Phoenix Suns hire Jordan Ott as head coach (June 5, 2025) after a 36-46 season. Kevin Durant trade talks with the Rockets intensify. A new era for Phoenix?
StatPro NBA Beat Reporter
It's official, Suns fans: a new chapter begins today. The Phoenix Suns organization announced early Thursday morning, just after midnight EDT on June 5, 2025, that Jordan Ott will take the reins as the team's next head coach. This significant move comes on the heels of a deeply disappointing 36-46 season, a campaign where the Suns, despite their lofty payroll, finished a mere 5th in the Pacific Division.
The Suns' 36-46 record last season, despite having the highest payroll in NBA history, underscored the urgent need for a new direction.
The hiring of Jordan Ott marks a decisive step by the Suns' front office to address the underperformance that plagued the team throughout the 2024-25 season. While specifics regarding Ott's contract terms and his overarching coaching philosophy are still under wraps, the message is clear: change was necessary. After a season where expectations were sky-high due to roster investment, falling short of the playoffs and finishing well below .500 demanded a significant leadership overhaul. Fans will be eager to hear from Ott himself and understand his plan to revitalize a talented but disjointed squad.
Parallel to the coaching change, the trade winds around Kevin Durant are picking up serious speed. Reports indicate the Suns are deeply engaged in discussions with the Houston Rockets, with a primary target being Houston's No. 10 draft pick. This move suggests Phoenix is keen on regaining control of its draft capital, a crucial asset for long-term team building. Interestingly, the Suns have reportedly softened their initial demands for Durant, who, even at 35, put up impressive numbers, averaging 26.6 points per game last season. However, the Rockets are proceeding with caution, weighing Durant's fit with their young, emerging core and the substantial financial commitment his contract entails.
With a new coach at the helm and a potential franchise-altering trade involving Kevin Durant actively being discussed, the Phoenix Suns are signaling a clear intent to reshape their future. The coming weeks will be pivotal as more details emerge about Ott's vision and whether the Durant saga reaches a conclusion. Fasten your seatbelts, Suns fans; the offseason is just getting started.
