became an efficient member of Team USA’s scoring during the recent game.

Durant’s injury was a major scare, bringing out the question on whether a similar recovery would be possible four years from now. The player himself considers this when not only thinking about his Olympic retirement but an official retirement from the NBA as well. After all, in an interview with Logan Murdock of ‘The Ringer’, the two-time NBA champion stated “I want to play until I can’t no more, man.” Later on, he added “It’s not really about me. That’s how I look at championships. So, I want to do this together. I’m looking forward to going on the journey with these guys.”

Kevin Durant has chosen not to focus too much on the future at the moment. However, the same thinking may not have been employed by Nike, as their latest ad campaign brought out some doubts about the player’s retirement.

Kevin Durant’s snub from Nike commercial brought out Shannon Sharpe’s detective mode

Back in July, the billion-dollar sports footwear brand released an ad titled ‘Winning Isn’t for Everyone.’ With renowned actor William Dafoe narrating the 90-second commercial, the clip featured several top athletes sponsored by Nike like LeBron James, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Victor Wembanyama.

However, Durant was clearly absent from the same. After Durant highlighted his disappointment with being excluded via his Instagram story, the brand released an ad especially for him to celebrate the player becoming the all-time highest scorer in United States Olympic basketball history. Narrated by NFL legend Deion Sanders, it carried the statement “There’s a Reaper every four years. Your time runs out. You might forget your debt but he’s ready to collect.”

The ‘hidden’ details from both commercials brought out a reaction from three-time Superbowl Champion Shannon Sharpe. After highlighting the clips on a segment of his ‘Nightcap’ podcast, the former athlete went on to state “Would I be surprised if KD isn’t on the team in 2028? I wouldn’t be surprised at all.” While his co-host Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson stated that it all depends on how his body holds, Sharpe was adamant about his opinion.

If Durant wants to make a case for a future appearance at the Olympics, then the upcoming Finals matchup between the USA and France is the perfect opportunity to do so.

Before you go, remember to check out this crossover between BG12 and Georgia Bulldogs star Silas Demary Jr.