The Phoenix Suns are undergoing significant changes in their front office, as the team is set to part ways with two assistant general managers, Morgan Cato and Trevor Bukstein, next season.
According to Michael Scotto from Hoops Hype, “Phoenix Suns assistant general managers Morgan Cato and Trevor Bukstein won’t return to the team’s front office, league sources told @hoopshype.”
The team has already been reported to bring in Matt Tellem as a new assistant general manager. Tellem, who has been with the Brooklyn Nets since 2011 and most recently served as Vice President of Strategy, is noted for his innovative approach to managing salary cap situations.
Morgan Cato, who has served as the assistant general manager and vice president of basketball operations for the past two seasons, made history when she was hired in 2022 as the first woman of color to hold the title of assistant general manager in the NBA. Her responsibilities included leading strategy and business processes related to basketball growth, coaching development, player engagement, roster cohesion, and front office operations. Prior to joining the Suns, she spent nearly a decade working for the NBA.
Trevor Bukstein, the longest-tenured assistant general manager for Phoenix, has held his position for 11 seasons. His expertise includes interpreting and applying the league’s Collective Bargaining Agreement, managing salary cap issues, negotiating trades and contracts, and talent evaluation. Before becoming assistant general manager, he served three seasons as the Suns’ director of basketball administration.
The Suns’ current front office team includes two other assistant general managers: Ryan Resch, who also serves as vice president of basketball strategy, and Gerald Madkins, vice president of personnel evaluation, working under general manager and president of basketball operations James Jones.
Following the hiring of Mike Budenholzer as the franchise’s new head coach, Arizona Sports’ John Gambadoro reported that the Suns were looking to revamp their front office.
Phoenix faces a challenging offseason with a projected payroll of $209 million, the highest in the NBA, which severely restricts their ability to make trades or sign new players. The team will be operating over the second-tax apron, projected at $190 million, limiting them to only signing free agents to veteran minimum contracts and restricting their trade capabilities.
Additionally, the Suns hold the 22nd overall pick in this summer’s draft, considered one of the weakest in years. They will be able to trade this pick, as well as their 2031 first-round pick, on the day of the draft, but these are the only first-round picks they can trade until 2031.
Amidst these financial constraints and roster challenges, the Suns are making strategic changes to better manage their situation moving forward.
