15 People who turned their backs on the Phoenix Suns

12. Kelly Oubre Jr.

Oubre spent just under two years with the Suns. He was acquired via trade in Igor Kokoskov’s only season as head coach. The 6’7 forward served as a sixth man in Phoenix and played his way into a two-year $30 million contract extension. His numbers improved again in 2020, and Oubre became a fan favorite after inventing the “Valley Boyz” nickname for his team.

Things quickly went south. Oubre missed the bubble where the Suns went 8-0 but failed to make the playoffs as he recovered from a knee injury. Phoenix was clearly on the rise and jumped at the chance to add Chris Paul. It cost them Oubre, Ricky Rubio, Jalen Lecque, and a first-round draft pick, but was worth it as the Suns went to the NBA Finals in 2021.

Oubre ended up in Golden State and wasted little time before taking a shot at the Suns. The 6’8 forward was quick to praise Warriors owner Joe Lacob while jabbing former Suns proprietor Robert Sarver.

" I can play for an owner -- somebody who actually cares about the organization and not just the perception of the organization on the media end of it. It is all about the foundation for me, man. You have a beautiful foundation, can build a beautiful [future]."

Things did not work for Oubre in the Bay Area, and he has played for three different teams in four years since leaving the Suns. It was disappointing to see him throw the owner under the bus, especially as the franchise was improving. Kelly Oubre Jr. is far from the only one with criticisms, especially from that era.