Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant and Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia traded barbs on social media Saturday over Durant's time in Phoenix. The spat began after Ishbia told CNBC Sport he "threw money at the problem" when trading for Durant in 2023. He added that adding star players "doesn't necessarily lead to championships." Durant replied that he stayed on top of his game at 36 and helped build the "culture" Ishbia loves. Ishbia said Durant wasn't to blame, but that he was happy with the Suns' direction. Durant answered that Ishbia should be thankful he didn't have to pay him "an absurd amount of money" to play elsewhere. Ishbia bought the Suns for $4 billion in 2023. Phoenix reached the second round that year, was swept in the first round in 2024, and missed the 2025 playoffs. Durant was then traded to Houston.

The NBA's Southeast Division has sent no team past the first round of the playoffs for three straight years, but it has more star power this season. Atlanta and Orlando lost in the first round, Miami and Charlotte fell in the play-in tournament, and Washington finished with the league's worst record. Miami added Giannis Antetokounmpo and Klay Thompson. Washington pairs Anthony Davis with Trae Young and first overall pick AJ Dybantsa, while Orlando hired Sean Sweeney as coach. Bookmakers still project modest win totals: Miami 46.5, Orlando and Atlanta 43.5, Charlotte 37.5, and Washington 35.5. The division has produced only one 50-win team in 11 seasons.

Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia said his mortgage company's financial troubles will have "zero" effect on his basketball operations. United Wholesale Mortgage reported a $450 million net loss in the second quarter this year. Despite this, the 46-year-old billionaire is working to purchase an additional 14% of the team, bringing his ownership stake to roughly 80%. Ishbia, who bought the Suns and Phoenix Mercury in 2022 for $4 billion, insisted the mortgage company's performance won't impact spending on players or fan experience. He noted UWM still employs 9,000 people and remains well-positioned going forward. The Suns finished last season 45-37 and return most of their roster.