The Phoenix Suns just hit the reset button — hard.
After a disappointing 36-46 finish and a collapse that left them out of even the Play-In Tournament, head coach Mike Budenholzer has been fired. The decision comes less than a year after he signed a $50 million deal with Phoenix.
🔥 What Went Wrong?
Everything.
Despite having the highest payroll in NBA history, the Suns:
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Lost 8 straight games to close the season — all by double digits
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Finished with the third-worst defense in the league
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Went just 12-32 vs teams over .500
Sources say the team never fully bought in. The chemistry was off. Budenholzer reportedly failed to connect with the locker room — especially franchise cornerstone Devin Booker, who grew increasingly distant from the coaching staff.
💣 The Big 3 Collapse
When Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal, and Devin Booker teamed up, the expectations were sky-high.
Last season?
26-15 record with all three playing.
This season?
19-18. Just average.
And now, the superteam era may be over.
👀 Durant Trade Incoming?
Sources confirm Kevin Durant is likely to be traded this summer.
He nearly went back to Golden State at the deadline — but personally shut it down. Still, several teams are expected to make strong offers, and Durant will work with Suns brass and longtime business partner Rich Kleiman to find his next stop.
Expect teams like the Miami Heat, New York Knicks, and Minnesota Timberwolves to be in the mix.
Bradley Beal, meanwhile, has $111M remaining over two years. His future? Also unclear.
🔨 The Verdict from Ishbia
Owner Mat Ishbia has now fired three coaches in three years. He’s made it clear: the time for excuses is over.
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Budenholzer is out.
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Durant and Beal could be next.
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Booker is the future.
🧠 What’s Next?
Phoenix needs:
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A coach who can build a culture, not just chase wins.
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A trade package for Durant that keeps them flexible.
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A clear identity after two years of chasing star power with no results.
🗣️ Final Thought:
The Suns pushed their chips in — and lost. Now they have to rebuild smarter, faster, and with Booker at the center.
Is this the end of the superteam era in Phoenix?
And if Durant really leaves, where should he go next?
