Suns coach Mike Budenholzer declines to address job status after missing postseason

The Phoenix Suns’ season came to a disappointing end Wednesday night, and with it, questions about the franchise’s direction have intensified. They will not be in the NBA playoffs.

Following an eighth consecutive loss — a 125-112 defeat to the Oklahoma City Thunder– coach Mike Budenholzer declined to speculate on his job status.

“It’s pretty raw right now, it’s pretty fresh,” Budenholzer told reporters. “It’s been tough. There’s no doubt about it. We haven’t been as good as we’ve needed to be and expected to be.”

Budenholzer, hired last spring to a five-year, $50 million deal after Frank Vogel’s dismissal, oversaw a team that failed to meet expectations despite a star-laden roster. Vogel lasted just one season, and Monty Williams was let go following the 2022-23 campaign, shortly after Mat Ishbia became the franchise’s primary owner. A decision to part ways with Budenholzer would mark the fourth head coaching change in as many seasons.

The Suns’ struggles have led to frequent discussions between Budenholzer and Ishbia.

“He’s always pushing us to win. To try to find ways to win. He’s ultra competitive,” Budenholzer said, per Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic. “It’s always very consistent from him.”

Star guard Devin Booker acknowledged the team’s collapse was the result of multiple failures.

“There’s not one thing or one person or one player or one coach that’s the problem,” Booker said. “When you’ve had a season this bad, it’s a bunch of things. I think the most frustrating part is being that close a few years ago, and now being back to where we are.”

Defense, Roster Limitations Doomed Phoenix

According to The Athletic’s Doug Haller and Amos Morale III, the Suns’ lack of defensive discipline and toughness played a central role in their unraveling. With a payroll well above the NBA’s second tax apron, Phoenix was severely limited in its ability to reshape the roster. A failed attempt to acquire Jimmy Butler underscored those constraints.

Kevin Durant, who has been sidelined throughout April with an ankle injury, did not play Wednesday. Budenholzer said Durant is progressing but emphasized the team won’t rush his return.

“He’s making progress but regardless of wins and losses, we’ve got to see if he’s healthy,” Budenholzer said, per Rankin. “I don’t think there may even be a decision to make, but we’ll see how he does over the next 24 to 48 hours.”

Franchise at a Crossroads

Phoenix’s rapid decline has drawn sharp criticism from NBA analysts. The Athletic’s John Hollinger pointed to the organization’s aggressive, short-sighted moves under Ishbia’s leadership.

The Suns have traded away all of their own first-round draft picks through 2031 and are burdened with what Hollinger calls the NBA’s worst contract — Bradley Beal’s — which includes a no-trade clause and over $110 million in salary owed through 2026-27.

All signs point to Durant being a likely trade candidate this NBA offseason. Hollinger argues the only viable path forward is a complete rebuild — trading both Durant and Booker for draft assets and resetting the franchise’s foundation.