Kevin Durant has never shied away from social media beefs.
The Houston Rockets forward's latest target for internet clapbacks is Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia. Durant played for the Suns from 2023 to 2025 and still seems to have some feelings.
Ishbia gave an interview on CNBC Sports' podcast and brought up Phoenix's 2023 acquisition of Durant. The quote that X account fullcourtpass pulled out from the interview was "I kind of threw money at the problem…Bringing in super talented players like Kevin Durant doesn't necessarily lead to championships.
Durant then quoted this post and said, "#blameKD even though KD stayed on top of his game at 36 and got u back this "culture" you love so much. Aye, Matthew acts like I got arrested for a DUI or sumn. Back to threads."
By this point, Durant had played 36 games in the 2024-2025 season. He averaged 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game. His average points per game was his second-highest over his last four seasons.
This drew a response from Ishbia, who said, "You obviously didn't watch the clip. Didn't blame you @kdtrey5, but am happy with the culture we are building here in Phoenix. We got the right guys and right focus now and are excited for this season. Good luck this season in Houston."
Durant responded directly to Ishbia. "U should be giving Thanks every chance u get. You don't have to pay me an absurd amount of money to play for another team."
The veteran forward was traded to Phoenix at the 2023 NBA trade deadline in a deal that included five total players and five picks. He was then traded to the Rockets ahead of the 2025 regular season in a seven-team deal.
Houston and Phoenix will play three times this season. Durant will get his first shot at his former team on November 7, and then again on November 25. The Rockets and Suns will meet again on February 5 for the series finale.