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[Saba Sports News] The Phoenix Suns have found their next head coach.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Suns have reached an agreement with former Cleveland Cavaliers assistant Jordan Ott to take over as head coach.
Ott, along with fellow Cavs assistant Johnnie Bryant, was one of two reported finalists for the position. Charania also noted that Suns star Devin Booker was involved in the hiring process and viewed Ott as his preferred choice.
Though Ott has never held a head coaching role, he brings over a decade of NBA coaching experience. He previously served as an assistant with the Lakers and Nets before joining Cleveland, where he was part of a staff that helped guide the team to a conference-best 64 wins this season.
The Suns dismissed Mike Budenholzer on April 14 after just one year on the job. Despite a star-studded roster featuring Booker, Kevin Durant, and Bradley Beal, Phoenix finished 36-46 and missed the playoffs — a major disappointment given their league-leading payroll.
Reports suggest Budenholzer struggled to connect with the team’s core, particularly Booker. That may explain why owner Mat Ishbia prioritized Booker’s input during the coaching search.
With trade rumors swirling around Durant, Ott could be stepping into a dramatically reshaped roster in his first season at the helm.