Suns owner Mat Ishbia told ESPN’s Shams Charania (video link) that he anticipates his team will be able to lock up Kevin Durant beyond his current contract, which expires in 2026.
“We expect Kevin to sign an extension and be with us for the long-term,” Ishbia said. “We hope he finishes his career here in Phoenix. That’s what we expect.”
Durant, 36, is currently sidelined by a left calf strain, but was averaging 27.6 points, 6.6 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game prior to the injury. Durant has a $57.4MM salary next season, the final year of his current contract. He declined to sign a one-year extension before the regular season but can sign a two-year deal during the 2025 offseason.
We have more from the Pacific Division:
- Keon Ellis came off the bench and scored a career-high 33 points in a controversial one-point loss to Atlanta on Monday. The Kings guard made nine 3-pointers for shorthanded Sacramento. “The way he shot the ball tonight was definitely incredible and kept us in the game,” De’Aaron Fox told Jason Anderson of the Sacramento Bee. “He had big moments for us, and then getting to the line down the stretch, he was big for us.”
- LeBron James‘ increased play-making is one of five takeaways from the Lakers’ current five-game winning streak that Jovan Buha of The Athletic details. James is averaging 9.2 assists per game, the second-highest mark of his career. Another of Buha’s takeaways is the improved play of Max Christie, though he may not hold onto his rotation spot once injured players return to action.
- Dalton Knecht has scored 60 points in the last three games and The Athletic’s John Hollinger describes the rookie’s impact on the Lakers in his latest column. The 17th pick of the draft has made 40.4% of his 3-point attempts. He has filled a role for a much-needed shooter to balance the offense.
I wonder how long Ishbia will pay hundreds of millions in luxury taxes as the Suns age, their tax bill keeps increasing, their draft picks are all traded away and the NBA’s restrictions for second apron teams like the Suns make it so difficult for them to make moves. Does he really think that Durant at 38/39 will save the Suns?
I’m wondering how the numbers work as far as the money the Suns bring in to the business as opposed to the outgo. If he doesn’t need the Suns $$ to finance his lifestyle then as long as everything, including all the tax penalties, break even they should be great right?
There are cheaper ways to break even. I think he wants to win. If the team isn’t winning what is he doing?
Yup, true !!
And he doesn’t mind paying that luxury tax to win especially if the team is able to pay for it through its revenue.
PHX was one of 3 teams that lost money (overall) on an operating basis last year (FYE 6-30-24), but it wasn’t a huge number. Around 15 mm. This year they’re likely to lose more. But these losses are quite a bit less than some of the losses BKN and other teams had in earlier years. As reckless as Ishiba seems to be, the new rules that restrict his team from improving, also keep down his tax bill as a percentage of BRI.
The LAC lost close to 100 mm last year, but they should be looking at some good years ahead. The PHX and LAC are complete trophies to their owners. MIL was the third team to lose, and that’s going to continue. The owners there might tire of it.
Thank you that helps. I appreciate the research you’ve done.
Most owners and groups are able to get huge tax benefits from owning a team. If a team is a negative, they can usually offset their own taxes by writing off losses, etc.
It’s sort of crazy because they can assume salaries, media deals, etc. as assets that depreciate. There are reports that wealthy individuals are able to pay way below due to “losses” from amortizations.
There were a few articles how Ballmer was only paying at like a 10-15% overall even though he was netting millions at his other businesses.
I really wanted Dalton Knecht in the draft last summer. I thought he had the best floor for any guy coming in that would help the Bulls in the future. Good for him on getting the trust and opportunity from his teammates and coaches and exceeding expectations the last few games.
Wish we had a head coach who can emphasis player development, and give meaningful minutes to Matas.
*Sigh*
“They didn’t find DK — the other 16 teams f–ked up,” James told reporters after the game with a big smile on his face. “Did anyone watch him? They just f–ked up.”
I watched him …… thought he’d go to Pistons. Wound up dropping to 17. Perfect place for a ready now Rookie. Said it was the steal of the draft then.
Last night vs Jazz 38 mins, 37 pts. Baller