Devin Booker is playing a central role in the Phoenix Suns’ search for a new head coach, according to NBA insider Shams Charania on ESPN.
This development follows a turbulent season that ended with Phoenix missing the playoffs for the first time since 2020 and firing head coach Mike Budenholzer on April 14, just one year after hiring him.
The coaching search is being led by newly appointed general manager Brian Gregory, who replaced James Jones on May 1 and immediately initiated a multi-stage interview process.
More than 15 candidates were initially interviewed, with around eight receiving second-round meetings, per Charania.
From there, five finalists — Johnnie Bryant, Jordan Ott, Chris Quinn, Dave Bliss, and current Suns assistant David Fizdale — were brought in for in-person visits with team officials last week.
Sources told ESPN that Booker, the franchise’s longest-tenured star, has been involved in the process for the past seven to ten days, giving input on potential hires during the final round of evaluations.
This marks the third consecutive offseason where the Suns have made a head coaching change, with Budenholzer having replaced Frank Vogel in May 2024 after just one season.
Booker, a three-time All-Star, remains the focal point of a roster that also includes Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal — though the trio’s long-term future together has been under scrutiny following internal struggles and trade speculation throughout the season.
