NBA teams are actively making significant personnel changes as they prepare for future seasons. Recent developments, as of early June 2025, include the Phoenix Suns advancing their head coaching search and the Utah Jazz making a key addition to their front office leadership.

The Phoenix Suns, after parting ways with former head coach Mike Budenholzer on April 14, have been diligently working on finding his successor. The search is being spearheaded by new General Manager Brian Gregory, who was appointed on May 1. Gregory has overseen a comprehensive, multi-round interview process that initially included over 15 candidates.

This pool was narrowed down, with approximately eight candidates participating in second-round meetings. Five finalists subsequently advanced to in-person visits with team officials last week. These finalists are Johnnie Bryant, Jordan Ott, Miami Heat’s Chris Quinn, Oklahoma City Thunder’s Dave Bliss, and current Suns staff member David Fizdale. Notably, Suns franchise cornerstone Devin Booker has been involved in the search process over the past seven to ten days, indicating his input is valued in this crucial decision.

While the Suns focus on their coaching staff, the Utah Jazz have made a significant move to bolster their front office. The team officially announced on June 2, 2025, the hiring of veteran Boston Celtics executive Austin Ainge as their new president of basketball operations.

Austin Ainge brings a wealth of experience from his 17-year tenure with the Boston Celtics, the last 14 of which were spent in their front office. His journey with the Celtics began as a scout. He also gained coaching experience, leading Boston’s G League affiliate in Maine from 2009 to 2011, before transitioning back to a front office role.

In the Celtics' front office, Ainge served as the director of player personnel and scouting until 2019 and has been an assistant general manager for the past six years. He is credited with playing a significant role in the Celtics' scouting and pre-draft process, contributing to the identification and selection of key players like Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum.

Jazz owner and governor Ryan Smith expressed his enthusiasm for the hire, stating, “We’re absolutely thrilled to welcome Austin Ainge as our new president of basketball operations. Austin is one of the brightest minds in the NBA—his 17 years with the Celtics have given him incredible insight into every part of an organization.” Smith also highlighted his long-standing acquaintance with Ainge, noting, “I’ve known Austin for 15 years, and I’ve watched him grow into an accomplished, innovative, and strategic basketball executive who’s ready to lead this organization.”

Beyond his relationship with Smith, Austin Ainge has a strong familial connection within the Jazz organization, as his father, Danny Ainge, has been the franchise’s CEO and alternate governor since 2021. In the new structure, Austin Ainge is expected to be positioned above General Manager Justin Zanik and below his father in Utah’s front office hierarchy. The Jazz’s press release implies they are simply adding the newest hire to the current group rather than the move being part of a larger restructuring of the front office.

Ryan Smith further emphasized Austin's capabilities and the team's ambitions: “Austin is experienced, forward-thinking, and laser-focused on building a championship-caliber program. He has been instrumental in every aspect of building great teams – from scouting the best players to constructing a winning roster.” Smith added that Ainge's ability to “identify great talent, scout, and partner with Danny, Justin, and (head coach) Will (Hardy) and the rest of the front office team will be key,” as the Jazz work towards their “ultimate goal of championship-level basketball.”

These strategic personnel decisions by both the Phoenix Suns and Utah Jazz highlight the ongoing efforts within the NBA to refine leadership and build competitive rosters for the future.