Suns owner Mat Ishbia is learning that NBA ownership isn’t like running a mortgage business. After failed superstar trades and mounting salary cap issues, he’s resetting the roster—though Mark Cuban says fans should be optimistic about Ishbia’s long-term vision.
When Mat Ishbia bought the Phoenix Suns in late 2022, he brought with him the confidence of a billionaire who had built a mortgage empire. But three years into his NBA ownership journey, the challenges of the basketball world have proven far more complex than the boardroom.
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Ishbia came in swinging, engineering blockbuster trades for Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal in hopes of forming a championship trio alongside Devin Booker. But despite the star power, the Suns have failed to advance past the second round of the playoffs under his ownership.
While Ishbia isn't solely to blame, former Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban offered insight into why many new owners struggle.
“It’s really hard because you are only in a position to buy a team because you have had a lot of success in business,” Cuban said. “When I came in, he came in, and others, you think your business experience is going to apply 100% and you’ll be able to just take over.”
Cuban explained that the NBA has evolved dramatically since he entered the league.
“When I came into the league, it was a lot easier, a lot of old-school owners,” he said. “But now it’s really hard. It’s a lot more advanced, there’s a lot more science, data, and analytics, and now the new CBA makes it even tougher, and [Ishbia] just came in about three years too late.”
What's Next for Ishbia and the Suns
The Durant era in Phoenix is already over, and while Bradley Beal’s massive contract remains a burden, he is reportedly on track for a buyout. Even so, the Suns will absorb a painful $19.4 million dead cap hit annually through the 2029–30 season.
Still, Cuban believes Suns fans should stay hopeful.
“I like Mat, I think he is super smart. Suns fans have a good one,” Cuban said.
Meanwhile, Ishbia is continuing to bet on Booker. He recently finalized a two-year, $145 million maximum extension, locking in the All-Star guard through 2029–30. According to reports, both sides are aligned on the team’s direction, even if the path forward remains uncertain.
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