Two Phoenix Suns limited partners withdrew their books-and-records lawsuit against majority owner Mat Ishbia and the franchise on Friday, but plan to launch a new case alleging mismanagement, attorney Michael Carlinsky said.
Carlinsky, who represents minority owners Andy Kohlberg (Kisco WC Sports) and Scott Seldin (Kent Circle Investments), stated the pair obtained the information they sought and will now pursue claims that Ishbia has mishandled the organization. The initial suit, filed in August, accused the club of blocking access to financial records needed to assess the value of their shares. Ishbia responded earlier this week with a countersuit, calling the action a “negative PR campaign” aimed at forcing an overpriced buyout.
“We are now focused on the critical phase in our litigation, which will involve our clients’ assertion of claims for mismanagement and other misconduct,” Carlinsky said.
A Suns spokesperson dismissed the forthcoming complaint. “This is more of the same from litigious limited partners who are using the courts to try to leverage a buyout,” Stacey Mitch said, adding that the club has been “fully transparent” and expects to prevail.
Williams trending toward opening-night availability
Center Mark Williams logged his most extensive work of the preseason in a competitive scrimmage Saturday and is on course to play when the regular season begins Wednesday, head coach Jordan Ott told reporters. “Mark is big. You can see his size at both ends,” Ott said, noting the 7-footer’s rim pressure on offense and lane deterrence on defense.
Phoenix has monitored Williams carefully after injuries limited him to 106 of a possible 246 games over his first three NBA seasons. While he is projected to start in the middle, Ott said the rotation will be fluid early. Oso Ighodaro, Nick Richards and rookie Khaman Maluach are also in the mix.
Suns waive Butler despite strong preseason
Ott called it “a really tough decision” to release guard Jared Butler, who was on a non-guaranteed Exhibit 9 contract. Butler averaged 15.5 points, 4.2 assists, 3.2 rebounds and 1.8 steals in 20.9 minutes over four preseason games, but Phoenix—slightly above the luxury-tax line—opted to keep its 15th roster slot open for now. “He really helped our group,” Ott said. “Hopefully we helped him, too.”
Jones reflects on tenure
Former general manager James Jones said Thursday that his time running the Suns was “phenomenal,” and discussed his new position in the NBA’s league office.
Source: Hoops Rumors
