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[Saba Sports News] The Phoenix Suns have reportedly narrowed their head coaching search to two finalists — both current assistants with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Suns are focused on either associate head coach Johnnie Bryant or assistant coach Jordan Ott to replace the recently fired Mike Budenholzer. Both candidates are expected to meet with Suns owner Mat Ishbia this week before a final decision is made.
The Suns’ coaching search has been deliberate since Budenholzer was dismissed on April 14. The front office has interviewed a wide range of candidates and, more recently, has brought star guard Devin Booker into the process. With Phoenix holding the league’s only current coaching vacancy, the team has taken its time.
Bryant and Ott both bring over a decade of NBA experience and just completed their first seasons on Cleveland’s bench under head coach Kenny Atkinson — a year in which the Cavaliers posted an impressive 64 wins.
Whoever lands the job will inherit a complex situation. The Suns are expected to explore trading Kevin Durant and potentially hitting the reset button, though they still have a cornerstone in Booker to build around.
Phoenix is coming off a disappointing 36-46 season, falling well short of its championship expectations and missing the playoffs entirely.