Kevin Durant has until October 21 to sign a one-year extension with the Phoenix Suns, which will prolong his deal through the 2026-27 season.
Durant, arguably the best scorer in NBA history, would have plenty of suitors if he were to become free agent. However, he has not entered the market since leaving the Oklahoma City Thunder for the Golden State Warriors in 2016. Durant could always request a trade. However, the two-time NBA champion may not be as eager to change teams as his reputation implies.
“The most important thing is Kevin loves being here, and we love having Kevin here,” Suns CEO Josh Bartelstein tells Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic.
“Conversations are great not just on extension stuff, but on all things that have been going on.”
“He’s focused on the Olympics,” Bartelstein explains, “but we’re always talking. The relationship is what counts most. The relationship is going nicely. I frequently communicate with Durant’s agent, Rich Kleiman, who also works with Kevin.
Suns CEO Josh Bartelstein Discusses Kevin Durant Extension, Suitor Emerges?
Durant started hot last season but cooled down as the playoffs approached. In his first 58 games with the Suns, the bucket-getter scored 28.5 points per game on.529-.425-.854 shooting. However, in his final 17 games, he averaged 22.4 points per game with shooting splits of.500-.374-.872.
The drop-off was unexpected, but it was most likely caused by exhaustion. Until that moment, the 35-year-old has played 2,791 minutes in 2023-24, his highest total since 3,122 minutes in 2013-14. His role in the offense also began to shift, and he was frequently seen standing in the corner. Durant’s position and perimeter skills make him a good fit for the corner. However, the dynamic scorer performs best when used in a variety of ways.
The Suns’ coaching staff ultimately set Durant’s use, therefore it was their responsibility to put them in a better position. However, the front office cannot be exonerated of its responsibilities. Despite their denials, failure to provide former head coach Frank Vogel and former associate head coach Kevin Young with a real starting point guard placed both the coaches and their players in an uncomfortable situation.
Auditioning For Kevin Durant
Phoenix now has a new head coach, Mike Budenholzer, and two high-IQ point guards. These adjustments, combined with extra time to gel with Devin Booker and Bradley Beal, are projected to improve the Suns’ chances of winning a title next season. With being stated, Durant has demonstrated that he is not willing to squander time in his NBA career. As a result, the Suns find themselves auditioning for a long-term relationship with the 14-time All-Star.
If Phoenix plays anything like they did against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 2024 NBA Playoffs, Durant might try to team up with budding star Anthony Edwards. Edwards, who idolizes and lionizes Durant, has put on a show during the Paris Olympics. An MVP-caliber young player on a talented team, he could 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 become more comfortable with one other on and off the court, it’s not difficult to envision their connection leading to them becoming teammates again.
