After starting the season 8-1, the Phoenix Suns have lost five of their last six games, including each of their last four. Their recent slump is in large part due to the absence of Kevin Durant, who suffered a calf injury earlier this month. Though they are still keeping afloat, the Suns are desperately awaiting Durant’s return to the court. Fortunately for them, the 36-year-old should return in a week or so. Additionally, according to Suns owner, Mat Ishbia, there is a legitimate chance Durant will remain with the team for the near future.
Durant has just one full season remaining on his four-year, $194.2 million contract extension. However, early on, it seems likely he will remain in Phoenix. In a recent interview with ESPN, Ishbia spoke about Durant’s presence in Phoenix. Ishbia said he expects Durant to sign an extension and remain with the team long-term. Additionally, Ishbia said he thinks a new deal will come to fruition after this season.
“[Durant] loves being in Phoenix, we love having him,” Ishbia told ESPN. “He’s off to an amazing start this season — one of the MVP leaders — and we’re off to a very good start. We expect Kevin to sign an extension, be with us for the long term. We hope he finishes his career here in Phoenix.
“You can’t sign a two-year extension this last summer, you can’t do it based on the NBA rules. So we figured after the season we’ll talk about it, take care of it.
“Kevin wants to be here, we want Kevin here. There’s never been one grumbling of anything different.”
Phoenix Suns Owner Thinks Kevin Durant Will Retire With Team
Kevin Durant Was Always Expected to Wait to Sign Contract Extension
Last month, ESPN’s Bobby Marks reported that Durant was unlikely to sign a contract extension until next offseason. This lines up with what Ishbia said. According to Marks, Durant will make significantly more money by waiting to sign a new deal until next summer.
“Kevin Durant has been eligible to sign a one-year, $59.5 million extension since early July. The strong likelihood is Durant waiting until the 2025 offseason, when he would be eligible to sign a two-year, $123.8 million extension in Phoenix, sources told ESPN. By waiting, Durant would earn an extra $64.3 million,” Marks said.
It is unknown if Durant’s next contract will be his last. The former MVP is in the 19th season of his career, but he has shown no signs of slowing down. In nine games this season, he is averaging 27.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 1.4 blocks. Additionally, he is shooting 55.3% from the field and 42.9% from the three-point line.
The Last Word
After an underwhelming season last year, the Suns are looking to bounce back this time around. Prior to Durant’s injury, they were doing exactly that. Even still, they are 9-6 and own the No. 6 seed in the Western Conference. The Suns look like legitimate title contenders with Durant on the court. How they play the rest of the season as Durant aims to add another championship to his resume will be worth watching.
