$400 million is a huge amount. Especially when it leaves behind blisters in the pockets. No one but the Phoenix Suns know what it feels like to have a heavy payroll with taxes sum up to $400 million. What can Mat Ishbia do in this case? He has to come up with a solution, and that might even involve trading Kevin Durant and firing head coach Mike Budenholzer. Rebuild, you say, but how can they when their pockets revolt?

On the Hoop Collective podcast, Brian Windhorst, Tim Bontemps, and Tim MacMahon broke down the Suns’ situation. The team’s NBA 2024-25 season is officially over after losing to the OKC Thunder on Wednesday. So now, the bigger question moving ahead is what will happen to the various personalities in the team? MacMahon teased, saying, “Bye-bye, Bud.” Is another coach about to face the Suns’ firing guillotine? That, too, ritualistically after every failed season? First, they showed Monty Williams the door, then Frank Vogel, and now Mike Budenholzer!

It is undoubtedly an alarming situation, as Brian Windhorst pointed out. MacMahon further added: “They have quit. Look, it’s concerning from a character perspective, but they quit on Bud. And how many straight years can you fire your head coach?” Three in a row- could that be the situation? Well, looks like it. “Again, the best thing I can say about that situation is there’s not a luxury tax on coach salaries, plus the Pistons bail amount on Monty Williams’ salary.”

Now, speaking of Monty Williams, who was associated with Phoenix, Windy noted, “Five years and $50 million was what it came. I don’t know if the 50 was guaranteed, but it’s obviously a big number.” While there’s no luxury tax on coach salaries, the team is still on the hook for Monty Williams’ expensive contract. But most importantly, everyone expects the Suns to fire Mike Budenholzer, even though it hasn’t happened yet. So, MacMahon sharply remarked, “I don’t know who you can hire that can fix this situation, but they’re not a coach away.”

Speaking of coaches, how could anyone overlook Frank Vogel? He took over Kevin Durant‘s team in 2023, replacing Williams, but Coach Bud later replaced him. “It wasn’t Frank Vogel’s fault last year, clearly. They’re still paying Frank,” MacMahon further pointed out. The 51-year-old Vogel signed a 5-year, $31 million contract with the Suns but was fired after they were swept out by the Wolves in the Playoffs. “Bring him back,” Windy demanded. Well, this could be a double-dip. Maybe?

Now, shifting the conversation towards Kevin Durant, whose future hangs by a thread, the ESPN reporter says: “None of us think Kevin Durant is playing for the Suns again. It’s not going to be what they gave up because KD is going to have a whole lot of say on where he goes. He’s entering the last year of his contract and eligible for a two-year, $122 million extension.” As Windy mentioned in First Take, Mat Ishbia might consider moving KD to bring financial flexibility. So, expect something like that to happen in the offseason.

Most importantly, the New York Knicks reportedly have their eyes on the 36-year-old Slim Reaper. Mikal Bridges has yet to sign an extension with the team. Therefore, if the playoffs go sideways and the Bridges situation remains unresolved, the Knicks might trade some players to make room for KD. So can we say that Durant’s fate is sort of sealed here in NY for now? Or will it be an exaggeration? Because let’s be honest, the veteran forward could still choose to stay at the Phoenix Suns with a $122M extension.

And while all this is going on, boss Mat Ishbia is aiming big, or rather investing big. But not with Phoenix, with Chicago.

Mat Ishbia aims at $2.15 billion move while Kevin Durant and Coach Bud’s future remains uncertain

Forbes’s Evan Sidery informed that Mat Ishbia and his brother Justin Ishbia have reportedly increased their shares in the Chicago White Sox, valued at $2.15 billion. The Ishbia brothers invested in the MLB franchise in 2021. In a quiet power move, the Ishbia brothers joined a special purpose vehicle led by Jerry Reinsdorf’s children. The SPV bought out several limited partners, boosting the family’s stake in the MLB team.

The Ishbias didn’t hold official roles. Their influence, though passive, is now part of the club’s evolving ownership story. Sidery reported on X, “They are now listed as co-owners alongside 89-year-old Jerry Reinsdorf, which includes a new purchase date in 2025, per @CNBC.“

All eyes are on Phoenix, yet Mat Ishbia’s gaze shifts to Chicago. While Kevin Durant’s fate hangs and Mike Budenholzer’s exit looms, the owner’s wallet speaks louder—this time in baseball. Meanwhile, the Suns bleed cash and clarity. Change is coming, but it may not start on the court.