Latest news with #MikeBudenholzer
Yahoo
8 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Phoenix Suns Have Offseason Bol Bol Verdict Before Free Agency
Phoenix Suns Have Offseason Bol Bol Verdict Before Free Agency originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Phoenix Suns are in the midst of a critical offseason. After a miserable season in which they went just 36-46, they failed to qualify for any sort of postseason, finishing as the No. 11 seed in a loaded Western Conference. This comes on the heels of being swept out of the 2024 NBA Playoffs by the Minnesota Timberwolves. Advertisement Changes began immediately, starting with the firing of head coach Mike Budenholzer. They later hired Cleveland Cavaliers assistant coach Jordan Ott to replace him, although the Suns still owe Budenholzer $40 million. The Suns also made a significant change at general manager when they moved James Jones into a senior advisory role to make way for Brian Gregory. Phoenix Suns have offseason Bol Bol verdict before free agency Gregory likely worked closely with owner Mat Ishbia before the deal was made to send star forward Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets in exchange for Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the No. 10 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft and five second-round picks. It was notable that the Suns used that 10th pick to draft center Khaman Maluach out of Duke. They then shocked many by trading the No. 29 pick and a 2031 first-round pick to the Charlotte Hornets for center Mark Williams. With all of the moves made to bolster their frontcourt, that likely means the Suns will look to move certain players or just not bring them back. Advertisement According to Arizona Sports radio host John Gambadoro, it seems as though a decision has already been made regarding one of their pending free agents. "The Suns are expected to let Bol Bol walk in free agency, via [Gambadoro," Legion Hoops posted on X. To some, Bol Bol was the original Victor Wembanyama. At 7-foot-3, Bol displayed the ability to hit the outside shot and put the ball on the floor. Many were pessimistic when Wembanyama entered the league because they felt we had seen his prototype before in Bol. Bol had some strong showings in February, but they didn't translate into wins. Bol's rare blend of his size with his skillset will likely be enough to land him somewhere in free agency, but it's hard to envision him playing meaningful minutes on a playoff team. This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 28, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Suns Could Trade Mark Williams' Former Teammate After Hornets Deal
Suns Could Trade Mark Williams' Former Teammate After Hornets Deal originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Phoenix Suns are undergoing significant changes this offseason, affecting their roster, coaching, and front office. Following a season in which they went just 36-46, they fired head coach Mike Budenholzer for failing to even reach the NBA Play-In Tournament. Advertisement That proved to be just the first significant move the Suns would make, as they shortly after moved James Jones into an advisory position while promoting Brian Gregory to the general manager position. Gregory and owner Mat Ishbia's relationship goes back to their days together at Michigan State, where Ishbia was a player and Gregory and assistant coach on the 2000 National Championship team. Memphis Grizzlies center Jaren Jackson Jr. and Charlotte Hornets center Mark Thomas-Imagn Images Suns could trade Mark Williams' former teammate after Hornets deal Gregory executed a move that was long in the making when he traded Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets for Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the No. 10 overall pick, and five second-round picks. The Suns used the tenth pick to select Duke center Khaman Maluach. Advertisement The center position was a serious need for the Suns. So much so, that even after using a top-ten pick on a center, the Suns announced they were trading the No. 29 pick and a 2029 first-round pick to the Charlotte Hornets for Mark Williams. Forbes NBA writer Evan Sidery believes more moves could be made regarding the frontcourt, and it could involve one of Mark Williams' former teammates. "The Suns could make Nick Richards available after acquiring Mark Williams, per Evan Sidery," Legion Hoops posted on X. Williams and Richards were teammates from 2022 until mid-January of this season, when the Suns send Josh Okogie and three second-round picks for Richards. Advertisement Williams was part of a significant trade last year that would've sent him to the Los Angeles Lakers for Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish, a 2030 pick swap and a 2031 first-round pick. However, Williams failed his physical, and the trade was rescinded. It remains to be seen what moves Ishbia, Gregory and the Suns have for this offseason, but they've been quite busy to this point and more could be to come later this summer when free agency opens up. This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 26, 2025, where it first appeared.
