PHOENIX – After starting the 2024-2025 season 8-1 and at the top of the Western Conference, the Phoenix Suns have struggled to cross the finish line. The franchise sits a game out of the Play-In for a roster that is the most expensive in the NBA. The rumor mill has been filled with reports of the Suns trading 15-time All-Star Kevin Durant in the offseason to alleviate some of the cap issues that burden the team. Trading Durant could be a sign of Phoenix entering a rebuilding phase, but according to Suns owner Mat Ishbia, that isn’t the case. A rebuild has the 45-year-old owner laughing at the mere idea of it, as he wants to win today.
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Dec 19, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia sits courtside against the Indiana Pacers at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Ishbia on possible Suns rebuild in interview with ESPN:
“It’s surprising to me that other people, other fans, they actually like the rebuild process,” Ishbia said. “Like, ‘Oh, let’s rebuild it.’ Are you crazy?! You think I’m going to go for seven years and try to get there? You enjoy the 2030 draft picks that we have holding? I want to try to see the game today. I want us to win today, and we’re going to try.
“Although let’s say this doesn’t work, guess what? Maybe next year we won’t be as good, but we’re going to try again. The next opportunity we have, we’re going to try to win and compete. And it will work. We will win championships here in Phoenix. Might not be this year, but I promise you we are going to do it. And that’s what we’re focused on.”
Jun 30, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devon Booker sits with Phoenix Mercury owner Mat Ishbia during the game between the Indiana Fever and the Phoenix Mercury at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
In the interview, Ishbia discussed that the team is better with Durant than without. However, if the team isn’t competing at the level that they want, changes to this current iteration of the Phoenix Suns roster. Ishbia made it clear that the franchise isn’t trading superstar guard Devin Booker, leaving the only massive trades to improve the club being trading Durant or Bradley Beal.
Regardless, Ishbia isn’t favorable with draft assets, as he strives to compete today. He has illustrated that with both the Suns and the Phoenix Mercury, making massive trades to try and improve the roster. After being swept in the first round by the Minnesota Lynx, Ishbia and Mercury general manager Nick U’ren traded for All-Stars Alyssa Thomas and Satou Sabally. If the Suns face a similar fate this offseason, those types of trades should be expected.
Mercury owner Mat Ishbia announces the Ring of Honor proceedings during the home opener at the Footprint Center on Saturday, May 18, 2024. Syndication: Arizona Republic
Ishbia strives for greatness and winning, so the prospect of entering a rebuild isn’t attractive for him, which makes the major changes this offseason something to look out for.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
