In the lead-up to the highly anticipated Paris Olympics 2024, rumors are swirling around the availability of Phoenix Suns' Kevin Durant for the United States men's Olympic basketball team. Despite their undefeated record in exhibition tune-ups, Team USA has been missing the formidable 6-foot-11 star, who has been sidelined due to a day-to-day calf injury.

Durant's calf strain occurred prior to the start of the team's training camp in Las Vegas on July 6, forcing him to sit out of the preseason games. With their Olympics Group C opener against Serbia set for July 28, Durant has less than a week to recover and return to the court.

Speculation regarding Durant's status intensified when NBA analyst Brian Windhorst shared his doubts about the player's participation in the crucial matchup against Serbia. Windhorst, speaking on ESPN's Instagram page, stated, "I think [Team USA is] going to be playing Serbia without Kevin Durant." However, Durant's longtime agent, Rich Kleiman, disputes this assertion.

Durant's absence has been acutely felt during the team's recent exhibition games, despite their 5-0 record. In close contests against South Sudan and Germany, the team narrowly secured victory, relying on clutch performances from LeBron James. Durant's scoring prowess and experience have been sorely missed.

As a 14-time NBA All-Star and the all-time scoring leader for the U.S. men's Olympic basketball program, Durant has been a key contributor in securing gold medals for Team USA in the last three Olympics. If he can make a comeback, Durant has the opportunity to etch his name in history as the first men's basketball player to win four Olympic gold medals.

The basketball world now eagerly awaits updates on Durant's recovery and whether he will be able to join his teammates on the court in Paris. The clock is ticking, and Team USA is hoping that their star player will soon be back in action, ready to lead the charge towards Olympic glory.