The Suns have fired coach Mike Budenholzer after missing the NBA playoffs and play-in tournament with the largest payroll in league history, sources told ESPN's Shams Charania.
The Pelicans have fired executive vice president David Griffin after six years as the team's head of basketball operations. The Pelicans had a 209-263 record and twice made the playoffs during his tenure.
The Thunder and reigning champion Celtics are the consensus favorites to win this season's title, showing +180 and +190 odds, respectively, at ESPN BET.