As he heads into his age-36 season, Kevin Durant will not be taking the money just yet.
Shams Charania of ESPN reported Friday in an appearance on “NBA Today” that the Phoenix Suns All-Star will not be signing an extension with the team before the Oct. 21 deadline (set for the day before the new season begins). Charania added that Durant is only eligible for a one-year extension right now, but can get a two-year extension from the Suns by waiting until next year.
Durant is currently signed with Phoenix for $51.2 million this season and $54.7 million next season. The former NBA MVP could lock in some more money right now, thus keeping him secure through 2027 (when Durant will be 39). But it looks like Durant is making the business call to hold out on an extension for another year and potentially get himself set through age 40 for his troubles.
Of course, the situation might drastically change for the Suns between now and then. They are badly hamstrung by the second apron of the luxury tax right now and Suns owner Mat Ishbia recently indicated that he won’t be keeping the Big Three of Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal around forever. Durant could also, as he is notorious for doing, get frustrated with Phoenix and request a trade, so an extension for him around this time next year seems far from a sure thing.
