Press Release

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Phoenix Suns

PHOENIX – The Phoenix Suns have named Mike Budenholzer, an NBA championship head coach and two-time recipient of both the NBA Coach of the Year and NBCA Coach of the Year awards, as head coach.

“We’re excited to name Mike as the head coach of the Phoenix Suns and bring him back to his home state of Arizona,” said Mat Ishbia, owner of the Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury. “Mike has proven himself to be among the most successful head coaches in the NBA. He is the right leader to take us to the next level and reach our championship goals.”

Budenholzer, an Arizona native, joins the Suns with a .604 (484-317) career winning percentage in 10 seasons as an NBA head coach. He is one of just five NBA head coaches in the last 45 years to have won an NBA championship and hold a career winning percentage over .600 along with Phil Jackson, Steve Kerr, Pat Riley and Gregg Popovich. In his 10 seasons as a head coach, Budenholzer has guided his teams to six division titles and earned a No. 1 seed in the playoffs four times, winning NBA Coach of the Year honors in 2015 and 2019 while his peers recognized him as the NBCA Coach of the Year in 2019 and 2020. He is one of just 11 coaches in NBA history to have won NBA Coach of the Year multiple times.

“Mike’s exceptional basketball acumen, championship pedigree and his standing as one of the NBA’s premier coaches will be invaluable as we compete for a championship,” said President of Basketball Operations and General Manager James Jones. “We’re confident that under his leadership our team will reach new levels of success.”

Named the 22nd head coach in Suns history, Budenholzer spent five seasons each as head coach of the Atlanta Hawks (2013-18) and Milwaukee Bucks (2018-23), guiding the Hawks to a franchise record 60 wins in 2014-15 and leading the Bucks past the Suns in the 2021 NBA Finals. Budenholzer has led his teams to the playoffs in nine of his 10 seasons as a head coach, reaching the Conference Semifinals six times and the Conference Finals on three occasions. His .538 winning percentage over 104 career playoff games is 11th-best in NBA history among coaches with over 100 career playoff games.

“I am honored to be named head coach of the Phoenix Suns, the team I grew up watching,” said Budenholzer. “I would like to thank Mat Ishbia, Josh Bartelstein and James Jones for the opportunity to lead this team. I’m grateful to have a talented roster of players who are ready to compete and play a style of basketball that will bring out the best in all of them, and bring them together as we compete for championships.”

Prior to his first NBA head coaching position with Atlanta in 2013, Budenholzer spent 17 seasons as an assistant coach with the San Antonio Spurs on Popovich’s staff. He helped the Spurs win four NBA championships during his time as an assistant coach. A graduate of Pomona College, where he played both basketball and golf, Budenholzer played and coached in Denmark before first joining the Spurs as a video coordinator in 1994.

From Holbrook, Arizona, Budenholzer’s father, Vince Budenholzer, long served as the head coach of the Holbrook High School boys basketball team and is a member of the Arizona High School Athletic Coaches Hall of Fame. The court at Holbrook High School is named Budenholzer Court in dedication to the Budenholzer family.

Note: Budenholzer’s last name is pronounced BOO-den-holz-er.

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SUNS NAME TWO-TIME NBA COACH OF THE YEAR AND ARIZONA NATIVE MIKE BUDENHOLZER HEAD COACH

Radio: 98.7 Arizona's Sports Radio Station & KSUN La Mejor 1400 AM/106.5 FM

Grayson Allen - QUESTIONABLE (Right Ankle Sprain)

Damion Lee - OUT (Right Meniscus Surgery)

MINNEAPOLIS – The Suns (0-1) opened up their 2024 postseason campaign with a 120-95 loss to the Timberwolves (1-0) in Game 1 on April 20. Phoenix led at the end of the first quarter, 28-27, before being outscored 34-23 in the second to trail by 10 (61-51) at halftime. Phoenix was unable to answer Minnesota’s second quarter, as the Timberwolves outscored the Suns 31-21 in the third quarter and 28-23 in the fourth. Minnesota finished with 13 more shot attempts, finishing 50% (44-of-88) on the night, while limiting Phoenix to 44% shooting (33-of-75). The Timberwolves won the battle of the boards, out-rebounding the Suns 52-28, and totaled 13 offensive rebounds, leading to 20 second-chance points. Kevin Durant led the Suns offense with 31 points on 11-of-27 shooting to go along with 7 rebounds and a block. The game marked Durant’s 127th-career 25+ point game, moving him into sole possession of third for the post such performances in NBA postseason history. Devin Booker added 18 points and 5 assists, while Bradley Beal tallied 15 points, 6 assists and 3 steals. Royce O’Neale led all Suns reserves with 14 points and 4 rebounds in 26 minutes off the bench.

