Kevin Durant Aims for 5th Olympic Gold in 2028

Rockets star says he wants to play for U.S. men's basketball team at 2028 LA Olympics

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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NBA veteran Kevin Durant, who will be just shy of his 40th birthday when the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics begin, says he has told USA Basketball he'd like to be considered for the U.S. men's basketball team. Durant has won four Olympic gold medals and is the U.S. men's basketball career scoring leader, but he wants to earn his spot on the 2028 team rather than be handed it.

Why it matters

Durant's desire to play in the 2028 Olympics at an advanced age for a basketball player is noteworthy, as he would be seeking to become the first American men's basketball player to win five Olympic gold medals. His inclusion on the 2028 team could also provide valuable veteran leadership and experience to a potentially younger squad.

The details

Durant, who is currently averaging 25.9 points per game for the Houston Rockets in his 18th NBA season, said he told USA Basketball Managing Director Grant Hill that he'd like to be considered for the 2028 U.S. Olympic team. Durant acknowledged the difficulty of making the team given his age and the emergence of younger stars, but said his love for representing his country is his primary motivation.

  • The 2028 Los Angeles Olympics are scheduled to take place.
  • Durant will be less than two months shy of his 40th birthday when the 2028 Olympics begin.

The players

Kevin Durant

An 18-year NBA veteran and four-time Olympic gold medalist who currently plays for the Houston Rockets.

Grant Hill

The managing director of USA Basketball, the governing body for men's and women's basketball in the United States.

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What they’re saying

“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. 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.”

— Kevin Durant (wbal.com)

“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. I know I've got my work cut out for me to make that team.”

— Kevin Durant (wbal.com)

What’s next

USA Basketball will evaluate Durant's performance and fitness over the next two years to determine if he will be selected for the 2028 Olympic team.

The takeaway

Kevin Durant's desire to represent the United States in the 2028 Olympics at age 40 demonstrates his enduring passion for playing for his country, even as he nears the end of his illustrious NBA career. His inclusion on the 2028 team could provide invaluable veteran leadership, though he will have to prove he can still compete at the highest level to earn a spot.