The Phoenix Suns are embroiled in controversy after rumors surfaced that team owner Robert Sarver was threatening to move the team if he didn't secure public funding for stadium renovations.

Phoenix is disputing the idea that they were threatening a move, with team president and CEO Jason Rowley releasing a statement asserting the team's commitment to the city.

“As I have stated publicly during the 48 hours since the original story broke, neither Robert nor anyone else within the Suns organization has threatened City officials with relocating the Suns out of state during the course of our renovation discussions. Further, we have not engaged in any discussions with Seattle, Las Vegas or any other city for that matter regarding a potential relocation of the Suns. To the contrary, we have been and remain steadfastly committed and solely focused on reaching an agreement that will keep the team in downtown Phoenix where it belongs.”

This is an encouraging statement from the team, but it doesn't address the root cause of what seems to be the issue between the franchise and the city. Sarver wants the city to foot the bill for stadium renovations, but Phoenix seems unwilling to pony up the hundreds of millions that it will cost.

It's unlikely that this disagreement between Phoenix and the Suns franchise would result in the team packing its bags, but there is a long way to go before this issue is resolved. The team is trying to put on a good face right now, but there's no telling where this could lead.