
USA Today via Reuters
Feb 16, 2023; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns Forward Kevin Durant is introduced to the media at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports

USA Today via Reuters
Feb 16, 2023; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns Forward Kevin Durant is introduced to the media at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports
The Phoenix Suns have had some major changes in their organization and team over the past few months. Just hours before the trade deadline, the team brought in former NBA champion Kevin Durant from the Brooklyn Nets. Moreover, there has also been a change in ownership. After nearly two decades of managing the team, Robert Sarver stepped down after multiple allegations a few months ago. The new owner, Mat Ishbia, was introduced on February 8th and this signified the start of a new era in Phoenix.
Although Sarver might have had a messy end to his tenure as the Suns’ owner, he is not leaving without a parting gift. As revealed recently, Sarver will be handing out bonuses to all employees which has NBA fans suspicious.
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NBA fans react as Phoenix Suns’ employees set to receive huge bonuses
The Phoenix Suns were coming off an underwhelming 2021-22 NBA post-season when tragedy struck the team. Investigations accused Robert Sarver, the team owner at that time, of multiple violations during his tenure. Some of his violations included misconduct with women and the use of racist words.
READ MORE: Despite $196,000,000 Revelation, Kevin Durant Scares Phoenix Suns Fans With an Eerie Word of Caution
He was fined $10 million and suspended for a year. However, he made sure to give a parting gift to the association he was a part of for two decades. According to reports, Sarver will be giving away $20,000 to every Suns employee. Moreover, he will also be donating $5 million to the team’s charity fund.
Here’s what the NBA world had to say about Sarver’s generous donation.
Hush money? Lol
— Jim 'Kountry' Shellenberger (@JShell74) February 16, 2023
Bobby could donate every penny he has and it wouldn't change my opinion of him much.
— 🏀 rob ☀ (@sh0w_must_g0_0n) February 16, 2023
At the same time, good for those employees and the team charity.
Extremely rare Sarver W
— Konner (@kbrockus_) February 16, 2023
That's about 6mil compared to his 4bil he made so it ain't much. With that being said I don't think anyone saw that coming from him. Sarver W 👏👏
— Jason (@JasonJuice5) February 16, 2023
No matter your opinion on him, he leaves on a positive note. This is pretty cool for those employees. Might be able to afford a few dozen eggs now!
— John Singletary (@JohnSin05084200) February 16, 2023
Fans certainly were shocked to see this generous donation from Robert Sarver. Approximately 250-300 employees would be entitled to this bonus. Employees must be working from or before February 15, 2022, to be eligible for it. Despite all the controversy, Sarver is widely credited for changing the face of the Suns and the Phoenix Mercury during his tenure.
Kevin Durant faced the media for the first time recently
The Phoenix Suns recently brought in former MVP and two-time NBA champion Kevin Durant. He will be joining a team already stacked with stars like Devin Booker, Chris Paul, and DeAndre Ayton.

USA Today via Reuters
Feb 16, 2023; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia, Forward Kevin Durant and General Manager James Jones pose for a photo at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports
During his introductory press conference, Durant asserted that the Suns have what it takes to win an NBA title. He said, “I think we got all the pieces to be successful. We got guys that experienced what it’s like to play in that final round.”
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Additionally, he also made some comments on Kyrie Irving and the Brooklyn Nets. With KD joining the team, the Suns are definitely one of the teams to look out for in the upcoming NBA postseason.
WATCH THIS STORY: Most iconic Christmas day battles featuring LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant
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What are your predictions for the Phoenix Suns this season? Let us know in the comments down below.
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