Phoenix Suns associate head coach Kevin Young will stay with the franchise in a deal that makes him the highest-paid assistant in the NBA, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
Young’s deal is said to be worth more than $2 million a year. While he and Monty Williams were separated when the former Suns head coach was fired, they appear to be together to lead the league in compensation for their respective roles.
Williams joined the Detroit Pistons on a six-year, $78.5 million deal. the biggest coaching contract in league history.
Young would have been a finalist to serve as head coach of the Suns. Next season he will work under Frank Vogel, who last coached the Los Angeles Lakers from 2019-22. Vogel was hired on Friday to a five-year, $31 million deal, according to Athletic’s Shams Charania.
The significant financial commitment to keep Young on staff at Vogel’s is another example of new owner Mat Ishbia’s willingness to take a big step forward. Isbia showed that boldness when he acquired Brooklyn Nets star Kevin Durant in a blockbuster trade at the deadline this season.
The latest move could also be seen as a testament to Young’s resume. The 41-year-old coached in the G League for eight years, spending time with Iowa Energy, Delaware 87ers and Utah Flash. He was a reported head coaching candidate with the Toronto Raptors, Houston Rockets and Milwaukee Bucks.
In his time with the Suns, Young grew close to Devin Booker. Booker credited Young as a key development coach for him and Chris Paul. His relationship with the Suns front office is also reportedly strong.
Young and Vogel will start next season with their fair share of pressure. The Suns are a star-studded team that will likely face high expectations. Before the team can reach them, they are tasked with determining the future of Deandre Ayton and Chris Paul.