Durant Reveals Retirement Plan: Intends to Finish Career with the Rockets, Not Concerned About Jersey Retirement by Any Team

On October 23rd Beijing time, Rockets star Kevin Durant spoke with prominent journalist Spears, stating his intention to retire after completing his last contract with Houston, and disclosed that he’s no longer obsessed with whether his jersey will be retired by any team he played for. Below is the full report from Spears—

When Durant returned to his familiar Texas in February this year, he customized a pair of size 18 cowboy boots and paired them with a hat, paying tribute to his days as a star basketball player at the University of Texas.

Now, as a new member of the Rockets—having been traded from the Suns in July—this is the perfect moment for him to debut his fresh Western-style outfit.

“When we played the Spurs, I bought myself a pair of cowboy boots,” Durant said. “At that time, I had no idea I would be traded to Houston later, but I just thought, ‘I want cowboy boots and a hat.’ So I ordered a set, and it’s almost here. It took six months to make, so soon you’ll see me wearing it in Houston. I definitely will.”

In the season opener, the Rockets fell 124-125 in double overtime to the defending champion Thunder. Durant contributed 23 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 assists but fouled out amid cheers from the crowd.

Thunder guard Alexander scored 35 points and hit crucial free throws after Durant’s sixth foul, securing victory on the night the Thunder raised their championship banner. However, the Thunder’s win couldn’t overshadow Rockets center Sengun’s dominant performance—he posted 39 points, 11 rebounds, 7 assists, and 5 three-pointers.

Despite the Thunder missing All-Star forward Jalen Williams, the Rockets’ performance showed they have the potential to contend for a championship. Still, Durant prefers to put aside talk about the Rockets’ title chances for now.

“I want to say I’m not thinking about the championship right now. Man, this is only the first game. I just want to keep solidifying our offense and defense,” Durant said. “As the season progresses, we’ll better understand this team’s strength. But right now, I’m not focused on the title or playoffs; the key is the next game and how we can improve.”

Durant was a central figure in a massive July 13 trade involving 13 players and 7 teams—the largest trade in NBA history. In the 2024-25 season, his second and final with the Suns, Durant averaged 26.6 points. However, the Suns, despite having Devin Booker and Bradley Beal, failed to make the playoffs and were swept in the first round the previous year. The Suns even considered trading Durant at last season’s deadline.

Reflecting on his time with the Suns, Durant expressed no resentment toward the team.

“I wouldn’t call that experience a challenge. I’m playing in the NBA,” Durant said. “I was still in good shape, able to keep refining my skills and giving my all in games. I don’t look at that period negatively. Playing in the NBA always makes me happy. I liked playing in Phoenix and thought I might retire there. Now, I also enjoy playing in Houston.”

“So, I take positive things from every stint. Since entering the league, the positives have far outweighed the negatives.”

The Rockets are the fifth NBA team Durant has played for, after the Seattle SuperSonics/Oklahoma City Thunder, Golden State Warriors, Brooklyn Nets, and Phoenix Suns. One major draw to Houston was coach Udoka, with whom Durant previously worked on the USA Basketball team.

Other factors attracting Durant include teaming up with Sengun, veteran point guard VanVleet, promising wing Thompson, and former Thunder teammate Adams. The Rockets finished second in the Western Conference last season, and many believe Durant’s arrival instantly makes them serious title contenders. Additionally, as a basketball history enthusiast, Durant is proud to wear the same Rockets jersey once worn by Hall of Famers like Olajuwon, Drexler, Yao Ming, McGrady, Calvin Murphy, and Elvin Hayes.

“It’s incredible. Some of my all-time favorite players played for the Rockets. They laid the foundation and helped build the team’s brand,” Durant said. “Being part of that means a lot.”

However, VanVleet’s season likely ended before it began—he tore his right ACL during offseason training in the Bahamas. The 37-year-old Durant said he was “very upset” upon hearing the news. VanVleet’s absence was apparent in the opener: Durant only took 16 shots, the Rockets committed 21 turnovers, and late in overtime, Thompson left early due to cramps, leaving the team without an on-court leader.

“He (VanVleet) was really excited to join this team,” Durant said. “He even took a pay cut to stay. He’s a veteran and a locker room leader who should have had many chances to showcase his skills and enjoy more offensive freedom. This is tough for Freddie, but he’s tough and mature. He said, ‘Don’t feel sorry for me; I’ll be at practice every day and recover soon.’”

“That’s his mindset. He has to keep pushing through training.”

Still, there is a positive sign for Durant and the Rockets—the outstanding performance of Sengun.

Durant is one of the greatest scorers in NBA history, averaging 27.2 points per game in his career. But with 23-year-old Sengun showing dominance in the post and now adding a three-point shooting skill set, he has become a bigger threat, relieving Durant from carrying the Rockets’ offensive load alone. Playing alongside such an offensively gifted player also opens up easier scoring opportunities for Durant.

Durant said the defensive attention he and Sengun draw on offense will create more chances for their teammates.

“He (Sengun) played so well against the Thunder. The better he plays, the easier it is for everyone, especially me,” Durant said. “I think this year he’ll take a big step toward becoming a star, maybe even a superstar.”

“He didn’t say it outright, but from his attitude and everything he does on the court, you can clearly tell he’s ready to take that step and improve himself. That game was a positive start offensively, and I really hope we can get him a win soon.”

Durant signed a two-year, $90 million extension with the Rockets, including a player option for the 2027-28 season. The 15-time NBA All-Star was originally eligible for a two-year, $120 million max extension but voluntarily gave up about $30 million to provide the team with more roster flexibility and to “keep the team intact.”

With current and future salaries counted, Durant’s career earnings have reached $598.2 million, surpassing LeBron James to become the highest-earning player in NBA history.

Durant’s current contract runs through the 2027-28 season, by which time he will be 40 years old. The two-time NBA champion said he expects to retire after completing his final contract in Houston.

“This is the last team I want to play for in my career. I’m just focused on each day as it comes, not thinking too far ahead, and letting things happen naturally,” Durant said.

In 2014, Durant won his only regular-season MVP award with the Thunder and led the team to its first NBA Finals appearance in 2012. He said that although he hears boos from Oklahoma City fans when holding the ball during games, he still feels their love off the court, on the streets and in the arena.

Whether Durant can help the Rockets win their third NBA championship remains to be seen. He was Finals MVP twice with the Warriors, who will likely retire his jersey in the future. If he leads the Rockets to a title, his jersey might also be retired in Houston.

The Thunder raised their first-ever championship banner to a stunned arena, butDurant said he is not fixated on whether any of his former teams retire his jersey.

“I used to care a lot about recognition and respect,” he said. “But now, I don’t think those things matter. People’s opinions change with their moods. Regardless, I don’t expect anyone to do anything for me anymore. I just need to do my job and watch how things unfold.”