The Phoenix Suns seem to be stuck in a cycle—with three coaches in three seasons. It isn’t a great look, is it? Just two years ago, Monty Williams was at the helm. He had built chemistry and took the team to the Finals in 2021. Then came Frank Vogel, who barely lasted a season before getting the axe. Now, Mike Budenholzer is also gone. When a team keeps changing leadership this often, how can they expect consistency or trust to grow?
Mike Budenholzer was fired this Monday, ending a short and rocky run in Phoenix. He had joined with high hopes, especially after a championship stint in Milwaukee. But the Suns finished 36-46, a huge letdown considering the roster. Durant, Booker, and Beal weren’t enough to save the season. They didn’t even make the play-in tournament. The organization released a cold statement, admitting they failed and that change was necessary—again.
Then came the viral post, and suddenly, the conversation shifted. “$56 MILLIONS TO NOT COACH IN NBA,” the caption on the picture stated. It claimed Mike could sit at home until 2028 and still pocket $56 million. Even Dwyane Wade chimed in, saying, “Sheesh!!! I guess I’m going to buy a clipboard today!”
It’s funny coming from Wade, as he has reportedly already made $196,388,473 during his time at the NBA, as per Spotrac. Moreover, he is already the partial owner of the Utah Jazz, so with his connections, he might just land a job. Well, given his history as one of the best shooting guards in the history of the sport, he might just make a great coach.
Oct 13, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Phoenix Suns head coach Mike Budenholzer looks on in the second quarter against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
Coming back to Mike Budenholzer, prior to his stint with the Suns, he had already earned millions coaching the Hawks and Bucks. Looking back, Mike signed a 3-year extension with the Bucks in 2021. After that, a 5-year, $50 million deal with Phoenix in 2024. Combined, that’s serious money for a coach no longer on the sidelines. If Phoenix owes him the full amount, they’re essentially paying top dollar for essentially nothing. For Mike? A golden parachute. For the Suns? Another costly restart.
The Suns’ identity crisis: Can Phoenix fix the fallout before it’s too late?
When a team changes coaches like shoes, it’s hard not to ask: what’s really happening behind the curtain in Phoenix? Coach Mike Budenholzer’s firing didn’t shock fans, but the timing raised eyebrows. Three coaches in three years under Matt Ishbia feels like more than a coincidence. This team was supposed to be chasing rings, not rebuilding. So why does it feel like everything’s breaking apart?
Matt Barnes unpacked it on All The Smoke, saying, “The Phoenix Suns have fired Coach Bud. One and done—36 and 46 was his record.” He reminded fans that Ishbia has had three coaches in just three seasons. Only Bud’s firing felt deserved, according to Barnes. But what really stirred the pot was the shady connection between Bradley Beal’s agent and the Suns’ front office. “Mark is Beal’s agent. Mark’s son is the CEO of the Suns.”
That connection didn’t just raise questions: it lit a fire. Barnes explained that Beal’s no-trade clause blocked a potential move for Jimmy Butler. “Beal exercised his no-trade clause and completely plugged up and clogged up and f— up that deal.” On top of that, Beal hasn’t exactly been producing. “The team has been bad. He hasn’t been very good.” Throw in some injuries, and the locker room felt more tense than a playoff Game 7.
Behind closed doors, the friction ran deeper. According to Chris Haynes, Bud wanted Beal to become the next Jrue Holiday. Sounds logical on paper, right? But Beal isn’t built for that role: he thrives as a scorer, not a defensive-minded playmaker. That mismatch created confusion, and worse, it chipped away at trust. Without clarity, even great talent can look lost.
In the end, both sides had a vision, but neither aligned. Bud brought a championship mindset, Beal brought superstar pride. But when the message doesn’t match the player, things break down. Now, the Suns are left with a messy bill, an unsure future, and a team that feels more like a question mark than a contender.
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