The Phoenix Suns entered the 2025 season with championship ambitions, but internal conflict, inconsistent performances, and growing tensions between the players, head coach Mike Budenholzer, and general manager Mat Ishbia are threatening to derail their season. Despite a star-studded roster featuring Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal, the Suns are struggling to find stability, leading to frustration behind the scenes.
Roster Moves & Lineup Uncertainty
Phoenix made a bold trade in February 2025, sending Jusuf Nurkić to the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for Cody Martin and Vasilije Micić. While the move was meant to provide roster flexibility, it left the Suns with a major gap in the frontcourt, putting pressure on Nick Richards to step up as the starting center.
At the same time, Budenholzer’s lineup decisions have come under scrutiny. The Booker-Beal backcourt experiment has not yielded the expected results, and his decision to limit Tyus Jones’ minutes has confused both analysts and players. Some within the team believe rotational changes are hurting chemistry, adding to the tension.
Durant, Booker & Beal at Odds with Coaching Staff
Sources indicate that Kevin Durant has privately voiced concerns about the team’s direction. The future Hall of Famer is frustrated with the Suns’ inconsistency and defensive struggles, questioning whether the coaching staff has the right strategy in place.
Meanwhile, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal continue to struggle with on-court chemistry. Both players are accustomed to being primary scorers, but their fit alongside each other has been shaky. The lack of defined roles on offense has led to miscommunication, and several heated moments have been spotted during timeouts.
Budenholzer & Ishbia’s Power Struggle
Head coach Mike Budenholzer was brought in to instill structure and discipline, but his methods have not been universally accepted by the locker room. Some players believe his system does not maximize their strengths, and tensions between Budenholzer and the Suns’ front office—particularly Mat Ishbia—are growing.
Reports suggest Ishbia has been heavily involved in coaching decisions, limiting Budenholzer’s control over rotations and player management. The GM’s aggressive roster moves have put Phoenix in a “win-now” situation, but if results don’t improve, there could be major shake-ups coming—possibly including Budenholzer himself.
Upcoming Schedule & Playoff Implications
The next few weeks will determine whether Phoenix can recover or if changes are inevitable:
- Feb. 27 & 28 – vs. New Orleans Pelicans
- March 2 – vs. Minnesota Timberwolves
- March 4 – vs. LA Clippers
- March 7 – @ Denver Nuggets
With the Western Conference playoff race heating up, the Suns must find solutions fast. Will Durant, Booker, and Beal fix their chemistry? Can Budenholzer regain the locker room’s trust? Or will Ishbia make drastic moves before the trade deadline?
One thing is certain: Drama is unfolding in Phoenix, and the future of the franchise hangs in the balance.
