Suns Reportedly Targeting Rival Coach to Replace Monty Williams
The Phoenix Suns have made the first of their many expected changes over the offseason with the departure of head coach Monty Williams, who was dismissed 48 hours after Phoenix's humiliating Game 6 loss to the Denver Nuggets that saw them exit the postseason in the second round for yet another season.
“Monty has been foundational to our success over the past four seasons,” said Suns general manager James Jones in an official statement from the team. “We are filled with gratitude for everything Monty has contributed to the Suns and to the Valley community.
“While it was difficult for me to make this decision, I look forward to continuing the work to build a championship team.”
It was a tough decision surely for Jones and owner Mat Ishbia, especially for what he brought to the Valley since his arrival in 2019.
However, the organization believes a new leader was needed - and that search begins now.
NBA insider Chris Haynes reported three names that are atop of Phoenix's list of replacements: Kevin Young, Mike Budenholzer and Nick Nurse.
However, there's another name Phoenix is reportedly pursuing, and it's a rather familiar one.
NBA insider Marc Stein is reporting the Suns are going to "explore the feasibility of trying to lure Tyronn Lue away from the Clippers" after dismissing Williams.
Lue has been in the league as a coach since 2011 when he first became an assistant for the Boston Celtics. Through that time he's had head coaching experience with the Clippers and Cleveland Cavaliers - whom he won a championship with in 2016.
The Suns are familiar with Lue, especially after their first-round series where the Clippers (despite losing the series 4-1) battled through missing two of their stars and played Phoenix tough each night.
