Kevin Durant is clear: "I want to play my last years in.."

In the 2025/26 season about to begin, Houston Rockets are particularly exciting. In the NBA, the Texas franchise believes it can compete for the championship with the stellar signing of Kevin Durant. The player was traded this summer, and before his official debut in the red jersey, he honestly shared his expectations and thoughts about the future.

At 37 years old and with almost two decades of NBA experience, Durant, in a recent conversation with Sports Illustrated, offered a deep insight into his new team, rebuilding his legacy, and the structural mistakes that, in his opinion, led to the collapse of Phoenix Suns, his former franchise.

"I wanted to retire in Phoenix. But the image one has in their head doesn't always come true," recalled Kevin Durant, visibly resigned as he reflected on the events.

The veteran forward explained that the team's structure—especially the lack of interior depth and excessive reliance on shorter lineups—doomed the Suns to a disappointing season marked by a first-round elimination.

"Our best lineups were me as the point guard with four players shorter than me," analyzed Durant. "That's not a winning formula in an NBA where teams are becoming bigger and more versatile."

The acquisition of Bradley Beal in 2023, along with the trade of Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson, and several first-round picks to get Durant, left Phoenix with no room to maneuver. However, the player made it clear that he does not consider his arrival to be the cause of failure but rather a risky attempt to win immediately without a balanced foundation.

Houston, his forever home?

Now, in Houston, Durant claims to have found a more coherent environment with a long-term vision. He praised both the organization’s structure and the philosophy of Ime Udoka, who has made the Rockets a competitive team without sacrificing the development of its young talents.

"I think other teams preferred to invest in the growth of their young players and draft picks," explained Durant. "I am a veteran with a high contract, and not many were willing to make that move. But Houston did, and that means a lot to me."

The two-time NBA champion emphasized that his commitment to the Texan franchise is absolute. In his 19th season, Durant seeks stability and the opportunity to build something enduring alongside a young core led by Jalen Green, Alperen Sengun, and Amen Thompson.

"I want to be here for as long as possible and play my final years of my career. I am 37 years old, but I still love this game and want to help build a team that competes year after year," he concluded.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Kevin Durant lo tiene claro: "Quiero jugar mis últimos años en..."