Hornets Receive Permission to Interview Suns Assistant

The Charlotte Hornets will get to talk to Phoenix Suns assistant Kevin Young.

Apr 25, 2023; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns assistant coach Kevin Young against the Los / Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

PHOENIX -- The Charlotte Hornets have received permission to interview Phoenix Suns assistant coach Kevin Young, according to ESPN NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski. Young was one of four initial names Charlotte targeted after Steve Clifford announced he'd be switching roles at the conclusion of this season.

Woj's report:

"The Charlotte Hornets have secured permission to interview several top assistant coaches for the franchise's head coaching opening, sources told ESPN on Thursday.

"Hornets coach Steve Clifford is moving into a front office role at the end of the season, allowing for new executive vice president of basketball operations Jeff Peterson to begin a search that includes receiving permission to interview Denver Nuggets assistant David Adelman, Sacramento Kings assistant Jordi Fernandez, Boston Celtics assistant Charles Lee and Phoenix Suns assistant Kevin Young, sources told ESPN.

"The Hornets are expected to pursue permission to interview other candidates in the coming days, sources said."

Young was a hot coaching candidate last offseason, interviewing with multiple teams for job openings - including Phoenix after they fired Monty Williams. Once Frank Vogel was brought on, the Suns retained Young and made him + David Fizdale two of the highest-paid assistants in the league.

Young is believed to be in charge of running Phoenix's offense while Vogel handles primary defensive duties. The Suns are 45-31 as the regular season begins to wind down.