Report: Mike Budenholzer told Devin Booker to ‘tone it down’ vocally

Report: Mike Budenholzer told Devin Booker to ‘tone it down’ vocally

The Phoenix Suns’ season continues to spiral out of control. They dropped to 27-32 this week–marking their sixth loss over their last seven games and the 10th of their last 12–on Tuesday in a 151-148 thriller against the Memphis Grizzlies.

After starting the season 9-2, the Suns are 18-30 with the NBA’s ninth-worst NET Rating (minus-3.3) and are now quickly falling behind in the play-in race in the West.

Now, head coach Mike Budenholzer is potentially alienating the leadership of the Suns’ best player, four-time All-Star Devin Booker, according to NBA insider Chris Haynes.

Sources: Weeks ago Suns coach Mike Budenholzer called a meeting with Devin Booker imploring he tone it down vocally, leaving the star shocked. Inside that meeting which provides context to Booker’s postgame remarks on communicating. #haynesbriefs

Brought to you by @MoveInsoles pic.twitter.com/sVlTWB4Mrh

— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) February 28, 2025

This comes on the heels of Booker recently telling reporters that he believes problems could be solved with “a little bit more talking.”

“It could be fixed with just a little bit more talking,” he said. “When things get tough, we get quiet as a team, and from my experience and from what I’ve seen, that’s not the way to get through it.”

Devin Booker on the frustration of the Suns not executing their game plan: "Yeah, and that’s been the story of the season thus far. It could be fixed with just a little bit more talking, I would say. Things get tough, we get quiet as a team, and from my experience and what I’ve… pic.twitter.com/ETwpcPlXVs

— PHNX Suns (@PHNX_Suns) February 28, 2025

It’s shocking to hear the first-year Suns head coach try to shut off the voice of his team’s leader, regardless of what was said.

Communication in any field of work–especially when there’s a problem–is very important. Being on the same page with who you’re working with is very important. Trying to quiet down the voice of one of the most important people in the organization isn’t the way to go about things; there are ways to have constructive conversation without it going this far.

We don’t know what Budenholzer said behind closed doors, but who knows what this means for his future? The Suns have surfaced through three head coaches in three years and likely don’t want to have a fourth. But if Suns’ brass have to choose between Budenholzer or Booker, the answer to that question is fairly easy (Booker).

What do you think about this report? Let us know in the comments!

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