NEW YORK -- Unlike everyone else who leaves Arizona in a hurry, Bryan Colangelo didn't head for the hills south of the border.

Instead, the Suns president/GM Monday became the first person to cross north of the border when it was announced he would accepted a challenge/opportunity to run the Toronto Raptors' basketball operations.

Like most of us have done when we were in the same position, Colangelo caved when presented with roughly a $2 million pay raise from a franchise with the 25th worst record (20-35) and arguably the fourth-best city in North America (New York, San Francisco, Chicago) and bolted, oh, so regretfully.

The move is indeed lucrative and may prove independently gratifying, but the decision was no doubt heart wrenching.

Since 1968, the Suns and the Colangelos have been synonymous.

Bryan's father, Jerry, was the expansion team's first GM, twice became its head coach (59-60; replaced Red Kerr and Butch Van Breda Kolff) and later its owner.

Nearly two years ago the Suns were sold to Robert Saver for a record $401 million. Jerry is under contract as chairman and CEO for the next 16 months.

But, of course Bryan's departure, and breakup of their 40-year father-son team, may very well influence Jerry prematurely to cut the umbilical cord.

Except for attending college back East and working several years for a powerful New York real estate firm, Bryan's existence has been dominated by the Suns whom he's critically helped soar to the top of the NBA's must watch teams. Last season the Suns earned the best record, resulting in Bryan's peers voting him their elite executive.

Despite losing Amare Stoudemire to injury and Joe Johnson in a sign-and-trade the Suns (37-17) again are peering over the Pacific Division. He could very well turn out to be the NBA's first executive in effigy.

Don't misunderstand; as far as I know nobody in Phoenix is writing or saying anything remotely negative about Bryan Colangelo.

His draft (Shawn Marion, Stoudemire), free agent signings (Steve Nash, Raja Bell, Eddie House), trades (cap room when he dumped Stephon Marbury and Penny Hardaway on New York, Quentin Richardson for now-injured Kurt Thomas, Johnson for Boris Diaw and a pair of first rounders, Leandro Barbosa, James Jones) have been spectacular.

In three seasons he has almost completely restocked the team's talent base (exempting Marion) and revitalized its fan appeal and season ticket holders.

Yet, in all fairness, it must be stressed, the majority of what's gone on for almost two seasons couldn't have happened without Sarver's financial support or spend-wisely, business acumen.

Yet the city's media is making Sarver out to be cheap because he didn't match the Hawks' $68 million, five-year offer sheet to Johnson.

Truth be told, Sarver was prepared to do exactly that when Johnson told him face-to-face he didn't want to be a caddy for Stoudemire, Marion and Nash, that he wanted his own team.

Don't take my word for it. Bryan Colangelo dropped that info on me earlier this season after I had written the Hawks were foolish to have compensated the Suns as much as they did.

Sarver also is under attack for not showing Bryan enough respect, as in not matching the Raptors' offer; in other words, not doing whatever it took to keep him in Phoenix.

Truth is, Sarver gave Bryan a three-year deal when he bought the Suns, raising him from the $750,000 his father was paying him to $1 million per year.

In addition, Bryan was rewarded with a $100,000 bonus and equity in the team worth between $250,000 and $500,000, which he now cashes in for between $600,000 and $650,000.

Astoundingly, he also verbally agreed to allow Bryan to interview for another team job should he ask permission.

Contrary to consensus Phoenix perception, Sarver tried his best to satisfy Bryan and keep him a Sun despite the fact he jumped, albeit, hesitatingly, at the first chance to enrich himself.

You don't need a source to know how much that seeming lack of loyalty upset and disappointed Sarver.

Still, though principle prevented him from renegotiating Bryan's remaining 16 months, Sarver offered him a 3-year extension at $1.7 million, excluding equity, which would have begun when his current deal ended.

In the final analysis, as providence would ordain, Sarver adhered to Jerry Colangelo's long-established tenet; if you're going to over pay someone, make it a player and not a coach or a GM.