With a salary of more than $220 million but missing the NBA playoffs, the Suns announced the dismissal of the head coach

The Phoenix Suns have the Big Three of Durant, Booker, and Beal, and the team salary is more than $220 million this season, but they missed the NBA playoffs. According to a report by ESPN on the 15th, the Suns announced the dismissal of head coach Buden Houze, which will be the third consecutive season of the Suns changing head coach.

Suns head coach Buden-Houze

The Suns only netted Buden Houser for five years and $50 million before the season, and the 56-year-old coach, who led the Bucks to a championship in the 2020-21 season, has not performed as expected in charge of the Suns this season, finishing 11th in the West with only 36 wins and 46 losses. The Suns became only the third team in NBA history to start the season with 8 wins and 1 loss or better, but ultimately missed out on the playoffs.

ESPN, citing sources, pointed out that Budenhouzer has had problems connecting with players in the break room this season. "Our goal remains to compete at the highest level, but this season we have fallen short of expectations, our fans deserve better, and change is needed," the Suns issued a statement. ”

Durant (right)

In the 2023-24 season, under the leadership of head coach Vogel, the Suns ranked 6th in the West with 49 wins and 33 losses in a single season, and the team's defensive efficiency value ranked 13th in the NBA at that time. The Suns, led by Budenhouser this season, are the third-lowest defensive efficiency in the league and the second-lowest in the league after the star break.

The Suns have a 10-18 record after the All-Star break, a 12-32 record against teams over 50 percent this season, and a 28-25 record against teams with a 50 percent win percentage last season.

Durant has a one-year contract with the Suns, who have a 33-29 record when he played this season. And this season, when Durant is out, the Suns have a record of 3 wins and 17 losses; In addition, Biel has a two-year, $111 million contract with the Suns.