It has taken a long time but the Phoenix Suns are finally starting a new chapter.
Back in September, it was announced that Suns majority owner Robert Sarver was being suspended by the league following an investigation into his conduct with staff members.
Sarver agreed to sell his stake in the team but the process took longer than expected.
NEWS: Mat Ishbia's purchase of the Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury at a $4 billion valuation is expected to become official in the next two weeks, with Ishbia assuming control prior to the Feb. 9 NBA trade deadline, sources told @wojespn and me. https://t.co/JIVYoVKkCW
— Baxter Holmes (@Baxter) January 25, 2023
However, ESPN is now reporting that billionaire investor Mat Ishbia’s purchase of the Suns and the Phoenix Mercury is expected to become official within the next two weeks.
That means that Ishbia will own the team before the NBA trade deadline of February 9.
This is a very big development for the Suns because they are wanting to make some deals before the deadline, specifically for disgruntled sidelined star Jae Crowder.
Even though he was headed for the exit, Sarver was still able to sign off on any and all trades or acquisitions for certain players.
It has become clear that over the last few months, the Suns have been at a standstill until Sarver was officially out of the front office.
ESPN says that Ishbia hopes to jump right into making plans and acquiring new talent and that he hopes to be a “hands-on owner in matters of team building.”
The Suns have been slowly improving over the last few weeks but they are still seventh in the West and have a long way to go before they are shoo-ins for the playoffs.
Crowder’s contract will be the first order of business for Ishbia and his coaching staff but other changes could be on the horizon too.
Ishbia will be the owner of the team as they start to figure out their future without Chris Paul, who is approaching retirement.
He will have his work cut out for him.
NEXT: The Suns Are Thinking Of A Future Without Chris Paul