Jason Richardson Playing for a New Contract

J-Rich tells the AZ Republic that he’s excited to show off everything he’s worked on this summer, in the hopes of landing himself a new deal (be it in Phoenix or elsewhere): “Jason Richardson and the Suns need the same thing – a big season from him. Phoenix needs his scoring with Amar’e Stoudemire gone, and Richardson needs to play well and win to set up his next contract. He will be paid $14.4 million this season and said there has been preliminary talks about an extension that could keep him from becoming a free agent next summer. ‘I feel like I’m going to college,’ Richardson said. ‘I’ve got to pick a decision. It’s going to be fun. I’m not even worried about it. What happens, happens. If I get an extension here, I would love to be here and maybe finish my career here. It’s a business. You never know. There’s no pressure on me to go out and perform just because it’s my contract year. I’m always a firm believer that if you work hard, things will come out your way … ‘I’m not necessarily motivated (by a contract year) but I know what’s at stake,’ he said. ‘I know I put in a lot of work this summer. I really prepared myself. I know this is probably my last big chance to get a contract. I’m getting up there. I’m going to be 30 in January.'”