Suns fans shouldn't worry over Kevin Durant not extending

Kevin Durant. David Frerker-Imagn Images

Suns fans shouldn't worry over Kevin Durant declining extension

By Austen Bundy | Last updated Oct 22, 2024 4:32 PM ET

As the 2024-25 NBA season gets set to tip off on Tuesday, one of its superstars made a noteworthy decision regarding his future.

Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant reportedly let Monday's deadline to sign a one-year, $59.6 million extension pass, according to the Arizona Republic's Duane Rankin.

The 36-year-old forward's current deal (four years, $194 million), signed in 2022, expires at the end of the 2025-26 season.

However, this wasn't the last opportunity for Phoenix to keep one of its key offensive cogs around long-term. Durant will be eligible to sign a two-year, $123.8 million extension starting next summer, per Rankin — a $4.6 million increase in annual value and a second year on the books.

So, it appears as if Durant simply made a business decision to wait another season, but that won't stop speculation over his future in Phoenix.

Trade rumors surfaced over the summer with ESPN's Stephen A. Smith reporting that the Suns "want out" of Durant's contract.

The Phoenix Suns want to trade Kevin Durant right now, per @stephenasmith

(Via @FirstTake / h/t @TommyBeer )

pic.twitter.com/QgC3eJqWRs
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 26, 2024

Durant addressed those rumors in July, telling Yahoo Sports "You could just press the 'KD want to leave' button anytime you want some attention," clearly dismissing the prospect of departing Phoenix.

"What else is gonna get people going around this time?" he added. "Besides, 'Oh, the journeyman is leaving again.' That story is always gonna hit."

Last season, Durant averaged 27.1 points and shot 41.3 percent from three, showing he's still an elite scorer. There isn't a whole lot of incentive for Phoenix to split him from the trio with Devin Booker and Bradley Beal after just one season together.

This year, however, will be a litmus test for how well the team can function if the three stay healthy. But there will be high expectations for a combination that's registering a $150.58 million salary-cap hit this season alone.

Austen Bundy

Austen Bundy is a journalist and sports junkie from the Washington, D. C. area

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