The Phoenix Suns are charting a new course with Brian Gregory as their general manager, and he’s wasting no time outlining his vision. In a packed press conference, Gregory, promoted from vice president of player programming, emphasized building a gritty, aligned team around the Big 3 of Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, and Bradley Beal.
“I’m very blessed and honored to be named the new general manager of the Phoenix Suns,” Gregory said. His 30-plus years of basketball experience, including coaching stints at Dayton, Georgia Tech, and South Florida, fuel his confidence.
Gregory’s hiring has sparked debate due to his limited front-office experience. Addressing critics, he leaned on his leadership chops. “The knowledge and experience I think puts me in a good position to be successful in this role,” he asserted.
The Suns’ 2024-25 season ended in disappointment, missing the playoffs with a 36-46 record. Gregory sees untapped potential in the roster. “Right now, I think we got a pretty talented roster,” he noted, hinting at strategic tweaks to maximize the Big 3.
The Big 3’s contracts are significant commitments. Booker, 28, enters the second year of a four-year, $220 million deal. Durant, 36, is in the final year of a four-year, $194 million contract. Beal, 31, navigates the fourth year of a five-year, $251 million deal, with a player option for the final year.
Gregory was tight-lipped on their future but emphasized his bonds. “I never talk regarding players’ contracts, movement, anything like that,” he said. “I have a very, very good relationship with both [Durant and Beal]. Kevin gave me a nice hug in the weight room the other night… Had a great dinner with Bradley Beal last Thursday.”
Hiring a head coach is Gregory’s top priority. “My main focus right now is hiring the next head coach of the Phoenix Suns and hiring a great one,” he said. He’s seeking a coach with “unbelievable basketball IQ” and a knack for player accountability.
Gregory’s ties to Suns owner Mat Ishbia, forged at Michigan State, underpin their shared vision. “Mat and I are a team. We are completely aligned,” he said. This alignment drives their push for a team identity defined by “grit, grind, and joy.”
Draft strategy is another focus, despite limited picks. “The draft is critical in building your roster,” Gregory emphasized, praising the Suns’ revamped evaluation process. Player development will also be key to elevating young talents like Oso Ighodaro.
Gregory’s relationships with the Big 3 are a strength. “I have a very, very good relationship with both [Durant and Beal],” he shared, recalling a hug from Durant and a dinner with Beal. On Booker, he reflected, “There’s an unbelievable amount of respect I have for Devin… his voice is very, very important for us.”
The vision is clear: a team that embodies grit and joy. “When our fans leave the arena, I want them saying: ‘Man, that team plays hard. That is the most unselfish team I’ve ever seen,’” Gregory envisioned. “We’re a ‘get it done today’ kind of team,” he insisted, vowing daily urgency.
