The Phoenix Suns are actively looking to bring in a new head coach. After firing Mike Budenholzer after just one year, Phoenix has been trying to find his replacement.
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And it seems that the Suns are getting close to making a decision. According to NBA insider Shams Charania, the Suns have narrowed down the coaching search to just two finalists.
The two finalists are associate coach Johnnie Bryant and assistant coach Jordan Ott of the Cleveland Cavaliers. Both are reportedly scheduled to meet with Suns owner Matt Ishbia later this week.
Bryant started his coaching journey in 2014 when he joined the Utah Jazz as an assistant coach. He worked under Quinn Snyder for six years before joining the New York Knicks in 2020, eventually being named the associate head coach.
Cleveland grabbed Bryant this past season, and he worked under Kenny Atkinson, helping the Cavaliers clinch the best record in the Eastern Conference. If Phoenix values experience, Bryant may have the upper hand over Ott.
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Ott has been part of coaching staffs with the Atlanta Hawks, Brooklyn Nets, and Los Angeles Lakers. He previously worked under Atkinson with the Nets before he joined Cleveland to reunite with his former boss.
According to Charania, Suns star Devin Booker has been involved in the hiring process. Booker remains very active in the organization and will have some say in how this situation plays out.
Phoenix likely wants to get the coaching search done with before the NBA playoffs are over. The Suns are entering into a crucial offseason that could see them move on from a few star players.
Both Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal have been rumored to be on the trade block this summer, so having the coach in place makes sense. This will also help Phoenix with any potential free agents this offseason as well.
We should know the new coach of the Suns in the coming days, and whoever it is, will have their hands full. Phoenix has a lot of roster issues to deal with, but this team is expected to be very active this offseason.
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