Right up until the Phoenix Suns hired Frank Vogel, many NBA insiders believed their top assistant, Kevin Young, would land the job instead. Especially considering the face of the franchise seemingly put his support behind the team’s top assistant coach.
While the Suns inevitably decided to hire Vogel to a five-year, $31 million contract instead, it didn’t mean the organization doesn’t still think very highly of Young, who’s been with the team since 2020.
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Young will remain in Phoenix on coach Vogel’s staff. The agreement reportedly makes the 41-year-old the highest-paid assistant coach in the NBA. Young will earn $2 million per season under his new contract.
Before joining the Suns, Young was an assistant with the Philadelphia 76ers from 2017 to 2020. While he didn’t secure a head coaching gig this offseason, Young remains a strong candidate going forward.
It’s important to note that the Toronto Raptors still haven’t decided on their next head coach either. So, barring this move, it’s possible Young was initially viewed as a finalist to take over in Toronto.
Yet, now he gets to remain in his comfort zone, albeit with a much nicer paycheck to show for it. Plus, perhaps sticking in Phoenix gives Young the best chance to pursue his first NBA championship ring.
Related: Toronto Raptors’ finalists include two would-be first-time NBA coaches