The Phoenix Suns went all-in in February 2023 when they traded almost all their assets to acquire Kevin Durant from the Brooklyn Nets. With the franchise still hoping to win its first Championship, securing Durant for the long term is a priority for the team. Durant’s contract is expiring in 2026, which led to media members asking him about his extension status after preseason practices.
“I’m not even thinking about it. I’m just going to play out my contract really, and just focus on that. Focus on the team. I haven’t even really had conversations with anybody about a contract. Trying to focus on basketball.”
“I’ve been blessed enough to be in this position for 18 years and so I’m not really focused on the money part of it. I’m just trying to keep getting better and keep growing my game and see how good I can get. That’s always been my main focus. When the time comes, the time comes. Right now, I got two seasons left on my deal so I’m going to focus on those two.”
Durant is under contract for the 2024-25 season and the 2025-26 season, meaning his contract decision is still two years away. Things in the NBA move quickly, so the extension-eligible Durant has time to commit his future to the Suns but it doesn’t look like he’s pushing to do it.
Durant is making $51.1 million this season and will make $54.7 million next season at age 37. He’s currently eligible to sign either a one-year, $59.5 million extension or a two-year, $123.8 million extension.
If he signs a two-year deal, Durant will officially sign a contract that will take him into his 21st NBA season, setting another benchmark of longevity in the NBA.
Phoenix Suns CEO Confirmed The Team Is Discussing An Extension With Durant
The Suns hope Durant will play a team-leading role in a potential championship run this season, so the team needs to ensure he’s focused on basketball and winning. At the same time, they’ll want to secure Durant’s future with the franchise instead of worrying about rival teams making tantalizing offers, with teams like the Houston Rockets reportedly already waiting for an opportunity to move for Durant.
Phoenix Suns CEO Josh Bartelstein said the team has a great relationship with Durant and that contract extension talks are ongoing.
“The most important thing is Kevin loves being here and we love having Kevin here… He’s focused on the Olympics, but we’re always having dialogue. The relationship is what matters the most. The relationship is in a great spot. I talk to (Durant’s agent) Rich Kleiman, who works with Kevin, all the time. Conversations are great not just on extension stuff, but on all things that have been going on.”
Durant averaged 27.1 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 5.0 assists last season, showing that he’s yet to start noticeably regressing. He’s still a championship-caliber player and is hoping that the Suns can be a major threat this season after their upsetting first-round sweep loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves last season.
With reinforcements such as Ryan Dunn, Tyus Jones, and Monte Morris joining the franchise this summer, the Suns look like a potentially dangerous team in the Western Conference.
Thank you for being a valued reader of Fadeaway World. If you liked this article, please consider following us on Google News. We really appreciate your support.
