Report: Bucks need deep playoff run for Budenholzer to keep job
A first- or second-round playoff exit will likely spell the end of Mike Budenholzer's tenure as Milwaukee Bucks head coach, sources told The Athletic's Shams Charania and Sam Amick.
Budenholzer has one year remaining on his contract.
The team may also reportedly fire the 51-year-old if the Bucks advance to the Eastern Conference finals but perform poorly at that stage.
Prior to last summer's disappointing second-round loss to the Miami Heat, the Bucks collapsed in the 2019 Eastern Conference finals, blowing a 2-0 series lead to the eventual title-winning Toronto Raptors.
However, despite Budenholzer's previous issues with making adjustments in the postseason, the organization is reportedly optimistic. The Bucks are 41-24 (.631) overall and 5-1 against the Brooklyn Nets and Philadelphia 76ers.
The Bucks own a 154-63 (.710) record since Budenholzer came on board in 2018. A number of players have enjoyed breakout or resurgent years under his stewardship - chief among them, two-time reigning league MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Others who have seemingly benefited from Budenholzer's arrival include two-time All-Star Khris Middleton and veteran big man Brook Lopez, who's rebranded himself as a key floor-spacing, shot-blocking roleplayer.