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NBA

Morgan Cato becomes one of the NBA’s highest-ranking women with Suns assistant GM role

The Suns have hired Morgan Cato to a key role in their basketball operations after she spent a decade working for the NBA’s league office.

The Phoenix Suns logo
Christian PetersenGetty Images

The Phoenix Suns have hired Morgan Cato to their front office, making her among the highest-ranking women employed by an NBA team.

The Suns have named Cato the franchise’s assistant general manager and vice president of basketball operations, placing her directly under general manager James Jones in the Phoenix front office. Cato is the first woman of colour to be named a team’s assistant GM.

Cato spent the past 10 years working for the league office in New York, reporting to president of league operations Byron Spruell and strategising several growth initiatives, including the Basketball Africa League.

With the Suns, Cato will help oversee front-office personnel decisions, coaching development and player engagement, ESPN reported.

Suns looking for boost

After an NBA best 64-18 record last season, Phoenix suffered a disappointing second-round playoff loss to the Dallas Mavericks and now face a pivotal offseason.

Among the most pressing items for the Suns’ front office will be determining the future of former number-one overall pick and restricted free agent Deandre Ayton, along with fellow centers JaVale McGee and Bismack Biyombo, who are unrestricted free agents.

DeAndre Ayton with Suns coach Monty Williams.
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DeAndre Ayton with Suns coach Monty Williams. Jonathan BachmanGetty Images

The Suns do not currently have any picks in the Thursday’s NBA Draft.