Phoenix Suns

Hold your breath, Suns fans ... Kevin Durant injured his ankle during pregame warm-ups on Wednesday night -- and now, there's fear the ailment could keep him out of the rest of the regular season.

The new Phoenix superstar was getting in some shots before what was supposed to be his first-ever home game as a Sun against the Thunder at Footprint Center ... when his left leg buckled.

You can see in video of the play, Durant's ankle folded on itself ... sending the 34-year-old crashing to the hardwood in pain.

The forward -- who was just traded from Brooklyn to Phoenix last month -- popped back up and continued warm-ups for a little bit ... but he ultimately went into the locker room for further evaluation, and didn't return.

KD ended up missing the game -- and he was seen leaving the arena in a walking boot. Later on Wednesday night, the Arizona Republic reported he now could miss the next four-to-six weeks.

The Suns went on to win without Durant ... and after the game, head coach Monty Williams said he didn't have a timetable for his injured star when he was asked about the injury.

"We'll probably get some more imaging just to make sure everybody's on the same page," Williams said.

Durant has hardly played for the Suns since the blockbuster trade -- he had been nursing a knee injury when he was dealt to Arizona, and has only logged time in three games with his new team since the swap with the Nets.

Playoffs begin in less than a month ... get better soon, KD.

It won't be the missed opportunities in Oklahoma City or the disappointment of the Big 3 Nets era ... no, according to Gilbert Arenas, if Kevin Durant can't win a championship in Phoenix, that would be the "biggest failure" of his career.

The former NBA star made the proclamation on Fubo Sports' "No Chill with Gilbert Arenas" this week ... after he said there's just no way in hell the Suns can lose the 2023 title.

He explained ... with Durant, Devin Booker, Deandre Ayton AND Chris Paul -- he promised the team would take home the Larry O'Brien Trophy later this year.

"Like," he said, "I don't know why we playing."

But, if they do somehow lose after acquiring Durant at the deadline earlier this month ... he said it will be a massive blemish on the future Hall of Famer's career.

As you know, Durant has had some forgettable moments in his 15 NBA seasons -- the recent destruction of his Nets squad as well as blowing a 3-1 lead to the Warriors in the 2016 playoffs come to mind. Arenas, though, made it known, losing this year would top them all.

But, the 41-year-old clearly believes it won't happen, saying on the show "this is not even a question."

Kevin Durant got very emotional during his Phoenix Suns' introductory press conference ... fighting back tears as he spoke about how much he loves his former Brooklyn Nets teammates.

The moment happened when the 13-time All-Star was asked to sum up his experience in BK in front of fans at the Footprint Center in Phoenix on Thursday.

"I built a family over there," he said. "They gon' always be a part of my journey."

That's when Durant -- who was traded to the Suns last week -- choked up, saying his former teammates meant a lot to him during his four years in Brooklyn.

"I love those guys," Durant said with tears in his eyes. "I get emotional talking about 'em because that was a special four years of my career, coming off an Achilles [injury] and they helped me a lot."

Of course, the Nets were highly favored to win the NBA Finals when Durant, Kyrie Irving and James Harden were on the team together, but KD explains that didn't happen since the trio barely played on the court simultaneously.

"It was amazing basketball for 17 games," Durant joked. "In order for you to win a championship and to be a great team, you just need more time on the floor."

Speaking of Kyrie, Durant said he wasn't sure what was going on when he requested his trade out of Brooklyn ... but, he still gave the point guard his flowers.

"He was a huge part of what we do," Durant said. "He's a Hall of Fame player. Great player that can do everything on the floor and we relied on that."

Kyrie Irving isn't the only superstar getting shipped out of Brooklyn -- the Nets just are now trading Kevin Durant to the Phoenix Suns in a blockbuster deal, according to multiple reports.

The shocking news just broke minutes ago ... with Shams Charania reporting the Suns will send Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson, Jae Crowder, four first-round picks and more draft compensation to the Nets in exchange for the 13-time All-Star and two-time NBA champion and T.J. Warren.

The deal comes just days after Kyrie Irving requested a trade of his own ... which resulted in a transaction with the Dallas Mavericks.

ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reports the Nets will receive the Suns' unprotected picks in 2023, 2025, 2027 and 2029. Woj also reports new Suns owner Mat Ishbia pushed to have the deal done Wednesday night.

This will be KD's fourth franchise -- after playing for the Sonics/Thunder, Warriors and Nets.

Phoenix Suns owner Robert Sarver, who announced his intent to sell his team after an investigation concluded he'd used the n-word, amongst other awful behavior, has now finally found a suitor ... former Michigan State basketball player and billionaire businessman, Mat Ishbia.

