Thunder star Kevin Durant withdraws from U.S. national team

Oklahoma City Thunder star Kevin Durant will not play for Team USA in the FIBA World Cup later this summer in Spain, citing mental and physical exhaustion.

"This was an extremely difficult decision as I take great pride in representing our country," Durant said in a statement. "I need to take a step back and take some time away, both mentally and physically in order to prepare for the upcoming NBA season. I will be rooting for USAB and look forward to future opportunities with them."

Durant was on Team USA's 2010 world championship and 2012 London Olympics gold medal teams. He announced last summer that he planned to anchor the roster this year, too.