Staff Writer

Mat Ishbia, a billionaire mortgage lender, is likely to formalize his deal to become the owner of the Phoenix Suns and WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury before the NBA trade deadline on February 9th. 

Ishbia, who agreed to buy the Suns from disgraced owner Robert Sarver back in December, is likely to see his purchase approved by the NBA’s Board of Governors in a vote taking place in the first week of February. 

This would perhaps help the squad, led by president of basketball operations and general manager James Jones, work with more clarity at the trade deadline. Currently suspended owner Robert Sarver, his interim replacement Sam Garvin, and Ishbia all have had separate connections to the day-to-day operations of the franchise of late, according to reporting done by ESPN’s Brian Windhorst. During this time, the Suns have suffered a slight skid, dropping from the top positions in the Western Conference to a borderline playoff position in the competitive conference.

The change of ownership is likely to not be the only Suns story for this upcoming trade deadline; the Suns also remain busy trying to trade Jae Crowder, who has not been with the team this season in the last year of his current deal.