After another disappointing playoff loss, the Phoenix Suns’ decision to fire coach Monte Williams may be the first of several bold moves. Williams led the Suns to the best record in the NBA last season, only for his team to rebound in the second round in an embarrassing loss to the Dallas Mavericks.
The final result of the season proved no better, despite the acquisition of superstar Kevin Durant. Now, it looks like new team owner Matt Ishbia has taken the reins of the franchise and he’ll be the one making the decisions, not GM James Jones.
Jones won the 2021 Executive of the Year Award after assembling a Suns team that won 61 games. However, after buying the team this season, it was Ishpea who pushed the deal for Kevin Durant. This was only the beginning, and after Williams was fired, the Phoenix Suns could look a lot different next season.
The Phoenix Suns may clean the house this summer.
With Williams gone, Jones could be next, allowing Ishbia to pick the team’s new general manager and coach before setting his sights on the roster. The Suns don’t have a lot of roster flexibility, but they should be expected to Trade both Chris Paul and Deandre Ayton this summer. Despite Ayton’s poor performance in the semifinals, he is still one of the best centers in the NBA. He could make a decent return, but maybe not for a talented player.
Given his effort issues, Phoenix may be willing to settle for two rotation-able players who can improve their depth around his two best players, Durant and Devin Booker. Then again, if Ayton is transferred and they don’t receive a starting position against him, they could have a hole in the five.
They could find a temporary option in free agency or a replacement by dealing with Paul. At 38 years old, “The Point God” is on his last legs but could attract interest from another competitor, though the Suns could use him to sign and trade for a replacement point guard. Free agent guards Fred Van Vleet or Kyrie Irving are viable options and would allow the Suns to extend their title window.
Ultimately, the Suns could go into next season with a new general manager, head coach, and new roster. With Ayton and Paul on the trading block, Phoenix could add an all-star guard to replace Paul. They may also add players in rotation and stop a hiatus starting with five players to replace Ayton.
After back-to-back playoff disappointments, it’s clear the Suns must do something different, and it’s also clear that Ishpea is willing to do whatever it takes to turn Phoenix into NBA champions.