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.

The Phoenix Suns have fired Mike Budenholzer, the team announced Monday. This marks the third consecutive season in which the Suns have fired a head coach. In 2023, mere months after Matt Ishbia took over the team,