Not LeBron James, ex-champ names Kevin Durant as real ‘coach killer’

Phoenix Suns head coach Mike Budenholzer was let go after failing to finish in the playoffs with Kevin Durant on the team.

Not LeBron James, ex-champ names Kevin Durant as real ‘coach killer’

Paul Pierce calls Kevin Durant a coach killer over LeBron James

LeBron James has often been considered a coach killer. He has gone through a fair share of coaches and many media members have used that to criticize his ability to win enough to help the coaches keep their jobs. Now however, the situation has pivoted to Kevin Durant.

The Phoenix Suns fired head coach Mike Budenholzer after just one season. They let him go despite the fact that he signed a five-year deal to turn their fortunes around. But their performances this season saw the team slide out of playoff contention after briefly starting the year hot.

Many felt Budenholzer was not being able to extract the best out of the team. He even took the tough decision to bench Bradley Beal and Jusuf Nurkic. But that too did not help matters as they continued to inconsistently perform.

Then arguments between him and Kevin Durant often showed up in between games. Even though the superstar clarified that it was part of how they try and make each other better, their results proved otherwise. Former champion Paul Pierce was asked if Durant is a coach killer.

I hate to say it, and not in a negative way, but he is. When you have a guy of KD’s caliber like him and LeBron, expectations come with them. So as a coach, if you don’t fulfill those expectations you’re always on the hot seat. He’s definitely a coach killer.

Paul Pierce said

The Boston Celtics legend outlined that whenever a coach comes in, they are under pressure to deliver. Team ownership and front offices think they have given a Hall of Famer in the form of Durant. Therefore, if a coach cannot get the results with him, they are on the hot seat.

What next for Kevin Durant

How the Phoenix Suns navigate these next few weeks will determine how their future goes. On one hand, head coaching candidates will be wary about joining the Suns and then be on the hot seat if things do not go to plan.

The Suns just went through three head coaches in three seasons with Kevin Durant on the team. The last two of them have won NBA championships with other teams, yet they could get the Suns into respectable positions.

Now Matt Ishbia and his top executives have to figure out how to deal with the situation. On one hand, they have enough proof that this roster is not working. They do not even have the draft picks to bring in prospects.

They are faced with a situation where they might have to blow the team up and start fresh. But for that, they need draft picks. The only way to get picks is to trade their top players. Durant vetoed a trade to the Warriors ahead of the deadline. But now the situation could force him out rather than wait for his approval.

Suns on the hook for $10 million over next four years to Mike Budenholzer

The Phoenix Suns first fired Monty Williams after signing him to an extension a year ago. Then they fired Frank Vogel after handing him a contract. Now after letting go of Mike Budenholzer, they are again on the hook.

As per ESPN, the 55-year-old coach had signed a five-year $50 million deal. That means the Suns will owe him $10 million in each of the next four seasons. Even if he does not find another job, the franchise will continue to pay him.

With Williams and Vogel’s firing, that puts a burden on owner Matt Ishbia. He is a billionaire and might not care about these figures as long as the team wins. But so far, those win at all cost methods have not worked out.