"First year, didn't get to where we want to be" - Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia spills the beans on future of Durant-Booker-Beal trio
Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia has opened up about the future of the trio of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal. The Suns brought in the three All-Stars together last season, but it ended up being a huge disappointment, as they were swept in the first round of the playoffs.
Ishbia was in Las Vegas to watch the Suns play in the Summer League and was invited to join the NBA TV broadcast booth. He was asked about the rumors surrounding Phoenix and if Durant is in it for the long haul.
"We love Kevin Durant, we love Devin Booker. We didn't put our team together for a one-year trial. We put this team together because we love those three guys. We got three of the most dynamic scorers in the NBA who can ball and hoop. Now, we're gonna have to build a team around them," Ishbia said.
The billionaire owner added:
"First year, we didn't get to where want to be. Second year, we're gonna see. We're gonna go out there and compete. I love those guys. I love the pieces – Jusuf Nurkic, Grayson Allen, Royce O'Neal. We've got a lot of pieces. Bol Bol's back."
Mat Ishbia splashed a lot of money to retain their role players from Jusuf Nurkic, Grayson Allen, Royce O'Neal, Bol Bol, Damion Lee and Josh Okogie. The Phoenix Suns also signed a couple of free agents, Monte Morris and Mason Plumlee, who could help improve their depth.
The Suns also dismissed head coach Frank Vogel and replaced him with Mike Budenholzer. Both were championship-winning coaches, but Budenholzer might be the better fit for Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal.
Ishbia has an expected team with an expected payroll of more than $400 million from salaries and luxury tax. They are a second apron team, so they will have some restrictions moving forward.
Devin Booker reacts to Mike Budenholzer being named Phoenix Suns coach
While Kevin Durant might be the biggest name for the Phoenix Suns, it's still Devin Booker's team. Booker is the longest-tenured player in Phoenix, so the franchise would listen to him, and it seems like he approved Mike Budenholzer's hiring.
In an interview with Arizona Sports earlier this month, Booker gave his first comments on his new coach. He praised his championship pedigree and is looking forward to playing for him.
"He's a winner, he's a champion. He's done it multiple times. He's very punctual. He knows what he wants. He's communicated that already. We've had short conversations. I'm sure there will be more getting closer to the season," Booker said.