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.

The Suns hired Frank Vogel in June 2023 on a deal worth a reported $31 million over five years. He did lead the team to the playoffs with a 49-33 record in the regular season, but a first-round sweep at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves led to his firing.