The news comes via a report from Adrian Wojnarowski ... who tweeted Tuesday morning that the sides are putting the finishing touches on a deal.

"Billionaire mortgage lender Mat Ishbia is finalizing a purchase of the Phoenix Suns," Woj wrote, adding, "The deal, expected to be completed in the near future, would end the tumultuous tenure of owner Robert Sarver."

Ishbia is a former college basketball player ... he played 3 seasons under Tom Izzo at MSU. Although he didn't play much (2.4 minutes per game), Mat won a National Championship in 2000.

After college, Ishbia made a fortune in the lending business ... he owns a majority stake in United Wholesale Mortgage, a company founded by his dad in the mid-80s.

Ishbia is worth $5.1 billion, according to Forbes -- making him the 501st richest person in the world.

As we previously reported, Sarver was suspended for 1 year and fined $10 million by the NBA after an extensive investigation, spanning 320 interviews with current and former employees, found the Suns and Mercury owner used the n-word at least 5 times. FWIW, the league said his use of the word wasn't motivated by hate or prejudice, but instead, he was "recounting the statements of others."

The investigation also concluded Sarver didn't treat male and female employees equally. In addition, they found RS engaged in inappropriate physical conduct toward male employees.

NBA commissioner Adam Silver, as well as players like LeBron James (and many more around the league), came out against Sarver ... and he finally announced his intent to sell the team.

"I do not want to be a distraction to these two teams and the fine people who work so hard to bring the joy and excitement of basketball to fans around the world," Sarver, who bought the team in 2004, said when announcing he was going to sell back in September.

"I want what's best for these two organizations, the players, the employees, then fans, the community, my fellow owners, the NBA and the WNBA. This is the best course of action for everyone."

Now it appears he's found his buyer.

The Suns, Sarver, nor the NBA have addressed the reported upcoming sale.

Curren$y's hometown New Orleans Pelicans are on a hot streak, winning their last 7 games -- so, now he's getting in on the celebration ... in a very personal way.

The NOLA rapper was on hand for the Pels' overtime victory against the Phoenix Suns on Sunday, and afterward MVP candidate Zion Williamson -- who scored a season-high 35 points -- gifted the veteran lyricist his worn jersey!!!

Curren$y's other homie, Chris Paul, sent the game into overtime with a tying bucket, but the Western Conference-leading Pels prevailed, and Spitta thinks their last 2 wins -- both against the Suns -- have done wonders for the city.

An appreciative Curren$y said the postgame gift meant "the world" to him -- and he's been a proponent of the Pels' uplifting the community for some time.

We last spoke to Curren$y during the Pels' playoff run last season when it was cut short -- ironically by Chris Paul and the Suns -- where he predicted the experience would not only help the team but boost ticket sales, which in turn, boots camaraderie throughout the city.

The entire city of Dallas has now apparently joined the Cowboys in recruiting Odell Beckham Jr. -- as thousands of Mavericks fans showered him with love at the NBA game on Monday.

Beckham got into Texas earlier in the day to visit the Cowboys as he continues to try to figure out where his next football destination will be ... and as part of Dallas' pitch to sign him, Micah Parsons and Trevon Diggs took him to see Luka Doncic and the Mavs against the Suns in the evening.

Beckham seemed to be having a great time with the two Dallas stars -- laughing with the duo in courtside seats all night long.

And, at one point during the game, he became the star of the show -- for at least a few moments -- as the arena broke out a loud "O-B-J" chant.

Beckham seemed to love it all -- though when he was peppered with questions from reporters at the game about the Cowboys' chances ... he wouldn't reveal much, jokingly saying, "I plead the fifth."

The star free agent wideout is reportedly down to the Cowboys, Bills and Giants -- and is expected to make a signing in the next couple days.

Dallas officials, meanwhile, have said repeatedly they REALLY want Odell ... with Stephen Jones calling him Monday "our priority."

Kanye West is doing everything he can to deflect attention away from his praising of Hitler, even throwing out false allegations about his ex-wife Kim Kardashian and an affair with NBA superstar Chris Paul ... according to sources with direct knowledge.

Before he was kicked off Twitter Thursday night for posting a swastika, the disgraced rapper made a wild allegation claiming he "caught" Kim Kardashian cheating with NBA star Chris Paul.

A source close to the situation tells us the allegation is absolutely false, and just another example of a desperate man trying to shift the focus away from his own wrongdoings.

The source says, "This is not true and sadly it’s an ongoing pattern with Kanye — attacking Kim to redirect everyone’s attention after a day of crazy antics where he has said every hateful and offensive thing he can possibly dream of."

