The Phoenix Suns CEO, Josh Bartelstein, was asked about their relationship with Kevin Durant and whether the fans could expect an extension to be signed. As things go, the answers he provided should encourage Suns fans.

For context, Durant can sign a one-year, $59.7 million extension before October 21st. He became eligible to sign it on July 12th.

The 35-year-old veteran’s current contract (four years, $194 million) expires in 2025-26. If he were to sign the extension, then it would take him through 2026-27.

Here is what Bartelstein said regarding the questions:

“The most important thing is Kevin loves being here, and we love having Kevin here,” Bartelstein said in an interview with The Arizona Republic’s Duane Rankin.

“He’s focused on the Olympics, but we’re always having dialogue. The relationship is what matters the most. The relationship is in a great spot. I talk to (Durant’s agent) Rich Kleiman, who works with Kevin, all the time. Conversations are great not just on extension stuff, but on all things that have been going on.”

According to multiple reports and Steve Kerr, Kevin Durant will remain on Team USA despite the lingering calf injury and will not be replaced. It will not be a Kawhi Leonard-type situation where fans see Derrick White replace him.

The 35-year-old was held out of Monday’s final exhibition game against Germany, and new reports suggest Durant will also be held out of Sunday’s game against Serbia.

Per ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, Team USA will most likely play without Durant. He said Kerr met with him on Monday and decided he needed more time to recover from his strained calf.

“I think [Team USA] gonna be playing Serbia without Kevin Durant… Steve Kerr met with him today and they decided he needs more time with that strained calf.”

However, despite his not playing, Kerr has remained faithful to the possibility of him being able to play for the United States.

“There’s no thought of replacing Kevin,” Kerr said. “I was hoping he would get a game in here, but it just didn’t work out that way.”

This is an ongoing situation, with updates potentially coming throughout this week heading into Sunday’s match against Nikola Jokic and Serbia.

Kevin Durant Set To Return Wednesday

Kevin Durant Set To Return Wednesday

It has been reported by Shams Charania of The Athletic that Kevin Durant, barring any setbacks, will be suiting up for the Suns in their game against the Timberwolves.

Reports announced Durant to be coming back to Phoenix for his home debut a couple of days ago, and now fans get a confirmation from Shams.

Kevin Durant has missed 10 games due to this ankle sprain and looks to be making his home debut against the Timberwolves; a very important matchup not only for the Suns, but for Minnesota.

Karl-Anthony Towns’ team is looking to get their third win in a row with Big KAT returning from his previous injury; same goes for Phoenix as they are looking to be 4-0 with Kevin Durant.

The Suns are 40-35 and the Timberwolves are 39-37 as the game begins Wednesday night at 10:00 PM EST.