Report: Suspended Suns Owner Robert Sarver Still Has Huge Say On Trades

If you've been wondering why the Phoenix Suns still haven't been able to work out a trade for holdout forward Jae Crowder, perhaps this tidbit dropped by ESPN's Brian Windhorst might shed some light.

Current owner Robert Sarver is suspended, selling the team and, even though he's barred from communicating with anyone, still in control of any trades that surpass a certain agreed-upon dollar amount.

                                                                                —NBA Insider Brian Windhorst

"Sarver still has to give personal sign-off on any deal for a player with a salary that is more than the current 'average player salary,' multiple league sources confirmed to ESPN," adds Windhorst. 

The front office has one hand tied behind their back by Robert Sarver. https://t.co/PetZFoinA9

— Mike Vigil (@protectedpick) January 3, 2023

It's a bizarre situation, as acting governor Sam Garvin is in charge of the day-to-day operations and said he has a sign-off on trades, "but only to a certain point". And incoming new owner Mat Ishbia likely won't be through the NBA's 'new owner vetting process' before the Feb. 9 trade deadline.

Therefore, "just about any trade for Crowder would likely have to pass through Garvin to Sarver."

So Sarver—who is suspended for workplace misconduct that an NBA investigation found included racist speech and hostile behavior toward employees—is still calling the shots, at least when it comes to big-money trades like the Crowder one portends to be.

 

Photo: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports