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The on-air mic has become the ultimate gossip mill in the NBA. Remember the Lakers-Kings game back on December 21, 2024? That was when LeBron James dropped an F-bomb at a fan who just wouldn’t stop chirping. That viral moment spread faster than any press release. Well, buckle up because the mics have struck gold again. This time, they caught Kevin Durant in what might be the most intriguing retirement tease we’ve ever heard. Curious? Let’s dive into it.

During the Suns’ nail-biting 111-109 win over the Clippers on January 27, an on-court mic picked up a moment that has the entire basketball world buzzing. Analyst Grant Hill joked, “Make sure you guys answer your phone in four years!” Then, as casually as you like, KD and Devin Booker both chimed in with a synchronized, “I’m there!

Cue the frenzy. Is KD really setting a four-year clock on his NBA career? Or was it just a playful back-and-forth in the heat of the game? Either way, fans, analysts, and the internet are dissecting every word like it’s a Shakespearean sonnet.

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This isn’t the first time Kevin Durant has addressed his basketball future. Back in 2018, KD told ESPN he envisioned retiring at age 35. He explained, “You have to be ready to graduate. Thirty-five, that’s just a number in my mind.” Fast forward to today—Durant is 36 and still hooping at an elite level. Clearly, that plan didn’t stick.

In 2023, Durant flipped the script during an interview with The Ringer. He stated, “I want to play until I can’t no more.” He even hinted at sticking around until 40. Now, this latest mic moment has thrown another layer of mystery into the mix. Was it just a joke? Or is Durant actually considering hanging it up in 2029?

For now, one thing’s certain: Durant is under contract with the Phoenix Suns through the 2025-26 season. Suns owner Mat Ishbia has openly discussed plans to extend KD’s deal this summer. Ishbia even called Durant a “franchise lifer.” If that’s true, KD’s final chapter could be weaved in a Suns jersey.

Kevin Durant adds to his fabled NBA folklore

The retirement discussions about Durant came to a standstill as the former Warriors star proved once again his title-winning talent remains potent. Moving past Tim Duncan for the 14th spot in field goals sent KD into position at number 14 on the NBA all-time list during the matchup with the Clippers. His 10,286th bucket rose into the net using his trademark move of a jump shot.

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Durant achieved 24 points alongside 4 rebounds and 5 assists during his game performance. The 36-year-old demonstrated his ability to be a once-in-a-lifetime basketball player again. The Suns attained their highest point total of the night as Devin Booker scored 26 points while adding 8 assists to his overall performance. Grayson Allen scored 18 points as an additional contributor. During this match, the Suns launched 22 successful three-point shots. With their latest victory, the Suns pushed their current season win number to 24-21 while adding a third consecutive win to their record.

Durant now eyes Kevin Garnett, who sits at No. 13 with 10,505 field goals. At this pace, it’s only a matter of time before KD climbs even higher. Whether he retires in four years or a decade, milestones like this only add to his incredible legacy.

As the Suns fight to make noise in a stacked Western Conference, Durant’s focus is squarely on helping Phoenix capture its first-ever championship. But let’s not pretend the retirement rumors are going away anytime soon. With every joke, milestone, or mic moment, the speculation only continues to garner heat.

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One thing’s for sure: whether he retires in four years or keeps dominating until he’s 40, KD’s impact on the game is undeniable. And if the mics were to be believed, he might already be planning his grand exit.

For now, Suns fans can rest easy knowing Durant is locked in. Both his play on the court and his presence in the history books are a testament to his greatness. The only real question is, what iconic moment will he deliver next?

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