PHOENIX – Brian Gregory didn’t walk into an easy gig.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Promoted to general manager of the Phoenix Suns, Gregory inherits a franchise with no head coach, limited cap flexibility, and a roster on the brink of regression. His first few moves may determine whether Phoenix rebuilds — or resets.
The franchise has holes throughout the organization: no head coach, star players leaving, and lack of cap space. Gregory’s first year as a GM will be the hardest job for any new hire ever, but the order of how he can fix the team is clear.
Jan 18, 2022; Houston, Texas, USA; South Florida Bulls head coach Brian Gregory reacts during the second half against the Houston Cougars at Fertitta Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Suns next 4 moves are obvious:
Gregory will need to find a head coach. The immediate and first decision for the 58-year-old will be selecting the roster’s new leader. Reports indicate that the team will interview 14-15 candidates for the job, preferring to hire a first-time head coach.
For the past two seasons, Phoenix has tried to hire experienced head coaches to try and fix the roster in Frank Vogel and Mike Budenholzer. Both coaches flared out, and now the front office will change its approach by looking for a talented assistant around the association like Dallas Mavericks Jared Dudley or Boston Celtics Sam Cassell.
Dudley is credited for creating the Mavericks defense that led the franchise to its first Finals appearance since 2011. The hiring of Dudley could be a wonderful reunion in the Valley.
Oct 19, 2022; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Dallas Mavericks assistant coach Jared Dudley against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Suns owner Ishbia claimed that the next head coach will represent the culture of Phoenix by being hard working and gritty. Hiring a first-year head coach will fulfill that requirement, as the coach will be looking to make a mark for his new home.
Jan 29, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) with guard Bradley Beal (3) and Devin Booker (1) against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The next two moves are interlinked: trading Durant and getting under the 2nd apron. Ishbia claims that he doesn’t want to rebuild, which would be hard regardless of the franchise not having its own picks. Gregory will look for a package that can help the team’s future while satisfying the needs of guard Devin Booker’s desire to compete.
The obvious answer is dealing Durant to the Houston Rockets. Last Summer, the Rockets traded for Phoenix’s picks from the Nets, with reports indicating that the team was interested in the 15-time All-Star. Those reports remained consistent throughout the year, and with Houston on the verge of being a first-round exit, the Rockets will be hard-pressed to bring Durant to H-Town.
Feb 12, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) hugs Houston Rockets head coach Ime Udoka after a game at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images
Gregory could deal Durant to the Rockets to recoup the Suns’ picks and grab some of Houston’s younger talent on the roster. The team struggled on the defensive end because of effort and age. Bringing in players from the fourth-best defensive-rated team in the NBA will help in that aspect.
Gregory’s last major move will be the Suns’ 29th pick in the 2025 NBA draft. Phoenix was able to grab the pick and two others from Utah in exchange for its 2031st 1st-round pick unprotected. The first-round pick will help the franchise shift towards the next era of the Suns with its youth.
When the Suns first rose to prominence in 2020, it was off the backs of young players like Booker, DeAndre Ayton, Mikal Bridges, and Cameron Johnson. Entering this summer, Gregory can replicate that by drafting a player to pair up with Ryan Dunn, Collin Gillespie, and Oso Ighodaro.
Mar 16, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Collin Gillespie (12) shoots the ball against Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15) in the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Mock drafts have the franchise drafting big, lengthy forwards/centers with the 29th pick. CBS Sports has Phoenix taking Georgetown freshman center Thomas Sorber, one of the most underrated centers in college basketball, averaging 14.5 points and 8.5 rebounds.
Gregory’s main concern this offseason is the defense. Hiring a first-time defensive head coach like Jared Dudley and recouping young, defensive-minded players in any Durant trade and in the draft will put the Suns back into playoff contentions next year.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
