LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 15: (L-R) Head coaches Tyronn Lue of the LA Clippers and and Monty Williams of the Phoenix Suns talk at the end of the game during a 111-95 Suns win at Crypto.com Arena on December 15, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE.
The Phoenix Suns have one of the NBA’s top coaches in mind as a potential Monty Williams replacement.
The Phoenix Suns are coming off two consecutive second-round meltdowns in the NBA playoffs. Naturally, the move from new owner Mat Ishbia was to fire head coach Monty Williams. The decision came as a shock to some, as Williams is one of the most respected voices in the league, but it’s hard to argue with the results. He couldn’t get Phoenix over the hump.
While Williams is expected to find work quickly, the Suns now pivot toward finding a new voice to lead their locker room. Kevin Durant and Devin Booker will surely have input on the new hire, as will Ishbia, who appears to be taking a significant role in basketball operations.
One potential avenue could come as a surprise to many NBA fans — and the Clippers fandom in particular.
NBA rumors: Suns could aim for Ty Lue to be next head coach after firing Monty Williams
It would appear the Suns are set on Ty Lue as a potential replacement for Williams. And who wouldn’t like the idea of Lue as their team’s next head coach? After winning a championship with the Cavs and shepherding several successful seasons with the Clippers, Lue is established as one of the NBA’s top basketball minds.
No coach is better at in-game tactical adjustments; Lue is quick-thinking on the fly. He’s also great at maximizing a misfit, sometimes incomplete roster. He has helped the Clippers keep their heads above water through multiple injuries to Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. Phoenix’s lack of depth is a big talking point after the Kevin Durant trade. Lue might be the man to bring the most out of a thin band of role players.
The primary issue is getting Lue out of Los Angeles, where he’s currently under contract. The Clippers no doubt want to keep Lue and would probably be willing to spend significant money to keep him in advance of opening the team’s new arena in 2024. It would take a massive offer from the Suns — and Lue strongly desiring a change of scenery — to get him on the bench next to Devin Booker and KD.
Phoenix is clearly ready to swing for the fences with Mat Ishbia in charge. Ty Lue would be a respected voice in the Suns’ locker room and a great tactician to helm one of the most potent offenses in the NBA. It’s the kind of thought that keeps opposing teams up at night.