kevin durant, one of the nba’s most iconic players, stunned fans and the basketball world with an announcement that is bound to shake up the sport. in a surprising press conference, durant revealed his plans to temporarily step away from the nba at the end of the current season to focus on a groundbreaking personal project.
“this is not a decision i’ve made lightly,” durant shared with reporters. “basketball has been my life, my passion, but i’ve come to realize there are other things i want to explore, and this is the right time for me to do it.”
the 13-time nba all-star and two-time nba champion elaborated on his decision, citing his desire to promote mental health awareness and give back to communities that have supported him throughout his illustrious career. durant announced the launch of the “kd impact foundation,” a global initiative aimed at addressing mental health issues among young athletes and underprivileged communities.
“too many athletes and kids growing up in tough circumstances are struggling in silence. i’ve been blessed to have a platform where i can make a real difference. this foundation will provide resources, support, and programs to help those in need,” durant explained.
the announcement came as a shock to fans and analysts alike, especially as durant is currently playing some of the best basketball of his career. averaging nearly 30 points per game this season, the phoenix suns superstar remains at the top of his game. his decision to step away, even temporarily, underscores the importance of his new mission.
reactions across the basketball community have been mixed. some fans expressed disappointment at the idea of durant leaving the court, while others praised his courage and commitment to tackling such a pressing issue.
“it’s a bold move,” said espn analyst stephen a. smith. “kevin durant is one of the greatest to ever play the game, but what he’s doing here goes beyond basketball. it’s about creating a legacy off the court as well.”
durant’s teammates were also quick to voice their support. devin booker, his teammate on the suns, said, “we’re behind kd 100%. what he’s doing is incredible, and we’ll miss him on the court, but he’s making an impact that goes beyond the game.”
durant assured fans that this isn’t a permanent goodbye to basketball. “i love this game too much to walk away forever,” he said. “but right now, i need to focus on something bigger than myself.”
the “kd impact foundation” is set to officially launch in the summer of 2025, with plans for community centers, mental health workshops, and scholarships for young athletes. durant also hinted at collaborating with other prominent athletes and celebrities to amplify the foundation’s reach.
as the nba season progresses, all eyes will be on durant, not just for his on-court brilliance, but also for his off-court efforts to inspire change. his announcement is a testament to the evolving role of athletes as not just players, but influential figures committed to making a difference in the world.
