Kevin Durant at the 2028 Olympics? “I want to be there with Team USA”

When you talk about Kevin Durant and the Olympics, you’re talking about history. The four-time Olympic gold medalist and Team USA’s all-time leading scorer in men’s Olympic basketball has no intention of closing that chapter. If anything, he’s doubling down.

In a recent interview with ESPN, the NBA star openly stated that he wants to be part of Team USA at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, when he’ll be nearly 40 years old. A scenario many had ruled out, especially after the Paris Games, which were widely viewed as the “last dance” of a legendary generation.

Durant, however, made it clear.

You media created that narrative. Where did this last dance story even come from? I never said I wouldn’t play again.

Kevin Durant

Durant isn’t asking for anything based on reputation. No automatic selection, no preferential treatment. Just merit.

Of course I want to play. I’d love to. But I’ve got to stay at the top. I want to produce on the court and make Grant Hill and whoever is making the decisions want to put me on the team. Not because of seniority. I want to prove I can still help the team win.

Kevin Durant

Those words underline a competitive mindset that’s still very much intact. Durant has already informed managing director Grant Hill of his intentions: if he’s still an impactful player, his name will be available.

The context, however, has changed. While many believed that LeBron James and Stephen Curry would also close the curtain in Paris, reality looks different: James has already ruled out future participation, while Curry currently appears far from the idea of another Olympic run. Durant, on the other hand, isn’t stepping aside.

USA vs. Europe: Durant responds to the criticism

During the interview, Durant also addressed another hot topic: the supposed decline of American basketball compared to Europe’s rise.

In recent years, the NBA MVP award has gone to international stars such as Giannis Antetokounmpo, Nikola Jokic, Joel Embiid and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

The last American to win it was James Harden in 2018. At the same time, Team USA has faced more balanced tournaments, with several European national teams growing increasingly competitive.

Durant isn’t buying into the narrative.

I don’t like this USA versus European style talk. I keep hearing that AAU is ruining the game, that Europeans are doing everything the right way and Americans are doing everything the wrong way. That’s nonsense.

Kevin Durant

He then added an even more direct point:

I read between the lines. It’s a shot at African Americans. We control this sport. And some people are tired of that.

Kevin Durant

Strong words that shift the debate from the court to the broader cultural and media context. Durant rejects the idea that the United States is losing control of the game and dismisses with sarcasm the predictions of a France ready to take over:

France is coming. Really? We beat them.

Kevin Durant

Kevin Durant and Team USA: legacy or competitiveness?

The real question now is different: at nearly 40 years old, can he still be a difference-maker?

Durant himself isn’t taking anything for granted. His availability is performance-based. He doesn’t want to be a symbol – he wants to be a basketball factor. In an era of rising international talent and an increasingly global game, his potential presence in 2028 would serve as a bridge between generations.

If he maintains efficiency, mobility and offensive production, his candidacy will be real. Otherwise, the court will decide.

One thing is certain: his ambition hasn’t faded.