The decision, which comes less than one year after the team hired Budenholzer on a five-year deal worth more than $50 million and less than four years since he won a title with the Milwaukee Bucks, is the latest course correction from Suns owner Mat Ishbia that comes with significant cost.

“Disappointing is the right word,” Suns owner Mat Ishbia began when talking about the 2024-25 Phoenix Suns’ season in his press conference on Tuesday morning. “I’m embarrassed,” he added.