Kevin Durant is not expected to finish his career in Seattle, even as the NBA moves toward a potential expansion that could bring a franchise back to the city.
The league is reportedly targeting both Las Vegas and Seattle for expansion, with a Board of Governors meeting scheduled for next week where an initial vote is expected to take place. Seattle, where the SuperSonics were based before the franchise relocated in 2008, has long been seen as a leading candidate for a comeback.
This possibility has naturally given rise to speculation about Durant, who was originally drafted by Seattle in 2007, possibly ending his career where it began. However, a recent report from The Ringer's Michael Lee suggests that outcome is unlikely.
Lee wrote, "With the NBA potentially trying to add an expansion franchise in Seattle in 2028 – when he is set to become a free agent and will turn 40 – Durant could be setting himself up for a potential storybook ending with the SuperSonics, the organization that drafted him."
" But Durant has never been interested in getting back to where he was. When he approached free agency in 2016, he fended off overwhelming offers from his hometown Wizards, and he rejected a deal that would have reunited him with the Warriors last season. He may be more open to nostalgia because being on the Rockets has brought him back to Texas, where he starred in college. But even Joe Athletes are able to leave sports on their own terms, they don't always choose the ending that makes the most sense, if that were the case, Jordan would have stopped playing after Brian Russell's bust in 1998.
Kevin Durant focused on Rockets' playoff push amid Seattle speculation
Durant, now with the Houston Rockets, is focusing on the present as Houston continues its push into the Western Conference. The Rockets currently have a record of 41-26, which ranks them in fourth place in the standings after a 100-92 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday.
The 37-year-old has continued to produce at an excellent level in his 17th NBA season. Through 64 games, Durant is averaging 25.8 points, 5.5 rebounds and 4.4 assists per game, while shooting 51.4% from the field, 40.2% from three-point range and 88.6% from the free-throw line in 36.5 minutes per contest.
While the idea of a return to Seattle may hold sentimental appeal, Durant's career decisions have historically prioritized fit and competitiveness over nostalgia.
For now, his focus is on helping Houston maintain its position in the competitive Western Conference race. The Rockets will try to respond in a rematch against the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday night at 6:30 pm PT as they continue a five-game homestand.
