TJ Warren was traded by the Phoenix Suns to the Indiana Pacers this summer. While Phoenix was the only franchise he had known in his first five years in the league, the 26-year-old forward has no bad feelings toward his now-former team.
In an interview with Shams Charania of The Athletic, Warren called the transaction a part of the “business” of the NBA — even though he was traded for just cash.
“When I saw it, I looked at it as a business. I’m grateful that the Pacers were able to make that transaction for me. When guys get moved, they want to show and prove the team that moved them wrong,” Warren said.
“I’m not mad at the Phoenix Suns, but they made the deal and I’m just excited to move on. I’m ready to show the whole NBA — and not just the Suns for making the wrong decision — that the Pacers made the right decision. I’m worth more than cash considerations. It’s on me to prove it. But the Suns messed up.”
The Suns selected Warren with the 14th overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft. He soon found himself contributing aplenty, scoring 19.6 points per game by his fourth season with the Western Conference franchise.
Eventually Phoenix became unhappy with Warren's fit on the rebuilding team alongside first overall selection Deandre Ayton, elite scorer Devin Booker and forward Mikal Bridges, among others.