Kevin Durant fires back at Suns owner over trade regret

Summarised from 2 outlets · 3 reports · Updated 18 Oct, 00:08 · Archive

Kevin Durant responded on social media after Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia expressed regret over trading for him in 2023.

Suns owner Mat Ishbia expressed regret over the decision to acquire Kevin Durant from the Nets in a 2023 trade deadline deal. In a CNBC interview, Ishbia said he 'threw money at the problem' and that 'bringing in super-talented players like Kevin Durant doesn't necessarily lead to championships'. He said the team lacked a defined culture and north star at the time.

Durant responded on social media with sarcasm, writing: '#blameKD even though KD stayed on top of his game at 36 and got u back this "culture" you love so much. Aye, Matthew acts like I got arrested for a DUI or sumn. Back to threads.' He posted seven crying-laughing emojis with the message.

Ishbia replied, telling Durant to watch the full interview and clarifying that he did not blame the player. He said he was happy with the culture being built in Phoenix and the team's current direction, wishing Durant luck in Houston.

Durant averaged 26.8 points per game across 145 regular-season appearances during his two-and-a-half seasons with the Suns. The team won just one playoff series during his tenure and missed the postseason in the 2024-25 season before trading him to the Rockets in July 2025.

Kevin Durant fires back at Suns owner over trade regret — Image: Daily Mail Sport

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How it is being reported

NBA legend Kevin Durant fires back at billionaire owner in ugly social media spat over trade regretThe two-time NBA champion took to social media on Saturday to fire back at the American billionaire following his comments regarding Durant's stint in Phoenix.Daily Mail Sport · 17 Oct, 23:49
Kevin Durant fires back at Suns owner Mat Ishbia over trade commentsKevin Durant has never been one to shy away from social media rants. The 16-time All-Star didn’t hold back when responding to Suns owner Mat Ishbia’s comment on trading for Durant. Kevin Durant #35 of the Phoenix Suns reacts during the fourth quarter. “I kind of just threw money at the problem,” Ishbia said of...New York Post · 17 Oct, 21:21
Kevin Durant viciously claps back after Suns owner expresses regret over trading for starThe Suns acquired Durant from the Nets in a trade deadline blockbuster in 2023.New York Post · 17 Oct, 21:05

In this story: Kevin Durant · Mat Ishbia · Phoenix Suns · Brooklyn Nets · Houston Rockets · CNBC

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