Kelly Oubre Jr. Takes Shot at Suns Governor Robert Sarver After Warriors Trade

A year-and-a-half with the Phoenix Suns was enough to sour Kelly Oubre Jr. on team governor Robert Sarver.

During an interview on 97.5 The Game's Damon, Ratto & Kolsky, Oubre contrasted how it felt suiting up for Phoenix with what he's expecting from the Golden State Warriors after his move to the Bay Area.

"I can play for an owner," he said. "Somebody who actually cares about the organization and not just the perception of the organization on the media end of it. It's all about the foundation for me."

Since becoming the Suns' managing governor in 2004, Sarver has long been criticized for failing to invest the money necessary to make Phoenix a title contender or provide general stability and direction.

Regardless of whether the player wanted to leave, facilitating a sign-and-trade with the Atlanta Hawks involving then-restricted free agent Joe Johnson in 2005 set the tone for Sarver's reign.

ESPN's Kevin Arnovitz provided a thorough analysis of the Suns' internal issues in March 2019, and the franchise's governor features prominently.

In one memorable anecdote, Sarver brought goats that were used to symbolize the greatness of Phoenix Mercury star Diana Taurasi at a recent event into the office of general manager Ryan McDonough.

"The stunt was both a practical joke and an inspirational message—the Suns should find a GOAT of their own, one who dominates like Taurasi," Arnovitz wrote. "The goats, unaware of their metaphorical connotation, proceeded to defecate all over McDonough's office."

Things might finally be turning around in Phoenix after 10 straight years out of the playoffs.

The Suns just unveiled the new practice facility they'll share with the Mercury, and Chris Paul probably doesn't give his blessing on a trade to the team without buying into the front office's vision.

Still, Sarver's reputation still precedes him, and the Warriors' acquisition of Oubre was an example of how majority governor Joe Lacob is willing to spare no expense to bring another championship to Northern California.

Oubre is only slated to earn $14.4 million in 2020-21, but he's in a way the most expensive player in the league thanks to Golden State's luxury-tax payments.

The 24-year-year-old explained how that number isn't making him feel any additional pressure for when he steps onto the court.

"No. My job is to go out there and play basketball and get better each and every day, each and every game," he told reporters. "Whatever the tax breakdowns go, you can leave that for the accountants who run the books for the NBA or the organization."

Oubre didn't criticize any of his former teammates, so Paul and Devin Booker probably won't be posting snippets of his 97.5 The Game interview around the locker room when the Suns meet the Warriors for the first time.

But Sarver might feel a little extra satisfaction if Phoenix can put together a better year than Golden State in the upcoming season.