Reports: Cleveland assistant Jordan Ott is Suns' new head coach

Why it matters: The Suns have had a tumultuous past few seasons and missed the playoffs this year despite having the NBA's highest payroll.

• The team recently fired their third head coach in as many years, and that has contributed to their instability.

Zoom in: Ott, 40, has been an NBA assistant since 2012, working for the Atlanta Hawks, Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Lakers before joining the Cavs last year.

• Before moving to the NBA, he was a video coordinator for Michigan State, which is Suns owner Mat Ishbia's alma mater. Brian Gregory, whom Ishbia promoted to general manager last month, is also a former Spartans assistant.
• Earlier this week, the Suns narrowed their search to Ott and fellow Cleveland assistant Johnnie Bryant.

Between the lines: NBA sources described Ott to the Arizona Republic as "innovative," with sound offensive and defensive philosophies, and a student of the game who's ready for his first head coaching gig.

• This past season, he helped Cleveland to the Eastern Conference's best record.

• He's the Suns' first head coach with no prior head coaching experience since Igor Kokoškov, who led the team in the 2018-2019 season.
• The Republic also reported that Suns star Devin Booker was involved in the search and supported Ott's hiring.

What we're watching: Phoenix is reportedly looking to trade star Kevin Durant.

• The team lowered its asking price for the former MVP, CBS Sports and the Athletic reported, after seeking three first-round draft picks and a young player before the trade deadline this season.
• Sports Illustrated reported the Suns are prioritizing centers in their trade talks for Durant.