In light of the new salary cap restrictions that were introduced under the Collective Bargaining Agreement, several NBA franchises have attempted to stay below the tax limit and the aprons. Mat Ishbia and the Phoenix Suns, however, weren’t among them. By April 2024, the franchise had allocated over $194 million in salaries to their players. With the cap allocation now reaching up to $239.55 million, the Suns’ management has now made it difficult for themselves to sign a player during free agency. Despite this, if a recent update has shown us anything, it is that the team owner and his players continue to remain on good terms!

Earlier today, the community might’ve come across a now-going viral picture of Kevin Durant, Mat Ishbia, and Devin Booker hanging out on a boat! With the sun setting in the background and the 5 members of the entourage relaxing, the scene certainly seemed to give happy vibes, which comes at the end of a movie. Booker could still be seen wearing the Gold medal that he won with Team USA in Paris, while the hoopers’ guest, ‘The Chainsmokers’ member DJ Alex Pall, was lighting up a cigar.

Judging how the Suns managed to reach the last playoffs but easily got eliminated in the first round itself, Kevin Durant and Co. would have needed some sort of change and upgrade to happen within the roster. Unfortunately, keeping the Phoenix trio intact for the next season has cost them heavily, as the three stars boast a combined pay of $150.588 million. When they reached the $194 million threshold, the Suns went $4 million above the second apron, causing them to not only receive tax penalties but also trade restrictions.

Fortunately, despite the troubles, no love seems to have been lost between Kevin Durant and the players towards Mat Ishbia. Therefore, fans who may have been expecting some locker room friction were certainly left dumbfounded.

Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Mat Ishbia turn out to be on good terms, as the community reacts to the calming picture!

The Phoenix hoops faithful descended into the comments section and one of them sent his flowers to Mat Ishbia, claiming, “Man we really got the best owner in the league😂 cause when do you see another owner hangout on a boat with his two superstars?🤣”

Throughout Ishbia’s Phoenix Suns tenure, the owner has shown that his franchise isn’t just normal business to him. A recent example of the same took place when both Kevin Durant and Devin Booker took off for the Paris Olympics. Complications arose before the main event itself after Kevin Durant could not participate in the exhibition games because of an injury. This caused analysts like Chris Broussard to question whether the player should opt-out and recover, focusing on the upcoming NBA season. However, not only did Mat Ishbia give his “1000% support” to KD despite the injury, he even flew to Paris to support both the Suns duo.

Another individual seemed to believe, “Ish might be alright man lol.” In light of the complications that arose after crossing the second apron, questions were being raised on whether the Suns would trade Kevin Durant. After all, the NBA veteran has only played one full season with the franchise but will cost them almost $51.2 million next season.

However, taking to X, Mat Ishbia denied any such rumors, stating “Phoenix loves Kevin Durant and Kevin Durant loves Phoenix.” Devin Booker made his appreciation known, in light of the remarks, by stating “Never seen an owner do something like that before.”

One commenter saw the bond between the Suns trio, and was convinced, “KD definitely signing the extension.” The veteran still has two years left in the $194 million that he signed with the Nets, and was later taken in by the Suns. If the player wishes so, then he could reportedly sign an additional one-year extension with the Suns in the off-season. In light of the ‘over 38’ rule, which limits contracts to 3 years max once a player reaches that age, the 2x NBA Champion will have to rely on only such short-term extensions.

Another social media user couldn’t help but develop a bit of a ‘jealousy’ complexion. After all, who wouldn’t mind hanging out with the people close to you, on a cruising boat, as the sun slowly dips over the horizon? “Mat Ishbia is living my best life, what a bad a**,” a fan wrote.

Overall, the reactions were supportive of Mat Ishbia. With Kevin Durant and Devin Booker not seeming to be upset over the severe CBA and tax issues in the upcoming season, along with the fans, everyone seems to be in the same boat (pun intended)!

Before you go, remember to check out this crossover between BG12 and Georgia Bulldogs star Silas Demary Jr.