Kevin Durant’s Candid Comment on Mike Budenholzer Before Suns-Bulls Matchup
With less than a month left in the 2024-25 NBA regular season, the Phoenix Suns are approaching a critical juncture. While they still have a shot at securing a Play-In Tournament spot from the injury-plagued Dallas Mavericks, their overall campaign has been disappointing. Holding a 32-37 record and trailing the Mavericks by just one game for the 11th seed in the Western Conference, the Suns face an opportunity to gain ground against the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday.
Despite having Kevin Durant alongside Devin Booker in his prime, Phoenix has struggled to build a competitive roster. As speculation grows about Durant’s potential departure from The Valley this offseason, he remains focused on finishing the season strong.
Meanwhile, questions persist about the dynamic between head coach Mike Budenholzer and the team. Reports suggest Budenholzer could be on his way out after the season.
Durant addressed his working relationship with Budenholzer in a straightforward manner. “I don’t say, ‘Coach, we gotta do this.’ It’s his team, you know what I’m saying?” Durant stated. “I’m there to be of assistance, so if he needs me to do anything, if I got some suggestions on what may happen, I’m coming to him and asking him. I’m not telling him what to do.”
Given their talent, the Suns should be a playoff-caliber team, at least a mid-table contender in the West. However, mismanagement has seemingly derailed their potential, making a Durant trade highly likely. Perhaps a more vocal Durant could have influenced Budenholzer’s decisions, but at this point, Phoenix seems set for another major overhaul—including a possible coaching change.
