According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, confirmed by the Phoenix Suns, head coach Mike Budenholzer has been informed by the organization that he has been fired.
In his lone season with Phoenix, he compiled a record of 36-46. Not only did he fail to lead his team to the postseason, but also missed the Play-In Tournament.
There is a large expectation of the Suns trading Kevin Durant this offseason and resetting this team to be built around Devin Booker. Booker has already committed to this team and will not request a trade.
Per Arizona Sports’ John Gambadoro, there were several reasons for his dismissal: his team didn’t compete, his relationship with players was not good, the team didn’t like each other, there was no energy, and they had no defense.
Gambo added by saying this was an overall “bad fit.”
Despite firing the former Milwaukee Bucks head coach, Phoenix will still be paying him $10 million a year for the next four years.
Originally, the plan was for Budenholzer to be the long-term coach. No longer bouncing from coach to coach, like they did with Frank Vogel after firing Monty Williams. However, they’ll be looking for their fourth head coach in four years.
