What Really Happened to Kyle Korver? The Heartbreaking Story Behind His NBA Hiatus

Kyle Korver is a name synonymous with sharpshooting excellence and unselfish team play in the NBA.

Nearly 40 years old, Korver’s three-point shooting remains highly valuable, and he could still contribute on an NBA roster.

Yet, despite never formally announcing retirement, Korver has been sitting out, leaving fans wondering: what happened to him? The answer goes far beyond basketball, revealing a story of resilience, family tragedy, and a shifting perspective on life and priorities.

Korver’s journey to NBA stardom was anything but guaranteed.

Drafted late in the second round in 2003, far behind superstars like LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Carmelo Anthony, Korver was seen as an underdog from the start.

Hailing from a small school, Creighton, and coming from a humble Iowa background, he defied expectations by becoming one of the best shooters the league has ever seen.

His family’s basketball pedigree is remarkable—his mother once scored 74 points in a high school game, and all four Korver brothers played Division 1 basketball.

Korver’s rookie season foreshadowed his future impact.

Invited to the NBA’s three-point contest just days before All-Star Weekend, he caught fire, hitting 18 shots, including his last nine in a row.

His superstar teammate Allen Iverson cheered him on, signaling the league’s recognition of Korver’s shooting prowess.

Over a 16-year career, Korver carved out a reputation not just as a deadly shooter but as one of the NBA’s greatest teammates.

He became a valued asset on six different teams, often included in trades for his shooting and locker room presence.

Among Korver’s many accomplishments: setting the Philadelphia 76ers’ record for most three-pointers made in a season (2005), establishing the NBA record for three-point percentage in a season at 54% (2010), and breaking the record for consecutive games with a three-pointer made (2014).

He was an NBA All-Star in 2015, cementing his status as one of the game’s elite shooters.

But beyond stats, Korver’s humility and sportsmanship set him apart.

He won the NBA Sportsmanship Award in 2015, joining Stephen Curry—who won it in 2011—as one of the league’s most respected and grounded players.

However, Korver’s career wasn’t without struggles.

The 2015-16 season marked a challenging period when he went through a severe shooting slump, including a stretch of two-for-27 from three-point range.

At 34 years old, questions arose about whether his best days were behind him.

He was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers, where he played a role in a team that reached the NBA Finals.

But the darkest chapter of Korver’s life came away from the court.

Just a month before the 2016 playoffs, Korver’s youngest brother, Kirk, suffered organ failure and was rushed to the hospital.

The family gathered as Kirk was placed at the top of the liver transplant list, but tragically, his body gave out before a transplant could take place.

Kirk passed away surrounded by family, leaving a profound impact on Korver and his loved ones.

Korver’s older brother Clayton described the heartbreaking moment, emphasizing the family’s love and support during Kirk’s final hours.

Kyle Korver returned to the Cavaliers just a week after Kirk’s passing and continued to contribute through the playoffs, but the loss marked a turning point in his life.

Following his time in Cleveland, Korver returned to the Utah Jazz and later played for the Milwaukee Bucks.

Despite still shooting well—he hit 42% from three-point range in his last season with the Bucks—Korver chose to step away from the game to focus on his family.

Today, he spends time with his wife Juliet and their three children, cherishing moments that have taken on greater significance after his family’s tragedy.

Korver’s priorities have shifted dramatically.

An ESPN article noted that any decision to return to the NBA would involve consulting his family first.

This focus on family reflects a broader transformation in Korver’s outlook on life.

Beyond basketball, Korver has been deeply involved in social activism.

He was an active participant in the Bucks’ decision to sit out a playoff game in response to social justice issues in Wisconsin.

Korver’s emotional reaction to the moment—tears streaming as he looked at his “Black Lives Matter” jersey—showed his commitment to causes beyond the court.

His social media presence is dedicated to advocacy, with posts encouraging voting, supporting Black Lives Matter, promoting clean water initiatives, and raising awareness for suicide prevention.

So, what happened to Kyle Korver?

It’s not that he can’t play anymore—his shooting remains sharp even as he nears 40.

Instead, Korver has chosen to step back from basketball to focus on what matters most: family and making a positive impact in the world.

The painful experiences of recent years have reshaped his priorities, leading him to value life’s bigger picture over the game.

Kyle Korver’s story is one of perseverance, heartbreak, and ultimately, growth.

He beat the odds as a late second-round pick to become one of the NBA’s greatest shooters and teammates.

But more importantly, he shows us the power of resilience and the courage to redefine success beyond fame and statistics.

Whether or not he returns to the NBA, Korver’s legacy will be remembered for much more than his clutch shooting—it will be about the heart and humanity he brought to the game and beyond.