With the new salary caps implemented as part of the collective bargaining agreement, several NBA franchises have tried to stay under the tax line and aprons. However, Mat Ishbia and the Phoenix Suns were not one of them. As of April 2024, the franchise had assigned over $194 million in salaries to its players. With the salary cap now up to $239.55 million, the Suns management has now made it difficult for themselves to sign a player during free agency. Nevertheless, a recent update has shown us one thing: the team owner and his players are still on good terms!

Today, the community may have come across a viral image of Kevin Durant, Mat Ishbia and Devin Booker on a boat! With the setting sun in the background and the five members of the entourage relaxing, the scene definitely seemed to have a happy vibe that is common at the end of a movie. Booker was still seen wearing the gold medal he won with Team USA in Paris, while the guest of basketball players, “The Chain Smokers” Member DJ Alex Pall lit a cigar.

Considering that the Suns made it to the last playoffs but were eliminated in the first round, Kevin Durant and Co. would have needed some sort of roster shake-up and upgrade. Unfortunately, keeping the Phoenix trio intact for next season cost them a lot, as the three stars have a combined salary of $150.588 million. When they hit the $194 million threshold, the Suns went $4 million over the second apron, which not only landed them in tax penalties but also trade restrictions.

Fortunately, despite the issues between Kevin Durant and the players, no sympathy seems to have been lost for Mat Ishbia, so fans who may have expected friction in the locker room were certainly left speechless.

Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Mat Ishbia seem to be getting along well as the community reacts to the calming image!

Phoenix basketball fans rushed to the comments section and one of them sent his flowers to Mat Ishbia, claiming: “Man, we really have the best owner in the league 😂 because when do you ever see another owner hanging out on a boat with his two superstars? 🤣”

Throughout his tenure with the Phoenix Suns, owner Ishbia has shown that his franchise is not just business as usual for him. A recent example of this occurred when both Kevin Durant and Devin Booker headed to the Olympics in Paris. Complications arose before the main event after Kevin Durant was unable to participate in tryouts due to injury. This led analysts like Chris Broussard to question whether the player should opt out and recover, with the focus on the upcoming NBA season. However, Mat Ishbia not only announced his “1000% support” Despite his injury, he even flew to Paris to support the Suns duo.

Another person seemed to believe “Ish might be okay man lol.” Given the complications that arose after crossing the second ring, the question was raised 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 nearly $51.2 million next season.

However, Mat Ishbia denied such rumors to X and stated: “Phoenix loves Kevin Durant and Kevin Durant loves Phoenix.” Devin Booker expressed his appreciation for the comments, stating: “I have never seen an owner do something like that.”

One commentator saw the connection between the Suns trio and was convinced: “KD will definitely sign the extension.” The veteran has two years left on the $194 million contract he signed with the Nets, which was later acquired by the Suns. If the player so desires, he could reportedly sign an additional one-year extension with the Suns in the offseason. Given the “over 38” rule that limits contracts to a maximum of 3 years once a player reaches that age, the 2x NBA champion will have to rely only on such short-term extensions.

Another social media user couldn’t help but ‘Jealousy’ complexion. After all, who wouldn’t mind hanging out with the people closest to them on a cruise ship while the sun slowly sinks below the horizon? “Mat Ishbia living my best life, what a bad a**” wrote a fan.

Overall, the reaction has been positive for Mat Ishbia. Kevin Durant and Devin Booker don’t seem to be bothered by the serious CBA and tax issues this coming season, and neither do the fans. Everyone seems to be in the same boat (pun intended)!

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