Suns’ ownership situation could impact their trade deadline approach

The Phoenix Suns are going to be shopping for help at the NBA Trade Deadline. They are also currently up for sale, which could complicate things.

The Phoenix Suns have been heavily involved in trade rumors since early in the season when it was clear that Jae Crowder wanted out. A few different permutations of possible deals have been reported but he’s still a member of the Suns and they’re still looking for additional depth, hoping for a deep playoff push.

They’re reportedly in a number of players, including Kyle Kuzma, Bojan Bogdanovic, John Collins. However, Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus is saying that the team’s unresolved ownership situation may limit them at the deadline: “Some sources are skeptical that Phoenix, with the team for sale, will take on a large, multi-year deal. That might eliminate Collins from serious consideration.”

Pincus specifically mentioned Collins, who is under contract for three more seasons after this one, but it could be a complicating factor for players like Kuzma or Bogdanovic as well. The former is likely to opt out and test free agency this summer, so sending out future assets would probably mean the Suns are willing to make him a significant offer to stay in Phoenix. The same is true of Bogdanovic, who is a free agent this summer but might not command quite as large a yearly salary on his next deal as Kuzma.

When will the Phoenix Suns have a new owner?

Majority owner Robert Sarver announced earlier this season that he would look for a buyer for the Suns. This came after the NBA released details from a year-long investigation into allegations of racist, misogynist and abusive behavior by Sarver. He was suspended for just one year by the league but a public outcry over the seemingly meager repercussions caused some sponsors to back away from the team and force Sarver’s hand.

The sale will include both the Suns and WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury and there are already reportedly formal offers on the table. The Wall Street Journal has reported one of those offers is from a group that has secured financing from Peter Thiel and the Qatar Investment Authority, the sovereign wealth fund of the nation of Qatar.

While offers are on the table and negotiations are ongoing, it’s unlikely that anything will be resolved quickly enough to change how the Suns approach this year’s trade deadline.

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