Paul Coro of the Arizona Republic reports:
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Jason Richardson and the Suns need the same thing – a big season from him. Phoenix needs his scoring with Amar’e Stoudemire gone, and Richardson needs to play well and win to set up his next contract. He will be paid $14.4 million this season and said there has been preliminary talks about an extension that could keep him from becoming a free agent next summer.
“I feel like I’m going to college,” Richardson said. “I’ve got to pick a decision. It’s going to be fun. I’m not even worried about it. What happens, happens. If I get an extension here, I would love to be here and maybe finish my career here. It’s a business. You never know. There’s no pressure on me to go out and perform just because it’s my contract year. I’m always a firm believer that if you work hard, things will come out your way.”
Richardson said he is ready to be a first or second option again. He worked this summer on mid-range shooting and ball handling because of how he was run off the 3-point line last season.
