In a stunning move that sent shockwaves through the NBA, the Phoenix Suns acquired superstar Kevin Durant in a blockbuster trade in February 2023, just as new owner Mat Ishbia took the reins of the franchise. Now, as the Suns set their sights on a deep playoff run, Ishbia is already looking to the future, fully expecting to sign Durant to a long-term contract extension next offseason.
“(Durant) loves being in Phoenix, we love having him,” Ishbia told ESPN in a recent interview. The Suns owner gushed about Durant’s impact on the team, both on and off the court, making it clear that he envisions the 14-time All-Star finishing his illustrious career in Phoenix.
A Perfect Pairing: Durant and Booker
When Ishbia orchestrated the trade for Durant, he knew he was pairing two of the NBA’s most dynamic scorers in KD and franchise cornerstone Devin Booker. The duo has already shown flashes of brilliance, with Durant averaging 27.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, and shooting a blistering 53.3% from the field and 42.9% from beyond the arc before being sidelined with a calf strain.
A source close to the team raved about the chemistry between Durant and Booker, noting that their skill sets complement each other perfectly. “KD’s ability to score from anywhere on the court opens up so much space for Devin to operate,” the source said. “And with Devin’s playmaking and shooting ability, he keeps defenses honest and prevents them from overloading on Durant.”
The Suns’ Championship Blueprint
Ishbia’s aggressive moves since taking over the Suns have made it clear that he’s all-in on building a championship contender. In addition to acquiring Durant, he also traded for three-time All-Star Bradley Beal in the 2023 offseason and acquired center Jusuf Nurkic in exchange for Deandre Ayton.
These bold roster moves have positioned the Suns as one of the top teams in the loaded Western Conference, and Ishbia is sparing no expense to ensure his team has everything it needs to succeed. He’s invested heavily in upgrading the team’s facilities, including building a state-of-the-art, $100 million practice facility for the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury.
“We’re committed to providing our players with every resource they need to compete at the highest level,” Ishbia said. “From world-class facilities to the best coaching and support staff, we want to create an environment where our players can thrive both on and off the court.”
– Mat Ishbia, Phoenix Suns owner
Durant’s Legacy in Phoenix
For Durant, the opportunity to compete for championships in Phoenix while playing alongside another superstar in Booker is an enticing proposition. The 36-year-old future Hall of Famer has already accomplished so much in his career, winning two NBA titles, two Finals MVP awards, and four Olympic gold medals with Team USA.
But according to a source close to Durant, the chance to cement his legacy with the Suns is something that really appeals to him. “KD knows he’s in the twilight of his career, and he wants to make the most of these final years,” the source said. “He sees Phoenix as the perfect place to do that, with a talented roster, a committed ownership group, and a passionate fan base.”
The Road Ahead
Of course, Durant’s immediate focus is on getting healthy and helping the Suns make a deep playoff run this season. The team has struggled in his absence, going just 1-5 since he went down with the calf injury. But once he returns, the Suns will once again be a force to be reckoned with in the West.
Looking ahead to next offseason, Ishbia and the Suns are poised to offer Durant a two-year, $120 million max extension that would keep him in Phoenix through the 2028-29 season. It’s a hefty investment, but one that Ishbia believes is well worth it given Durant’s immense talent and the impact he’s already had on the franchise.
“Kevin wants to be here, we want Kevin here. There’s never been one grumbling of anything different.”
– Mat Ishbia on Kevin Durant’s future with the Suns
As the Suns navigate the treacherous waters of the Western Conference playoffs, one thing is certain: with Kevin Durant and Devin Booker leading the way, and Mat Ishbia’s unwavering commitment to building a championship contender, the future is bright in Phoenix. And if all goes according to plan, Durant will be there for the long haul, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest players in Suns history.
Looking ahead to next offseason, Ishbia and the Suns are poised to offer Durant a two-year, $120 million max extension that would keep him in Phoenix through the 2028-29 season. It’s a hefty investment, but one that Ishbia believes is well worth it given Durant’s immense talent and the impact he’s already had on the franchise.
“Kevin wants to be here, we want Kevin here. There’s never been one grumbling of anything different.”
– Mat Ishbia on Kevin Durant’s future with the Suns
As the Suns navigate the treacherous waters of the Western Conference playoffs, one thing is certain: with Kevin Durant and Devin Booker leading the way, and Mat Ishbia’s unwavering commitment to building a championship contender, the future is bright in Phoenix. And if all goes according to plan, Durant will be there for the long haul, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest players in Suns history.
