“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.

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.