Suns GM Ryan McDonough: Team Willing to Spend on High-Profile Head Coach

As the Phoenix Suns look to turn things around, money will not be an obstacle when it comes to hiring a head coach.

On Wednesday, Phoenix general manager Ryan McDonough appeared on Arizona Sports 98.7 FM's Burns & Gambo (h/t Kellan Olson of ArizonaSports.com) and revealed that the organization is willing to pay up if it means landing a prominent coach:

"Yes, we are. That's something we've discussed with (owner) Robert (Sarver) and our ownership group and those guys are fully committed to hiring the best coach we can get, whether that's Jay Triano or somebody else that we talk to through the interview process. ...The finances are not going to be a determining factor."

If and when the Suns find the coach they feel is the right fit, that approach should help them in the event they get into a bidding war with another team.

McDonough made it clear that the team would be aggressive in the hiring process, with plans to move quickly once the season ends.

Phoenix fired coach Earl Watson just three games into this season. Not only did the team get off to a 0-3 start, but there was also drama between Watson and Eric Bledsoe, who was eventually traded to the Milwaukee Bucks. The Suns have not fared much better under interim coach Jay Triano, owning the worst record in the league at 19-56.

The playoff drought in the desert has now reached eight years. With rising star Devin Booker, last year's No. 4 overall pick Josh Jackson and at least two first-round picks in June's draft, there will be cornerstones to build around. The franchise just needs to find someone to lead the turnaround.

It's not readily apparent who the leading targets for the job will be, but McDonough made it clear the Suns are ready and willing to spend for the right candidate.