PHOENIX – Phoenix Suns superstar guard Devin Booker has had a rocky relationship with head coach Mike Budenholzer in the past few weeks. The four-time All-Star was shocked when Budenholzer told him to “tone it down” vocally during timeouts and huddles. Asking the franchise cornerstone not to be a leader when the Suns are struggling is a confusing request.
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Feb 8, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns head coach Mike Budenholzer and Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) look on against the Denver Nuggets during the second half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
Since then, Booker has understandably grown distant from his head coach. The rumors of Budenholzer’s firing at the end of the season have gained more traction after the 28-year-old posted an old clip of himself talking about old Suns head coach Earl Watson.
Mar 14, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns head coach Earl Watson and guard Devin Booker (1) against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Suns defeated the Timberwolves 107-104. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Booker’s Instagram story:
Is Book suggesting Earl Watson come back? ???? pic.twitter.com/45cX5OoNUC
— Suns Uniform Tracker (@SunsUniTracker) March 15, 2025
The clip reposted on Booker’s Instagram story is a pinned video from Watson’s account, where the two-time All-NBA member discusses how vital his old head coach was to his development. He said that Watson deserves credit for “everything.” When he first got to Phoenix, the former Suns coach pushed him to be great through intense practices and one-on-ones.
Watson arrived in the Valley for the 2015-2016 season, Booker’s rookie season. He started as an assistant, but after the firing of Jeff Hornacek, Watson was promoted to head coach. During his tenure, Watson had a 33-85 record leading the franchise during a rebuild. The 45-year-old head coach has a famous beef with former Suns owner Robert Sarver, a massive reason for Watson’s departure and Sarver selling the team after ESPN’s Baxter Holmes story was released.
Feb 6, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns head coach Earl Watson (R) talks to guards Devin Booker (L) and Archie Goodwin (20) against the Utah Jazz at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Jazz won 98 – 89. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports
With Sarver gone, Watson would be welcome back with open arms, as current Suns owner Mat Ishbia is focused on making Booker happy. Phoenix stands as the 11th seed and is 1 1/2 games out of the play-in spot from the Dallas Mavericks. If the Suns can’t catch the Mavericks, Budenholzer is almost guaranteed to be let go. And now, with Booker’s Instagram story, Watson would easily be considered one of the favorites to land the vacate head coaching job from the Suns.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
