Mike Budenholzer’s story has taken an unexpected turn in recent months, with a scenario that not even the greatest sports analysts could have anticipated. The coach, known for his methodical approach and success leading the Milwaukee Bucks, went from being a central figure in the NBA to being sidelined for an extended period. However, what has surprised the sports community is not only his dismissal, but the financial situation that has allowed him to be in an even more lucrative position, despite not being active in the league until 2028.
Despite having a distinguished career with the Bucks, including winning the championship in 2021, Budenholzer was released by the Phoenix Suns after a season that fell short of the team’s expectations. This dismissal seemed like the end of his NBA journey, or at least that’s what the basketball world thought. However, what no one imagined was that, instead of disappearing from the radar, Budenholzer would take a forced hiatus, with a contract that would allow him to earn millions, even though he wasn’t managing a team.
Despite his absence from the court and the bench, Budenholzer continues to enjoy a financial stability that many active coaches lack. Thanks to the clauses in his release contract, the former Bucks coach is guaranteed a salary that makes him one of the highest-paid coaches in NBA history. Over the next few years, he is estimated to earn an impressive $56 million through 2028, without having to coach a single game.
This agreement highlights the peculiarities of NBA contracts, where buyout clauses and salary guarantees are so lucrative that even fired coaches can benefit. In a sport as competitive as basketball, where the pressure to win is ever-increasing, Budenholzer’s case highlights the ability of professionals to negotiate contracts that protect them financially, even if they fail to meet short-term expectations.
Although his name has been out of the headlines for a while, Budenholzer’s return to coaching a team in the future can’t be ruled out. His ability to lead the Bucks to a championship and his experience in the league continue to position him as a highly valued coach, even if he isn’t expected back until 2028. In the meantime, he’s enjoying his free time and his impressive salary, leaving a mark on the NBA that demonstrates how, sometimes, fortune and circumstance can be even more powerful than tenure.
This case is a lesson in the great opportunities and, at the same time, the risks faced by coaches and players in the NBA. While not all dismissals are so lucrative, Mike Budenholzer’s story will undoubtedly go down as one of the most surprising in the league’s recent history.
In short, Mike Budenholzer is a clear example that the NBA doesn’t always follow the logic we expect. With his dismissal from the Phoenix Suns, the coach is away from basketball until 2028, but his impressive contract will keep him in a privileged financial position for the coming years. An unexpected, but no less fascinating, twist in the world of professional sports.