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Suns at Timberwolves Game 2 Preview

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PHOENIX – The Phoenix Suns today announced that the team has signed guard Grayson Allen to a multi-year contract extension.

“Grayson embodies our values and we are committed to him being a key member of our core as we continue to build together into the future,” said Phoenix Suns President of Basketball Operations and General Manager James Jones. “He has been outstanding for us this season, leading the league in three-point shooting while providing a versatile skillset and competitive spirit on both ends of the floor. Phoenix has become a home for Grayson and his family, and we are thrilled that they want to be part of this community and our winning culture for years to come.”

The NBA’s league leader in three-point percentage for the 2023-24 season, Allen posted career highs across the board in his first season with the Suns, averaging 13.5 points on 49.9% shooting from the field and 46.1% from three-point range, 3.9 rebounds and 3.0 assists in 33.5 minutes over 75 games (starting 74). He recorded eight games with 25-plus points, including twice scoring his season high of 32 (Dec. 25 vs. Dallas, March 20 vs. Philadelphia). Allen received the 2023-24 Majerle Hustle Award, presented at the end of each regular season to the Suns player who most personified the same hustle, grit and determination that Suns Ring of Honor member Dan Majerle displayed as a player.

“I love being in Phoenix and believe in what we can achieve here,” said Allen. “Thank you to Mat Ishbia and the organization for embracing me. I’m excited to make a long-term commitment to remain in this community and continue building with this team.”

Allen became the first-ever Suns player to lead the NBA in three-point percentage for a season and his 46.1% mark with 205 three-pointers made stands as the fifth-highest single-season percentage in NBA history by a player to make at least 200 three-pointers. He tied the Suns single-game record by making nine three-pointers on three occasions and tallied seven games making at least eight three-pointers, trailing only Golden State’s Stephen Curry for the most such performances in the league this season.

A six-year NBA veteran, Allen holds career averages of 10.5 points on 45.2% from the field, 41.2% from three-point range and 86.6% from the free throw line in 339 games with the Suns, Milwaukee Bucks, Memphis Grizzlies and Utah Jazz. He has averaged double figures scoring in each of the last four seasons and is one of only three players in the NBA to shoot over 39% from three-point range in each of the last five seasons. The 28-year-old entered the league as the 21st overall pick of the 2018 NBA Draft by Utah, following a standout four-year career at Duke University.

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SUNS SIGN GUARD GRAYSON ALLEN TO CONTRACT EXTENSION

PHOENIX – Phoenix Suns/Phoenix Mercury Foundation today announced the 2023-24 Devin Booker Starting Five grants which will fund two basketball court renovations and three learning centers. The grants complete Booker’s $2.5 million pledge announced in 2019 which has funded 25 grants to support the local community and positively impact children and families in need across Arizona.

“Devin is passionate about giving back to the Phoenix community and his Starting Five program demonstrates his commitment to support nonprofits here in Arizona and continues to make a difference in the lives of thousands of children and families throughout the Valley,” said Sarah Krahenbuhl, executive director of Phoenix Suns/Phoenix Mercury Foundation.

Two Phoenix parks, including Central Park and Palomino Park, managed by City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department, will each receive funds to renovate a basketball court featuring a Devin Booker Starting Five mural painted by local artists.

The grants will extend into the classroom with the creation of learning centers at three nonprofits in the Valley.

Court renovations and development of the learning centers will begin in the fall.

To commemorate the 2023-24 Devin Booker Starting Five grant recipients, Booker and Phoenix Suns/Phoenix Mercury Foundation will team up with an artist to create a limited-edition apparel line available in the 2024-25 NBA season. &nbsp;&nbsp;

This year’s Devin Booker Starting Five grant follows the recent announcement of Booker’s role as a Jr. Mercury Legacy League All-Star Ambassador to expand scholarships to young female athletes participating in YMCA youth basketball leagues across the Valley.

