LOS ANGELES (AFP) — The Phoenix Suns fired head coach Mike Budenholzer on Monday after the team failed to reach the National Basketball Association (NBA) playoffs despite having the largest payroll in the league.

In a terse, one-line statement, the Suns said Budenholzer had been sacked after the team’s worst league finish since 2019.

“Competing at the highest level remains our goal, and we failed to meet expectations this season,” the statement said.

“Our fans deserve better. Change is needed.”

The Suns, who invested heavily in a roster which included Devin Booker, Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal, finished 11th in the Western Conference with a 36-46 record.

Phoenix’s payroll is reportedly around $220 million (194 million euros), the highest in the NBA, and around $16 million more than the Minnesota Timberwolves, who are next highest at around $204 million.

Budenholzer, who joined Phoenix on a five-year $50 million contract last year, is the second Suns coach to last only a single season.