Devin Booker finds himself in a tough situation.
The Phoenix Suns, for whom he plays, are in disarray. Starting the season with high hopes for a championship, they currently sit 10th in the Western Conference, struggling to secure a spot in the play-in tournament. They surprised Kevin Durant by trying to trade him in February, but he vetoed a trade to Golden State. Additionally, Bradley Beal faces trade rumors, even with his no-trade clause, and there are concerns about coach Mike Budenholzer’s job security.
With significant changes looming this offseason and their three superstar players on max contracts without substantial achievements, questions arise about Booker’s future. The 28-year-old recently signed a four-year, $224 million supermax extension through the 2027-28 season, leading many to wonder about his trade value.
In a recent interview, when asked if he could also be traded, Booker acknowledged that no one is guaranteed safety in the current NBA climate. He referenced Luka Doncic’s unexpected trade to the Lakers as a point of concern. “Look at the situation that got Luka here,” he remarked, reinforcing that the business nature of basketball is ever-present.
Despite Suns owner Mat Ishbia’s assurances that trading Booker is out of the question, signs of frustration are evident for him—especially after the Suns reached the NBA Finals in 2021 but haven’t advanced past the second round since. Reflecting on a recent visit to Los Angeles, Booker expressed how disheartening it is to witness his team’s decline from their previous success.
The Suns have a talented roster, including a coach with championship experience and multiple All-Stars like Booker and Beal, yet their performance has been disappointing. Booker pointed out that talent isn’t everything; the fundamental details and teamwork are crucial for success. Coach Budenholzer agreed that more effort is needed from everyone, including himself.
As the Suns have recently secured back-to-back wins, they face a challenging schedule ahead. Booker remains determined despite the ups and downs of his career with Phoenix, reflecting on how they managed to rise from the bottom of the league to the Finals just a few years ago. He remains hopeful they can achieve a turnaround again.
Despite missing the All-Star Game this season, Booker’s contributions have not gone unnoticed by his peers or team management, with Ishbia labeling him as an untouchable player. Booker’s journey reflects his growth into a critical player for the Suns, and he is eager to continue contributing to the team’s revival.
