At 36 years old, Kevin Durant remains one of the NBA’s elite players, but the reality of his career nearing its twilight is impossible to ignore. With the Phoenix Suns, Durant has one season left on his contract beyond the 2024-25 NBA campaign. Naturally, his future in Phoenix has become a hot topic among fans and analysts alike. Yet, as far as Durant is concerned, he’s not too worried about an extension right now.
“I’m not even thinking about it,” Durant told Duane Rankin of the Arizona Republic after the Suns’ Thursday shootaround. “I’m just going to play out my contract really, and just focus on that. Focus on the team. I haven’t even really had conversations with anybody about a contract. Trying to focus on basketball.”
Durant, known for his laser-sharp focus on his craft, has shown little interest in the business side of his future, at least for now. The Suns’ superstar is set to earn $51.179 million in the 2024-25 season, followed by $54.70 million in the 2025-26 campaign. While Durant is already eligible for a one-year, $59.5 million extension, the two-time NBA champion seems content with waiting for the right time to discuss his next deal.
Why wait? It’s simple math. If Durant holds off until the next offseason, he could cash in on a two-year, $123.8 million extension, according to ESPN’s Bobby Marks. By waiting, Durant stands to earn an extra $64.3 million, a substantial increase from signing an extension this year.
Durant’s patience could be a strategic play, but it’s clear his immediate focus is on leading the Suns to championship glory. With teammates like Devin Booker and Bradley Beal by his side, Phoenix has its eyes set on contending for the NBA title. For Durant, the next few seasons aren’t about contract negotiations — they’re about leaving his mark on the court and potentially adding another ring to his Hall of Fame resume.
As for the future, Durant’s wait-and-see approach means his time in Phoenix could extend well beyond the current contract, depending on how things unfold. For now, Suns fans can rest easy knowing their superstar is fully locked in for the upcoming season, determined to make the most of the present before worrying about the future.
Durant’s stance may be unbothered, but his hunger for success remains as fierce as ever. Whether he signs an extension this offseason or waits for a bigger payday in 2025, the Suns will be counting on him to lead them through the most pivotal seasons in franchise history.
