K.J. Decides To Return For Another Year With Phoenix

Phoenix Suns guard Kevin Johnson, who said last season he was retiring from basketball, is returning for at least one more year and a reported $7 million salary.

After the Suns were eliminated from the playoffs by Seattle in the first round last month, the three-time all-star said he would call it a career at age 31.

But he said talks with Suns president Jerry Colangelo and prayer helped changed his mind.

“I intended to play 10 years and that would be it. At the end of the season, I still felt that way,” Johnson said Tuesday at a news conference at America West Arena. “But Jerry said we had to talk. I dug down deep in my soul for a decision and this is it.”

Johnson helps the team shore up its lineup until the Suns can go after top free agents for the 1998-99 season. But Johnson said he was not just staying on to help the team through a transition year, he wants to lead the Suns to a championship.

“I want to win,” he said. “I didn’t come back just to play another year.”

Johnson also refused to rule out staying for just one more year.

“I’m never saying final again,” Johnson said when asked if next season will be his last.