Category: Phoenix Suns Blog

Suns blog – Phoenix Suns blog, on Suns basketball news, rumors and more

Suns trade Dario Saric to Thunder

The Oklahoma City Thunder has acquired forward/center Dario Šarić, a 2029 second-round draft pick and cash considerations from the Phoenix Suns in exchange for forward Darius Bazley, it was announced today by Executive Vice President and General Manager Sam Presti.

Šarić (6-10, 225) has appeared in 37 games (12 starts) this season for the Suns and averaged 5.8 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.5 assists in 14.4 minutes per game. In six NBA seasons with Philadelphia, Minnesota and Phoenix, the Croatian native has seen time in 393 games (217 starts) and averaged 11.2 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.9 assists in 24.2 minutes per game.

Bazley spent four seasons with Oklahoma City, appearing in 221 games (118 starts) and averaging 9.2 points, 5.4 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 24.1 minutes per game. In 36 games (one start) this season, he averaged 5.4 points and 3.4 rebounds in 15.4 minutes per game.

The Phoenix Suns officially have a new owner

Following NBA Board of Governors approval, Mat Ishbia has completed the acquisition of the controlling ownership interest in the Phoenix Suns (NBA) and Phoenix Mercury (WNBA) franchises, the operating entity for Footprint Center and affiliated entities. With the transaction, Mat becomes Governor of the Suns and Mercury while Justin Ishbia, CEO and Founder of Shore Capital Partners, becomes the second largest shareholder and Alternate Governor.

“This is the culmination of a lifelong dream. I love the game of basketball deeply but it’s so much more than that for me.” Mat continued, “Throughout my life, basketball has given me a second family, an education, and so much joy. I am honored to be the next steward of this community’s franchises in the Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury and am totally committed to building an incredible organization on and off the floor.”

Justin echoed Mat’s excitement stating, “We are thrilled about the opportunity to make a positive impact on the Phoenix sports ecosystem and community through a people-first, family approach. My brother and I look forward to bringing our passion for basketball and competitive spirit to The Valley.”

Sale of Phoenix Suns team will soon be official

The NBA Board of Governors has approved the sale of the Phoenix Suns and Mercury to an ownership group led by Mat Ishbia, Chairman, President and CEO of United Wholesale Mortgage. The transaction is expected to close this week.

Per ESPN.com, “Ishbia is buying a 57% controlling stake for $2.28 billion, sources said, with Robert Sarver selling his 37% stake for $1.48 billion. Even after taxes, Sarver is expected to clear nearly double the amount that he and a group paid for the team in 2004 — then a record-$401 million from former Suns owner Jerry Colangelo.”

Suns guard Devin Booker remains out

Via the Arizona Republic:

Devin Booker will miss his third straight game with groin soreness Friday against the West-leading Grizzlies (19-11) at Footprint Center to end a four-game homestand.

The Suns All-Star guard hasn’t played since scoring a season-high 58 points in Saturday’s comeback win over the Pelicans. Phoenix (19-13) is coming off a 113-110 loss to Washington, which had lost 10 in a row.

The Suns are currently 4th in the Western conference.

Suns guard Chris Paul may return to action soon

Via the Arizona Republic:

Chris Paul was putting in work after Saturday’s practice.

Shooting. Sweating. Scowling.

He’s still out with what the Phoenix Suns are saying is a sore right heel, but Paul had his game face on during the post practice workout to signal he’s itching to return to the court.

“Absolutely,” Paul said. “Getting close.”

Paul will miss his 13th consecutive game Sunday at San Antonio. The veteran All-Star point guard last played Nov. 7 at Philadelphia when he grabbed at his heel trying to get around a Paul Reed screen.

FULL ARTICLE

Suns promote James Jones to President of Basketball Operations and GM

The Phoenix Suns have promoted James Jones to President of Basketball Operations and General Manager.

Jones, who played for the team from 2005-07, was originally named the Suns’ general manager in 2019 after rejoining the franchise as vice president of basketball operations in 2017.

Per the Arizona Republic, “the Suns hired NBA associate vice president Morgan Cato as an assistant general manager and vice president of basketball operations in June of this year.”

Suns Interim Governor Sam Garvin: “In the nearly 15 years I have known James, he has excelled in every role he performed, from player to NBPA Treasurer to his roles in our front office, most recently as general manager. James has the unique ability to create and lead high-performing teams in basketball operations and his commitment to collaborating with our business side, including at the C-level with partners like PayPal and Verizon, is second to none. We are fortunate for his contributions across the organization and this promotion recognizes his commitment to excellence.”

Now in his fourth season as the Suns head of basketball, the successes of Jones and his staff in their first three seasons include an undefeated NBA Bubble run (2020), consecutive playoff berths after a 10-year drought (2020-21, 2021-22), back-to-back Pacific Division titles (2020-21, 2021-22), a single-season franchise-record 64 regular season wins (2021-22), a franchise-record 18-game win streak (2021-22), a Western Conference title (2020-21), and the league’s best record since the start of the 2020-21 season. Jones was honored as NBA Executive of the Year in 2021.

