Brian Gregory spoke to the media for the first time after taking over the reins from James Jones.
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The Phoenix Suns’ new general manager Brian Gregory spoke to the media for the first time after taking over the reins from James Jones. During the presser, he addressed several important aspects, including the future of the Suns’ two stars, Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal. As the postseason trade rumors heat up, Gregory shared the type of future he sees for the two stars in the upcoming season, and also revealed the relationship he shares with them.
Gregory said that he has a good relationship with both Durant and Beal, and his current focus is to find them a coach they deserve. Gregory, in his first conference as the Suns’ GM said, “I have a very, very good relationship with both those guys. Kevin [Durant] gave me a nice hug in the weight room the other night… I had a great dinner with Brad Beal.”
The new Suns’ GM added, “My main focus right now to be honest with you is finding the right head coach for those guys.” Notably, Gregory took over for Jones, who had been the franchise’s GM for seven years, and will now serve as a senior advisor.
The Phoenix Suns are naming a new head of basketball operations, promoting vice president Brian Gregory as the franchise’s new general manager, sources tell ESPN. James Jones, the Suns GM since 2019, will transition to a role as senior advisor for the franchise. pic.twitter.com/UDaxercJIg
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) May 1, 2025
Notably, the Suns have had a star-studded roster in the past few seasons, that included stars like Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal. However, despite having names like these, the franchise has failed to succeed. In the past season, Phoenix finished 11th in the Western Conference with a 36-46 record, and failed to secure even the play-in tournament berth after losing nine of its last ten games.
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Durant, who has one year left on his contract worth nearly $55 million, averaged 26.6 points, six rebounds, and 4.2 assists in over 62 games he played in the regular season. However, considering the team’s lack of success and his hefty price tag, there were rumors that the team might trade him.
“My Main Focus Right Now Is Hiring the Next Head Coach of the Phoenix Suns”- Brian Gregory
In his first address to the media, the 58-year-old revealed the first task he aims to accomplish with the franchise. Speaking about it, Gregory said that his prime focus is to hire the next head coach of the franchise. Sharing details about it, he said, “My main focus right now is hiring the next head coach of the Phoenix Suns and hiring a great one. We are doing an extensive process in that right now. I’m not going to give a timetable because I want to make sure that we get this right.”
Gregory, who earlier served as the vice president of player programming for the Suns, is on a lookout for a coach who not only has an “unbelievable basketball IQ” but is also a “tremendous communicator.” He revealed that the front office will interview coaches from diverse backgrounds and experiences and hire who suits them the best.
It is to be noted that the Suns fired former coach Mike Budenholzer, who was hired in May last year. Budenholzer’s departure came after the Suns struggled with injuries and inconsistent play, finishing the season with a poor 36-46 tally and failing to qualify for the play-in tournament.