Rockets' Durant Rebukes Suns Owner Over Trade Regret

Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia said on CNBC Sport he "threw money at the problem" trading for Kevin Durant after a $4 billion purchase in 2023, and that "bringing in super talented players like Kevin Durant doesn't necessarily lead to championships." He said the tenure "was not aligned with my vision," a couple of years did not succeed, and he then traded Durant, hired GM Brian Gregory and coach Jordan Ott, and defined the type of person Phoenix wants. The Suns made the 2023 second round, were swept in the 2024 first round, missed the 2025 playoffs, and traded Durant to the Houston Rockets in the 2025 offseason before finishing 45-37 last season and reaching the first round. Durant posted on X "#blamekd even though KD stayed on top of his game at 36 and got u back this "culture" you love so much," adding Ishbia "acts like I got arrested for a DUI or sumn." Ishbia replied he did not blame Durant, is happy with Phoenix culture, and wished him luck in Houston; Durant said Ishbia should give thanks and does not have to pay him an absurd amount for another team. Ishbia named Dillon Brooks, Jordan Goodwin, Collin Gillespie and Devin Booker as defining what matters now.