Suns hire Morgan Cato as assistant GM, VP of basketball operations

Wojnarowski notes that Cato will also become the first woman of color to hold the title of assistant GM. Cato will work with head coach Monty Williams on "several fronts, including the leadership and strategy related to coaching development, player engagement and front-office personnel operations, sources said," the ESPN insider wrote.

Following their run to the 2021 NBA Finals, the Suns posted the best record in the NBA during the 2021-2022 season but were stunned by the Dallas Mavericks in the Western Conference semifinals. It was reported in early June that the team dealt with a COVID-19 outbreak during the series against Dallas.

One of the biggest questions on Phoenix's offseason agenda is what will happen with restricted free agent big man Deandre Ayton. Last week, the Atlanta Hawks, Detroit Pistons and Toronto Raptors were mentioned as Ayton's "most realistic landing spots" should he depart "The Valley."

Cato has spent the past decade working for the Association in New York under president of league operations Byron Spruell.