Lon Babby Steps Down as Suns President: Latest Details, Comments and Reaction

There is a shakeup happening in the Phoenix Suns front office, as Lon Babby will step down as team president to become a senior adviser. 

According to Paul Coro of the Arizona Republic, Babby will officially leave his post on August 1, with general manger Ryan McDonough becoming head of basketball operations:

Babby told NBA.com after the Suns announced the transition that he wanted to decrease his workload without completely leaving the organization:

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I am grateful that Robert has accommodated my wish to reduce my work load, while remaining a vital part of the Suns organization. At this stage of my career, I welcome the flexibility that comes with this new role, a flexibility that will enable me to do other things that are important to me both personally and in the community. I feel particularly confident in making this transition because of the quality of leadership in place within the organization.

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The Suns hired Babby as president of basketball operations in August 2010. During his five seasons with the team, the Suns missed the playoffs every year and only finished over .500 once. He was a longtime player agent who represented San Antonio Spurs star Tim Duncan, among others. 

McDonough will be entering his third full season as general manager of the Suns next year. Now, with an additional title on his resume, he will be able to have complete control over the team's roster.

Because of McDonough's standing with the team, and continuity with head coach Jeff Hornacek, it should be a smooth transition that will hopefully lead to more success on the court for the Suns.