Kevin Durant’s Take on Marriage: A Deeper Look
In a candid conversation on Bobbi Althoff’s “Not This Again” podcast, NBA superstar Kevin Durant opened up about his views on marriage and long-term commitment. The former NBA MVP, who once proposed to ex-WNBA player Monica Wright back in 2013 before they eventually called off their engagement, now finds himself with a more skeptical outlook on traditional matrimony. Durant’s perspective offers an interesting glimpse into how some high-profile individuals approach personal relationships in today’s world, balancing fame, career demands, and personal freedom against societal expectations of commitment.
When pressed about whether he could envision himself with one partner for life, Durant expressed significant doubt, questioning the realistic nature of such a commitment. “I think divorce is more realistic. The divorce percentage is higher,” he noted pragmatically. His hesitation seems rooted in concerns about personal autonomy within long-term relationships: “Do I want to be with somebody every day and hang with the same person every day without the option to do my own thing?” This reflection reveals Durant’s thoughtful consideration about what marriage truly entails—beyond the ceremony and social recognition, he’s contemplating the day-to-day reality and lifetime commitment that follows. His reluctance to plan for what he calls a “40-year stretch” suggests a preference for living in the present rather than making promises about a distant future.
Durant’s attitude toward weddings themselves is similarly nuanced. Despite acknowledging that weddings can be “cool” and “dope” events to attend, he admits that having his own wedding day was never a personal dream. “It’s not like it needs to happen in my mind,” he explained, distinguishing between appreciating the celebration aspect of weddings and feeling a personal need to participate in one. This perspective might resonate with many who find themselves caught between appreciating certain traditions and questioning whether those same traditions align with their own life goals. While the Houston Rockets star hasn’t completely ruled out marriage, saying he’s “not expecting it,” his comments reveal a man who has thought deeply about what he wants from relationships rather than simply following conventional paths.
What Durant does seek in relationships reflects a desire for genuine connection without formal constraints. He expressed wanting someone he “can hang out with every day, somebody I can talk to that’s cool… somebody I can really be friends with.” This preference for authentic friendship as the foundation of a relationship, rather than formalized commitment, represents a perspective shared by many in younger generations who are redefining relationship norms. Durant’s concern about labels and titles—”that cloud that comes with that”—highlights his preference for natural development in relationships over meeting predetermined expectations. His comment that “No expectations is better for me because sometimes I might not want to talk to you or see you” underscores a desire for relationships that allow for personal space and independence.
Durant’s views come from a man with nearly two decades of experience in the NBA—a career marked by intense public scrutiny, frequent travel, and the unique pressures of professional sports. These circumstances likely shape his perspective on personal relationships, as maintaining connections while balancing the demands of a high-profile athletic career presents unique challenges. The physical toll of professional basketball, including Durant’s experience recovering from a torn Achilles that sidelined him for the entire 2019-20 season, may also contribute to his philosophy of living in the present rather than making long-term commitments. His approach to relationships might be seen as a reflection of the flexibility and adaptability he’s had to develop throughout his career.
While some might interpret Durant’s comments as pessimistic about commitment, they could also be viewed as refreshingly honest in a culture that often romanticizes marriage without acknowledging its challenges. By questioning conventional relationship models and being open about his preferences, Durant contributes to broader conversations about how modern relationships are evolving. His willingness to consider what truly works for his life rather than following tradition for its own sake represents a thoughtful approach to personal happiness. As Durant continues his 18th NBA season with the Houston Rockets, his perspective reminds us that even those who achieve tremendous professional success still navigate the same fundamental human questions about connection, commitment, and finding relationships that genuinely enhance their lives.
