Pacific notes: Ishbia, Durant, Ellis, James, Knecht

Sun owner Mat Ishbia told ESPN’s Shams Charania (video link), which he expects his team to be able to unlock Kevin Durant in addition to his current contract, which expires in 2026.

“We expect Kevin 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 with a left calf strain, but averaged 27.6 points, 6.6 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game. match before the injury. Durant has a salary of $57.4MM 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 deal during the 2025 offseason.

We have more from the Pacific Division:

• Keon Ellis came off the bench to score 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 when he got to the line down the stretch, he was big for us.”
• LeBron James‘ increased play-making is one of five takeaways from lakers’ current five-game winning streak it Jovan Buha from The Athletic details. James averages 9.2 assists per game. game, which is the second-highest mark of his career. Another of Buha’s takeaways is the improved play of Max Christiethough he may not hold onto his rotation spot once injured players return to action.
• Dalton Knecht has scored 60 points in the past three games and The Athletics John Hollinger describes the rookie’s influence on Lakers in his latest column. The draft’s 17th pick has made 40.4% of his 3-point attempts. He has filled a role for a much-needed shooter to balance the offense.