Suns owner Mat Ishbia claims the 'house is not on fire': "Ask the other 29 GMs; 26 of them would trade their whole team for our whole team"

Many can agree that the Phoenix Suns are one of the most disappointing teams this season. The franchise had expectations of a deep playoff run, even a Finals appearance, considering a change in ownership and due to having two of arguably the top 15 players in the NBA right now.

However, a sweep at the hands of the up-and-coming Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round should probably have the Suns thinking of enacting significant changes in the coaching staff or roster. Team owner Mat Ishbia pushed back on that notion, though, arguing that Phoenix does not have to push the panic button and is in "a great position."

"Ask the other 29 GMs — 26 of them would trade their whole team for our whole team and our draft picks and everything as is," Ishbia said in a press conference. "The house is not on fire. We're in a great position. It's not hard to fix. It's not like we're like, 'Hey, we don't have enough talent to win a championship.' We have enough talent to win a championship."

Ishbia's hands-on approach

There have been plenty of concerns outside the Suns over how Ishbia has been as an owner. Some think he is too involved, and there are reportedly people inside the organization who have compared the chaotic atmosphere to Looney Tunes . If you think he had learned to delegate basketball operations to experts, that doesn't seem to be the case.

For one, he featured prominently in one of the Suns' pressers to discuss the roster and coach Frank Vogel's future. The NBA world more often sees presidents of basketball operations or general managers take such responsibilities. But Ishbia took it upon himself to talk to the media.

Perhaps he just wants to take the path less traveled. Also, there is a learning curve for NBA owners who wish to be active in building their teams. But the fact that Ishbia doubled down on the Suns' belief that they don't need a point guard has shot down some of the optimism that Phoenix can become a legitimate championship contender.

Ishbia's confidence in the Suns

With Kevin Durant turning 36 before the 2024-25 regular season opener and Devin Booker now at the peak of his prime, PHX is on a timer. Having Bradley Beal should theoretically help, but the veteran has struggled to remain healthy, and his athleticism is evidently declining.

Roster improvements would also be hard to expect in the offseason, as the team doesn't have enough trade assets. So, it's curious how Ishbia believes 26 other general managers covet the Suns right now.

It will certainly be an interesting summer in the Valley. Durant and Booker are set to suit up for Team USA, so there will be plenty of opportunities for the stars to mingle with potential future teammates.

Related: Stephen Jackson and Matt Barnes pinpoint the reason why the Suns failed: "You got three stars, and none of them are defenders"