Goran Dragic Reveals Shocking Story About Phoenix Suns Owner

Former Suns star says owner Sarver was 'happy' he missed All-Star bonus

Apr. 18, 2026 at 7:26pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting in bold colors depicting an NBA basketball game, with the players and court abstracted into angular, overlapping shapes, conveying the conceptual theme of conflict and tension between a player and team owner.An abstract, cubist-inspired illustration captures the tension and conflict between an NBA player and team owner over a lucrative contract bonus.Indianapolis Today

In a new podcast interview, former Phoenix Suns star Goran Dragic shared a heated story from his time with the team, revealing that owner Robert Sarver was 'happy' Dragic missed out on an All-Star bonus in his contract. Dragic said he was 'so pissed' after Sarver expressed satisfaction that Dragic would not receive the $1 million bonus for making the All-Star team.

Why it matters

Dragic's story sheds light on the contentious relationship between players and team owners, particularly around contract incentives and bonuses. It also highlights the challenges NBA players can face when dealing with difficult team management, which can impact their performance and career trajectory.

The details

Dragic said that he had a $1 million bonus in his Suns contract for making the All-Star team, but when he was not selected, the team owner, Robert Sarver, approached Dragic at practice and told him he was 'happy' Dragic had missed out on the bonus. Dragic recalled being 'so pissed' at Sarver's comments.

  • Dragic revealed the story during the first episode of his new podcast, 'Gogi's Garage', which featured Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo as the guest.

The players

Goran Dragic

A former NBA player who spent several seasons with the Phoenix Suns, and is now the host of a new podcast called 'Gogi's Garage'.

Robert Sarver

The former owner of the Phoenix Suns, who Dragic says expressed satisfaction that Dragic did not receive a $1 million bonus for making the All-Star team.

Giannis Antetokounmpo

The current Milwaukee Bucks superstar who was the first guest on Dragic's new podcast.

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What they’re saying

“Let me tell you a story. You know, i have a bonus inmy contract, $1 million if i make the All-Star game. And, they diidn't picked me. They give me a skill challenge. I remember, after the All-Star, I was at the practice, and the owner of the Phoenix Suns approached me.”

— Goran Dragic, Former Phoenix Suns Player

“I was so pissed, man.”

— Goran Dragic, Former Phoenix Suns Player

The takeaway

Dragic's story highlights the challenges NBA players can face when dealing with difficult team owners and management, who may prioritize saving money over rewarding player performance. This incident likely contributed to Dragic's eventual departure from the Suns and strained relationship with the organization.