Shock candidate stands out in Suns' seek for new head coach

The Phoenix Suns have made it clear that they are going to pull out all of the stops with the intention to win town’s first NBA championship.

New proprietor Mat Ishbia greenlit the firing of head coach Monty Williams on Saturday, days after the Suns have been blown out at house and eradicated from the playoffs by the Denver Nuggets. Williams was highly-regarded within the Valley of the Solar, however consideration now turns to discovering the proper coach to information Devin Booker and Kevin Durant again to the NBA Finals.

Suns eyeing bold push for division rival

In response to NBA insider Shams Charania, Phoenix‘s prime targets embody former Toronto Raptors coach Nick Nurse and Los Angeles Clippers coach Tyronn Lue.

Lue can be a really aggressive and daring selection to interchange Williams on the Phoenix bench. He has two years left on his contract, and the Clippers will demand signifcany compensation with the intention to launch the 46-year-old from his deal.

Lue gained an NBA championship as Cleveland‘s coach in 2016 and has coached in three NBA Finals collection. He guided Los Angeles to the Western Convention Finals in 2021 and into the playoffs once more this season — the Suns eradicated his Clippers each years.

Chris Paul’s future unknown

The Suns‘ subsequent head coach — Lue or anybody else — doesn’t appear more likely to have veteran level guard Chris Paul at their disposal.

Studies have indicated Phoenix is planning to retool by transport future Corridor of Famer Paul out of city after three seasons and one NBA Finals look. Paul has two seasons left on his contract, at greater than $30 million per yr, and his age and harm historical past may make a commerce troublesome to finish.

Rumors are additionally circulating round middle Deandre Ayton, whom Phoenix might placed on the commerce block regardless of signing him to a four-year contract price greater than $130 million final summer season.