Report: Bradley Beal Was Upset Mike Budenholzer Told Him To Be ‘Jrue Holiday Of Suns’

According to NBA insider Chris Haynes, Bradley Beal was upset Mike Budenholzer told him to be the “Jrue Holiday” of the Phoenix Suns. 

Budenholzer coached Holiday on the Milwaukee Bucks, who won the 2021 championship against the Suns in six games. 

On the Haynes Briefs Show, inside the Phoenix Suns’ turmoil and incidents that led to Mike Budenholzer losing the team and ultimately his job. Also a list of coaching candidates Suns are expected to look at. Subscribe. #haynesbriefs

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— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) April 14, 2025

The Suns fired Budenholzer on Monday. Just like Frank Vogel, Budenholzer only lasted one year in Phoenix. 

The Suns went 36-46 this season. They didn’t even qualify for the play-in tournament despite having Beal, Kevin Durant and Devin Booker. 

Beal, who has a no-trade clause in his contract, is not expected to be back with the Suns, who could waive or agree to a buyout with the veteran shooting guard. 

Durant is expected to be traded this summer, per NBA insider Shams Charania of ESPN. 

“This marks the first action in a summer of change coming to the Suns,” Charania wrote. “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 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. Beal has two years and $111 million remaining on his contract.”

Beal averaged 17.0 points, 3.3 rebounds and 3.7 assists this season while shooting 49.7% from the field, 38.6% from beyond the arc and 80.3% from the free-throw line. He’ll make $53,666,270 next season. 

Beal has a player option worth $57,128,610 for the 2026-27 season. The three-time All-Star spent the first 11 years of his career with the Washington Wizards.