They continue, "He has a history of falsely accusing her of also having affairs with Meek Mill, Drake and countless others. Kanye has for years deflected his own awful behavior, infidelities and obsession with porn and sex addiction to abuse and slut shame Kim. She wants to be left alone so she can focus on the well-being of their children.”

It was Thursday when Kanye was on Alex Jones' "Infowars" spewing hate, claiming he liked Hitler, questioning the Holocaust and giving the Nazis props. Jones, a controversial figure himself, made several attempts to reel Kanye in, but the rapper only doubled down.

Of course, it was earlier this week when Kim and Kanye finally settled their nearly two-year divorce ... he's agreed to pay her $200k a month in child support, and they'll have "equal access" to their kids.

Kendall Jenner and Devin Booker are dunzo -- the model and NBA superstar reportedly split up recently ... and it's all due to their hectic schedules.

KJ and D-Book first went public with their love on Valentine's Day in 2021 ... but as TMZ Sports previously reported, they became an item after spending a ton of time quarantining together in 2020.

Aside from a brief breakup, they held strong for well over two years ... and packed on a ton of PDA at numerous events throughout their relationship.

People reports Jenner and Booker's romance fizzled out as they focused on their respective careers ... and ultimately, it wasn't the right time for them to try to make it work.

The outlet says the split was amicable and mutual ... and they will remain in touch.

The timing is understandable -- Booker is in the heart of his 8th NBA season, and Jenner is tied up with her modeling career and 818 tequila company.

Don't ever, EVER make a bad call in the presence of Meek Mill ... the rapper tripped a referee during the 76ers game and it was all caught on live TV!!

Kidding ... it was clearly an accident -- a funny accident -- and the ref was totally fine.

The Philly rapper was sitting courtside with Fanatics CEO Michael Rubin and Will Makris at the Suns-Sixers game at the Wells Fargo Center Monday night.

The "Dreams & Nightmares" rapper got in on the action in the 2nd quarter when his stretched-out legs got in the way of the officials running alongside the court near the Sixers' bench.

The ref fell right near Sixers' coach Doc Rivers ... who helped him back to his feet. MM quickly apologized to the ref.

Meek also acknowledged the incident on social media, using lyrics from Jay-Z's "Empire State of Mind."

"Hov once said 'I be spiked out I can trip a referee'", Meek said, "Lol I apologized to him that’s brazyyy tho 😂😂😂😂"

Rubin, however, says differently ... saying on his IG story, Meek tried to put the blame on him.

Steph Curry was so pumped for his bro-in-law's game-winner on Wednesday night ... he woke up everyone in his house -- and nearly everyone in his neighborhood, too!!

Curry spent part of his off-night from the NBA watching the Suns vs. Mavericks ... and when Damion Lee -- his former Warriors teammate and the husband of his sister, Sydel -- sank an improbable shot to give Phoenix the dub, he absolutely lost his mind.

The 4-time NBA champ and Golden State superstar let out a guttural yell ... before claiming he didn't mind that he was bothering his sleeping kids.

"Come on!!!!" he screamed as his wife, Ayesha, sat on the couch behind him. "Yeah, Dame! Stick with it! Stick with it! Stick with it!"

"The kids are asleep," he added. "I don't care! Stick with it!"

In the background, Curry's youngest child, Canon, could be heard crying -- but it still didn't stop Steph from praising Lee.

The two are obviously super close -- and have been officially family since 2018 ... when Lee married Sydel.

Adelaide 36ers stars Craig Randall and Robert Franks put the basketball world on notice after beating the Phoenix Suns in a preseason game ... and now, the hoopers tell TMZ Sports they hope their stellar performances eventually lead to NBA jobs.

26-year-old Randall -- the G League's Most Improved Player in 2022 -- led the way with 35 points for the 36ers ... going 9-17 from three and 13-21 overall from the field.

Franks, 25, also added 32 points on 6-10 from three and 11-20 overall ... as the 36ers stunned the Suns, 134-124.

We spoke with Randall and Franks about the big win ... and Randall says while the rest of the world was shocked with the end result, they weren't.

"We came out, we did what we thought that we could do and we wanted to do and the outcome turned in our favor," the former Memphis and UT Martin star tell us.

Franks -- who played college ball at Washington State -- says the 36ers have had several practices recently where all the players were constantly hitting their shots ... so they knew if they were able to click during a game, it would be bad news for their opponents.

"Last night, we all got clicking and it got scary," the former Orlando Magic player added. "That feeling was crazy, just to feed off each other."

Both Randall and Franks make it clear they're proud to be members of the Adelaide 36ers organization ... but naturally, they see their preseason games as an opportunity to show NBA scouts what they can really do on the court -- and they hope they get that shot one day.

