Mike Budenholzer's tenure as head coach of the Phoenix Suns has ended after just one season, following a disappointing 36-46 campaign that culminated in a missed playoff berth. Owner Mat Ishbia labeled his hiring as a mistake, acknowledging that Budenholzer's hard-nosed coaching style did not resonate well with the team. This was particularly evident in his relationships with players like Jusuf Nurkic, who expressed a lack of communication with the coach during the season.

Analysts, including Eddie Johnson, noted that Budenholzer's old-school approach might work for some players, but it requires a balance of assertiveness and empathy that he seemingly failed to provide. His demanding style did not sit well with seasoned veterans like Devin Booker and Kevin Durant, leading to a lack of trust in the locker room. The friction between Budenholzer and the team's stars, highlighted by reported disagreements, ultimately sealed his fate in Phoenix.