Player Relations, Communication Issues All Part Of Suns’ Collapse

April 16, 2025

Communication breakdowns and strained relationships with key players were among the primary factors that led to the dismissal of head coach Mike Budenholzer after just one season with the Phoenix Suns, according to multiple NBA reports.

NBA insider Chris Haynes reported on YouTube that Budenholzer clashed with All-Star guard Bradley Beal earlier in the season after telling him he wanted him to emulate Milwaukee’s Jrue Holiday. The suggestion was “not well-received,” Haynes said, and was confirmed by Phoenix-based reporter John Gambadoro, who added that Beal responded by saying, “Don’t ever disrespect me like that. Don’t ever tell me to play like another player.”

Haynes also noted that Budenholzer’s communication style created tension with other players, including center Jusuf Nurkic. The veteran coach reportedly criticized Nurkic’s screening ability and called him a “bad teammate.”

The friction extended to star guard Devin Booker, who was told by Budenholzer to “tone it down vocally” during games and in film sessions, according to Haynes and ESPN’s Brian Windhorst. Booker appeared to respond late in the season by emphasizing the importance of his leadership voice during media availabilities.

“[I need] to be a leader and use my voice more,” Booker said last week. When asked whether he was referring to teammates, coaches, or management, he replied, “Everybody.”

Meanwhile, the Suns have acknowledged internal missteps in handling their relationship with forward Kevin Durant. According to ESPN, Phoenix did not involve Durant or his agent Rich Kleiman in discussions leading up to the February trade deadline, when the club explored potential trade scenarios involving the former MVP.

The approach was intended to mirror the private process used by Dallas with Luka Doncic, but trade talks leaked after the Suns began engaging possible third-team partners. Kleiman is expected to meet with Suns officials in Phoenix this week, per ESPN.

While trading Durant could be difficult given his age and contract, there may still be teams willing to acquire him as a one-year rental.

“Durant is a top-three name in this league,” a high-ranking NBA executive told ESPN. “I can see a team who’d love to have him for a season just to sell tickets.”