Phoenix Suns

The NBA awarded Phoenix a franchise on January 22.⁠[1]

Jerry Colangelo moved from the Chicago BullsChicago BullsThe Chicago Bulls are a professional basketball team in the National Basketball Association (NBA), competing in the Eastern Conference’s Central Division and playing at the United Center in Chicago. Founded in 1966 by a group led by Dick Klein, they began NBA play in 1966–67 as the city’s third NBA franchise. In the Michael Jordan era, the Bulls achieved two three-peats and won six NBA titles, in 1991, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997 and 1998. They finished the 1995–96 regular season 72–10. A group led by Jerry Reinsdorf has controlled the club since 1985.Open the full entry front office to the expansion Suns, becoming professional sports’ youngest general manager. By the club’s second season, he had helped Phoenix become a playoff contender.⁠[2]

On the 18th, Phoenix beat Seattle 116–107 at Veterans Memorial Coliseum.⁠[3]

Paul Westphal arrived from Boston in 1975. The following year, he helped Phoenix eliminate Seattle and defending champion Golden State to reach the Finals, averaging 21 points and 5 assists during the playoffs.⁠[4]

Phoenix ultimately lost 2–4 to Boston.⁠[3]

Colangelo’s local investor group bought the team for $44.5 million.⁠[3]

The Suns began playing at America West Arena.⁠[3]

Charles Barkley won the NBA MVP award while leading Phoenix to the league’s best regular-season record and the Finals.⁠[5]

Phoenix lost 2–4 to Chicago in the Finals.⁠[3]

Robert Sarver purchased the club from Colangelo.⁠[3]

Steve Nash returned to Phoenix in 2004, driving the offense with his pace and passing. He won consecutive NBA MVP awards in 2005 and 2006, becoming a central figure of that era.⁠[6]

Phoenix reached the Western Conference finals again.⁠[3]

Phoenix drafted Devin Booker 13th overall.⁠[3]

Phoenix returned to the Finals after 28 years.⁠[7]

The Suns lost 2–4 to Milwaukee.⁠[8]

Following an independent investigation, the NBA suspended Robert Sarver for one year and fined him $10 million. Findings included racially insensitive language, unequal treatment of female employees and harsh treatment of staff. The league also required organizational and human-resources reforms.⁠[9]

On February 6, the NBA Board of Governors approved the sale of the Suns and Phoenix Mercury to a group led by Mat Ishbia.⁠[10]

The transaction closed the next day. Arizona Sports reported that Mat and Justin Ishbia acquired 57% of the team at a $4 billion valuation.⁠[11]

Jordan Ott replaced Mike Budenholzer as Suns coach.⁠[12]

The Suns, Phoenix Mercury and United Wholesale Mortgage announced a ten-year naming agreement worth nearly $115 million. Their downtown Phoenix arena became Mortgage Matchup Center, taking the name of UWM’s consumer brand.⁠[13]

The Thunder swept Phoenix in the first round.⁠[14]

The Suns share downtown Phoenix’s Mortgage Matchup Center with the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury.⁠[13]

Phoenix Suns: Official website: https://www.nba.com/suns/ (opens in a new window).⁠[15]

Phoenix Suns: X: https://x.com/Suns (opens in a new window).⁠[16]

Phoenix Suns: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suns/ (opens in a new window).⁠[17]

Phoenix Suns: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/suns/ (opens in a new window).⁠[18]

Phoenix Suns: YouTubeYouTubeYouTube is Google’s video-sharing and creator platform, founded in 2005 by Steve Chen, Chad Hurley, and Jawed Karim and acquired by Google in 2006. Built around video uploading, viewing, and creator earnings, the platform has developed Shorts, YouTube Music, Premium, YouTube TV, and products for children, and is headquartered in San Bruno, California, United States.Open the full entry: https://www.youtube.com/@suns (opens in a new window).⁠[19]