PHOENIX, AZ - MARCH 7: Mat Ishbia speaks during a press conference announcing Phoenix as the host of the NBA All-Star 2027 on March 7, 2024 at Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images)
The Phoenix Suns tipped off their 2024-25 season in earnest on Monday with the annual media day, an event that marks the beginning of what the organization hopes will be a deep playoff run. Owner Mat Ishbia took center stage, addressing the media with both optimism and accountability, setting the tone for the season ahead.
Ishbia didn’t mince words, admitting that last season’s squad fell short of expectations. This blunt assessment comes as no surprise, considering the Suns’ early playoff exit despite their loaded roster. However, Ishbia’s remarks also carried a tribute to Suns legend Al McCoy, the longtime voice of the franchise, who recently passed away. In his honor, the Suns will wear jerseys adorned with a band reading “Al,” a heartfelt gesture to commemorate McCoy’s legacy.
Kevin Durant’s Contract Extension – What’s the Deal?
Of course, no Suns discussion is complete without mentioning Kevin Durant. His name came up quickly when questions about a potential contract extension were raised. Durant is eligible to extend his current deal, but there was no talk of this during the offseason—understandably so, given his whirlwind schedule. After a disappointing playoff exit with Phoenix, Durant went straight into international duty, where he made history, becoming the first men’s Team USA player to win four Olympic gold medals.
Fresh off that achievement, Durant turned 36 the day before media day, and while many players his age start showing signs of decline, Durant remains a force. He took some well-earned time off after the Olympics, sharing moments with Ishbia and Suns’ star Devin Booker. According to Ishbia, the connection between Durant and the franchise remains rock solid.
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“Kevin Durant loves it here. We love Kevin Durant,” Ishbia said. “We talk to him and his agent Rich Kleiman all the time. We don’t really go through contract extensions publicly… Kevin loves it here, we love Kevin, and we plan on him being here. Nothing is changing with that.”
While the owner’s comments were strong and reassuring, they were hardly surprising. After all, the Suns invested heavily to acquire Durant, and moving forward without him seems unthinkable. The franchise’s core of Durant, Booker, and newly acquired Bradley Beal is designed to win *now*. Durant’s role in that can’t be overstated.
What’s Left for Durant to Prove?
Durant’s performance last season was stellar, even if it didn’t end with a championship. There are some whispers about whether he’s still at the peak of his powers at 36, but his impact on both ends of the court is undeniable. His scoring ability remains elite, and it wouldn’t be a stretch to see him become the Suns’ all-time single-season leader in scoring this year.
With new pieces added around Durant, Booker, and Beal, the Suns are primed for another run at the title. Durant’s ability to play both forward positions—and even center in smaller lineups—makes him a matchup nightmare for opponents. Despite his age, Durant is still one of the top five offensive players in the league.
A Deep Commitment to Winning
One thing is clear: Ishbia is all-in on building a championship contender. The Suns’ payroll sits deep in the luxury tax, and the owner has shown he’s not afraid to open his wallet to keep this group intact. His willingness to break the bank for stars like Durant signals that an extension, whenever it happens, is a near certainty. Ishbia’s preference for handling contract negotiations behind closed doors should also calm any lingering concerns about Durant’s future in Phoenix.
The Suns’ championship window is wide open, and Durant is at the center of that push. With a revamped roster and a clear commitment from ownership, the Suns are aiming for nothing less than a title—and with Durant in tow, they have the firepower to make it happen.
