On Wednesday, Phoenix Suns owner Robert Sarver threatened to move his NBA team to Seattle or Las Vegas.
Sarver’s threat comes amidst an ongoing disagreement with the Phoenix City Council. The Suns’ owner is seeking $150 million in public money for renovating their current arena.
Many in the public prefer owners use their own money instead of public funds for stadium/arena improvements or buildings. Some of the public backlash against Sarver stems from his management of the Suns.
The only time the Suns have played well was with Steve Nash and
Amar’e Stoudemire in the mid to late 2000’s. The team has played its home games since 1992 in Talking Stick Resort Arena in downtown Phoenix.
Even so, Sarver’s threat to move the team to Seattle and Las Vegas looms. The Sun’s would be allowed to move the team to some other city in 2022 if no new agreement can be reached.
In a new city in three years, the Sun’s look to be perennial playoff contenders with Devin Booker and DeAndre Ayton. After this year, the Phoenix Suns could draft Zion Williamson, who just might be a pleasant gift after an unexpectedly bad season plus create a new big three and public buzz around the Suns.
As of December 13, Sarver now states he’s planning on staying, which could be a power play. The relationship between the city and team is still on the rocks.
This new comes after the Phoenix City Council decided to postpone its vote on the proposed $230 million renovations. The team would pay the remaining $80 million if Sarver gets the $150 million he seeks. The proposed deal would assure the Suns stay in downtown Phoenix until 2037.
