There is no doubt that the Phoenix Suns are going to have to make some tough decisions this offseason, to ensure that next season doesn't peter out as quietly as their 2024-25 campaign has. Chief among those big calls will be what exactly to do with Kevin Durant, who is going to once again have suitors looking to trade for him.
The matter of Bradley Beal is an open-and-shut case, and that is because Beal has a no-trade clause. It was that pesky condition that ultimately stopped the Suns landing Jimmy Butler, who has been everything they would have wanted and more since joining the Golden State Warriors. As for Devin Booker, if the franchise are smart they'll leave him be. Some of the takes are getting ridiculous.
Which puts head coach Mike Budenholzer in an even tougher spot.
Much like last season - when the Suns were swept in the postseason by the Minnesota Timberwolves - it was the head coach who ultimately paid. Back then it was Frank Vogel, although time has been kind to how he is remembered for his single campaign in The Valley. Back then fans couldn't wait for him to leave. Now? Compared to coach Budenholzer he worked miracles defensively.
He also managed to get something out of Jusuf Nurkic - which given the Suns literally broke up their most valuable trade asset to be able to dump him on the Charlotte Hornets - is pretty impressive. But because the organization is in the second apron and can't make any other major moves, it is the head coach who is always going to be first on the chopping block.
🎙️ Jusuf Nurkic: "It's the NBA. We gotta bring it. They've been playing really good basketball lately. We kinda relaxed, trying to ease into (the game)..."
— /r/CharlotteHornets (@HornetsReddit) February 23, 2025
"You have an opportunity in the next game in Sac to show up and do a better job; no one is gonna feel sorry for you." pic.twitter.com/u4cZOJelSu
Should that happen - and right now you'd have to say it is more likely than not - then Miami Heat assistant coach has to be the guy who the Suns approach to take over their top gig. There is a certain irony to this, in that they already had one of the brightest minds in the league as their own top assistant - that would be Kevin Young - before allowing him to go to BYU.
Quinn has spent time learning from one of the best to ever do it in Erik Spoelstra, while the Heat themselves have a great reputation around the league. On top of all of that, Quinn has already interviewed for head coaching gigs around the league - and although he didn't secure one on those occasions - the feeling is it is only a matter of time.
Getting a younger coach to grow with this group might not be a bad idea, even if Durant doesn't figure to be part of those plans at 36-years-old. The Suns have tried twice now to hire veteran coaches in Vogel and Budenholzer - both of which have won a championship since 2020 - and neither have worked out.
There is always a risk is going with the more unproven coach - it may be why Young didn't get the job after interviewing for it once Vogel was given his marching orders - but it could pay off. The Orlando Magic brought in Jamahl Mosley - a former assistant with the Dallas Mavericks - much earlier in their rebuild, and are reaping the benefits now.
They have a clear vision in how they want to play, and have developed an identity as one of the elite defensive rosters in the league, especially when healthy. Contrast that with the Suns, who on any given night look like a variety of different things. Quinn has to be the top name on their wishlist - and if Budenholzer does go after this poor season - they need to get him to Phoenix early.