The Phoenix Suns fired head coach Mike Budenholzer on Monday after failing to reach the NBA playoffs despite fielding the league’s most expensive roster.
In a short statement, the Suns confirmed Budenholzer’s dismissal following a disappointing 36-46 record that placed them 11th in the Western Conference.
“Competing at the highest level remains our goal, and we failed to meet expectations this season,” the team said. “Our fans deserve better. Change is needed.”
Budenholzer was appointed head coach on a five-year deal worth USD50 million (roughly PHP2.86 billion) in 2023 after the Suns dismissed Frank Vogel, who also lasted just one season.
Phoenix entered the 2024 NBA season as one of the championship favorites, having invested heavily in a superstar trio—Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, and Bradley Beal.
The franchise’s payroll ballooned to approximately USD220 million (PHP12.6 billion), topping the NBA and outspending second-ranked Minnesota by about USD16 million.
Despite the financial firepower, the team’s on-court chemistry faltered throughout the season, raising questions about leadership and cohesion.
According to The Athletic, Budenholzer had a “contentious” relationship with star guard Devin Booker, which insiders described as “a major issue” in the locker room.
The Suns’ struggles marked their worst finish since the 2018-2019 season and extended a streak of instability in the head coaching position.
Monty Williams, who led the Suns to the 2021 NBA Finals, was fired in 2023, followed by Vogel’s short-lived tenure and now Budenholzer’s early exit.
Budenholzer’s firing adds to the growing narrative of the Suns’ inability to translate star-studded rosters into playoff success.
No replacement has been named as of this writing, but team insiders expect a complete reevaluation of coaching strategy and player development heading into the 2025 season.
