The Phoenix Suns are officially out of playoff contention and major changes are expected over the next few months. Ahead of his final game of the season, star shooting guard Devin Booker reflected on his time with Durant and revealed how much he’s learned in what could end up being their final days as NBA teammates.
“It’s been a joy. From my favorite player to a teammate, I don’t take it lightly, our relationship on and off the court,” said Booker, via Jake Garcia. “I learned so much from him and I’m still learning from him day to day.”
Booker, 28, has been the face of the Phoenix Suns since 2015 when he was drafted with the 13th overall pick. He led the Suns to the NBA Finals nearly four years ago but the franchise has fallen on hard times since they traded everything for Durant in 2023. This season, the Suns have been eliminated from postseason contention entirely, and yet Booker continues to play like his team still has a chance.
“It took a real Suns fan to be in there tonight,” said Booker. “I pay respect to the person that it was either their first time or maybe their last time ever seeing me play.”
The Suns had huge ambitions for their star-studded duo. Immediately after taking control, team owner Mat Ishbia sacrificed his team’s entire future just to make the deal but it was ultimately in vain given that the Suns have yet to make it past the first round.
This season, at 36-45, the Suns will be remembered as the league’s most disappointing team and the fans are calling for changes. With three years and $171 million left on his contract, we know that Devin Booker is going to stick around and he’s seen as the future of the franchise. That leaves Bradley Beal and Kevin Durant as the ones who might be leaving Phoenix.
Bradley Beal has been a disaster for the Suns and they’d like to get rid of him as soon as possible, but he’s got a no-trade clause that gives him complete control over his basketball future. The same is not the case for Kevin Durant, who would earn a nice return for the Suns in any potential trade.
With averages of 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4/2 assists per game this season, Durant is still one of the best players in the world at 36 years old and he’s an asset to any team with championship ambitions.
At this stage of his career, Durant would rather stay in Phoenix and continue to build his relationship with Devin Booker. He already denied a trade once in February (to the Golden State Warriors) but he may not have a choice if the Suns get a reasonable offer this summer.
With no young players or draft picks to lean on, the Suns have to build their team to win now but that’s much easier said than done. Considering how loaded the West is, the Suns will need a miracle to make a significant leap next season and many fans have already ruled them out as a threat.
Regardless of what happens next, Devin Booker will always look back with appreciation for his time with Kevin Durant. He’s his favorite player in the NBA and they formed a bond that will survive long after their final game together.
