Mike Budenholzer’s Wild Paycheck Reality: $56 Million Without Coaching Until 2028
April 26, 2025 — In one of the wildest financial twists in recent NBA coaching history, Mike Budenholzer could walk away from the sidelines today and still collect a staggering $56 million by 2028 — without coaching another game.
Budenholzer, a former NBA Coach of the Year and championship winner with the Milwaukee Bucks, has recently been fired by the Phoenix Suns after just one season. Despite his early exit, the financial terms of his contracts guarantee him millions over the next several years.
It all traces back to August 2021, when Budenholzer signed a three-year contract extension with the Bucks after leading them to an NBA title. However, he was dismissed by Milwaukee in 2023 with two years remaining on that deal — and still owed a significant portion of his salary.
Then, in May 2024, Budenholzer inked a five-year, $50 million deal to coach the Phoenix Suns. But after a disappointing season and internal organizational changes, he was relieved of his duties in April 2025 — just one year into his new contract.
Between the Bucks’ remaining payments and the Suns’ massive commitment, Budenholzer is now set to receive an incredible $56 million through the 2028 season, regardless of whether he returns to coaching or not.
While Budenholzer could certainly return to an NBA bench if he chooses, the reality is he doesn’t have to. Financially, he’s secured one of the most remarkable buyout-plus-salary situations in league history.
NBA fans and insiders are calling it one of the craziest coaching sagas in recent memory, sparking debates about coaching contracts, front-office patience, and the high cost of chasing championships.
For now, Budenholzer can sit back — and cash in.
