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

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.