Jones: “I am grateful for the privilege to work with and support the players, staff and employees of the Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury. The collective efforts of our business and basketball operations have allowed us to provide an amazing atmosphere and best-in-class experience for our fans and community. I remain excited about and dedicated to driving success for our Teams on and off the court.”

Mikal Bridges’ Suns role may change a bit this season

The Phoenix Suns had a great 2021-22 regular season, before crashing hard in the playoffs. There’s plenty of reason to expect a quality next regular season as well. Here’s the Arizona Republic one Suns change we may see:

Suns fans will see more of Mikal Bridges running the point this season.

He won’t just be on the wing sticking threes, slashing to the paint to finish plays, blocking shots or on the island defending against their opponent’s top scorers.

After Bridges was last season’s Defensive Player of the Year runner-up to Celtics’ Marcus Smart, Suns coach Monty Williams wants to add more responsibilities to Bridges and his so-called “twin,” Cam Johnson, who’s also starting at the four spot to replace Jae Crowder, to occasionally initiate the offense.

Williams wants to them to manage that duty with primary ball handler Chris Paul to take the load off him bringing the ball up the floor.

Full Article

Suns owner Robert Sarver suspended for one year and fined $10 million by NBA

The NBA today issued the following statement:

Following the publication of a November 4, 2021, ESPN.com article regarding statements and conduct of Robert Sarver, Managing Partner of the Phoenix Suns and the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury, and issues relating to the teams’ workplace, the NBA commissioned an independent investigation by the law firm of Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz. David Anders and Sarah Eddy, partners at the firm, led the investigation.

The report of the independent investigation, which was issued publicly today, was based on information gathered from interviews with 320 individuals, including current and former employees who worked for the teams during Mr. Sarver’s 18-year tenure as Managing Partner, Mr. Sarver, and other relevant individuals; and from the evaluation of more than 80,000 documents and other materials, including emails, text messages and videos. Mr. Sarver and the Suns/Mercury organization cooperated fully with the investigative process.

As stated in the report, the independent investigation found that Mr. Sarver “engaged in conduct that clearly violated common workplace standards, as reflected in team and League rules and policies. This conduct included the use of racially insensitive language; unequal treatment of female employees; sex-related statements and conduct; and harsh treatment of employees that on occasion constituted bullying.”

The NBA today has taken the following actions:

(1) Mr. Sarver is suspended from the Suns/Mercury organization for a period of one year, during which time he will not:

Be present at any NBA or WNBA team facility, including any office, arena, or practice facility.

Attend or participate in any NBA or WNBA event or activity, including games, practices, or business partner activity.

Represent the Suns or Mercury in any public or private capacity.
Have any involvement with the business or basketball operations of the Suns or Mercury.

Have any involvement in the business, governance, or activities of either the NBA or WNBA, including attending or participating in meetings of either league’s Board (and their associated Board committees).

(2) Mr. Sarver must, during his suspension, complete a training program focused on respect and appropriate conduct in the workplace.

(3) Mr. Sarver is fined $10 million, the maximum permitted by the NBA Constitution & By-Laws. The NBA will donate these funds to organizations that are committed to addressing race and gender-based issues in and outside the workplace.

(4) Additionally, the Suns/Mercury organization must fulfill a series of requirements for workplace improvements set forth and monitored by the NBA.

Suns re-sign Ish Wainright

The Phoenix Suns have re-signed forward Ish Wainright, to a two-way contract.

Wainright (6-5, 235 pounds) played in 45 regular season games for the Suns last season, averaging 2.4 points and 1.2 rebounds in 8.0 minutes per game. Over his final two games of the season, he totaled a combined 35 points on 14-of-29 from the field and 7 of 16 from three-point range, plus 11 rebounds, 7 steals and 4 assists. He scored all of his career-high 20 points in the fourth quarter on April 6 at the LA Clippers, joining Cam Johnson and Jamal Crawford as the only Suns players in the last 25 years to score 20-plus points in a period while coming off the bench. Wainright also appeared in seven games during the postseason.

Most recently, Wainright averaged 11.0 points on 42.1% from the field and 41.4% from three-point range plus 3.4 rebounds and 1.2 steals in five games for the Suns at the 2022 NBA Summer League last month in Las Vegas. He also represented Uganda at the FIBA Basketball World Cup African Qualifiers in July, averaging team highs of 19.5 points, 8.0 rebounds and 4.0 assists.

The Suns initially signed the 27-year-old on Oct. 21, 2021 and he made his NBA debut on Nov. 19. Wainright played the previous three seasons internationally in Germany and France. A native of Kansas City, Missouri, he played collegiately at Baylor where he earned Big 12 All-Defensive Team honors as a senior in 2017.