With high stakes for the Phoenix Suns, major changes could be on the horizon—especially regarding the future of Kevin Durant. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, real shifts may occur if the Suns fail to make a deep playoff run.
Speaking on The NBA Countdown on Saturday, Charania reported:
“The stakes are high, unless there’s a significant run here into the playoffs for the Phoenix Suns, league sources believe that there will be real changes in Phoenix coming to the Suns,” Charania said. “From a roster standpoint, that likely starts with Kevin Durant”
Shams:
— Oh No He Didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) March 2, 2025
"The stakes are high, unless there's a significant run here into the playoffs for the Phoenix Suns, league sources believe that there will be real changes in Phoenix coming to the Suns. From a roster standpoint, that likely starts with Kevin Durant" 👀 pic.twitter.com/5DiMenTLtb
At the trade deadline, Durant was reportedly blindsided by trade discussions. The offseason could take a different turn. Both Durant and the Suns plan to work together on a potential move to a contender..
ESPN senior NBA insider Charania anticipates strong interest:
“I would expect four to six contending teams with some serious involvement in Durant,” Charania said. “He’s still playing at a really high level. He’s extension eligible in the offseason, too.”
Durant’s performance remains elite, and his contract status could influence his next move – similar to the Golden State Warriors’ Jimmy Butler situation, per Charania.
The playoff results, both for the Suns and other teams, will be key in determining Durant’s future. Early postseason exits and shifting team dynamics could bring clarity to his next destination.
How much is Kevin Durant making? Inside his $194M deal
Kevin Durant, the Phoenix Suns’ star forward, was drafted by the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2007. He is currently playing on a four-year, $194.2 million contract, originally signed with the Brooklyn Nets as a maximum veteran extension. The deal includes $189.1 million guaranteed, with an average annual salary of $48.6 million. For the 2024-25 season, Durant’s cap hit is $51.2 million, and he is set to earn a $49.9 million base salary, according to Spotrac.
By 2025, analysts project his total career earnings to reach $501.1 million. His current total through 2024 stands at $447.9 million. Over his 17-year career, Durant has played for four teams and amassed nearly half a billion dollars in earnings.
The Suns and Kevin Durant are working on an extension agreement, per @ShamsCharania.
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) October 18, 2024
Phoenix is aiming to sign Durant to a two-year extension. pic.twitter.com/duhzgzTOdc
In terms of transactions, Phoenix acquired Durant from Brooklyn in a trade on Feb. 9, 2023, as part of a four-team deal. Before that, he joined Brooklyn from Golden State on July 7, 2019.
Injuries have impacted Phoenix star Durant’s career, and he missed games in the 2024-25 season due to ankle and calf issues.
READ: Kevin Durant breaks silence on rejecting Stephen Curry’s Warriors reunion
I am a writer passionate about telling the stories behind the game of basketball. From the culture and personalities shaping the sport to the moments that define it, I explore basketball beyond the box score.
