The Suns entered the ’70-71 season with a new head coach, and future Suns legend, Cotton Fitzsimmons. Cotton was hired from Kansas State University to replace Phoenix General Manager Jerry Colangelo, who had made himself the coach midway thru the previous season.
After the conclusion of the 1969-70 season the Suns traded big man Jim Fox to Chicago for guard Clem Haskins. Haskins would spend four seasons in Phoenix as a starter and major contributor on the court.
The other notable offseason transaction involved one of Phoenix’s best players, Gail Goodrich.