Devin Booker is clapping back at the haters after the Suns lost to an Australian basketball team on Sunday ... by posting LeBron James' infamous reaction to losing the 2011 NBA Finals.

Booker and the Suns -- who played all five starters -- lost to the Adelaide 36ers, 134-124, in their first preseason game ... the first time an NBA team lost to a National Basketball League team.

After the L, Book posted a screenshot of LeBron's viral speech following the Heat's Finals loss ... adding the caption, "Mood."

Remember, LBJ was asked if he was bothered by fans rooting for his downfall ... and the King offered an honest, candid response -- but it was met with backlash for how it came across.

"At the end of the day, all the people that's rooting for me to fail, they have to wake up tomorrow and have the same life that they had before they woke up today," James said.

"They can get a few days or a few months on being happy about not only myself but the Miami Heat not accomplishing their goal, but they have to get back to the real world at some point."

James would clarify his comments a few days later ... stating he wasn't saying he was superior to others, but rather everyone has to move on with their lives, good or bad.

Shaq ain't down to outspend Jeff Bezos for the Phoenix Suns ... but if the billionaire wants to join forces in an effort to own the NBA franchise -- The Big Diesel tells TMZ Sports he's in for that!

Shaq says he initially had interest in buying Robert Sarver's share of the org. after the disgraced owner announced last month he was putting it up for sale -- but when he found out Bezos potentially wanted in, he was all out.

Shaq explained even with his deep pockets -- he's reportedly got a net worth of around $400 MILLION -- he wanted no part in competing with Bezos' checkbook.

"Nobody on this planet can compete with Big Man JB," Shaq told us this week, before adding, "Because you know what? I just ordered 50 things off Amazon today. Big Man JB got that money coming in!"

But, if Bezos wanted Shaq's help -- and a little of his cash -- O'Neal says his ears are open.

"If he wants me on board, I would gladly like to talk to him," Shaq said.

"But," he continued, "as far as trying to own a whole team by myself, and go up against -- let me tell you something, I'm scared of Big Man JB. Shaq O'Neal is scared of Big Man JB!"

It's unclear if Bezos has real interest in the team -- and if he'd even consider being business partners with the NBA legend.

Phoenix Suns head coach Monty Williams is opening up about the findings in the Robert Sarver investigation ... saying he was "disgusted" by the owner's use of the n-word.

Williams spoke with reporters at Suns media day on Monday ... and was asked about Sarver repeating the racial slur several times during the course of his ownership.

"In reference to that word, I don't like it," Williams said. "I never have, especially when I was younger and I learned what that word meant. I learned how demeaning it was towards humanity, not just black folks."

"And when I saw the report, I was not happy about it. Quite frankly, disgusted. It's not a word you repeat any time."

Williams said he was bothered about the report ... and says he understands the slur has become a more "socially accepted word" in the Black community -- but it doesn't make Sarver's actions right.

Despite all the damning allegations against Sarver, Williams says he never once thought about leaving the Suns ... and wanted to help bring change to the franchise.

Robert Sarver will give up both the Phoenix Suns and the Phoenix Mercury after the NBA found he did use the n-word multiple times during his tenure as an owner in the leagues.

The 60-year-old announced in a lengthy statement on Wednesday morning that he is "beginning the process of seeking buyers for the Suns and the Mercury" following the NBA's findings.

"Words that I deeply regret now overshadow nearly two decades of building organizations that brought people together -- and strengthened the Phoenix area -- through the unifying power of professional men's and women's basketball," Sarver said, before adding, "but in our current unforgiving climate, it has become painfully clear that that is no longer possible -- that whatever good I have done, or could still do, is outweighed by things I have said in the past."

In addition to using the racial epithet on at least five different occasions, the NBA also said Sarver made inappropriate comments towards women, and didn't treat his employees fairly or equally.

Commissioner Adam Silver fined Sarver $10 million and suspended him one year over it all ... and insisted the punishment was strong enough.

But, after fans and multiple star players -- including LeBron James, Chris Paul and Draymond Green -- called for more severe sanctions ... Sarver decided it was best to move on from his roles with the NBA and WNBA teams.

"I do not want to be a distraction to these two teams and the fine people who work so hard to bring the joy and excitement of basketball to fans around the world," Sarver said. "I want what's best for these two organizations, the players, the employees, then fans, the community, my fellow owners, the NBA and the WNBA. This is the best course of action for everyone."

"In the meantime, I will continue to work on becoming a better person, and continuing to support the community in meaningful ways. Thank you for continuing to root for the Suns and the Mercury, embracing the power that sports has to bring us together."