The Phoenix Suns are preparing to interview a wide range of candidates to replace former head coach Mike Budenholzer, according to NBA insider Chris Haynes.
Following a disappointing 36–46 season and an 11th-place finish in the Western Conference, team owner Mat Ishbia is expected to oversee another major offseason shakeup.
Haynes reported that Sacramento’s former coach Mike Brown is among the names Phoenix will evaluate, along with New Orleans Pelicans head coach Willie Green.
Green’s future remains uncertain following the departure of Pelicans president of basketball operations David Griffin, making him a potential target for Phoenix if he becomes available.
Jared Dudley, currently an assistant with the Dallas Mavericks and a former Suns player, is also being considered due to his deep ties to the organization and the city.
Miami Heat assistant Chris Quinn and Cavaliers assistant Johnnie Bryant are other assistants expected to draw interest from the Suns’ front office.
Additional names include Sean Sweeney (Mavericks assistant), Royal Ivey (Rockets assistant), and David Fizdale, who served on Budenholzer’s staff in Phoenix this season.
Kevin Young, who was previously a Suns assistant before taking the head coaching job at BYU, is also on the preliminary list of candidates.
Haynes noted that Suns players voiced concerns about the lack of structure in Budenholzer’s system, describing it as a “random offense” without clearly defined roles for key players.
This feedback is expected to influence Phoenix’s coaching search as the franchise prioritizes leadership that can establish order and enhance offensive clarity.
According to NBA insider Shams Charania, Devin Booker remains the franchise cornerstone and will be central to the Suns’ long-term strategy.
Charania also reported that the team will work with Kevin Durant and his business partner Rich Kleiman on facilitating a trade this summer.
Durant, who averaged 26.6 points this season, is expected to attract interest from contenders seeking a veteran scorer.
Phoenix’s coaching hire will be critical as the front office attempts to reshape the roster while building a system that can fully utilize Booker’s prime years.
