Phoenix Suns associate head coach Kevin Young is staying with the franchise on a new deal worth more than $2 million a year that will make him the highest-paid assistant coach in the NBA, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.
The Suns hired Frank Vogel as their new head coach after firing Monty Williams, who was hired by the Detroit Pistons.
“The Suns were determined to keep Young on new coach Frank Vogel’s staff and made a significant commitment to keep him from following former coach Monty Williams to the Detroit Pistons, sources said,” Woj wrote. “Young has become one of the league’s top assistant coaches and was one of the three finalists for the job that Vogel eventually landed on Friday. Young has a strong relationship with Suns star Devin Booker and had a great deal of support within the organization to be retained with Vogel.”
Young previously interviewed for head-coaching jobs with the Philadelphia Sixers, Utah Jazz and Washington Wizards in recent seasons. The Suns are extremely happy to keep the talented tactician.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Kevin Young, Frank Vogel & Phoenix Suns Updates
Phoenix lost to the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference Semifinals in six games. Vogel, who has coached the Indiana Pacers, Orlando Magic and Los Angeles Lakers, led the Lakers to the 2020 championship over the Miami Heat at the Walt Disney World bubble in six games. He’s signing a five-year deal with the Suns, who are led by Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Chris Paul.
It’s unknown if Vogel and Young will work with Deandre Ayton next season. The Suns are expected to aggressively explore the trade market for Ayton this offseason, according to Tim MacMahon of ESPN.
“Sources told ESPN that Ayton’s teammates have shared their coach’s frustration with what they perceive to be inconsistent effort and aggression from the 7-footer,” MacMahon reported. “Ayton would be excited about a fresh start with another franchise, sources told ESPN. The Suns are expected to aggressively explore the trade market for him this summer, league sources said.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Kevin Young, Frank Vogel & Phoenix Suns Updates
“Although Ayton had a disappointing series against Denver — getting benched down the stretch of the Suns’ Game 3 win and frequently dominated by two-time MVP center Nikola Jokic — league sources expect several teams to show interest in acquiring the 24-year-old, who averaged 18.0 points and 10.0 rebounds per game this season.”
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