There has been growing buzz surrounding the Phoenix Suns’ future as the NBA regular season progresses. With their playoff hopes diminishing with each passing game, rumors are circulating about head coach Mike Budenholzer’s future with the team. However, these discussions aren’t just about his first year at the helm, reports suggest the Suns are considering moves to retain stars Kevin Durant and Devin Booker.
Amidst the uncertainty in Phoenix, the Suns‘ 31-37 record highlights their struggles this season. Despite Durant and Booker being the focal points of the offense, the team has not lived up to the high expectations set earlier in the year.
A recent report from Hoops Wire’s Sam Amico suggests that the Suns may make a coaching change in the offseason to keep their star duo happy. “The Phoenix Suns could fire head coach Mike Budenholzer in the offseason to appease stars Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, an NBA source told Hoops Wire,” Amico wrote.
With each game bringing them closer to the end of the regular season, the Suns‘ playoff aspirations are slipping further in the competitive Western Conference. After a tough loss to the Lakers on Sunday, Phoenix faces an uphill battle to turn their season around. But there may be more happening behind the scenes, particularly in the locker room.
Head coach Mike Budenholzer of the Phoenix Suns watches the action during the second half against the Portland Trail Blazers.
The reported relationship between Budenholzer, Durant, and Booker
Amid rumors suggesting that Budenholzer might exit the Suns at the end of the season, there are also whispers about his relationship with the team’s star players, Durant and Booker. According to reports, there has been some speculation regarding the dynamic between Budenholzer and the two stars.
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This rumored tension could explain why Durant and the Suns have yet to engage in contract discussions this season. Speculation around Durant’s potential departure has grown, with rumors suggesting a reunion with LeBron James and Luka Doncic on another high-profile team as a possible destination.
However, with the season still ongoing and the Suns currently sitting in 11th place in the NBA Western Conference standings, there is still hope for a play-in spot. If Phoenix can secure a spot in the play-in tournament, things could shift, and there may be more to the Suns’ situation by the end of the season.
Budenholzer’s thoughts on heated exchange with Durant
Another factor fueling speculation about Budenholzer’s future with the Suns is a heated exchange that took place during a timeout between him and Durant. While this sparked concerns about their relationship, Budenholzer downplayed the incident, describing it as a typical disagreement between player and coach. He also emphasized the team’s focus on their playoff aspirations.
“There are still 14 games left. We need to get into the play-in, make the playoffs, and see what we can do from there. We’ve got a lot of talent in the locker room and a lot of fight. We’ve got to start winning to get there, and I think the guys know that,” Budenholzer said in his post-game remarks following the Suns’ matchup against the Lakers.
