Until Oct. 21, Kevin Durant is eligible to sign a one-year extension with the Phoenix Suns that’ll extend his contract through the 2026-27 season.
Arguably the greatest scorer in NBA history, Durant would have no shortage of suitors if he were to reach free agency. However, he hasn’t tested the market since he left the Oklahoma City Thunder for the Golden State Warriors in 2016. Durant certainly could always request a trade. Yet, the two-time NBA champion may not be as keen to switch teams as his reputation suggests.
“The most important thing is Kevin loves being here and we love having Kevin here,” Suns CEO Josh Bartelstein tells The Arizona Republic’s Duane Rankin.
“Conversations are great not just on extension stuff, but on all things that have been going on.”
“He’s focused on the Olympics,” Bartelstein continues, “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.”
Suns CEO Josh Bartelstein Discusses Kevin Durant Extension, Suitor Emerges?
Last season, Durant started off hot but began to cool off towards the playoffs. In his first 58 games with the Suns, the bucket-getter averaged 28.5 points per game with .529-.425-.854 shooting splits. However, in his final 17 games, he averaged 22.4 points per game with .500-.374-.872 shooting splits.
The drop-off was unexpected but likely due to fatigue. To that point, the 35-year-old played 2,791 minutes in 2023-24, his highest total since playing 3,122 minutes in 2013-14. His role in the offense also began to change, as he was often seen standing in the corner. Due to his position and perimeter skill, Durant being in the corner is a sound spacing concept. However, the dynamic scorer is at his best when being utilized in a multitude of ways.
As Durant’s usage was ultimately determined by the Suns’ coaching staff, the onus was on them to put them in a better position. Yet, the front office can’t be absolved of their responsibility. Despite their pushback against the criticism, failing to provide former head coach Frank Vogel and former associate head coach Kevin Young with a legitimate starting point guard put both the coaches and their stars in an uncomfortable situation.
Auditioning For Kevin Durant
Now, Phoenix has a new head coach (Mike Budenholzer) and two high IQ point guards. These changes —along with more time to gel with Devin Booker and Bradley Beal —are expected to give the Suns a better shot at a championship next season. With that being said, Durant has shown that he isn’t willing to waste time in his NBA career. Consequently, the Suns find themselves auditioning for a long-term future with the 14-time All-Star.
If Phoenix looks anything like what they did against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 2024 NBA Playoffs, perhaps Durant tries to team up with rising star Anthony Edwards. Edwards, who idolizes and lionizes Durant, has been putting on a show during the Paris Olympics. An MVP-caliber young player on a team loaded with talent, he might be Durant’s best sidekick yet.
Team USA teammates Kevin Durant & Anthony Edwards with incredible please for one another 🇺🇸
Durant: “He’s my favorite player to watch… I love everything about Ant.”
Edwards: “That’s my favorite player of all-time.”
Teacher recognizing the student! 💯👏 pic.twitter.com/GYHDTWNNsr
— Courtside Buzz (@CourtsideBuzzX) August 3, 2024
As the two continue to grow familiar with each other on and off the court, it isn’t hard to imagine the relationship leading to them being teammates again.
