Suns star Kevin Durant breaks silence on HC Mike Budenholzer amid trade rumors

The Phoenix Suns have faced struggles in the NBA regular season, and one of the hot topics circulating on social media is the dynamic between Kevin Durant and head coach Mike Budenholzer. A recent report suggested the Suns are considering a move for Budenholzer at the end of the season, but the player at the center of the discussion, Durant, spoke up about the situation.

As speculation around Budenholzer‘s future with the Suns grew, largely sparked by a surprising interaction he had with Durant during the team’s latest game, the Suns star addressed the situation. Durant explained his approach to helping the team through his comments and how he aims to contribute to the game plan.

Durant didn’t hesitate to share his thoughts with the media following Wednesday’s practice. “I’m asking him, ‘Yo, Coach, what do you think? Should we do this here?’ If he doesn’t think so, I’ll move on. I know your wording is subtle, a word might be off a little bit. I’ve never been the type to tell somebody what to do,” Durant explained.

With this statement, Durant made it clear that his goal is to bring his experience into the team’s game plan in order to help drive victories. He continued to discuss the situation with Budenholzer and what’s happening with the team moving forward.

Kevin Durant #35 of the Phoenix Suns gets instructions from head coach Mike Budenholzer during the fourth quarter against the Chicago Bulls at the United Center on February 22, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois.

Durant shares thoughts on Budenholzer’s approach to coaching

Kevin Durant made it clear that there’s a difference between offering feedback to a coach and attempting to dictate the game plan. Speaking candidly, Durant addressed both points, emphasizing that he has never tried to alter Budenholzer’s strategy during a game.

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“Coach gives me the freedom to approach him if I see something on the court that might be different. I think everyone on the team has that confidence to go to Coach with ideas. But I’m not telling him what to do,” Durant explained to the media after practice.

Durant also clarified that he doesn’t mind whether his suggestions are taken into account. “I’m offering suggestions, and if it helps, it helps. If he doesn’t take them, then you move on to the next thing,” Durant remarked.

Budenholzer addresses heated exchange with Durant

Speculation about Budenholzer’s future with the Suns was further fueled by a heated exchange that occurred during a timeout between him and Durant. Despite concerns about their relationship, Budenholzer downplayed the incident, calling it a typical disagreement between a coach and player. He also stressed the team’s focus on their playoff push.

“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 after the Suns’ game against the Lakers.