Suns owner Mat Ishbia told ESPN’s Shams Charania (video link) that he anticipates re-signing Kevin Durant.
“We expect Kevin (Durant) 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. He’s averaging 27.6 points, 6.6 rebounds and 3.4 assists this season. 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 contract next 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 playmaking 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 of his career. Another 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 percent of his 3-point attempts. He has filled a role for a much-needed shooter to balance the offense.