According to reports, the Phoenix Suns are nearing a decision on their next head coach. The search has reportedly narrowed down to two assistants from the Cleveland Cavaliers: Johnnie Bryant and Jordan Ott. Suns owner Mat Ishbia, CEO Josh Bartelstein, and general manager Brian Gregory are scheduled to meet with both candidates in Michigan this week, with a final decision anticipated soon.
Sources also indicate that the team`s star guard, Devin Booker, has been actively involved in the coaching selection process over the past week.
The Suns have undergone significant organizational changes this offseason. They dismissed coach Mike Budenholzer in April after failing to make the playoffs. On May 1st, Brian Gregory was appointed as the new general manager. Since taking the role, Gregory has reportedly interviewed over 15 potential candidates for the head coaching position, including Miami Heat assistant Chris Quinn, Dallas Mavericks assistant Sean Sweeney, and current Suns staff member David Fizdale, among others.
Both Bryant and Ott joined the Cavaliers coaching staff last summer. Ott`s prior experience includes stints with the Atlanta Hawks (2013-16), Brooklyn Nets (2016-22), and Los Angeles Lakers (2022-24). Bryant previously served as an assistant with the Utah Jazz (2012-20) and New York Knicks (2020-24) before joining Cleveland.
Notably, Jordan Ott also served as a video coordinator for the Michigan State men`s basketball program from 2008 to 2013. This connection is significant as Suns owner Mat Ishbia is an alumnus of the program, playing for the Spartans from 1999 to 2002 and being part of their 2000 national championship team.
What Kind of Roster Awaits the New Coach?
The Suns have heavily invested in their current roster, notably acquiring star players like Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal in recent years. However, this strategy has not translated into significant postseason success. With Beal on the team, Phoenix made the playoffs in the 2023-24 season but were swept in the first round by the Minnesota Timberwolves, following a season where they also failed to advance deep into the postseason despite high expectations.
The team reportedly attempted to trade Durant to the Golden State Warriors at the trade deadline without his prior knowledge, but Durant ultimately vetoed the potential move and remained with Phoenix. ESPN`s Brian Windhorst has reported that a trade involving Durant this offseason is `almost certainly going to happen.` Given that Durant will turn 37 before the start of the 2025-26 season, it is highly probable that the Suns` new coach will not have the future Hall of Famer as part of the roster.
It is widely assumed that Devin Booker will remain a core member of the Suns for the foreseeable future, especially given his reported involvement in the coaching search. Owner Mat Ishbia has also publicly stated that he has no plans to part ways with the All-Star guard.
While Bradley Beal`s tenure in Phoenix has had its ups and downs, his future largely rests in his own hands due to his no-trade clause. This clause grants him control over any potential trade destinations. Therefore, the backcourt duo of Booker and Beal could potentially remain intact for the franchise.
Furthermore, the Suns possess limited secondary assets that contending teams typically seek in trades. While players like Grayson Allen or Royce O`Neale might hold some trade value, the team lacks significant young talent or a substantial number of future first-round draft picks in its current asset pool.
Regardless of whether Johnnie Bryant or Jordan Ott is eventually chosen, they will likely face a significant challenge in transforming this roster into a legitimate championship contender given its current composition and limitations.
Jasper Hawthorne