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Suns owner assures fans the team isn't moving

Barry Gossage / National Basketball Association / Getty

Phoenix Suns owner Robert Sarver has responded to reports claiming he threatened to move the franchise to Seattle or Las Vegas if the city votes against spending $150 million on renovating Talking Stick Resort Arena.

"First and foremost, the Phoenix Suns aren't leaving Phoenix," Sarver said in a video to fans. "I'm 100 percent committed and have been for the last four years to find a solution to keep them in downtown Phoenix where they belong.

"I'm a strong proponent, as evidenced by the term sheet that I signed last week, that we should renovate the Talking Stick Resort Arena and once again restore it to a world-class facility. In addition, it is important for the Phoenix Suns to build a first-class practice facility, so the players of the Suns and the Phoenix Mercury can continue to develop.

"I am 100 percent all-in in keeping this team right here where we stand and I want to make sure that message comes across crystal clear to every one of you."

It's clear that the Sarver is not on the same page as the city, referencing his readiness to renovate 26-year-old arena.

Sarver and the Suns have proposed paying upwards of $80 million toward renovations, maintenance, and a new practice facility.

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