The Phoenix Suns made a significant move recently by parting ways with head coach Mike Budenholzer, just one season after he took the reins. Finishing the season with a disappointing 36-46 record, Budenholzer’s tenure raises questions, particularly given his lucrative five-year, $50 million contract that he signed last offseason.
Insider reports indicate that one of the key struggles during Budenholzer’s time was a disconnect with his players. Despite having stars like Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal on the roster, the Suns failed to even secure a spot in the play-in tournament, a situation that undoubtedly prompted the front office’s decision for a fresh start.
Now, as we look ahead, the Phoenix front office faces a busy summer filled with crucial decisions. Not only do they need to find a new head coach, but they also have to consider the future of Kevin Durant. Turning 37 in the fall, Durant has only one year remaining on his contract, raising the stakes for the organization about how they want to navigate this situation.
As reported, it seems that conversations surrounding Durant’s potential trade are already in the works. The Suns’ front office is expected to work closely with Durant and his business partner, Rich Kleiman, to discuss the best options for the future of the future Hall of Famer. With multiple teams likely to pursue Durant, the Suns find themselves at the center of a whirlwind of trade speculation.
Durant had an impressive individual season, averaging 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.2 assists, which only emphasizes the talent embedded in this roster. Notably, he was on the verge of a trade to the Golden State Warriors before apparently signaling that he had no desire to return to his former team, adding layers to the intrigue surrounding his future.
A player of Durant’s caliber—two-time champion, two-time Finals MVP, and four-time scoring champion—inevitably draws attention. However, he does not possess a no-trade clause, unlike Beal, which gives the Suns flexibility in charting Durant’s next steps.
It’s particularly intriguing to note that since leaving the Warriors in 2019, Durant has only experienced two postseason series wins. As the Suns enter this transformative phase, the basketball community will be watching closely to see where Durant lands next season and how the franchise evolves from here. The upcoming decisions will not only shape the team’s immediate future but could also redefine their trajectory for seasons to come.
