While the Suns’ underwhelming season was at the root of the decision, team sources say Budenholzer’s inability to manage his locker room had everything to do with the decision. More specifically, his contentious relationship with four-time All-Star and franchise centerpiece Devin Booker, as well as several other key players, was seen internally as a major issue. The Suns, which are widely expected to trade Kevin Durant this summer, are still planning on building around the 28-year-old Booker and didn’t see a productive path forward with Budenholzer at the helm.
Source: New York Times
Source: New York Times
What’s the buzz on Twitter?
Christopher Hine @ChristopherHine
Big day today. I’m excited to share an excerpt from “Ant,” my book about Anthony Edwards. This is from Chapter 6, and tells the story of how five words during his draft workout changed everything for him and, eventually, the Timberwolves:
startribune.com/anthony-edward… – 7:54 AM
Big day today. I’m excited to share an excerpt from “Ant,” my book about Anthony Edwards. This is from Chapter 6, and tells the story of how five words during his draft workout changed everything for him and, eventually, the Timberwolves:
startribune.com/anthony-edward… – 7:54 AM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
The Suns’ most disappointing season in franchise history is over, ushering in a summer of change. I wrote about the 5 biggest offseason questions facing this team, including the futures of Mike Budenholzer, Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal and more: bit.ly/3RdsWVr – 9:30 PM
The Suns’ most disappointing season in franchise history is over, ushering in a summer of change. I wrote about the 5 biggest offseason questions facing this team, including the futures of Mike Budenholzer, Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal and more: bit.ly/3RdsWVr – 9:30 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Devin Booker expands on his future, the Big 3, his contract and commitment to Phoenix Suns (w/video) #Suns azcentral.com/story/sports/n… via @azcentral – 7:03 PM
Devin Booker expands on his future, the Big 3, his contract and commitment to Phoenix Suns (w/video) #Suns azcentral.com/story/sports/n… via @azcentral – 7:03 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Just FYI: Devin Booker (calf), Kevin Durant (ankle) and Bradley Beal (rest) didn’t make the trip to Sacramento for Sunday’s season finale. #Suns – 2:53 PM
Just FYI: Devin Booker (calf), Kevin Durant (ankle) and Bradley Beal (rest) didn’t make the trip to Sacramento for Sunday’s season finale. #Suns – 2:53 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
“You didn’t obviously see us play Washington, huh?
Kings interim head coach Doug Christie when asked about facing a short-handed Suns team that’ll be w/o starters Devin Booker (calf), Kevin Durant (ankle), Bradley Beal (rest) and Nick Richards (elbow).
Kings lost 116-111 at pic.x.com/d5dNAG2gTS – 2:47 PM
“You didn’t obviously see us play Washington, huh?
Kings interim head coach Doug Christie when asked about facing a short-handed Suns team that’ll be w/o starters Devin Booker (calf), Kevin Durant (ankle), Bradley Beal (rest) and Nick Richards (elbow).
Kings lost 116-111 at pic.x.com/d5dNAG2gTS – 2:47 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Mike Budenholzer on Nick Richards missing a 3rd straight game to close season with right elbow inflammation: “There’s just something going on with his elbow that was enough he couldn’t play for the last few games. It’s nothing serious or anything we’re concerned about, but the pic.x.com/FDOSOD7IM3 – 2:30 PM
Mike Budenholzer on Nick Richards missing a 3rd straight game to close season with right elbow inflammation: “There’s just something going on with his elbow that was enough he couldn’t play for the last few games. It’s nothing serious or anything we’re concerned about, but the pic.x.com/FDOSOD7IM3 – 2:30 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
“We’re just focused on playing our 82nd game here, getting the game in, playing, seeing how we do and then we’ll go from there.”
Mike Budenholzer when asked if he’s had a discussion with ownership about his future with the Phoenix Suns.
36-45 record 1st year with team. #Suns pic.x.com/g3IgOt1hJZ – 2:17 PM
“We’re just focused on playing our 82nd game here, getting the game in, playing, seeing how we do and then we’ll go from there.”
Mike Budenholzer when asked if he’s had a discussion with ownership about his future with the Phoenix Suns.
