The franchise finished 11th in the Western Conference, their worst since 2019

Mike Budenholzer led the Milwaukee Bucks to an NBA Finals victory in 2021 but struggled to build a rapport with his key players in Phoenix this season.AFP-KELSEY GRANT

Los Angeles: The Phoenix Suns fired head coach Mike Budenholzer on Monday after the team failed to reach the NBA playoffs despite having the largest payroll in the league.

In a terse, one-line statement, the Suns said Budenholzer had been sacked after the team’s worst league finish since 2019.

“Competing at the highest level remains our goal, and we failed to meet expectations this season,” the statement said. “Our fans deserve better. Change is needed.”

The Suns, who invested heavily in a roster which included Devin Booker, Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal, finished 11^th in the Western Conference with a 36-46 record.

Phoenix’s payroll is reportedly around $220 million (194 million euros), the highest in the NBA, and around $16 million more than the Minnesota Timberwolves, who are next highest at around $204 million.

Budenholzer, who joined Phoenix on a five-year $50 million contract last year, is the second Suns coach to last only a single season.

Former Los Angeles Lakers coach Frank Vogel was also fired after his lone campaign in 2023-2024 following the dismissal of Monty Williams in 2023.

Budenholzer, who led the Milwaukee Bucks to an NBA Finals victory in 2021, had reportedly struggled to build a rapport with his key players in Phoenix this season.

The Athletic reported on Monday that Budenholzer had a “contentious” relationship with Booker which was “seen internally as a major issue.”