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PHOENIX SUNS/PHOENIX MERCURY FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES 2023-24 DEVIN BOOKER STARTING FIVE GRANT RECIPIENTS

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PHOENIX – The Phoenix Suns, Phoenix Mercury and Cleveland Avenue, a global venture capital firm specializing in investments in lifestyle consumer brands and technology companies, today announced a partnership that will introduce Cleveland Avenue’s industry leading portfolio of brands, including Artificial Intelligence (AI) and robotics, to establish Footprint Center as a hub for innovation, sustainability, unique culinary experiences and testing ground for cutting-edge technologies.

“Our partnership with Cleveland Avenue is rooted in innovation and future-forward thinking,” said Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury Chief Executive Officer Josh Bartelstein. “Together, we will implement modern, state-of-the-art technologies that will provide our fans unprecedented experiences and services at every game, concert and event.”

“Cleveland Avenue stands at the intersection of insight and opportunity within the fan experience landscape, uniting founders, investment partners and global visionaries,” said Don Thompson, Founder & CEO, Cleveland Avenue, LLC. “Our partnership with the Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury is a shared vision around innovation, entrepreneurship and making a positive impact in our communities.”

Cleveland Avenue is also one of the principal owners of Footprint, the official sustainability partner of the Suns and Mercury. Cleveland Avenue’s innovative food and beverage technologies will be integrated into suites and concessions alongside Footprint’s eco-friendly packaging solutions by the end of the year.  

“We’re excited to partner with Cleveland Avenue and raise the bar on fan experience,” said Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury Executive Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer Dan Costello. “The arena has served as an innovation lab for Footprint’s sustainable packaging solutions and now we will have the opportunity to implement and test other cutting-edge technologies.”  

Cleveland Avenue’s strategic partnerships are a key ingredient in driving successful outcomes for innovative entrepreneurs. 

About Cleveland AvenueCleveland Avenue is a global venture capital firm that invests in lifestyle consumer brands and technology companies that positively disrupt large and growing markets. To learn more, visit www.clevelandavenue.com.

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PHOENIX SUNS, PHOENIX MERCURY AND CLEVELAND AVENUE ANNOUNCE INNOVATION AND COLLABORATION ALLIANCE TO TRANSFORM FAN EXPERIENCE

PHOENIX, March 7, 2024 – The National Basketball Association (NBA) announced today that Phoenix has been selected to host NBA All-Star 2027.  The 76th NBA All-Star Game will take place at Footprint Center, home of the Phoenix Suns, on Sunday, Feb. 21, 2027.  NBA All-Star 2027 will mark the city’s fourth NBA All-Star, having hosted the event in 1975, 1995 and 2009.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver made the announcement today during a press conference at Footprint Center, where he was joined by Suns Chairman Mat Ishbia and Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs, with a recorded message from Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego.

“Our NBA All-Star festivities in 2027 will showcase Phoenix’s love of everything basketball,” said Silver. “And we couldn’t be more excited to work with Mat Ishbia and the entire Suns organization for what promises to be an unforgettable celebration of our sport.”

“Phoenix is the ultimate basketball destination and we are excited for fans from around the world to experience our amazing city,” said Ishbia. “We will provide an NBA All-Star Weekend unlike any other, showcasing the passion of our fans, our city, and everything that we’re building here. Thank you to the NBA and the entire Phoenix community for rallying together to bring this marquee event to Phoenix and show the world what we are all about.”

“We are excited to welcome the NBA and basketball fans to the great state of Arizona for NBA All-Star 2027.  Arizona is a premier destination for sports and entertainment, and we look forward to showing fans everything that our state has to offer,” said Governor Hobbs. “Mat Ishbia and the Phoenix Suns have elevated Phoenix as one of the greatest basketball cities in the world and we are so proud to host this iconic event together.” 

“The City of Phoenix is thrilled to host NBA All-Star 2027.  Our city is no stranger to hosting major sports and entertainment events and this is another opportunity to put Phoenix on the global stage,” said Mayor Gallego. “NBA All-Star will bring excitement and energy to the city along with significant economic impact.  Thank you to the NBA and the Phoenix Suns for the opportunity to welcome fans from around the world to our incredible city for what will be a memorable All-Star weekend.”