36-45 record 1st year with team. #Suns pic.x.com/g3IgOt1hJZ – 2:17 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
End of Phoenix Suns’ Big 3? Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal to miss season finale (w/videos) #Suns azcentral.com/story/sports/n… via @azcentral – 11:35 PM
End of Phoenix Suns’ Big 3? Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal to miss season finale (w/videos) #Suns azcentral.com/story/sports/n… via @azcentral – 11:35 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Suns injury report at Kings:
OUT: Kevin Durant (left ankle sprain), Devin Booker (right calf soreness), Bradley Beal (rest) and Nick Richards (right elbow inflammation) #Suns – 8:49 PM
Suns injury report at Kings:
OUT: Kevin Durant (left ankle sprain), Devin Booker (right calf soreness), Bradley Beal (rest) and Nick Richards (right elbow inflammation) #Suns – 8:49 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Suns list Kevin Durant (left ankle sprain), Devin Booker (right calf soreness), Bradley Beal (rest) and Nick Richards (right elbow inflammation) as out for tomorrow’s final regular season game against the Kings – 8:31 PM
Suns list Kevin Durant (left ankle sprain), Devin Booker (right calf soreness), Bradley Beal (rest) and Nick Richards (right elbow inflammation) as out for tomorrow’s final regular season game against the Kings – 8:31 PM
Mark Montieth @MarkMontieth
Hamilton East Public Library author fair from 1-4 this afternoon at the Forum Events Center in Fishers. 11313 USA Parkway. I’m there with my Bill Vukovich Book) project and Reborn: The Pacers and the Return of Pro Basketball to Indianapolis. pic.x.com/TkQwJWpsG6 – 1:04 PM
Hamilton East Public Library author fair from 1-4 this afternoon at the Forum Events Center in Fishers. 11313 USA Parkway. I’m there with my Bill Vukovich Book) project and Reborn: The Pacers and the Return of Pro Basketball to Indianapolis. pic.x.com/TkQwJWpsG6 – 1:04 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
“Do you bring back the head coach? I don’t think they will.” @SayingMoore.
If Suns fire Mike Budenholzer, here’s a name if he becomes available: Pelicans coach Willie Green.
Former Suns assistant.
Has Devin Booker’s respect.
Knows culture.
From Detroit like team owner Mat pic.x.com/RshvMgMWhD – 11:00 AM
“Do you bring back the head coach? I don’t think they will.” @SayingMoore.
If Suns fire Mike Budenholzer, here’s a name if he becomes available: Pelicans coach Willie Green.
Former Suns assistant.
Has Devin Booker’s respect.
Knows culture.
From Detroit like team owner Mat pic.x.com/RshvMgMWhD – 11:00 AM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
“They didn’t give the fans Bol Bol.” @SayingMoore.
Phoenix Suns won home finale on fan appreciation night, but Mike Budenholzer didn’t play Bol after he went to check in as fans chanted his name.
Budenholzer explained the decision.
Greg Moore talked with Bol about it. #Suns pic.x.com/HXnqQvLnPh – 3:21 AM
“They didn’t give the fans Bol Bol.” @SayingMoore.
Phoenix Suns won home finale on fan appreciation night, but Mike Budenholzer didn’t play Bol after he went to check in as fans chanted his name.
Budenholzer explained the decision.
Greg Moore talked with Bol about it. #Suns pic.x.com/HXnqQvLnPh – 3:21 AM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
“We’ll talk about now. Between now and tomorrow or between now and Sunday, we’ll make a decision on those two guys.”
Suns coach Mike Budenholzer on whether Devin Booker or Bradley Beal will play Sunday at Kings.
Booker said he doesn’t think he’ll play Sunday: “Let the young pic.x.com/8etJL9Ri7V – 2:06 AM
“We’ll talk about now. Between now and tomorrow or between now and Sunday, we’ll make a decision on those two guys.”
Suns coach Mike Budenholzer on whether Devin Booker or Bradley Beal will play Sunday at Kings.
