The Phoenix Suns are targeting Mike Budenholzer as their next head coach, with discussions expected to progress quickly towards a deal, sources told ESPN. The Suns recently fired Frank Vogel after just one season, and are now focused on securing Budenholzer as their new coach. Budenholzer, who previously led the Milwaukee Bucks to an NBA championship in 2021, is seen as the ideal candidate to lead the Suns to success with a roster built around stars Devin Booker and Kevin Durant.
Budenholzer, a two-time NBA Coach of the Year, is set to become the Suns’ third head coach in three seasons. The pressure is high for him to deliver results, with the team aiming for championship aspirations with their talented roster. Budenholzer’s ties to Arizona, where his father was a respected high school coach, adds to the appeal of his potential hiring.
The Suns suffered a disappointing early playoff exit this season, losing 4-0 to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs. With talented players like Booker, Durant, and Bradley Beal on the roster, the franchise is looking to make the most of Budenholzer’s coaching expertise to build a competitive team. Amidst high expectations, the Suns are hopeful that Budenholzer can lead them to success in the seasons to come.