NBA All-Star on-court events will tip off on Friday, Feb. 19 at Footprint Center with NBA Rising Stars, an annual showcase for top rookies and second-year NBA players.  On Feb. 20, State Farm All-Star Saturday Night will feature the Kia Skills Challenge, the STARRY 3-Point Challenge and AT&T Slam Dunk.  NBA All-Star 2027 will culminate with the NBA All-Star Game on Sunday, Feb. 21.

The NBA will also host several events for fans of all ages at venues throughout Phoenix, including NBA All-Star Practice presented by AT&T, the Ruffles NBA All-Star Celebrity Game and an NBA All-Star fan fest, featuring basketball programming and entertainment as well as up-close access to NBA players, legends and celebrities. 

The league will also continue to celebrate its commitment to social responsibility with a full schedule of NBA Cares events during NBA All-Star 2027.  Through partnerships with schools, local and national nonprofit organizations, the league will reach thousands of children and families in Phoenix and the surrounding areas and provide critical resources to community-based programs.

Phoenix will additionally serve as host to WNBA All-Star festivities in 2024.

Phoenix most recently hosted NBA All-Star in 2009, when the Los Angeles Lakers’ Kobe Bryant (27 points) and the Suns’ Shaquille O’Neal (17 points in 11 minutes) shared All-Star Game MVP honors after leading the Western Conference to a 146-119 victory over the Eastern Conference.  In Rising Stars, Kevin Durant scored an event-record 46 points as a second-year NBA player with the Oklahoma City Thunder.

When NBA All-Star 1995 was held in Phoenix, the Sacramento Kings’ Mitch Richmond scored 23 points off the bench to earn the MVP award and help the Western Conference defeat the Eastern Conference 139-112 in the NBA All-Star Game.  In addition, Miami Heat players won both the Slam Dunk competition (Harold Miner) and the 3-Point Contest (Glen Rice). 

The 25th NBA All-Star Game took place in 1975 in Phoenix, where the New York Knicks’ Walt Frazier scored 30 points in an MVP-winning performance to lift the Eastern Conference past the Western Conference 108-102.

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PHOENIX TO HOST NBA ALL-STAR 2027

The Phoenix Suns today announced that the team has signed free agent forward Ish Wainright to a two-way contract. Earlier today, the Suns waived guard Théo Maledon.

Wainright (6’-5”, 235 pounds) is in his third NBA season, having totaled 20 points across 46 minutes in seven games with the Portland Trail Blazers earlier in 2023-24. The 29-year-old played his first two NBA seasons with the Suns from 2021 to 2023, playing a career-high 60 games and averaging career bests of 4.2 points, 2.3 rebounds and 15.3 minutes last season.

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SUNS SIGN FORWARD ISH WAINRIGHT

The Phoenix Suns today announced that the team has signed free agent forward Thaddeus Young.

“Thad is a highly respected veteran player who makes us a better team in our pursuit of winning an NBA Championship,” said James Jones, Suns president of basketball operations and general manager. “Thad is extremely intelligent and plays with a competitive intensity. His size and defensive abilities add versatility to our roster.”

Young (6’-8”, 225 pounds) ranks third among active NBA players with 1,162 career games played, trailing only LeBron James and Chris Paul, and fourth among active players with 1,607 career steals, trailing only Paul, James and Russell Westbrook. Winner of the 2020-21 NBA Hustle Award, which honors the player that makes the energy and effort plays to help his team win, Young also ranks seventh among active players with 2,279 career offensive rebounds and is one of just 36 players in NBA history to total at least 1,600 career steals.

Currently in his 17th year in the NBA, Young averaged 5.0 points on 62.1% shooting, 3.3 rebounds and 2.2 assists in 15.2 minutes over 23 games with the Raptors this season. The 35-year-old holds career averages of 12.2 points on 50.3% shooting, 5.7 rebounds and 1.4 steals in 1,162 games with Philadelphia, Minnesota, Brooklyn, Indiana, Chicago, San Antonio and Toronto. Young has also appeared in 57 career playoff games (33 starts) across nine trips to the postseason, averaging 9.5 points on 46.8% shooting, 5.8 rebounds and 1.1 steals. The 12th overall pick by the 76ers in the 2007 NBA Draft, Young played his first seven seasons in Philadelphia, earning All-Rookie Second Team honors in 2007-08.

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SUNS SIGN FORWARD THADDEUS YOUNG

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