The CEO of the Suns engages in a conversation about Kevin Durant’s contract extension, and a potential interested party comes forward.

The CEO of the Suns engages in a conversation about Kevin Durant’s contract extension, and a potential interested party comes forward.

Kevin Durant has the opportunity to sign a one-year extension with the Phoenix Suns until October 21. This extension would prolong his contract until the 2026–2027 season.

Arguably the greatest scorer in NBA history, Durant would have no shortage of suitors if he were to hit free agency. However, he hasn’t tested the market since he left the Oklahoma City Thunder for the Golden State Warriors in 2016. Durant has the ability to consistently ask for a trade. However, the individual who has won the NBA championship twice may not be as enthusiastic about changing teams as his reputation implies.

“Kevin’s enjoyment of being here and our appreciation of having Kevin here are the most significant factors,” says Suns CEO Josh Bartelstein to The Arizona Republic’s Duane Rankin.

“Conversations are beneficial not only regarding extension matters but also regarding all recent events.”

“He’s focused on the Olympics,” Bartelstein continues, “but we’re always having dialogue. The most important aspect is the relationship. The relationship is in excellent condition. 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 out blazing but began to cool off towards the playoffs. During his initial 58 games with the Suns, the player known for scoring baskets had an average of 28.5 points per game, with shooting percentages of .529 from the field, .425 from three-point range, and .854 from the free-throw line. 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 possibly related to tiredness. 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 spotted standing in the corner. Due of his location and perimeter talent, Durant being in the corner is a great spacing notion. However, the explosive scorer is at his finest when being utilized in a myriad of ways.

As Durant’s use 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 freed of their obligation. Despite their resistance against the criticism, failure to equip former head coach Frank Vogel and former associate head coach Kevin Young with a real starting point guard put both the coaches and their stars in an uncomfortable predicament.

Auditioning For Kevin Durant
Now, Phoenix has a new head coach (Mike Budenholzer) and two high-IQ point guards. These improvements —along with extra time to gel with Devin Booker and Bradley Beal —are expected to give the Suns a greater opportunity at a championship next season. With that being stated, Durant has proven that he isn’t willing to squander 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 budding star Anthony Edwards. Edwards, who idolizes and lionizes Durant, has been putting on a show at the Paris Olympics. An MVP-caliber young player on a team filled with talent, he might be Durant’s best sidekick yet.

As the two continue to grow familiar with each other on and off the court, it isn’t hard to envision the friendship leading to them being teammates again.