SUNNY DAYS IN DESERT

Fiz starts to repair Knicks’ relationship with KP by meeting with his brother

Good deal for Boston, not so much the Cavs.

The Phoenix Suns had better luck on Tuesday as they snagged the top overall pick for the first time in franchise history. The Suns, who have missed the playoffs for eight straight seasons, have cap flexibility to make additional moves.

“The Suns want to change the narrative that they won’t spend money and that they don’t know what they’re doing,” said one opposing GM. “There won’t be a lot of crazy spending this summer, especially at the start of free agency. But Phoenix will be active.” ...

The Raptors were counting on Mike Budenholzer becoming their next coach, but with Budenholzer joining Milwaukee this week Toronto is left scrambling. (That’s why you never fire your coach unless you have a good idea of who his replacement will be.) Raptors president Masai Ujiri may promote someone from within the organization; assistant coaches Nick Nurse and Rex Kalamian are under consideration as is G-League head coach Jerry Stackhouse, who also interviewed with the Knicks.

If Toronto goes with a rookie head coach there is a feeling around the league that Ujiri may be inclined to move either DeMar DeRozan or Kyle Lowry. With Boston and Philadelphia in the same division Toronto needs to get creative in order to keep pace.