Brandon Knight on trade: 'It's tough not to take it personal but it is a business'

Brandon Knight was blindsided when he learned his days with the Milwaukee Bucks had come to an end. After all, he was perhaps the most significant piece behind the Bucks' turnaround from disaster to playoff lock. 

Knight - a borderline All-Star in the East - led the team in a number of offensive categories, including points, assists, steals, 3-pointers and player efficiency rating, but ended up a member of the Phoenix Suns before the conclusion of Thursday's wild trade deadline. 

"I was very surprised," Knight said, according to Paul Coro of the Arizona Republic. "I can't lie to you about that. I definitely didn't think I'd be traded. It's a business. It's tough not to take it personal but it is a business.

"I was there when it was in the mud and I think I was a big part of why it came out of the mud. It's not just myself but I definitely feel I had a big part to do with that but it's time for me to move on. I'm done talking about the Bucks. It's about the Suns right now. Those are my brothers. I love them to death. I thank the city of Milwaukee for the opportunity but I've got to move on with myself and move forth."

The 23-year-old Knight, a first-round pick in the 2011 draft who's already on his third team, reportedly rejected a contract extension with the Bucks ahead of the season that would have paid him $9 million a year. His play this season could drive up his price tag further, and is likely a key reason why the Bucks chose to part ways with the restricted free agent. 

Knight said he's hoping to secure a long-term home after shuffling around so much, and is looking forward to working with fellow guard Eric Bledsoe in Phoenix's up-tempo offense.

"I know we're going to get along off the court. It's just a matter of making it work on the court," he said. "It could take some time but as long as we put the work and effort in, I'm sure it'll work out. Bled's a great player. You put two good players in the backcourt and you start from the there and we've got some other talented pieces as well with the twins, some good defenders. I think we've got a lot of good pieces here."

Knight scored 13 points in 25 minutes off the bench in his Suns debut Saturday - a loss to the Chicago Bulls - but will likely find himself in the starting lineup as soon as the team's next game Monday versus the Boston Celtics.