NBA Media Day has come and gone, and the potential contract extension of Kevin Durant was amongst many topics discussed with the Phoenix Suns. Durant is eligible for a one-year $59.7m extension which would keep him under contract until the end of the 26-27 season. He has two more years to go on his current deal which sees him become an unrestricted free agent following the 25-26 season. However, there are no indications yet that they are close to an agreement.
Kevin Durant Contract Extension Addressed at Suns Media Day
First up to the podium was owner Mat Ishbia. Ishbia has not been shy in spending money since he took over from Robert Sarver, and his first major move was to trade for Durant. He is not fazed by the new luxury tax rules and hopes to build a roster to sustain continued success. A big part of that will be keeping Durant in the Valley long-term. On a potential extension, Ishbia commented:
“Kevin Durant loves it here, we love Kevin Durant. We talk to him and his agent Rich Kleiman all the time… We don’t really go through contract extensions publicly but I’ll tell you this, Kevin loves it, we love Kevin. We plan on Kevin being here and nothing’s changing with that.”
General manager James Jones added to these thoughts, saying, “We want him here, we’ll figure it out.”
"We want him here."
Suns GM James Jones spoke about Kevin Durant extension discussions. pic.twitter.com/iw1sX1OYJb
— PHNX Suns (@PHNX_Suns) September 30, 2024
Durant himself was also asked about the situation, but he says he is focused on the season ahead:
“Two years left on my contract, I’m focused on being the best that I can every day… We’ll figure that stuff out when it’s time.”
Durant Wants to Win
It is arguably a make-or-break season for the Suns, as they still search for an elusive first NBA Championship. Last season’s first-round sweep at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves has left a bitter taste in the mouth and the side are desperate to put that right this year.
There are no suggestions that Durant is unhappy, even with the constant media attention surrounding him. After all, he asked to be traded to Phoenix to play alongside Devin Booker and looks to be in it for the long haul. However, Durant wants to win. Having turned 36 years old earlier this week, he does not have many years left in his career. The Suns must show they are still competitive in an ever-improving Western Conference.
KD is showing no signs of slowing down, despite entering year 17 of his career. He just embarked on what he described as ‘one of the best summers I’ve had’ in which he won his fourth gold medal at the Paris Olympics with Team USA. The star also became the nation’s leading points scorer in Olympic history with 518. He achieved this playing alongside Booker, and the pair will be hoping for another title come the end of the season.
Last season, Durant averaged 27.1 points, tied for fifth-best in the NBA. He did so while playing in 75 games, his healthiest campaign since his final year with the Golden State Warriors in 2018-19. Injuries to his co-stars meant he had a greater role at both ends of the court, and he delivered immensely. He would often find himself guarding the opposition’s best player, as well as carrying most of the load offensively. With hopefully much better health and depth this season, the Suns should see their big three play to their potential.
"One of the best summers I've had" – @KDTrey5 talking about his special run with @usabasketball 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/b3pQynCSqL
— NBA TV (@NBATV) September 30, 2024
