Kevin Durant Eyes Fifth Olympic Run, Seeks Spot on 2028 U.S. Team

Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant may be approaching 40 when the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics tip off, but the veteran scorer has no plans to quietly step aside from international basketball.

Speaking Monday night after scoring 18 points in Houston’s 125-105 victory over the Utah Jazz, Durant revealed he has already made his interest clear to USA Basketball Managing Director Grant Hill.

“I didn’t want to just take my name out of consideration just because of the simple fact that I’m older and I did it before,” Durant said. “Grant understands my love for Team USA. That’s my family. The level of love I have for Team USA and the whole organization over there is unmatched, so I’d love to be part of it until I’m done playing.”

Durant, who has featured in the last four Olympic Games, has already cemented his place in USA men’s basketball history. During the 2024 Paris Games, he became the first American men’s player to capture four Olympic gold medals. In the process, he also emerged as the program’s all-time leading scorer.

Yet the 18-year NBA veteran insists he is not seeking special treatment.

“I understand how tough that decision is for Grant, and how many great players are going to emerge the next year and a half, and I’m also very old compared to a lot of these players,” Durant said. “I know I’ve got my work cut out for me to make that team.”

For Durant, the motivation runs deeper than chasing history. While American women’s basketball legends Diana Taurasi and Sue Bird have won five Olympic gold medals, Durant made it clear that matching that milestone is not driving him.

“I just love playing for Team USA. I love representing my country. That’s the first and most important thing — it’s putting that USA across my chest and representing where I come from,” he said.

Still performing at an elite level, Durant is averaging 25.9 points per game on 50.7% shooting in his 18th NBA season. If form and fitness hold, the possibility of a fifth Olympic campaign in Los Angeles may yet become reality — provided he earns his place once more.