Booker said he doesn’t think he’ll play Sunday: “Let the young pic.x.com/8etJL9Ri7V – 2:06 AM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
“Things will get better. It took a true fan to be in there tonight and still support us through the type of season that we had.” Devin Booker after Suns 117-98 win in their home finale. #Suns – 2:02 AM
“Things will get better. It took a true fan to be in there tonight and still support us through the type of season that we had.” Devin Booker after Suns 117-98 win in their home finale. #Suns – 2:02 AM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
I did ask Mike Budenholzer why Bol Bol didn’t see the floor when it looked like he was checking in after “WE WANT BOL BOL” chants: “I think they cut it to 22 or 20 or 18 or something like that, just stuck with Royce, kinda the veteran. Just make sure it didn’t get any closer” – 1:08 AM
I did ask Mike Budenholzer why Bol Bol didn’t see the floor when it looked like he was checking in after “WE WANT BOL BOL” chants: “I think they cut it to 22 or 20 or 18 or something like that, just stuck with Royce, kinda the veteran. Just make sure it didn’t get any closer” – 1:08 AM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Devin Booker said he probably won’t play in the Suns’ regular season finale on Sunday: “I don’t think so. Let the young guys get more opportunity, guys that have been working super hard this year and haven’t gotten much of an opportunity. So yeah, I don’t think I’ll be playing.” – 1:06 AM
Devin Booker said he probably won’t play in the Suns’ regular season finale on Sunday: “I don’t think so. Let the young guys get more opportunity, guys that have been working super hard this year and haven’t gotten much of an opportunity. So yeah, I don’t think I’ll be playing.” – 1:06 AM
Paul Garcia @PaulGarciaNBA
Starters for Spurs @ Suns:
CP3
Castle
Julian Champagnie
Barnes
Biyombo
Beal
Booker
Allen
Dunn
Ighdaro
The Suns are favored by 5. – 9:38 PM
Starters for Spurs @ Suns:
CP3
Castle
Julian Champagnie
Barnes
Biyombo
Beal
Booker
Allen
Dunn
Ighdaro
The Suns are favored by 5. – 9:38 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
“BOOK-ER, BOOK-ER!”
Devin Booker pregame with young fans cheering. #Suns pic.x.com/dj6YCZTaBW – 9:20 PM
“BOOK-ER, BOOK-ER!”
Devin Booker pregame with young fans cheering. #Suns pic.x.com/dj6YCZTaBW – 9:20 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
“He’s been amazing. He’s just a special player, a special scorer. He did so much for us when he was available.”
Suns coach Mike Budenholzer on Kevin Durant, who will miss final 7 games of season with left ankle sprain.
Out tonight vs. Spurs, won’t play Sunday at Kings. #Suns pic.x.com/FXyvCKqGcY – 8:47 PM
“He’s been amazing. He’s just a special player, a special scorer. He did so much for us when he was available.”
Suns coach Mike Budenholzer on Kevin Durant, who will miss final 7 games of season with left ankle sprain.
Out tonight vs. Spurs, won’t play Sunday at Kings. #Suns pic.x.com/FXyvCKqGcY – 8:47 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Suns coach Mike Budenholzer said Devin Booker and Bradley Beal will play close to if not normal minutes in trying to win the home finale tonight against San Antonio.
As for Kevin Durant (ankle), Budenholzer said he won’t play Sunday at Sacramento. #Suns – 8:22 PM
Suns coach Mike Budenholzer said Devin Booker and Bradley Beal will play close to if not normal minutes in trying to win the home finale tonight against San Antonio.
