Suns Fire Head Coach Mike Budenholzer After Disappointing Season

PHOENIX, Ariz. — The Phoenix Suns fired head coach Mike Budenholzer on Monday after a disappointing season that saw the team miss the NBA playoffs with a league-high payroll. The Suns finished the season with a 36-46 record, placing them 11th in the Western Conference.

Despite Budenholzer’s successful coaching background, including a championship with the Milwaukee Bucks, the Suns’ management decided a change was necessary after the team’s struggles. Sources indicated that Budenholzer’s relationship with key players, particularly franchise star Devin Booker, was contentious and contributed to the decision.

“Competing at the highest level remains our goal, and we failed to meet expectations this season,” the Suns stated in a release. “Our fans deserve better. Change is needed.”

Budenholzer was brought on board last offseason with a five-year, $50 million contract, aimed at leveraging his proven ability to lead successful teams. Unfortunately, the Suns became just the third team in NBA history to start a season 8-1 or better and still miss the playoffs. They dropped nine of their final ten games, effectively ending any hopes for a postseason run.

This season marked a significant downward trend for the Suns, who had high expectations after winning 49 games the previous year. Compounding their challenges, they saw a decline in defensive performance, ranking as one of the worst teams in defensive efficiency.

Under Budenholzer, the Suns recorded a 10-18 record after the All-Star break and struggled significantly against teams with .500 or better records. The team’s inability to compete at critical moments during the season drew scrutiny.

The decision to part ways with Budenholzer is only the first sign of potential changes this offseason. The Suns are reportedly considering trades involving star player Kevin Durant, whose future with the franchise remains uncertain. It was also noted that Bradley Beal‘s health issues throughout the season played a role in the team’s struggles.

Suns owner Mat Ishbia has indicated a willingness to invest heavily in reshaping the organization’s structure. Ishbia has already replaced coaches in each of his three offseasons since taking control in February 2023.

While Budenholzer’s tenure was marked by high expectations, the Suns’ management determined that parting ways was essential to refocusing on building a competitive team around Booker. The future of president of basketball operations James Jones remains unclear as his contract approaches its expiration date.

Budenholzer’s dismissal adds to the growing narrative of a team in transition, seeking to regain its footing in a competitive Western Conference landscape.