Suns owner expects KD to sign extension

Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia made the bold move to acquire Kevin Durant from the Brooklyn Nets, and he plans to retain the two-time Finals MVP for the remainder of his career.

"(Durant) loves being in Phoenix, we love having him," Ishbia told ESPN's Shams Charania. "He's off to an amazing start this season - one of the MVP leaders - and we're off to a very good start. We expect Kevin to sign an extension, be with us for the long term. We hope he finishes his career here in Phoenix."

Ishbia added: "Kevin wants to be here, we want Kevin here. There's never been one grumbling of anything different."

Durant is under contract through the 2025-26 campaign. The 14-time All-Star was eligible to receive a one-year, $60-million contract extension this past summer, but the two sides could also agree to a two-year, $120-million maximum extension after the 2024-25 season.

Durant was off to a strong start before being sidelined with a left calf strain, averaging 27.6 points, 6.6 boards, 3.4 assists, and 1.4 blocks across nine appearances. He was shooting 42.9% from deep and 55.3% overall.

Phoenix has dropped five of six games during Durant's absence. The Suns sit sixth in the West with a 9-6 record entering Wednesday's slate of games.