With the trade deadline now behind, the Phoenix Suns face the challenge of finishing out the final 32 games of the season while hoping to secure a postseason spot. This task will be tricky, especially given the team’s inconsistency and lack of confidence in their ability to make a serious impact. Despite the talent they possess, Phoenix still struggles with significant issues.
Even bigger concerns loom ahead. The offseason will be here soon, and after the Suns considered offers for Kevin Durant, the big question is: What happens next? Will Durant stay and sign an extension? Will he be traded? And is he frustrated that Phoenix even entertained trade talks?
For many Suns fans, a potential rebuild seems more and more likely. If Durant leaves, what happens to Devin Booker?
Only recently, Booker achieved a historic milestone, surpassing Walter Davis to become the all-time leading scorer in Suns history. A player adored by the fan base now stands at the top.
Booker recently dedicated a basketball court in North Phoenix, filled with elements reflecting his influence. His connection to the community and fan base is rare in today’s NBA, where player movement has become the norm. And the fan base certainly values this connection.
When was the last time you attended a Phoenix Suns game? Did you hear the starting five announced? Without question, the most beloved Sun on this team is Devin Armani Booker.
But can Booker endure another rebuild or retool? In his ten years with the Suns, he has experienced plenty, unfortunately much of it involves losing. Across 643 games with the Suns, he’s lost 329 of them, giving him a .488 winning percentage. That uncertainty weighs heavily on people’s minds. If Durant leaves, could Booker follow him?
Speaking on ESPN’s The Hoop Collective last Friday, Brian Windhorst stated, “I have to say, I don’t think they’re going to trade Devin Booker. Devin Booker wants to be there.”
“Devin Booker,” Windhorst added, “wants to be a Phoenix Sun for his whole career.”
The Suns must make it worth Booker’s while to stay. One advantage they have is Mat Ishbia, who is determined to do whatever it takes to bring a winner to Phoenix. Though this past season has been awkwardly handled, there’s still plenty of time to build around Booker, who is 28, in his prime, and a player worth investing in for the future. While there are assets to be gained by trading him, that’s not the right move at this time.
If the Suns plan to trade Durant this summer and gather assets, they should go for it, especially if Durant is upset enough to leave. The real problem, however, is Bradley Beal—he should be the one moved. The Suns should focus on building around Booker and KD, though that’s not the direction they are currently heading.
So, if Durant must be traded, then let it happen. Stick with Beal’s contract, and when Booker reaches 30, begin to retool around him.
The crucial point is knowing that Booker wants to stay. That loyalty is vital. You honor it, cherish it, and build a winning team around it. Hopefully, the Suns get it right next time.
