Everyone is waiting to see how this season goes in Phoenix.
That includes Kevin Durant. He could sign a one-year, $59.7 million deal today that would keep him with the Suns until 2027, or he could wait until next summer and sign a two-year, $123.8 million deal that runs through 2028 (he can’t sign longer because of the over-38 -rule). When asked about it by Duane Rankin of the Arizona RepublicDurant said his focus is on this season, not a future contract.
“I’m not even thinking about it. I’m just going to play my contract for real, and just focus on that. Focus on the team. I haven’t even really had any conversations with anybody about a contract. Trying to focus. on basketball…
“I’ve been blessed enough to be in this position for 18 years and so I’m not really focused on the money part of it. I’m just trying to keep getting better and keep growing my game and see how well I can get. That’s always been my main focus When the time comes, I have two seasons left now, so I will focus on those two.
Durant is a pure hooper, a guy who loves the game and is dedicated to the craft – take him at his word, he doesn’t think about the money (he’s also earned nearly $400 million in salary alone in his career, so he has the luxury of not thinking about it).
This offseason he will think about it, but whether he decides to live up to his contract, sign the extension or choose a third way will likely depend on how this season goes. Combine Durant and Devin Booker with Mike Budenholzer — a top-notch regular season coach — in the big chair, Tyus Jones at the point and a healthier Bradley Beal and overall roster, and on paper the Suns are contenders in the West. They just have to prove it. If they look like a threat, Durant will probably take the money and sign the extension. If not, many things could be on the table.
It will be an interesting season in the Valley of the Sun.
