Camille Naredo

Head coach Mike Budenholzer of the Phoenix Suns reacts during the first half of the NBA game at PHX Arena on April 08, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona. Christian Petersen, Getty Images/AFP

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 08: Head coach Mike Budenholzer of the Phoenix Suns reacts during the first half of the NBA game at PHX Arena on April 08, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.   Christian Petersen/Getty Images/AFP (Photo by Christian Petersen / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)

Article (news)

Golden State Warriors v Phoenix Suns

Agence France-Presse

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1744703739060AFP__20250409__2209420193__v2__HighRes__GoldenStateWarriorsVPhoenixSuns.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Head coach Mike Budenholzer of the Phoenix Suns reacts during the first half of the NBA game at PHX Arena on April 08, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona. Christian Petersen, Getty Images/AFP"/>Head coach Mike Budenholzer of the Phoenix Suns reacts during the first half of the NBA game at PHX Arena on April 08, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona. Christian Petersen, Getty Images/AFP</div>LOS ANGELES -- The Phoenix Suns fired head coach Mike Budenholzer on Monday after the team failed to reach the NBA playoffs despite having the largest payroll in the league.In a terse, one-line statement, the Suns said Budenholzer had been sacked after the team&#x27;s worst league finish since 2019.&quot;Competing at the highest level remains our goal, and we failed to meet expectations this season,&quot; the statement said. &quot;Our fans deserve better. Change is needed.&quot;The Suns, who invested heavily in a roster which included Devin Booker, Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal, finished 11th in the Western Conference with a 36-46 record.Phoenix&#x27;s payroll is reportedly around $220 million (194 million euros), the highest in the NBA, and around $16 million more than the Minnesota Timberwolves, who are next highest at around $204 million.Budenholzer, who joined Phoenix on a five-year $50 million contract last year, is the second Suns coach to last only a single season.Former Los Angeles Lakers coach Frank Vogel was also fired after his lone campaign in 2023-2024 following the dismissal of Monty Williams in 2023.Budenholzer, who led the Milwaukee Bucks to an NBA Finals victory in 2021, had reportedly struggled to build a rapport with his key players in Phoenix this season.The Athletic reported on Monday that Budenholzer had a &quot;contentious&quot; relationship with Booker which was &quot;seen internally as a major issue.&quot;<div>© Agence France-Presse</div>

The Phoenix Suns fired head coach Mike Budenholzer on Monday after the team failed to reach the NBA playoffs despite having the largest payroll in the league.

The Phoenix Suns fired head coach Mike Budenholzer on Monday after the team failed to reach the NBA playoffs despite having the largest payroll in the league.

NBA: Phoenix Suns fire Budenholzer after missing playoffs

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Sports

Metro.Style

More

BINI

Sudoku

Word of the Day

Lotto

Horoscope

Basketball

NBA: Phoenix Suns fire Budenholzer after missing playoffs

Agence France-Presse

Published April 15, 2025 03:57 PM PHT

Read More:

abssports

absnews

basketball

NBA

Phoenix Suns

Mike Budenholzer

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

Sign Up

I have read and agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy.

Haven't received our newsletter?

Check your inbox to verify and confirm your subscription.

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.