NBA officials
April 16, 2025 – Game played April 15
The NBA’s Last Two Minute Report revealed two incorrect calls and two missed calls in the final 2 minutes of Golden State’s 121-116 win over Memphis.
Wrong foul call on Brandin Podziemski and incorrect out-of-bounds ruling favored the Warriors. Missed foul on Draymond Green and offensive goaltending by Zach Edey also noted. One correct call: Memphis 5-second violation.
Michael Malone, Calvin Booth, Josh Kroenke (Denver Nuggets)
April 2025
Nuggets vice chairman Josh Kroenke fired head coach Michael Malone and GM Calvin Booth last week, citing internal dysfunction and a need to “rejuvenate” the team’s energy ahead of the playoffs—despite their recent success and 2023 championship.
Kroenke said long-standing disagreements between Malone and Booth created a toxic environment. He made the move after an eight-game win streak masked deeper issues. Ben Tenzer has been named interim GM as Denver begins its playoff run as the 4th seed.
Mike Budenholzer (Phoenix Suns)
April 2025
The Phoenix Suns have fired head coach Mike Budenholzer after a disappointing 36–46 season and failure to make the playoffs, despite holding the NBA’s largest payroll.
Budenholzer struggled to connect with the roster, including star Devin Booker. The Suns became just the third team in history to start 8–1 and still miss the postseason. Phoenix will begin a wide-ranging coaching search and explore offseason trades involving Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal as the franchise prepares to retool around Booker.
Nico Harrison, Luka Doncic, (Los Angeles Lakers), Anthony Davis (Dallas Mavericks)
April 2025
Mavericks GM Nico Harrison doubled down on his controversial decision to trade franchise star Luka Doncic to the Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis, citing a long-term philosophy that “defense wins championships.”
The move, made without consulting Doncic, Mark Cuban, or Dirk Nowitzki, has been met with fan outrage and criticism. Harrison believes Davis and Irving form a “championship-caliber” core, despite injuries derailing a 39–43 season. He remains confident the team’s new defensive identity will win back trust.
Trae Young (Atlanta Hawks)
April 2025
Trae Young was ejected from Atlanta’s 120–95 play-in loss to Orlando after receiving two technical fouls—one for firing a pass at a referee and another for kicking the ball away, actions the NBA deemed as “making a mockery of the game.”
Frustrated with what he felt was inconsistent officiating, Young said he acted to defend teammates like Dyson Daniels. Despite leading all scorers with 28 points, his ejection came with 4:47 left and Atlanta trailing by 22. The Hawks will face the winner of Bulls vs. Heat for the No. 8 seed.
Joe Dumars (New Orleans Pelicans)
April 2025
Hall of Famer Joe Dumars is finalizing a deal to become the New Orleans Pelicans’ new president of basketball operations, replacing David Griffin after the team’s 21–61 season.
Dumars brings a championship pedigree as both player and executive, having built the 2004 Pistons title team. He will work closely with GM Bryson Graham and coach Willie Green, and address Zion Williamson’s uncertain future after years of injuries.
Michael Malone, Calvin Booth, Josh Kroenke (Denver Nuggets)
April 15, 2025
Nuggets vice chairman Josh Kroenke revealed he fired head coach Michael Malone and GM Calvin Booth due to internal discord despite the team’s playoff position and recent success, citing deteriorating behind-the-scenes dynamics.
Kroenke delayed the decision multiple times but said clashes over roster direction created a toxic atmosphere. Despite their roles in delivering Denver’s only NBA title, both were dismissed to “rejuvenate” the team. Interim coach David Adelman is 3-0.
Mike Budenholzer (Phoenix Suns)
April 15, 2025
The Phoenix Suns have fired head coach Mike Budenholzer after finishing 36–46 and missing both the playoffs and play-in tournament, despite holding the largest payroll in NBA history.
Budenholzer reportedly struggled to connect with the locker room, including franchise cornerstone Devin Booker. Phoenix is expected to explore trades for Kevin Durant and evaluate Bradley Beal’s future as owner Mat Ishbia prepares a major offseason reset.
David Griffin (New Orleans Pelicans)
April 15, 2025
The Pelicans have fired executive VP of basketball operations David Griffin after a disappointing 21–61 season — the franchise’s second-worst since relocating to New Orleans — plagued by major injuries and missed playoff expectations.
Despite assembling a talented roster, Griffin never saw his core play together consistently due to injuries to Zion Williamson, Dejounte Murray, Brandon Ingram, and others. Griffin exits with a 209–263 record and only two playoff appearances in six years.
Chauncey Billups (Portland Trail Blazers)
April 2025
Portland Trail Blazers have signed head coach Chauncey Billups to a multiyear contract extension as he wraps up the final year of his original deal. GM Joe Cronin also received an extension to solidify the franchise’s leadership.
Despite missing the playoffs, Portland posted a 22–18 record since Jan. 19, ranking top 5 in NBA defense. Billups has been praised for culture-building and player development across one of the league’s youngest rosters.
