Phoenix Suns fire Mike Budenholzer after 36–46 disaster, still owe him $10 million annually through 2029

The Phoenix Suns have let go of head coach Mike Budenholzer after only one season, finishing with a lackluster 36 – 46 record that placed them 11th in the Western Conference and out of the playoffs. Even though he’s been fired, the Suns still have a financial commitment to Budenholzer, who will earn $10 million yearly until 2029, according to his five-year, $50 million deal signed in May 2024.
Firing Budenholzer adds to the Suns' mounting financial responsibilities toward former coaches. They’re still paying Frank Vogel more than $6 million each year after his exit following the 2023–24 season, which will last until 2027–28. With Budenholzer's contract in the mix, the Suns are dishing out over $16 million annually to coaches who aren’t with the team anymore. This financial pressure is intensifying as the franchise deals with poor performance on the court and instability of it.

Under Budenholzer's leadership, the Suns struggled to leverage their impressive roster, which boasted stars like Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal, who together earned $150 million this season. The team faced injuries and a lack of cohesion, as the trio only played together in 37 games, resulting in a 19–18 record. Consequently, they missed the playoffs for the first time since 2020, despite having the largest payroll in the league.

Reports indicate that Budenholzer had difficulty connecting with key players such as Booker and Durant. Tensions reportedly rose when he requested that Booker dial back his vocal leadership to make room for the coach's voice. These incidents could have influenced the choice to move on from Budenholzer.
The Suns right now are experiencing significant coaching instability, with Budenholzer now being the third head coach to be fired in as many years, following Monty Williams and Frank Vogel. This trend casts doubt on the franchise's direction and the judgment of owner Mat Ishbia, who bought the team in 2023. With few opportunities to rebuild through the NBA Draft over the next five years, the Suns are facing a crucial offseason that may lead to a major overhaul of their organization.
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The Suns are on the hunt for their fourth head coach in just four seasons, and there’s a lot of buzz about who might step in. One name that’s come up is Michael Malone, who was let go by the Denver Nuggets even after leading them to a championship just two years ago.