They were the two worst teams in the NBA this past regular season. Both could now be looking for new head coaches. According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Atlanta Hawks have granted head coach Mike Budenholzer permission to interview for the same role with the Phoenix Suns.
“The Atlanta Hawks have granted coach Mike Budenholzer permission to speak with the Phoenix Suns about their head-coaching vacancy,” the NBA insider reported. “Budenholzer is planning to meet with Suns officials early next week, league sources said.”
Budenholzer, 48, has coached the Hawks for the past five seasons — leading the team to a playoff appearance four times during that span. Unfortunately, Atlanta struggled to the tune of a 24-58 mark this past season with a gutted roster. Budenholzer reportedly has two years and $14 million remaining on his Hawks contract.
Meanwhile, Phoenix just wrapped up a league-worst 21-61 season under interim head coach Jay Triano after he replaced the fired Earl Watson early in the year.
It remains to be seen if there would be any compensation heading Atlanta’s way should the Suns decide to hire Budenholzer.