All eyes were on the Phoenix Suns as they were set to be a surprise contender for the play-ins in the backend. They’d won 5/6 matches since 15th March, with Kevin Durant firing on all cylinders. Fast forward two weeks, and they’re back to square one. Three losses on the bounce and KD injured for the next three games means their play-in bids have withered. But what’s worse is the media urging Phoenix to sit him out for the rest of the season, giving him a much-needed rest after a torrid season for his team.
7 minutes to go in the third quarter, and Durant was steamrolling to the basket with the ball in possession. He rolled his ankle over Rockets’ forward Jabari Smith Jr’s foot, immediately going down in agonizing pain. He didn’t return to the game, and the Suns got dominated 148-109. In the 23 minutes he played, he contributed 11/8/1. He’s scheduled to undergo an MRI today, but coach Mike Budenholzer has already ruled him out of their 3-game road trip.
This was all ESPN’s Kendrick Perkins had to hear. According to him, their season’s wrapped up now that KD’s out indefinitely. Might as well rest the legend out and give others a chance. “This season is a wash. They might as well shut Kevin Durant down. Outside of the Philadelphia 76ers, the Suns are the biggest disappointment in the NBA. There’s no reason to bring KD back. You can just tell man- the energy’s off, the spirit is off, they’re so inconsistent. And this is the prime example of a team that plays individual basketball.”
Mar 9, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) in action during the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Phoenix Suns at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Soon later, captain-elect Devin Booker’s leadership was brought into question. Chris Paul’s departure from the team in 2023 left the Suns without a true leader. Being one of the longest-standing servants of the club, DBook took the responsibility upon himself. Has this worked out? “He talked about wanting to be a better leader, we didn’t see it outta him,“ said KP.
With veteran Kevin Durant unwilling to step into that position and the rise in the Dallas Mavericks’ form ever since Anthony Davis returned to the lineup, they better call the curtains on the season before it gets worse. And all this has led to coach Budenholzer finding himself in the hot seat.
Mike Budenholzer’s firing a matter of time, say NBA sources
The Grizzlies just fired Taylor Jenkins for slumping to 5th, still in a strong position to finish in the playoff spots. If that’s the trend, Mike Budenholzer might as well start packing up his things already. This take is aided by Forbes’ NBA contributor Evan Sidery tweeting out his potential dismissal being on the horizon.
He had it all going into his first season as the Suns’ head coach. A $50 million investment in a roster featuring elite talents, and the team sits at 35-39 and holds the 11th seed in the Western Conference with just eight games remaining. Knowing the fragile job security of an NBA head coach, is the writing on the wall for Mike?
They’re not mathematically out of the play-ins contention as of yet, sitting just 1.5 games behind the Kings in 10th place. They might not fire him now either, but the ownership’s recent trends leave nothing off the table when it comes to unpredictable dismissals. Budenholzer is already Mat Ishiba’s third head coach since the businessman took ownership in 2023. A dismissal would instigate calls of instability and impulsiveness from the fans- not what he would be wanting.
There is a growing sentiment around the NBA that Mike Budenholzer’s job security with the Suns is very much in danger.
If Phoenix indeed ends up firing Budenholzer in a few weeks, it would Mat Ishbia’s fourth head coach since becoming owner in 2023. pic.twitter.com/5EgRLSqNWV
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) March 31, 2025
Safe to say that the Suns fans would be writing this season off already. Their hopes of winning their first ever ring have faltered along with their team’s form throughout the season. Do you think an under-fire Mike Budenholzer should sit Kevin Durant out for the rest of the season with 8 games to go?
The post Suns Urged to Take Drastic Action on Kevin Durant as Sources Confirm Mike Budenholzer’s Worrying Status appeared first on EssentiallySports.
