The Phoenix Suns have announced the departure of head coach Mike Budenholzer after just one season at the helm, making him the latest casualty in the NBA coaching carousel. The decision came after the team failed to make the postseason, falling short of expectations despite having star players like Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal on their roster. Budenholzer’s tenure saw the Suns finish 11th in the Western Conference with a disappointing 36-46 record, ending their four-season streak of playoff appearances, including a finals run in 2020-21.

Hired in hopes of bringing a championship to Phoenix, Budenholzer’s season started promisingly with an 8-1 record before injuries and inconsistent performances derailed their campaign. The inability to establish a stable rotation and challenges with player injuries, notably Beal’s recurring issues, added to the team’s struggles. Despite efforts to shake up the roster at the trade deadline, limitations like Beal’s no-trade clause and salary cap constraints hindered significant moves.

Budenholzer’s departure signals impending changes for the underperforming Suns, reflecting the owner’s commitment to winning but a series of unsuccessful decisions since taking over the team in 2023. With a coaching career record of 520-363 across multiple NBA teams, Budenholzer’s exit coincides with a similar move by the Denver Nuggets, who recently parted ways with coach Michael Malone. As the Suns look to regroup and rebuild after a disappointing season, the search for a new leader to guide the team back to success begins.