The Phoenix Suns’s head coach Mike Budenholzer is a ‘no nonsense’ person. Someone who’s won 4 championships as an assistant coach for the Spurs and a championship as the head coach with the Bucks, you cannot truly mess with the 55-year-old. His former players like Lou Williams and DeMarcus Cousins are the perfect ones to tell you how Coach Bud functions. Besides, the ongoing drama in the Suns locker room is just adding the ‘spice’ to the stories and speculations.

Speaking on FanDuel TV’s Run It Back, the former hoopsters reflected on their time with their former coach. Since Bud departed from the Milwaukee Bucks in 2023, he has since taken the reins of the Phoenix Suns. Furthermore, with each move he makes, he is making it abundantly clear what he likes and what he doesn’t.

Lou Williams commented: “I can attest to it though. Bud, he’s an acquired taste, man, he’s one of the coaches. He’s an acquired taste and he’s going to be honest with you. He’s going to be upfront. It might hurt your little feelings. It might get under your skin, but you’re never in the dark with Bud. That’s one thing I can say about Bud. You’re never in the dark. Absolutely.” With nearly three decades of experience, you truly cannot expect him to be the soft kind.

Meanwhile, DeMarcus Cousins chipped in about the Phoenix Suns HC. “He’s definitely going to be honest with you. If he doesn’t like you, you’re going to know upfront. He doesn’t sugarcoat it. He’s definitely an acquired taste, and he has a certain type of guys that he likes and doesn’t like,” Boogie informed.

“Trust me, it’s never going to be where you have to read between the lines or anything like that. He’s going to be blatantly honest and let you know I don’t like you and I don’t want you here. You’re not going to blame him.”

After Jusuf Nurkic’s recent revelations about the head coach, the dots are connecting perfectly. However, it’s still a mystery whether Mike Budenholzer likes the Suns’ benched star or not. Nevertheless, one thing that remains clear is that the trade rumors surrounding Phoenix are growing louder, especially as the trade deadline approaches with great speed. Consequently, the next few weeks will likely reveal a lot more about the Suns’ plans moving forward.

Phoenix Suns sidelined star Jusuf Nurkic talks relationship with HC while Bradley Beal drama continues

No one could’ve predicted the dramatic fate of the Phoenix Suns at the beginning of the 2024-25 NBA season. But, as you know, the league functions in mysterious ways. Soon, two Suns stars Jusuf Nurkic and Bradley Beal were benched by the head coach Mike Budenholzer. What was he thinking? While Beal could make his way back to the lineup, Nurkic’s future lies in the dark as he’s been completely out of rotation since January 7, 2025.

Given the current situation, it’s only natural for everyone to speculate that the Suns are looking forward to trading Nurkic and Beal. But, the Bosnian informed The Arizona Republic that there hadn’t been any conversation about it. Meanwhile, he revealed hadn’t spoken to Coach Bud in two months. “We don’t have a relationship. So, it’s fine. For me, just be a pro and do the best I can. Work and stay ready for whatever might be, but there is no chaos or bringing that to this team. They already have plenty of it. Trying to be as professional as I can and work my a– off for something else,” the 30-year-old informed.

On the other hand, Bradley Beal has taken charge of the Phoenix Suns’ second unit. But with his no-trade clause, he holds a lot of power in his hands. He signed a five-year, $251 million deal with the Wizards, leaving $110 million over two years. But then, even Jusuf Nurkic hasn’t been in a trade conversation. Considering that and that the Phoenix Suns are past the second tax apron, a sensible move is necessary and not a desperate one. The Phoenix Suns are reportedly eyeing Jimmy Butler. However, they lack the assets to secure a deal. A trade seems improbable unless multiple teams step in.

The Phoenix Suns are in chaos. Mike Budenholzer’s blunt style is shaking the locker room, with Jusuf Nurkic benched and in limbo. Bradley Beal, holding his no-trade clause, remains a wildcard. Trade rumors swirl as the team eyes Jimmy Butler but lacks the assets. With the clock ticking, the Suns face a defining moment. What’s their next move?