Williams, Sixers aide, former Pelicans coach, hired by Suns

Philadelphia assistant Monty Williams was hired to coach Phoenix, replacing Igor Kokoskov, who was fired last week after going 19-63 in his lone season.

Williams, 47, led New Orleans to two postseason berths in five seasons as coach, from 2010 to 2015, and will take over with the Suns after the 76ers’ playoff run. He played nine NBA seasons with five teams.

Bulls: Coach Jim Boylen received a contract extension; terms were not disclosed. Chicago went 17-41 after Boylen replaced Fred Hoiberg, who was fired in December.

76ers: Guard Ben Simmons was fined $20,000 and assessed a flagrant-1 foul for elbowing Toronto guard Kyle Lowry in the groin Wednesday.

Cavaliers: Cleveland received permission to interview three-year Denver lead assistant Wes Unseld Jr. for its coaching vacancy.