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What the Suns hiring of Jordan Ott mean for team’s future

Originally posted on Burn City Sports
By Tanner Tortorella | Last updated Jun 4, 2025 2:22 PM ET

PHOENIX: After a month-long search, with multiple round of interviews, the Phoenix Suns have landed on Cleveland Cavaliers assistant Jordan Ott to be the next head coach. Ott is a seven-year assistant in the NBA and will be the fourth head coach in four years for the franchise. When the search began, Ott was a long shot to win the job but is praised around the league for his offensive creativity and player development.

However, another factor for his selection could be his ties with Suns owner Mat Ishbia’s alma mater Michigan State. Ott was a video coordinator for the Spartans, causing fans across the Valley to roll his eyes in unison. After the hiring of one Spartan in general manager Brian Gregory, the franchise will once again appoint another one to be the next head coach.

What’s next for Suns after Ott’s hiring?

The next order of business for Phoenix is finding a trade partner for 15-time All-Star Kevin Durant. Gregory’s full focus was on finding the franchise’s next head coach, and after landing on Ott, he’ll shift his focus on finding the best package for Durant. Reports have indicated that the team has lowered its asking price in hopes to recoup future draft picks.

The Houston Rockets have been the runaway favorite to land the 36-year-old because of them owning the Suns 1st round pick in 2025, 2027 and 2029. Houston has shown interest in Durant since last offseason, and after losing in the first round of the playoffs, seem committed to pulling off a blockbuster trade.

The NBA Finals begin on Thursday and trades before or during the Finals are rare. However, the NBA draft is later this month, and Phoenix could rush a deal to ensure that it regains its 10th overall pick from Rockets. Gregory will want to make the Durant trade soon to give Ott a better understanding of the roster layout heading into next season.

This article first appeared on Burn City Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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