Kevin Durant's immediate future with Suns looks set in stone

Kevin Durant was part of the Phoenix Suns team that stuttered throughout the 2023-24 season. Despite adding Bradley Beal to the rotation, Frank Vogel's team had too many defensive holes, ultimately costing them an opportunity to challenge for a championship. Phoenix has spent this summer retooling the roster and plugging as many gaps as possible.

Still, the Suns are in a challenging position as they grapple with the punitive measures associated with being a second-apron luxury tax team. As such, there have been rumblings of a potential Durant trade, although those remain unsubstantiated rumors — for now.

Suns CEO Josh Bartelstein recently discussed his relationship with Durant during an appearance on the "PHNX Suns" podcast.

"I think everyone's head's in the right place," Bartelstein said. "He loves it here. We talk to Rich Kleiman, who’s his partner, all the time about the vision and what we’re building, and everyone’s really happy, and I think we’re gonna have a really, really good year.”

Durant has two years remaining on his current four-year, $194.2 million deal . He will earn $51.1 million for the upcoming season and $54.7 million in the last year.

The Suns have constructed an offensive powerhouse around Durant, positioning him as the featured star within their offense. It would take years for another team to rebuild their roster around him like Phoenix has since he arrived in 2022.

As such, it's unlikely the Suns will cut ties with the four-time Olympic gold medalist, and even less likely that Durant will look for a way to force his exit from the franchise.

Phoenix's most significant concern entering the offseason was the need for primary ball handlers. This forced Devin Booker into a role that limited his effectiveness as a scorer and floor spacer. Adding Tyus Jones and Monte Morris should quickly resolve any concerns that Booker was miscast for the season ahead.

Phoenix is giving Durant the recognition he deserves as a superstar, placing him at the center of their roster strategy. With new head coach Mike Budenholzer, Durant can compete at the highest level. His future in the Valley of the Sun seems secure for now, but that could quickly change if the team faces another disappointing playoff run.