<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Suns coach Mike D'Antoni talked in August about getting roots in Arizona when he signed a two-year contract extension. With an announcement today, those roots grow longer and stronger with a one-year extension that locks him in through the 2009-10 season. D'Antoni also will be afforded similar power to that of San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich, who doubles as executive vice president of basketball operations. Assistant General Managers David Griffin, who has handled day-to-day personnel issues since Bryan Colangelo left the team, and Mark West will take on more duties. The Suns also extended President and Chief Operating Officer Rick Welts' expiring contract by three seasons. "We've got good people and we're going to give them a shot to take on additional responsibilities," Suns Managing Partner Robert Sarver said. "They've helped us get to where we are." Nobody from outside will be brought in to handle any duties Colangelo vacated in taking over Toronto's basketball operation last month. Griffin is under contract through the 2006-07 season.</div> Source
