Monty Williams‘ name has been “gaining steam” when rival personnel discuss possible candidates for the Bucks‘ head coaching vacancy, according to Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports. League sources tell Fischer that Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue is also on Milwaukee’s radar.
Previous reporting from Adrian Wojnarowski and Eric Nehm indicated that the Bucks are keeping an eye on coaches currently employed by rival franchises, a point which Fischer reiterates. This is the first time we’ve heard which specific targets Milwaukee may be eyeing.
Williams remains under contract with the Suns for multiple seasons and Lue isn’t a free agent either, so if the Bucks hope to get an opportunity to hire one of those coaches without sending out some form of compensation, they’ll have to hope they part ways with their respective clubs this spring.
Here’s more from Fischer, with a focus on the Suns:
- In a look at Deandre Ayton‘s possible market, Fischer names the Mavericks as a team that’s frequently mentioned as a potential suitor for the Suns center. While the Pacers, who signed Ayton an offer sheet last summer, have since extended center Myles Turner, Turner’s new contract is considered one of the more movable deals in the NBA due to its declining salary structure, Fischer observes.
- Even before they acquired Kevin Durant at the in-season trade deadline, the Suns gave rival teams the impression they were seeking a long-term replacement for Chris Paul at point guard, per Fischer, who adds that Phoenix has been linked to veterans like Fred VanVleet and Terry Rozier.
- One rival team strategist is skeptical that the Suns have a path to make major roster upgrades this offseason, given their cap position and lack of valuable trade assets. “I think they’ll have to leverage veteran minimums and hope they can get something good in return for Ayton,” the strategist told Fischer.
- Suns associate head coach Kevin Young is viewed as a strong candidate to get a head coaching job with an NBA team sooner or later, according to Fischer, who notes that Young has received consideration from Houston and Toronto this spring.
Poole and two Firsts for Ayton
Draymond is worth Paul and a First
Warriors don’t want that First
I always want to trade away DG and JP
I think one one 1st and Poole would be enough to get Ayton. I like Ayton but I’d have to think his trade value is in the tank.
Not nearly as bad as Poole’s though. Ayton is at least still a good rebounder, and he’s at least consistent with what he can do. He just doesn’t have the ceiling of a first overall pick.
I would think Dallas would be a better fit. Tim Hardaway Jr., Maxi Kleber, and Josh Green plus a first for Ayton? Salaries work out.
How can Phoenix trade Ayton to Dallas?? They passed on Doncic to take Ayton. Now you want them to take Kleber, Green and a leftover 1st rounder from the Brooklyn deal for Ayton?
Turner, Hield and maybe T.J. McConnell, Jalen Smith and a pick or two from the Pacers.
1 First for Ayton is not attractive
The value of 3 Firsts is handsome