Phoenix Suns fire Mike Budenholzer as Kevin Durant trade talks loom after disappointing 2024-25 season

The Headline

Trade talks for Kevin Durant signal change ahead for the Suns

A significant offseason awaits, with a Durant trade on the table after he was dangled at the deadline.

Durant's contract value

$194.2 million

Key Facts

Kevin Durant is entering the fourth year of a $194.2 million contract extension he signed in 2022, making him a valuable trade asset.
The Suns nearly traded Durant back to the Golden State Warriors but retained him due to his no-trade clause.

The departure of Budenholzer was widely anticipated after the Suns clocked a very disappointing season in Budenholzer's only year at the helm.

Shams Charania

Phoenix Suns 2024-25 season record

36-46

Phoenix Suns seed in postseason

Kevin Durant points per game

26.6

Key Facts

The Phoenix Suns ended the 2024-25 season with a disappointing record of 36-46, missing the postseason as the No. 11 seed.
Kevin Durant struggled with injuries during the playoff push and averaged 26.6 points per game in his debut season with the Suns.
Mike Budenholzer was fired after just one season as head coach, marking yet another coaching change for a franchise that has underachieved for three consecutive seasons.
Previous Coach Frank Vogel also had a one-year tenure that did not yield desired results, leading to changes in the coaching staff.