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Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia defends controversial Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal trades, ‘it’s easy…’

Originally posted on NBA Analysis Network
By Aaditya Krishnamurthy | Last updated Nov 25, 2025 1:00 PM ET

Despite it not working out how he had hoped, Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia doesn’t regret trading for Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal.

The Phoenix Suns decided to blow things up this summer, calling time on their failed superteam experiment from a few years ago.

The Suns traded Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets, acquiring Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks in the process.

Which NBA star most needs to be TRADED before the deadline?

After that, the Suns bought out Bradley Beal’s contract, allowing him to join the LA Clippers, where he is currently out injured for the rest of the season.

Given how catastrophic the experiment worked out, one might imagine Suns owner Mat Ishbia would regret the move. But that doesn’t appear to be the case.

Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images

Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia doesn’t regret Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal trades

Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia was a guest on Draymond Green’s podcast, where he discussed the failed superteam with Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal.

Despite things not working out, Ishbia was happy to take a chance, as he would rather aim high and fail, than have low ambitions and find success.

“It didn’t work. But the mentality was, ‘We are trying to win!’… Suns have never won a championship. Let’s go try to win. It didn’t work, but no one is going to think management doesn’t care…

“That sends a message to fans… It’s easy to set no expectations and be better, when you set high expectations and miss, you get s— on. I always want to try and compete.”

Mat Ishbia on his win now moves to get Durant and Beal

“Suns have never won a championship. Let’s go try to win. It didn’t work but no one is going to think management doesn’t care… it’s easy to set no expectations an be better, when you set high expectations and miss, you get… pic.twitter.com/0NaoHRaTIl
— NBA Courtside (@NBA__Courtside) November 24, 2025

Phoenix Suns reaping the rewards of giving up their superstars

Many felt that the Phoenix Suns trading away their star players would lead them to becoming one of the worst teams in the NBA.

However, new head coach Jordan Ott has surprised fans by leading the Phoenix Suns to an 11-7 record and the 6th seed in the West.

Suns are 10-2 in their last 12 games.

Show them some respect. pic.twitter.com/4AMXl2Om18
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) November 24, 2025

The Suns are 10-2 in their last 12 games, an impressive run of form for them considering just how competitive the Western Conference is.

Perhaps this new rendition of the Suns can build another contender, one that is less about superstars, and more about a well-oiled collective of strong players.

This article first appeared on NBA Analysis Network and was syndicated with permission.

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