Phoenix Suns Owner Mat Ishbia Sets Sights on Long-Term Future with Kevin Durant

In a significant development for the Phoenix Suns, team owner Mat Ishbia has expressed strong intentions to secure the franchise’s future with a contract extension for Kevin Durant. Following the Suns’ acquisition of Durant, a future Hall of Famer and two-time NBA Finals MVP, Ishbia has been keen on solidifying Durant’s place with the team long-term.

In a recent conversation with ESPN, Ishbia shared his optimism about retaining the star player. «[Durant] loves being in Phoenix, we love having him,» Ishbia told the network. «He’s off to an amazing start this season — one of the MVP leaders — and we’re off to a very good start. We expect Kevin to sign an extension, be with us for the long term. We hope he finishes his career here in Phoenix.»

The Suns and Durant elected to delay a one-year, $60 million foray into a contract extension before the current season, with eyes instead on negotiating a two-year $120 million maximum extension in the coming summer. Currently, Durant is under contract until the end of the 2025-26 season.

Durant’s early-season performances have been notable. He has averaged 27.6 points and 6.6 rebounds, demonstrating consistency with a 53.3% shooting accuracy and a 42.9% success rate from three-point range. His efforts have propelled the Suns to an 8-1 record start; however, his presence is currently missed due to a calf strain he sustained on November 8, leading to the team’s dip to 1-5 in his absence.

Under Ishbia’s ownership, the Suns have seen substantial changes, not least with the controversial acquisition of player Bradley Beal and trading deals involving significant names. The Suns also crossed the NBA’s salary cap threshold, exhibiting a commitment to assembling a competitive roster.

Off the court, Ishbia has engaged in numerous improvements to the Suns’ facilities, investing $100 million into building a practice space for the WNBA‘s Phoenix Mercury and adding amenities within the Suns’ arena.

Despite some speculative reports suggesting potential moves for Durant, Ishbia’s statements reaffirm the Suns’ position on maintaining the core trio of players, including Durant, Beal, and franchise cornerstone Devin Booker. Ishbia’s strategy aims to sustain team strength over multiple seasons, a plan he is determined to see realized.

Ishbia’s resolute vision for the Suns’ franchise contrasts with past strategies where the team faced player retention challenges, notably the departure of Joe Johnson in 2004.