Kevin Durant plans to play for Team USA at 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles
CBS Sports
by
Jasmyn Wimbish
February 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Kevin Durant has confirmed his intention to play for Team USA at the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, marking a significant moment in his career. At nearly 40 years old, Durant remains committed to maintaining his basketball prowess and proving his worth to the team. He expressed his desire to stay relevant on the international stage, emphasizing that he wants to earn his spot based on performance rather than seniority. Durant’s announcement comes despite expectations that aging stars like LeBron James and Stephen Curry might retire from Olympic competition by 2028.
Durant’s durability and continued excellence since his 2019 Achilles injury have positioned him as a key player for Team USA. Over the past three seasons, he has consistently proven his ability to compete at an elite level, earning All-Star honors in six of seven years post-injury (with one season limited by injury). His decision to pursue another Olympics highlights both his physical resilience and his competitive spirit.
Team USA’s roster is expected to see significant changes for the 2028 Games. While Durant’s inclusion is a near certainty, other veteran players like James and Curry may opt out, creating opportunities for younger stars such as Cade Cunningham, Anthony Edwards, and Jayson Tatum. This shift underscores the ongoing evolution of Team USA’s lineup, which has dominated international basketball for decades but now faces growing talent pipelines in countries like Serbia, France, and Canada.
Durant also addressed broader trends in the sport, dismissing narratives about a declining American dominance and what he perceives as racially charged commentary comparing U.S. and European styles of play. He believes the focus on these differences is overblown and that Team USA’s legacy speaks for itself. Durant’s perspective reflects the larger debate about how basketball is perceived globally and whether the traditional power dynamics are shifting.
As Los Angeles prepares to host the 2028 Olympics, the future of Team USA remains uncertain but promising. Kevin Durant’s commitment adds a
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Originally published on CBS Sports on 2/23/2026