The Phoenix Suns have fired general manager Ryan McDonough, the team announced Monday.
“After much thought and a long evaluation of our basketball operations, I have decided to relieve Ryan McDonough of his duties as general manager of the Phoenix Suns,” Suns managing partner Robert Sarver said in a statement. “Our focus in the short term is to prepare for the upcoming NBA season and to continue pursuing opportunities to strengthen our roster.
"Over the course of the season, we will explore both internal and external options as we look to restructure our basketball front office leadership. On behalf of the entire organization, I want to thank Ryan for his efforts and contributions during his five-plus years with the Suns. We wish him nothing but the best moving forward.”
The 37-year-old McDonough spent 10 years in the Boston Celtics organization before being named Suns GM in May 2013. The Suns posted a 155-255 record during McDonough's tenure, including a 68-178 record in their last three seasons. Their last playoff appearance came in 2012.
The Suns finished the 2017-18 season with the NBA's worst record (21-61) and drafted center Deandre Ayton with the team's first-ever No. 1 overall draft pick.
In July, McDonough and the Suns signed guard Devin Booker to the largest contact in team history: a 5-year, $158 million deal.
McDonough is the brother of Arizona Cardinals vice president of player personnel Terry McDonough and ESPN broadcaster Sean McDonough.
Suns vice president of operations James Jones and assistant general manager Trevor Bukstein will assume GM duties on an interim basis. Jones will manage basketball operations like coach and player oversight, while Bukstein be the point of contact on player transactions.
The Suns will open their 2018-19 regular-season schedule on Oct. 17.
