. Suns franchise player Devin Booker was also involved in the search process, according to ESPN. 

The Suns hired Cavaliers assistant coach Jordan Ott, edging out fellow Cavaliers staff member, Johnnie Bryant. 

Ott began his career in 2013 as a video coordinator for the Atlanta Hawks before transitioning to assistant coach roles for the Nets, Lakers, and Cavaliers. He worked under current Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson in Brooklyn, who he would reunite with in Cleveland in 2024. 

Ott was also previously a video coordinator for the Michigan State Spartans from 2008 to 2013, the alma mater of Suns owner Mat Ishiba. Ishiba was a member of the Spartans basketball team from 1999 to 2002, winning a national championship in 2000. 

The Cavaliers thrived this season under Atkinson and his new staff, improving from 48 wins to 64 wins. The team finished with the top offensive rating in the league, earning the number one seed in the Eastern Conference. 

Ott has earned a strong reputation as a player development coach and a strong communicator, traits that the Suns desperately need. A lack of depth and team chemistry plagued the team this season. The result was missing the playoffs despite having the highest payroll in NBA history. 

Phoenix is entering a crucial offseason and is expected to be active in the trade market.  Trade rumors continue to swirl around All-Star forward Kevin Durant and former All-Star guard Bradley Beal as the Suns weigh their options. The hiring of Ott will hopefully give the team new direction following a string of disappointing seasons.

Breaking: The Suns are hiring Cavaliers assistant Jordan Ott as the franchise’s new head coach, sources tell @ShamsCharania.

Get breaking news alerts from Shams Charania through the ESPN app: https://t.co/QEjDpr2WVy pic.twitter.com/xliMHWlO1w

— ESPN (@espn) June 4, 2025

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