The Phoenix Suns are shaking things up after a disappointing season. They missed the NBA playoffs despite having the largest payroll in league history, resulting in the firing of head coach Mike Budenholzer. The team shared their thoughts in a statement, saying they needed to meet higher expectations and prioritize their fans’ desires for better performance.
This marks the third year in a row that the Suns have changed coaches. Last season, they finished with a disappointing 36-46 record. Budenholzer, who led the Milwaukee Bucks to an NBA championship in 2021, struggled to connect with the players. Reports indicate that communication issues began with star player Devin Booker and extended throughout the team.
Now, the Suns will embark on a thorough coaching search to bring in someone who can better unify the roster. This level of turnover comes after a season where the Suns became just the third team in NBA history to start 8-1 and still miss the playoffs. They faced a troubling March and April, suffering eight consecutive losses by double digits—an all-time low for the franchise.
Defensively, the Suns’ performance dramatically declined this season. They ranked as the third-worst team in defensive efficiency, particularly alarming when compared to their sixth-seed finish the previous year under head coach Frank Vogel. Despite having a lineup that included Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal alongside Booker, they struggled to maintain competitiveness against strong teams, finishing the season with a record of 12-32 against teams with a .500 record or better.
Owner Mat Ishbia has been aggressive in building the team and investing in talent, yet recent changes indicate a need for a strategic reset. Discussions around potential trades involving Durant will likely heat up, especially after he hinted at a desire to stay away from a return to the Golden State Warriors, who nearly acquired him before the trade deadline.
With two years left on Beal’s contract, valued at $111 million, and Durant entering the final year of his deal, the Suns are at a crossroads. This summer will be critical for retooling the roster around Booker and crafting a more effective team for the seasons to come.
For more insights into the state of the NBA and updates on team trades and coaching changes, check out ESPN for the latest news.
Check out this related article: Mastering the 2025 NFL Draft: Smart Strategies for Every Team—Trade Up, Trade Down, or Stay Put?
Source link