• Loading stock data...
Sunday, June 1, 2025

High-Priced Suns Have a Frustrated Owner, Few Good Options

The Suns were one of the NBA’s biggest disappointments this season, missing the playoffs with the league’s highest payroll. Phoenix owner Mat Ishbia vows to make changes.

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Suns owner Mat Ishbia vowed to make significant changes this offseason, after Phoenix missed the playoffs with a 36–46 record, 11th in the Western Conference, despite having the NBA’s highest active payroll at $210 million.

“As the owner, my job is to make those changes and do things differently,” Ishbia said Thursday during his season-ending press conference. “Because what we just tried and did over the last two and a half years has not been as successful.”

The Suns’ big three of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal accounted for roughly $150 million of salary-cap space this past season. “We spent a lot of money, and we didn’t win,” Ishbia said, also calling the season “embarrassing.”

Ishbia wouldn’t comment directly on specific players. “We’re definitely going to make adjustments, but it’s not to spend less money,” he said. Suns president of basketball operations and GM James Jones left the door open for all roster options. 

ESPN has reported Durant could be dealt this offseason, and multiple outlets have reported that he’s unhappy in Phoenix. The Suns tried to trade Beal this season but couldn’t find a suitable deal for which he would waive his no-trade clause. It would be difficult for the team to deal one of its highly paid stars while improving. The franchise also does not control its own first-round draft pick until 2032.

“Money is not going to be an obstacle,” Ishbia said. “But at the same time, I’m not foolish. I don’t expect us to have the highest payroll in the NBA next year, and I don’t expect us to not make the playoffs next year.”

Ishbia concluded that his business goal in Phoenix “is not to make money. The business here is to win.” 

The Suns are in the process of searching for a new head coach after firing Mike Budenholzer following his lone season in charge of the team.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

WNBA Championship Ring Boom: ‘Way Bigger. Way More Diamonds’

The Liberty’s WNBA championship ring value soared to $60,000.
breaking

Pacers-Thunder Is Lowest-Payroll NBA Finals in Years

Neither team is in the luxury tax, despite rosters with multiple All-Stars.
exclusive

Newly American-Owned Italian Hoops Team Hires Ex-Pelicans Exec as GM

Napoli Basketball is hiring the Pelicans’ former chief of staff as GM.

MSG Tickets for Potential Pacers-Knicks Game 7 Start at $1,100

The current get-in price for a potential Game 7 is $1,099.

Featured Today

PSG and the City of Paris Can Join European Soccer’s Elite

What a maiden Champions League title would mean for the French club.
May 30, 2025

How the Champions League Anthem Took on a Life of Its Own

The composer didn’t know he wrote a timeless hit three decades ago.
May 25, 2025

How Rolex Paved the Way for Luxury’s Love Affair With Tennis

“It’s almost impossible to think about tennis without thinking about Rolex.”
Mar 23, 2025; Miami, FL, USA; Alexandra Eala (PHI) reacts after winning a point against Madison Keys (USA)(not pictured) on day six of the Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium.
May 24, 2025

Alex Eala Is Defying Her Country’s Odds to Make French Open History

The Philippines native has overcome a unique set of financial odds.

Steve Cohen Taps USTA’s Lew Sherr to Reshape Mets Off Field

The MLB club hires a top executive from the U.S. Tennis Association.
May 29, 2025

T-Wolves Face Roster-Building Questions After Another WCF Loss

The team has ownership stability entering this offseason.
Ovi
May 29, 2025

Capitals Say Ovechkin Retirement Email Was Sent in Error

Ovechkin is the NHL’s all-time scoring leader and has one Stanley Cup. 
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

In Episode 7 of Portfolio Players, go inside the boardroom with Avenue Capital CEO and former Milwaukee Bucks co-owner Marc Lasry on Giannis’s future, women’s sports, and upstart leagues like TGL and Unrivaled. 
SGA
May 29, 2025

Thunder Poised to Dominate for Years After Winning West

OKC has the NBA’s best shot at a dynasty with the new CBA.
May 28, 2025

Mets Casino Project Moves Forward As Cohen Shakes Up Front Office

Scott Havens will depart as team president of business operations.
May 28, 2025

Terry Bradshaw Calls Steelers Pursuit of Aaron Rodgers ‘a Joke’

The Pro Football Hall of Famer lambastes the courtship of the mercurial star.
Ted Leonsis
exclusive
May 27, 2025

Where Do the Mystics Fit in a Rapidly Evolving WNBA?

The WNBA is increasingly divided between the new- and old-guard owners.