PHOENIX SUNS

Fans wonder what comes next for the Suns after Frank Vogel firing

May 9, 2024, 2:15 PM | Updated: 6:22 pm

The Phoenix Suns are back in the market for a head coach, announcing the dismissal of Frank Vogel on Thursday less than one full year after firing Monty Williams.

The Suns did not take the next step toward contention under Vogel’s watch, getting swept in the first round of the playoffs by the Minnesota Timberwolves after three straight seasons of at least winning one series.

Fan and media initial reactions varied from jubilation for a new voice to skepticism that this move was necessary given other issues with the team.

The Suns were sloppy with the ball, struggled mightily in the fourth quarter and never hit a period of extended dominance despite a roster with Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal. At the same time, injuries played a role, especially with Beal, and Durant stressed continuity after the season — before trade rumors began to percolate.

With the adversity the team faced, there has been online pushback for the decision, especially considering owner Mat Ishbia has parted ways with two head coaches already.

 

This is the second time Vogel has been fired by a team that went all in with trades over the past half-decade. The Lakers fired Vogel — their championship-winning coach from the 2020 NBA bubble — after the 2021-22 season when their Russell Westbrook addition went haywire.

So, what comes next for Vogel and the Suns? There is some wishful thinking going around.

Booker, Durant and Beal have played under many head coaches over the years, and Durant specifically has seen three head coaches fired within the past three seasons.

Phoenix Suns

Kevin Durant #35 and Bradley Beal #3 of the Phoenix Suns during the second half of the NBA game at ...

David Veenstra

Suns list Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal questionable for Friday’s game vs. Jazz

The Phoenix Suns listed Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal as questionable for Friday’s home game against the Utah Jazz.

8 hours ago

General manager James Jones of the Phoenix Suns talks during a press conference introducing Kevin D...

Brandon Cadiz

The 5: Most recent trade deadlines for Phoenix Suns under James Jones

The Phoenix Suns' last five trade deadlines is headlined by the acquisition of Kevin Durant in 2023. We revisit the last five deadlines.

11 hours ago

Upon the change in format to the NBA All-Star Game, the league had its captains draft their teams o...

David Veenstra

2025 NBA All-Star Draft results: Kevin Durant lands on Team Shaq

Upon the change in format to the NBA All-Star Game, the league had its captains draft their teams on Thursday. Kevin Durant landed on Team Shaq.

12 hours ago

Suns...

Damon Allred

After the trade deadline, where are the Phoenix Suns slated to pick in upcoming drafts?

The Suns again shuffled the decks of their future picks, and the lack of a bigger deal at Thursday's NBA trade deadline left them poised to make two selections in this summer's draft.

13 hours ago

Suns...

Kellan Olson

Suns unable to make big move at trade deadline with foreboding summer ahead

The Phoenix Suns wanted to make major moves at the trade deadline. They were not able to, and in some ways, were saved from themselves.

14 hours ago

NBA...

Alex Weiner

NBA trade deadline recap: Suns’ Western Conference competition make blockbuster moves

A jam-packed NBA trade deadline has passed, ending months of Phoenix Suns speculation while many teams in the West added to their rosters.

15 hours ago

Fans wonder what comes next for the Suns after Frank Vogel firing