Spotted: Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia joins Kevin Durant and Devin Booker for relaxing boat trip on vacation
Mat Ishbia downplayed the Phoenix Suns’ sweep at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves in the playoffs because of Kevin Durant and Devin Booker. The billionaire saw no reason to panic after asserting that his team had “enough talent to win a championship.” With the Suns’ two Olympians returning for another tour of duty next season, Ishbia had reason to be confident.
Since Team USA started training camp and until the Americans won the gold medal, the Suns’ team governor likely kept track of his franchise cornerstones. He had to have been aware of what his training staff did as KD dealt with a calf issue. Ishbia might have been in Paris to watch the two superstars help USA Basketball to another gold medal finish.
After the hectic past few weeks, Kevin Durant and Devin Booker needed time off basketball. Mat Ishbia gladly obliged both based on this X, formerly Twitter, post:
Ishbia hanging out with the “Slim Reaper” and “Book” had to be exciting for Suns fans. When the owner and the superstars get along well, the team usually has a strong foundation to work for success.
Mat Ishbia made offseason changes to maximize Kevin Durant and Devin Booker
Mat Ishbia gladly spent some downtime with Kevin Durant and Devin Booker. He knows very well that when it comes to work, the Phoenix Suns superstars will lead their teammates. In about a month, Ishbia’s group will start preparing for the 2024-25 NBA season.
Although Ishbia saw no reason to panic despite the disappointing end to the Suns’ 2023-24 campaign, he made significant changes to the team. Phoenix will have a new voice calling the shots after the United Wholesale Mortgage CEO dismissed former coach Frank Vogel. Next season, Mike Budenholzer will be at the helm to guide the Suns.
Rumors came out during the Suns-Timberwolves series that Durant had been unhappy with the way he was used by Vogel. Perhaps “Bud” could change as he is also a champion coach with tons of experience.
Kevin Durant and Devin Booker will also be playing with some new faces on the roster. The addition of Monte Morris and Tyus Jones could signal a shift in how the Suns will utilize Booker next season. Instead of handling point guard duties, that role may be shared between Morris and Jones to maximize the star shooting guard’s scoring prowess.
Mat Ishbia has gone all-out trying to win the NBA championship since the league approved his purchase bid of the franchise in February 2023. “Burning the house down” wasn’t an option because he had Durant and Booker. He and Suns fans will be interested to see how the offseason changes will help the team's championship aspirations.