Kevin Durant hits back after Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia regrets the 2023 trade, using the hashtag #blameKD on social media.
Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia recently reflected on his decision to trade for superstar Kevin Durant in February 2023, describing the move as a failed strategy of throwing money at the problem.
In response, Kevin Durant took to social media on Saturday to criticize the remarks, questioning the narrative surrounding his tenure with the franchise and his high level of performance at age 36, according to information published by bleache.
The public disagreement highlights ongoing tensions following Durant's departure from the organization, providing new context about the challenges faced by the NBA franchise during recent seasons.
Mat Ishbia Explains Phoenix Suns Strategy Shift
During a recent appearance on CNBC Sport, Mat Ishbia discussed the lessons learned during his first three years as owner of the Phoenix Suns. He admitted that bringing in super talented players like Kevin Durant did not automatically lead to championships without a defined team culture.
Ishbia emphasized that the organization needed to find players fully aligned with a shared vision, work ethic, and care factor around winning. He noted that his early approach relied too heavily on simply throwing money at the problem instead of building a sustainable foundation.
Kevin Durant Responds on X With #blameKD
Kevin Durant fired back on X over the weekend, using the sarcastic hashtag #blameKD even though he maintained a high level of play at age 36. The veteran forward questioned the criticism regarding the culture, expressing frustration over how his efforts were characterized.
Durant pointed out that he delivered on the court and helped the franchise despite the shifting expectations, comparing the public scrutiny to an absurd situation by stating that Matthew acts like he got arrested for a DUI.
Durant Trade History and Current Status in Houston
Kevin Durant ultimately spent two and a half seasons with the Phoenix Suns before being traded to the Houston Rockets in July 2025. During his tenure, Durant also dealt with unexpected trade rumors ahead of the 2025 deadline.
Durant is now preparing for his second season in Houston and the first year of a two-year, $90 million contract extension featuring a player option. He and the Rockets are scheduled to open the regular season against the Dallas Mavericks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Kevin Durant respond to Mat Ishbia?
Kevin Durant responded after Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia described trading for the star in 2023 as part of a failed strategy of throwing money at the problem.
What did Mat Ishbia say about the Kevin Durant trade?
Mat Ishbia stated that bringing in super talented players like Kevin Durant does not automatically lead to championships without a defined team culture and shared vision.
Where is Kevin Durant playing now?
Kevin Durant plays for the Houston Rockets, heading into his second season with the team and the start of a two-year, $90 million contract extension.
When was Kevin Durant traded to the Houston Rockets?
Kevin Durant was traded from the Phoenix Suns to the Houston Rockets in July 2025 after spending two and a half seasons in Phoenix.