As for Kevin Durant (ankle), Budenholzer said he won’t play Sunday at Sacramento. #Suns – 8:22 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Mike Budenholzer said the plan with Devin Booker and Bradley Beal is to play them close to normal minutes. They don’t expect Kevin Durant to play on Sunday – 8:19 PM
Mike Budenholzer said the plan with Devin Booker and Bradley Beal is to play them close to normal minutes. They don’t expect Kevin Durant to play on Sunday – 8:19 PM
Sirius XM NBA @SiriusXMNBA
Tune in to NBA Today 🚨 4-7p ET w/ @TermineRadio & Ryan McDonough
🐺 Wolves rout Grizzlies in important showdown
😳 West playoff scenarios
🎙️@cedricmaxwell81 & @napolimgtMike talk about their new Celtics book at 6:20p ET
📻 Listen Live: sxm.app.link/nbaradiolive pic.x.com/n3vibVFmnL – 4:59 PM
Tune in to NBA Today 🚨 4-7p ET w/ @TermineRadio & Ryan McDonough
🐺 Wolves rout Grizzlies in important showdown
😳 West playoff scenarios
🎙️@cedricmaxwell81 & @napolimgtMike talk about their new Celtics book at 6:20p ET
📻 Listen Live: sxm.app.link/nbaradiolive pic.x.com/n3vibVFmnL – 4:59 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Suns rookie Ryan Dunn on Mike Budenholzer: “Old-school coach or hard-nosed coach that likes to get after it on people, no matter who you are. He kind of has his ways that he agrees with and he believes in. He wants the best for everybody.” #Suns pic.x.com/XLAwsGYqgu – 2:41 PM
Suns rookie Ryan Dunn on Mike Budenholzer: “Old-school coach or hard-nosed coach that likes to get after it on people, no matter who you are. He kind of has his ways that he agrees with and he believes in. He wants the best for everybody.” #Suns pic.x.com/XLAwsGYqgu – 2:41 PM
Brad Townsend @townbrad
Greatness knows greatness: Caitlin Clark is in Scottie Scheffler’s gallery.
Clark, wearing a white Masters cap and pink Nike longsleeve shirt, positioned herself to catch Scheffler’s eye as he came off the first green, but he had his head down, writing in his yardage book. – 2:31 PM
Greatness knows greatness: Caitlin Clark is in Scottie Scheffler’s gallery.
Clark, wearing a white Masters cap and pink Nike longsleeve shirt, positioned herself to catch Scheffler’s eye as he came off the first green, but he had his head down, writing in his yardage book. – 2:31 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
“I was shocked.”
Suns two-way player Collin Gillespie when asked by @iam_DanaScott about Nuggets firing Michael Malone as he played for him in Denver.
On similarities to Mike Budenholzer: “Old school coaches. Would get on you. Push you to be better. Want the most out of you.” pic.x.com/g17iteNZ8Q – 2:20 PM
“I was shocked.”
Suns two-way player Collin Gillespie when asked by @iam_DanaScott about Nuggets firing Michael Malone as he played for him in Denver.
On similarities to Mike Budenholzer: “Old school coaches. Would get on you. Push you to be better. Want the most out of you.” pic.x.com/g17iteNZ8Q – 2:20 PM
More on this storyline
StatMuse: Kevin Durant and Devin Booker as a duo: 3 — Head coaches 1 — Playoff series win -via x.com / April 14, 2025
In February, veteran NBA insider Chris Haynes reported that Budenholzer called Booker into an office and told the star guard he was being too vocal on the court and during timeouts. The coach asked Booker to tone it down, which Booker found shocking, a league source confirmed to The Athletic. Budenholzer and Booker downplayed the report and said their relationship was solid, but neither denied the meeting took place. -via New York Times / April 14, 2025
Marc Stein: Chauncey Billups, obviously, is going nowhere now after a contract extension in Portland. Yet links between Willie Green and the Suns have been circulating, league sources say, because of Green’s relationships with Mat Ishbia and Devin Booker. -via x.com / April 14, 2025
This marks the first action in a summer of change coming to the Suns. Phoenix is expected to engage in trade conversations involving Durant and will have discussions on the future of Beal, according to sources. Multiple teams will seriously pursue Kevin Durant, who finished another stellar season, and the franchise is expected to work with Durant and his business partner and Boardroom CEO Rich Kleiman on the next landing spot for the future Hall of Famer. Bradley Beal has two years and $111 million remaining on his contract. -via ESPN / April 14, 2025
Kevin Durant: I would say I’m the most secure person in Arizona and I work extremely well with others. // @adommin_84: He’s not a snake he’s definitely a self sabotage. He’s incredibly insecure and anytime he receives criticism (constructive or not) he devolves. Hence coaches getting fired and him leaving. Incredibly talented. Incredibly self motivated. Can’t play well with others. -via x.com / April 14, 2025