By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
The NBA naturally remains the focus for 36-year-old Kevin Durant. However, the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague can emerge as an option in the later stages of his career.
During the Media Day of the 2025 NBA All-Star Game on Saturday, Durant reiterated his interest in European basketball and the top-tier league of the Old Continent, naming FC Barcelona and AS Monaco as preferable potential destinations.
“I play in the NBA, but I also love watching the EuroLeague,” he replied to a question about possibly playing in the EuroLeague, “Barcelona would be a great place. Monaco would be nice too. For now, I love Phoenix. I’m staying.”
His contract with the Phoenix Suns is guaranteed through the 2025-26 season. Moreover, his long-term future with the organization is unclear, but he is eligible to ink a contract extension during the offseason following the 2024-25 campaign.
Playing for Shaq’s OGs in Chase Center on Sunday, the two-time NBA champion contributed to winning the first-ever All-Star mini-tournament. He went from six points, three assists, and three rebounds in the Semifinals against Candace’s Rising Stars to two rebounds and one steal in the Final against Chuck’s Global Stars.
Returning to the 2024-25 Regular Season, Durant will be seeking a path to the 2025 Playoffs with the team coached by Mike Budenholzer. At 26-28 before the All-Star break, the Suns are 1.5 games outside the Play-In Showdown zone of the Western Conference. Over 41 appearances, the experienced forward averaged 27.3 points per contest.