The Phoenix Suns are reportedly hiring Cleveland Cavaliers assistant coach Jordan Ott to take over as their next head coach. Ott joined the Cavaliers coaching staff last summer and played a significant role in their successful 64-win regular season. Before his tenure in Cleveland, he worked as an assistant coach for the Los Angeles Lakers and Brooklyn Nets, and previously served as a video coordinator for the Atlanta Hawks.
Ott now assumes leadership of a franchise that has had three different head coaches over the past three seasons. He faces considerable questions regarding the team`s roster composition for the upcoming year. With Kevin Durant`s name frequently appearing in trade discussions, there is a high probability that the team Ott inherits will look substantially different from how it ended the recently concluded season, which could significantly alter expectations from the front office.
Another Cavaliers assistant coach, Johnnie Bryant, was also a finalist for the position. However, Ott ultimately received the `stamp of approval` from the team`s cornerstone player, Devin Booker, according to reports. Booker`s involvement throughout the coaching selection process suggests that the Suns remain focused on building the team`s future around the All-Star guard. Nevertheless, determining the precise roster composition around him remains the central priority for Phoenix this offseason.
The Kevin Durant Situation
The situation surrounding Kevin Durant presents a notable challenge. He was reportedly close to being traded to the Warriors at the February deadline, but he vetoed the move after informing Stephen Curry that he had no desire to return to Golden State. Recent reports indicated mutual interest between Durant and the San Antonio Spurs at the trade deadline, and the Minnesota Timberwolves were also mentioned as interested parties. Whether these teams will still explore acquiring him this summer remains uncertain.
The Suns previously held a high asking price for Durant, which was understandable given the substantial assets they relinquished to acquire him (four unprotected first-round picks, one unprotected pick swap, Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson, and Jae Crowder). However, realistically recouping equivalent assets is extremely difficult now, especially considering Durant is 37 years old and his contract, which pays him $54.7 million next season, expires in Summer 2026. Reports now suggest the Suns have lowered their asking price for him, which will undoubtedly facilitate a potential trade this summer.
It is unclear what the Suns are seeking in return for Durant, but given Devin Booker`s involvement in the coaching search, it appears Phoenix intends to retool its roster rather than embark on a full rebuild. This implies there will be some level of expectation for Ott to guide a competitive team capable of making the playoffs. However, the recent history of coaching in Phoenix demonstrates that even playoff appearances haven`t guaranteed job security.
Mike Budenholzer was dismissed at the end of the recent season after the team failed to reach the playoffs, just one year into his contract. The summer before that, Frank Vogel was fired after only one season when the team was eliminated in the first round of the playoffs. Monty Williams was relieved of his duties the year prior, despite leading the team to the NBA Finals and reaching the postseason in three out of his four years with the team. Essentially, coaches hired by Phoenix typically face high expectations and have short leashes if immediate and sustained success is not achieved.
Time will tell if Jordan Ott experiences the same fate. He is an alumnus of Michigan State University and worked as a video coordinator under legendary coach Tom Izzo from 2008 to 2023. This connection is noteworthy because Suns team owner Mat Ishbia is also a Michigan State alumnus. Perhaps this shared university background will help ensure Ott`s tenure lasts for at least two years.
Jasper Hawthorne