West Notes: Suns, Coaching Search, Pelicans, Thunder

Suns

The Suns are reportedly down to three coaching finalists — former 76ers coach Doc Rivers, ex-Lakers coach Frank Vogel, and Suns assistant Kevin Young.

It’s been said that Young is a favorite among the players, particularly standout shooting guard Devin Booker.

• The Suns reportedly remain on the lookout for another guard to either relieve of play alongside Chris Paul. Phoenix is among those who have been linked to potential Raptors free agent Fred VanVleet.

Pelicans

Center Jonas Valanciunas is eligible for an extension this summer with the Pelicans, but suggested he’s open to signing a new contract entirely.

“We had some talks with (the Pelicans). I think this summer won’t be easy for them because they will have to make a few key decisions. Our season didn’t go as planned, so there will definitely be changes,” Valanciunas told Kestas Rimkus from 24sek.lt, via BasketNews and Hoops Rumors. “… I would like to stay and extend my contract. Obviously, during the season, you try to help the team as much as possible, but when the summer comes, you try to take care of your own things — how to extend the contract and stuff.”

Thunder

Power forward Aleksej Pokusevski sustained a small right humerus fracture during an offseason workout on Thursday, the team announced.

Pokusevski is expected to be sidelined for four-to-six weeks. This follows a non-displaced tibial plateau fracture in his left leg in late December, causing him to miss extended time.

He averaged 8.8 points and 5.1 rebounds at the time of the injury, erasing what had been a solid start to the season. After that, he played in just three more games.