With the NBA season winding down and the playoff picture locked in, blockbuster moves like Luka Dončić joining the Los Angeles Lakers or Jimmy Butler III suiting up for the Golden State Warriors are well in the past. But one thing that never cools down in the NBA is the head coach saga, and right now, all eyes are on Phoenix.
Following a chaotic season, the Suns are officially parting ways with head coach Mike Budenholzer. Despite boasting one of the league’s most expensive rosters, internal strife and a lackluster 36-46 record saw them crash out of playoff contention. Tensions with stars like Kevin Durant and Devin Booker only added fuel to the fire, and the former NBA champion is on his way out after just one season.
5 Landing Spots for Mike Budenholzer
Budenholzer is officially out in Phoenix, with the organization parting ways after a season that saw them fall short of expectations in every way. The Suns missed out on the playoffs and the play-in tournament, and meanwhile, they have no lottery picks to look forward to, leaving the 2024-25 season as a complete wash in the process.
And while Budenholzer has a proven championship pedigree, his one-year run in the desert could leave a sour taste in fans’ mouths. But between Milwaukee and Atlanta, he has proven in the past that he knows how to win when given time.
Despite the Suns’ failures, teams like the Memphis Grizzlies and Denver Nuggets parted ways with their own coaches, and Budenholzer could be the hottest name on the market. Here are five potential landing spots that could offer a better fit for the former NBA champion coach:
1) Denver Nuggets
After parting ways with the winningest coach in franchise history, Michael Malone, on April 8, the Nuggets are in unfamiliar territory. They need someone who can maintain their elite standards, and Budenholzer brings exactly that, given that he already has experience with championships.
With a career win percentage of 59.0% (in the regular season) and a proven ability to manage star talent, his structured, team-first approach could be a perfect match for reigning MVP Nikola Jokić.
2) Memphis Grizzlies
The Grizzlies’ firing of Taylor Jenkins on March 28 signals a desire for a new identity. Budenholzer’s disciplined style and playoff experience would bring instant credibility to a young squad centered around Ja Morant.
Having coached the Milwaukee Bucks to a title in 2021, Budenholzer knows how to develop rising stars into championship-caliber players.
3) Chicago Bulls
Chicago has been stuck in no-man’s-land for too long. Although head coach Billy Donovan’s post is secure for now, the Bulls still need someone who can bring direction and identity.
Budenholzer’s system-based approach could revitalize the team’s inconsistent offense while maximizing the talents of Josh Giddey and Nikola Vučević. Known for transforming teams on both ends of the floor, Budenholzer could be the spark that wakes up the Windy City.
4) Brooklyn Nets
Brooklyn is rebuilding, but they’re doing it with intriguing pieces like D’Angelo Russell and Cam Thomas. Budenholzer could provide the structure and development focus that a young team needs.
His accomplishments with the Atlanta Hawks, with 60 wins during the 2014-15 season, suggest he would excel at leading a team through change.
5) Toronto Raptors
Toronto has championship aspirations but no clear direction. With their recent struggles under Darko Rajaković, a seasoned voice like Budenholzer’s could restore order. He brings a culture of accountability and has a knack for player development, which fits well with Toronto’s young core of Scottie Barnes and RJ Barrett.
Budenholzer may have flamed out in Phoenix, but his résumé speaks for itself: a two-time NBA Coach of the Year with a championship ring as a head coach and a track record of building winning cultures. Wherever he lands next, expect a team looking for structure, experience, and a serious shot at postseason success.