Suns' owner gives update on Kevin Durant's contract situation at media day

The Phoenix Suns' 2024-25 season is officially underway, with the organization's media day bringing the curtain up on their campaign on Monday. There was plenty for fans to keep an eye out for, with owner Mat Ishbia first up to the stage to speak to the assembled media.

He was very open and honest about the fact the team didn't compete at the highest level last season, while also confirming that the beloved Al McCoy - who passed recently - would be honored in the form of a band that reads "Al" on the Suns' jerseys.

Then the subject of Kevin Durant's potential contract extension came up.

Durant is currently eligible to extend his current deal, although no talk of this came up during the offseason. This is understandable, Durant going from a disappointing playoff exit with the team, straight into national team play. While in Paris at the Olympic Games, he became the only men's Team USA player to win four gold medals. Enough to get his jersey retired in Phoenix? Not quite.

Durant - who just turned 36-years-old the day before media day - then took some deserved time off, which included hanging out with Ishbia and franchise cornerstone Devin Booker. The vibes seem good, and Ishbia was quick to echo those sentiments when addressing the media, while also explaining how he conducts business like this, saying;

"Kevin Durant loves it here. We love Kevin Durant. We talk to him and his agent Rich Kleiman all the time, we don't really go through contract extensions publically. I'll tell you this, Kevin loves it (here), we love Kevin, we plan on Kevin being here and nothing is changing with that".

Strong words from Ishbia - but really - what did you expect him to say? They traded a hell of a lot to get him to The Valley, and so far this group has failed to live up to expectations. The franchise is never going to trade Booker - if they did then Durant would be out the door with him - while they can't trade Bradley Beal.

Durant was also excellent last season - and although there are those who think this might be the end of him at the peak of his powers - there's no reason to believe that's the case. He's still a two-way menace, and he's probably going to become the Suns' all-time single season leader in scoring before he's done.

This group is set up to win now - and they just had an excellent offseason upgrading their roster around their main three guys - and Durant is crucial to that. He's going to spend some time at both the four and the five, and really he's still one of the top five offensive players in the entire league.

On top of that, Ishbia has committed his deep pockets to remaining in the second apron to try and win a championship. If his moves have shown us anything, it is that he will break the bank to both trade for - and keep - superstar players in Phoenix. This is a deal that is likely going to get done, and it is nice of Ishbia to come out and say it will be done behind closed doors. As it should be.