The Phoenix Suns savored a season of revelation in 2004-05. Behind their core four of Joe Johnson, Shawn Marion, Amar'e Stoudemire, and MVP Steve Nash, they clinched a league's best 62 wins and distinction as a title heavyweight team. Under Mike D'Antoni, the Suns boasted a revolutionizing ‘7 Seconds or Less’ system that blazed opponents with their high-octane, fast-paced offense, propelling themselves to contend and go as deep as the Western Conference Finals.
Although they came up short in achieving their ultimate goal, it was still a perfect storm for the entire Phoenix franchise which they can only hope to maintain and build upon for the upcoming years to win a title. Yet as the 2005 free agency finally hit the calendar, their desire for continuity sustained a major dent when Johnson left in a controversial fashion.
Looking back, Suns' team governor Robert Sarver can only admit that he dropped the ball that led JJ to walk away on bitter terms.
"I beat myself up about that one because we were in a position where that piece could have helped us probably extend our chance to run for a longer period of time," Sarver confessed .
A major disrespect
Johnson felt disrespected for how Sarver disdained his value and development. He wanted to remain in the Valley on a team-friendly deal in the first place, but the Suns owner's cheap attitude forced him to commit elsewhere instead.
Since his Pheonix landing in 2002, Joe has enjoyed gradual growth in his game. With his dead-eye shooting and playmaking, he became one of the league's promising offensive talents. Thus, in the 2004 offseason, he sought an extension worth $50 million for six years. But Sarver, who broke the bank by purchasing the franchise for a then-record $400 million, rejected this potential signing as it meant another pricey expenditure on his wallet.
As such, Johnson balled out in the 2004-05 season and seized a breakout play to prove his worth, averaging 17.1 points, 5.1 boards, and 3.5 assists while shooting a sizzling 47.8 percent rate from the three-point range. He emerged as a handy second ball handler behind Nash and the team's additional weapon to its league-leading offense. From another huge leap in his numbers and aiding the Suns reach new heights, Johnson rightfully earned his privilege to meet his demands as a prized restricted free agent in 2005. But in the end, he got lowballed by Sarver upon receiving a six-year, $60 million offer – a far-fetched one from the $30 million more he's eligible to obtain.
Disgruntled about how Sarver handled situations, Joe pivoted, bolted out of Phoenix, and landed in the Atlanta Hawks, securing a $70 million deal for five years via a sign-and-trade agreement. Convinced enough to accept the Hawks’ offer, he engaged with the Suns majority manager and asked him not to match the contract to cancel his breakup with the franchise.
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Johnson's exit delivered a huge swing in Phoenix's title odds
Johnson's exit swung a gut-wrenching blow for the Suns in the next couple of years. Although they remained afloat in title contention as one of the league's powerhouses, Phoenix was victimized by postseason heartbreaks and failed to even reach the NBA Finals with Nash, Stoudemire, and Marion. Their All-Star trio slowly disintegrated until Steve was the only one left in 2010—the end of an era for one of the most special teams that never won it all.
Joe's move to leave Phoenix was a blessing in disguise, as it took him to the next level from an individual standpoint. As the leader of the Hawks, he embraced stardom by becoming a six-time All-Star and a prolific big-time scorer who averaged 20.9 points for the franchise in seven seasons.
From the agony that every Phoenix fan has endured around their team for years, Iso Joe’s departure will always be a major ‘What-If’ about their championship odds in the ‘7SOL’ era. Although Sarver is no longer the Suns’ owner, the fanbase’s hatred remains alive against him as he botched their dream of winning an elusive title in one of the franchise’s golden times.
Related: "He is four or five steps better than I was at the age of 25" - Shaquille O'Neal on young Amar'e Stoudemire
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