If there’s one matter which Suns owner Mat Ishbia has had to address more than any other, it’s the future of star shooting guard Devin Booker.
While Booker (29) has yet to show any signs of disloyalty, there’s growing internal trepidation about what to do with his enormous contract, which now totals $263.6 million over the next four years. Without a meaningful playoff run since 2021, some fans have been pushing for the Suns to trade Booker, but the notorious team owner shot down the idea in his latest media press conference.
“Devin Booker’s our franchise player. I love Devin Booker,” said Ishbia in Thursday’s End of Season Livestream. “Devin Booker loves being here. Our coach loves Devin Booker, our GM loves Devin Booker, Devin Booker is going to be here,” said Ishbia. “He’s going to lead us to a championship, here in Phoenix. That’s what he’s gonna do, and we’re going to build the right team around him. He’s gonna get better, just like I’m gonna get better, just like everyone is gonna get better in our organization. At the same time, Devin Booker is who we want here, and he’s great for the city, great for the community. I’ll ride into a fire with Devin Booker, and I’ll do it proudly… Devin Booker is not getting traded. Devin Booker is our franchise player. We’re going to win a championship here with Devin Booker. I’m excited to do it and be next to him when we do that.”
The Devin Booker era began in Phoenix during 2015, when he was picked 13th overall in the draft. The 6’5″ guard made a strong impression right away, averaging 13.8 points, 2.5 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 0.6 steals, and 0.3 blocks per game on 42.5% shooting from the field and 34.3% shooting from three as a rookie. At just 23, he made his first All-Star team in Phoenix, posting a solid statline of 26.6 points, 4.2 rebounds, 6.5 assists, 0.7 steals, and 0.3 blocks per game on on 48.9% shooting and 35.4% shooting from three.
Despite his individual success, however, Booker has been unable to translate it into team prosperity. Aside from the 2020-21 campaign, when they reached the NBA Finals, Phoenix has a very limited playoff history with Booker, raising serious doubts about their partnership. Furthermore, with the former Kentucky star turning 30 in October, many critics argue that he no longer fits with the Suns’ current championship timeline.
After trading Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal, Phoenix adopted a younger identity centered around rising young players such as Jalen Green, Collin Gillespie, Mark Williams, and Grayson Allen. At his age, with his contract, there was an argument to be made that the Suns might be better off without Booker. Now, we know that he’s the only guy who’s not expendable, despite nearly being dealt to the Bulls before his rise to stardom.
While Booker could have formed a lucrative situation in places like Los Angeles or Houston, he only has eyes for Phoenix, and it only puts more pressure on Ishbia to reward his loyalty. So far, it’s been a revolving door of roster changes with limited results, but not all hope is lost. If the Suns can just make a few critical signings, their situation could go from dire to prestigious over one single summer. Either way, they owe it to Booker to make some critical improvements, and that’s why they must take action this summer to get him the help he so desperately needs.
