The Phoenix Suns have landed their top target in their head coaching search.
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Monty Williams has agreed to a deal to become the head coach of the Suns.
Monty Williams is finalizing a deal to become Phoenix’s coach, league sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) May 3, 2019
Shams Charania of The Athletic reports that Williams is signing a five-year deal.
Philadelphia assistant Monty Williams has agreed to a five-year deal to become the new head coach of the Phoenix Suns, league sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) May 3, 2019
Williams was also considered a finalist for the Los Angeles Lakers job, and the Sacramento Kings had interest in him before they hired Luke Walton. One report said the Suns liked him so much that they fired Igor Kokoskov after one season in part because they wanted to hire him.
Williams is currently an assistant coach with the Philadelphia 76ers. The 47-year-old coached the New Orleans Hornets/Pelicans for five seasons from 2010-2015. They reached the playoffs twice during his tenure, though they did not advance past the first round.
With Williams having agreed to a deal with Phoenix, you have to wonder if former Cleveland Cavaliers coach Tyronn Lue is in line to get the Lakers job. He reportedly struck an emotional chord with them during one of his interviews.
