Phoneix Suns top players Devin Booker and DeAndre Ayton, as well as veteran guard Jamal Crawford, attended a discussion on a proposal to renovate the arena with over $230 million in funding.
Earlier this season there were rumors that Suns owner Robert Sarvar might be moving the team elsewhere if he didn't get the public funding he needed.
Sarver immediately dispelled those rumors. The Suns' official Twitter account posted a video with majority owner Robert Sarvar discussing rumors of a potential relocation of the franchise to Seattle or Las Vegas.
“Hello, Suns. I hope you take a minute to listen to an important message that I wanna share with you. First and foremost, the Phoenix Suns are not leaving Phoenix. I am one hundred percent committed and have been for the last four years to find a solution and keep them in downtown Phoenix where they belong.
I am a strong proponent as evidenced by the term sheet I signed last week that we should renovate the Talking Stick Resort arena and once again restore it to a world-class facility. In addition, it is important for the Phoenix Suns to build a first-class practice facility so the players of the Suns and the Phoenix Mercury can continue to develop. I am one hundred percent all in for keeping this team right here where we stand. And I wanna make sure that message comes across crystal clear to every one of you.”
It seems as if Sarver's wish for public funding has been granted. Over the next few years, construction to the arena would take place. But the team is staying in Phoenix for good.
The Suns are 10-33 and sit dead last in the NBA's Western Conference. Though their young players have shown promise and ability, the team is still in rebuild mode. They will face off next against the Denver Nuggets at home.