Devin Booker’s loyalty to the Phoenix Suns has never really been in doubt. For years, the Suns have not entertained any offers, and Booker himself shut down speculation about wanting out and has remained the face of the franchise. But according to Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley, that might not remain the case any longer.
Buckley predicted that Booker could eventually request a trade if the Suns continue to get stuck in the Western Conference.
“This is a single-star squad that might have to punch above its weight class just to remain in the play-in tournament hunt. The Suns were widely regarded as overachievers this past season while tying for 13th in winning percentage and slotting 15th overall in net efficiency. They needed two play-in games to get one win, then lost all four of their first-round games by an average of 17.3 points.
“They have since spent smartly around the margins in free agency. They also burned an unprotected future first-round pick to acquire Miles Bridges, which… yikes. Phoenix was supposed to be past this level of problematic narrow-mindedness. The Bridges trade feels just like the Suns’ previous pursuits of instant gratification, only he doesn’t have the accolades Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal possessed.”
“Is this really the way Booker wants his career to play out? If not, what could the Suns possibly be selling him in terms of a direction change? Unless folks are super bullish on Jalen Green—a scoring specialist with a career 42.2/33.9/79.6 shooting slash—Booker doesn’t even have a co-star candidate on this roster.”
Booker is still firmly in his prime, averaging 26.1 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 6.0 assists while shooting 45.6% from the field and 33.0% from three-point range last season. He also has one of the richest contracts in NBA history. Booker will earn $57 million in 2026-27 and $61 million in 2027-28 as part of his previous four-year, $220 million extension. After that, his new two-year, $132.4 million extension will kick in, with projected salaries of $63.6 million in 2028-29 and a $68.7 million player option in 2029-30.
The Suns have made a massive financial commitment.
But the bigger question is whether the Suns can build a legitimate contender around him.
Last season, the Suns exceeded expectations. The Suns finished with a 45-37 record and secured the eighth seed in the West through the play-in tournament. Many predictions had them finishing outside the top 10. But the record does not tell the full story.
The Suns were quickly eliminated in the playoffs after getting swept in the first round by the Oklahoma City Thunder, losing every game in blowout fashion. The roster is not close enough to competing with the elite teams in the West.
The gap might be growing bigger. The San Antonio Spurs just reached the NBA Finals, and their stars have not even reached their prime. The Oklahoma City Thunder won the title last year, and they still have the deepest squad in the league. Even with the moves they have made this offseason, it’s difficult to argue they belong in the same tier.
The Suns have certainly tried their best. They acquired Miles Bridges to boost their frontcourt while adding veteran sharpshooter Luke Kennard. But none of these moves will change the ceiling of this team.
The Suns no longer have a superstar next to Booker. The team is hoping Jalen Green develops into that player, but it’s far from guaranteed.
And that’s where the concern begins. Booker has spent his entire career with the Suns and has carried them through rebuilding years and contention days.
Loyalty is admirable, but at one point every superstar wants to consistently contend for titles. By the time Booker’s current contract expires, he will be 33 years old. And those are the final prime years of an NBA superstar.
If the Suns spend the next one or two seasons stuck between the Play-In Tournament and a first-round exit, it’s fair to wonder whether Booker will want a different opportunity.
The NBA has repeatedly shown that the league’s most loyal stars reach a breaking point. And only time will tell if Booker reaches that point.