Forbes
6 days ago
- Sport
- Forbes
Houston Rockets Acquire Kevin Durant In Blockbuster Deal: ‘It's Done'
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 28: Kevin Durant #35 of the Phoenix Suns reacts during the second half of ... More game four of the Western Conference First Round Playoffs at Footprint Center on April 28, 2024 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Timberwolves defeated the Suns 122-116 and win the series 4-0. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by) The Houston Rockets have acquired Kevin Durant in a blockbuster deal with the Phoenix Suns that they hope will move the organization closer to an NBA championship. The Suns are getting Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the No. 10 pick in Wednesday's NBA Draft and five second-round picks, said a person with direct knowledge of the deal who was not authorized to speak publicly for the Rockets. 'It's done,' the person said. ESPN's Shams Charania first reported the news. The San Antonio Spurs, Miami Heat and Minnesota Timberwolves were among the other teams linked to Durant, who will make $54.7 million next season. Durant, a two-time NBA Finals MVP and the 2014 NBA MVP, turns 37 in September. He averaged 26.6 points, 6.0 rebound and 4.2 assists in 62 games this past season in Phoenix. Despite assembling a 'Big 3' of Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal, the Suns failed to make the NBA playoffs last season, causing coach Mike Budenholzer to be fired in April. In Houston, Durant will join a young core featuring Alperen Şengün, Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith Jr., Reed Sheppard, Cam Whitmore, and Tari Eason. All were 22 or younger when last season began.
Yahoo
18-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Phoenix Suns hiring Cleveland Cavaliers assistant Jordan Ott, according to report
The Cavs are losing a piece on their coaching staff. According to Shams Charania of ESPN, the Phoenix Suns are hiring Cavaliers assistant coach Jordan Ott to be their next head coach. Ott and fellow Cavs assistant Johnnie Bryant were reportedly finalists for the job. Advertisement Bryant and Ott were hired by the Cavs last summer. They held key roles during the 2024-25 season under first-year Cavs coach Kenny Atkinson. The Cavs went 64-18 in the regular season, earning the Eastern Conference's No. 1 playoff seed before falling 4-1 in the second round to the Indiana Pacers, who will meet the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA Finals starting June 5. Atkinson became NBA Coach of the Year. Ott is a longtime Atkinson lieutenant. During Atkinson's previous NBA head coaching job with Brooklyn, Ott was a Nets assistant. The Suns fired coach Mike Budenholzer in April after just one season. Advertisement Nate Ulrich is the sports columnist of the Akron Beacon Journal and a sports features writer. Nate can be reached at nulrich@ On Twitter: @ByNateUlrich . This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: New Suns head coach will be Cavs assistant Jordan Ott, Shams reports
Yahoo
17-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Suns Make Feelings Clear to Bradley Beal Amid Kevin Durant Exit Rumors
Suns Make Feelings Clear to Bradley Beal Amid Kevin Durant Exit Rumors originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Phoenix Suns' "all-in" approach to the 2024-25 NBA season produced disastrous results for a team with championship ambitions. The star trio of Devin Booker, Bradley Beal and Kevin Durant played just 37 games together as Phoenix limped to a 36-46 record – missing the playoffs entirely, three years after the Suns won a franchise-record 64 games. Advertisement In the aftermath of such a deep disappointment, the Suns fired coach Mike Budenholzer and replaced him with Cleveland Cavaliers assistant Jordan Ott. Additionally, Phoenix is set to trade Durant in the coming days amid the two-time NBA champion's desire to play for a contender – and amid the Suns' inability to deal Beal instead. These days, Beal is better known for his onerous contract than for his production on the hardwood. After averaging 17 points per game and losing his starting spot this season, Beal is set to make nearly $54 million in 2025-26. Moreover, the three-time All-Star's total no-trade clause gives him complete control over his future irrespective of the Suns' desires. It is against this backdrop that Phoenix will hang on to Beal next season – and hope that the 31-year-old can rediscover that magic touch in 2020-21 as a member of the Washington Wizards. Advertisement "There is likewise some hope within the Suns that moving Durant could possibly present Beal with more offensive opportunity to produce in a manner you'd expect from a player with that sort of contract," wrote The Stein Line's Jake Fischer. "Various candidates considered during the Suns' recent coaching search were asked how they would try to get the best out of Beal if he remained a Sun.' This is now Ott's challenge as the Suns move on to their third head coach in as many seasons: construct an offense that maximizes Beal and Booker and helps Phoenix contend in the daunting Western Conference. Related: Timberwolves' 3-Time All-Star Linked as Centerpiece in Possible Kevin Durant Trade This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 16, 2025, where it first appeared.
