Throughout his illustrious NBA career, Kevin Durant has solidified himself as one of the greatest players in the league’s history. With two NBA championships, two Finals MVPs, a regular-season MVP award, and numerous All-Star and All-NBA selections, Durant has left an undeniable impact on the game. Yet, despite his accolades, Durant recently revealed that he doesn’t believe any of the teams he’s played for will honor him with a statue after his career ends. It’s a surprising sentiment from a player of Durant’s caliber, but he has his reasons, and his thoughts give insight into his complex relationships with the organizations he has represented.
Kevin Durant has had a unique NBA journey, one marked by high achievements and frequent moves between teams. Drafted by the Seattle SuperSonics in 2007 (who became the Oklahoma City Thunder the following year), Durant established himself as a rising star in the league. He spent eight seasons with the Thunder, leading them to the NBA Finals in 2012 and solidifying himself as one of the league’s premier scorers. His departure from Oklahoma City in 2016, however, was controversial, as he left to join the Golden State Warriors—a team that had just won 73 games and was seen as a favorite to win another championship.
Durant’s three-year stint in Golden State brought him both his first NBA title and his first Finals MVP honors, but it also stirred a complex narrative. Many saw his move to the Warriors as a shortcut to a championship, with some fans criticizing his decision to join an already-dominant team. Despite his contributions, Durant’s relationship with Golden State fans and even some Warriors players seemed complicated, making it difficult to envision him being immortalized in statue form.
Following his Golden State years, Durant joined the Brooklyn Nets in 2019, where he sought to lead a franchise of his own to a title. Injuries and various challenges, however, prevented Brooklyn from realizing championship success. He was eventually traded to the Phoenix Suns in early 2023, where he continues his quest for another ring.
This journey across multiple franchises highlights both Durant’s versatility and his desire to find a situation that fits his goals and personality. However, it also means he doesn’t have the kind of long-standing connection to any single franchise that might typically lead to a statue outside an arena.
In his recent comments, Durant expressed why he believes a statue in his honor is unlikely. He pointed to his varied team history and acknowledged that, unlike players who spend the majority of their career with one team, he has divided his time and success across different franchises.
“I don’t think any team I’ve played for will honor me with a statue,” Durant said. “When I look at guys who have statues, they’re usually synonymous with one franchise—they’re legends in that city, like Kobe [Bryant] with the Lakers or Dirk [Nowitzki] with the Mavericks. They built something long-lasting in one place. My journey has been different.”
Durant’s comments reflect a sense of understanding about the nature of his career choices. He seems aware that many fans view statues as tributes to players who embody a franchise’s identity over a long period. For Durant, who has moved between teams to pursue various goals, that connection may not be as strong in any one city.
Durant also hinted at how his public perception and some lingering controversies might influence a team’s decision about honoring him with a statue. In Oklahoma City, some fans still feel resentment over his departure to the Warriors, despite his years of dedication and success with the Thunder. Similarly, his time with Golden State, while successful, was seen by some fans as a temporary chapter rather than a lasting partnership. This complex legacy means that while Durant’s on-court contributions are undeniable, the emotional bond between him and each fanbase may not be as strong as it is for one.
Durant’s comments sparked a discussion among NBA fans, many of whom agree with his perspective but also point out that his achievements merit recognition. Some argue that his contributions to each team are worthy of commemoration, even if not in the form of a statue. Fans acknowledge Durant’s impact in Oklahoma City, where he turned a young team into a championship contender. Others remember his Finals MVP performances with Golden State as the key to securing their 2017 and 2018 titles, where he was instrumental to their success.
While Durant may not expect a statue, some fans believe that Oklahoma City, Golden State, or even Brooklyn could honor him in other ways, perhaps by retiring his jersey. The lack of a statue doesn’t diminish Durant’s legacy; rather, it underscores the unique path he has taken. In an era when players often seek new challenges and prioritize different values, Durant’s journey represents a modern career arc that is more about exploring opportunities than staying in one place for tradition’s sake.
Durant has always been vocal about his perspective on legacy and has stated that he’s less concerned with traditional forms of recognition. He has often voiced his love for basketball itself, rather than the accolades or opinions of others. Durant’s mindset has become a defining part of his career. For him, personal fulfillment seems to come from his own experiences on the court and the pursuit of greatness, not necessarily the trophies or honors that might come afterward.
This attitude reflects a shift in how players view their careers and legacies today. While many stars of previous eras aimed to build an identity with one franchise, today’s players often view the NBA as a place to explore different teams, markets, and opportunities. Durant’s willingness to embrace change and seek success in various settings speaks to his independent approach to basketball and life.
Kevin Durant’s explanation about not expecting a statue reveals much about his understanding of his career. He’s aware that his choices to move from team to team, while helping him grow and achieve, may prevent the kind of lifelong association that often leads to statues and traditional honors. However, this doesn’t diminish Durant’s legacy as one of the greatest players of his generation. His influence on the game is undeniable, from his scoring ability to his versatility and commitment to excellence.
In the end, whether or not Durant receives a statue, his impact will be felt long after he retires. Fans across the league will remember his remarkable performances and his unique path through the NBA. While Durant might not have a statue outside an arena, he has built a legacy that transcends any one franchise—something that’s just as valuable, if not more so.