Phoenix Suns‘ Owner Mat Ishbia appeared optimistic following the team’s surprisingly early elimination from this year’s NBA playoffs, saying the team’s weaknesses are “extremely fixable.” Ishbia voiced confidence about the Suns’ future and promised Kevin Durant and Devin Booker’s return in an interview. Ishbia’s statements appalled NBA Analyst Stephen A. Smith.

In an episode of ESPN’s ‘First Take,’ Smith reacted to the comments made by Ishbia. The Suns owner’s optimistic outlook was met with a lot of skepticism by Smith.

Smith says Ishbia’s statement was ‘idiotic’

In a post-playoff interview, Ishbia did not waver in his conviction that the Suns’ weaknesses were “extremely fixable.” With complete faith in the team’s roster, he said, “Ask the other 29 GMs. Twenty-six of them would swap our entire team for theirs.” Ishbia told the audience that the team was in a dominant position and that the ‘house was not on fire’, expressing his optimism for the team’s future. He doesn’t think there is much to fix by stating, “We have enough talent to win a championship. We have enough continuity, we have enough time together.”

Ishbia dismissed the media’s representations of the team, saying, “If I read the media, I would think we would have a lot of problems.” He declared, “We’re in great shape right now,” restating his confidence in the Suns’ current position. However, Stephen A. Smith did not take well to Mat’s comments and said that it was “one of the most idiotic things” he’s heard from an NBA owner.

“You just got swept away and those are the words? I mean that’s really enthusiastic,” he remarked sarcastically. Smith also felt it was ‘dumb’ to expect fans to support them after they ‘got swept’ and are unwilling to change anything about the team. He suggested that the owner’s enthusiasm may have trickled down to Phoenix’s General Manager James Jones as well.

Stephen Smith’s comments highlight a possible need for some major changes in Phoenix. But it seems that the Suns’ roster will not be changing anytime soon. In the same interview, Ishbia said, “I wouldn’t swap our group or circumstances for anyone else’s.” He even confirmed that their “starting five” would return for the next season- Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal, Grayson Allen, Jusuf Nurkic, and Devin Booker. His comments are reassuring to fans taking into account the recent rumors about KD and Booker’s future.

Kevin Durant to the Lakers and Booker to the Knicks?

Whispers keep circulating about potential blockbuster trades involving top players amid the NBA’s summer excitement. According to one such rumor, Suns’ Forward Kevin Durant might team up with the Los Angeles Lakers. The thought of KD playing alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis has Lakers fans thrilled. Additionally, there has been another report circulating that suggests Devin Booker, the Suns’ shooting guard, may be considering a move to the New York Knicks. In doing so, Booker would be switching over to the Eastern Conference.

But Phoenix owner Mat Ishibia’s comments have made it clear that the Suns’s star players are not leaving anytime soon. Regardless, possibilities of a possible trade-over, however weak, still exist. Following the Suns’ disappointing playoff run, Ishbia’s optimism has sparked discussion about the team’s future.

Despite his unwavering trust in the Suns’ potential, Smith and others question the rationale behind such optimism in light of the team’s recent performance. The Suns have until next season to prove themselves on court again. Will Kevin Durant and Co. return to win the championship?