The Phoenix Suns made a huge change on Monday when they fired head coach Mike Budenholzer, and it sounds like they could part ways with Kevin Durant next.
Budenholzer has been fired after just one season with the Suns. The team won 36 games and missed the playoffs this year despite having the highest payroll in the NBA. One of the driving forces behind the decision was that Phoenix officials reportedly did not believe Budenholzer could coexist with Devin Booker, which had trickled down to the rest of the roster.
Budenholzer also butted heads with Durant during games, which led to speculation that the Suns could fire the coach to appease their 15-time All-Star.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Suns still might trade Durant. Multiple teams have legitimate interest in pursuing Durant this summer, and Phoenix is expected to entertain those discussions. The Suns have also expressed a willingness to work with Durant and his representation to find a suitor that makes sense for all parties.
The Suns are fully committed to Booker, who is eight years younger than the 36-year-old Durant. Bradley Beal has a full no-trade clause, so moving him may not be an option.
Durant continued to play at an elite level this season. He averaged 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game. Most teams would have no problem paying him the $55 million he is owed next year, but Durant is said to be seeking a two-year, $120 million max contract extension. That could complicate trade discussions.
The Suns entertained trade offers for Durant at the deadline in February, but they were reportedly asking for a massive haul in return.
One Western Conference contender has already emerged as the favorite to land Durant if the Suns wind up trading the two-time NBA Finals MVP.
