February 28, 200620 yr Colangelo set to be Raptors' GM, president Associated Press PHOENIX -- Phoenix Suns president and general manager Bryan Colangelo is leaving the only club he's ever known. Colangelo resigned from the Suns on Monday and was expected to join the Toronto Raptors as president and general manager as early as Tuesday. Colangelo, who was named the 2005 NBA executive of the year after his retooled roster won a league-high 62 games, would replace Rob Babcock, who was fired by the Raptors on Jan. 26. "Bryan has decided that his preference is to leave the Suns, and under those circumstances, we saw no other option other than to accept his decision," Suns managing partner Robert Sarver said in a statement. Colangelo could not immediately be reached for comment. The 40-year-old Colangelo spent 17 years with the Suns, the last 11 as general manager, a job first held by his father, Jerry Colangelo, when the team was founded in 1968. Jerry Colangelo sold the club to a group led by Sarver but will remain chairman and CEO until the sale is complete after the 2006-07 season. Bryan Colangelo's relationship with Sarver had soured amid reports that the two men had been unable to come to terms on an extension of Colangelo's contract, which was reportedly worth $1 million per year and expired at the end of next season. Colangelo also has an ownership stake in the Suns that he would have to sell upon leaving the club. The Raptors have reportedly offered Colangelo a multiyear deal worth $3 million per year, and the job would give him more power over basketball operations than he has with the Suns. Colangelo would join interim general manager Wayne Embry, a longtime friend of the Colangelo family. Sarver said he was disappointed to see Colangelo go. "At the time we bought the team [June 30, 2004], we agreed to a new three-year contract with Bryan," said Sarver. "Dating back to last summer, I assured Bryan of my intention to extend his contract. I'm disappointed with Bryan's decision but I wish him well." Sarver said he would proceed methodically in finding a replacement, and he did not plan to name an interim general manager. Wow. I knew this was rumored, but I didn't think this would actually happen. This is the best thing to happen to the Raptors franchise in a while.
February 28, 200620 yr The Suns truly are stupid. Robert Sarver is turning into a Donald Sterling before our very eyes. First he basically says the hell with my free agents because I dont want to spend money. Luckily Colangelo was able to get something useful back in Diaw. Then he lowballs the hell out of D'Antoni, keeping him very underpaid for someone who has actually won something in this league. Then he lowballs Colangelo and says, if you want ot talk to other teams, go for it, I'm not going to pay you what you are worth as a top GM in this league. So Colangelo is walking, I mean I would too for 2 million more per year. When the Suns crash and burn, look no further than Robert Sarver as the main reason. He makes Peter Holt look like the most generous man when it comes to money in the world.
February 28, 200620 yr from what i have been reading he is trying to make donald sterling look like one to throw around money.
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