Report: Suns 'expected' to target coach of rival

Los Angeles Clippers HC Tyronn Lue Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Suns 'expected' to try to swipe coach from rival

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Larry Brown | Last updated 5/13/23

The Phoenix Suns have fired Monty Williams as their head coach and reportedly already have a replacement in mind.

The Suns on Saturday made the decision to part ways with Williams, who had coached the team for four seasons.

NBA reporter Marc Stein susbsequently reported that the organization has its eye on Los Angeles Clippers HC Tyronn Lue as a replacement. Phoenix reportedly will check in with Lue and the Clippers to see about the feasibility of such a move.

The Suns, league sources say, are expected to explore the feasibility of trying to lure Tyronn Lue away from the Clippers after tonight's abrupt dismissal of Monty Williams as coach.

More NBA from me: https://t.co/A6ycVmnrjq

— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) May 14, 2023

Lue has been the Clippers’ head coach for the last three seasons. This time around, the team lost in the first round of the playoffs, as both Kawhi Leonard and Paul George were unavailable for several games due to injury concerns.

What's interesting is that two seasons ago, Lue’s Clippers lost in the Western Conference Finals to Williams’ Suns. Now, it would appear the Suns want to replace Williams with the coach who they earlier defeated.

The Suns proved unable to win in the playoffs without two of their top players available (Chris Paul and Deandre Ayton), while the Clippers weren’t able to win the playoffs without their top players available either (Leonard and George). That obviously makes Lue well qualified to do for the Suns what owner Mat Ishbia did not think Williams could do, right?

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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