In an era of increasing player mobility, phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker stands out as a model of franchise loyalty. Now an 11-year veteran and recent All-Star selection, Booker’s sustained commitment to the Suns-despite periods of both contention and rebuild-is increasingly rare in the modern NBA. This article examines Booker’s unique position as a stabilizing force in Phoenix, and how his dedication contrasts sharply with the transient careers of many of his peers as the league approaches its trade deadline.
Check out Devin Booker’s best plays this season after he was named an All-Star reserve.
Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker is a rare constant in today’s NBA, a testament to loyalty and consistent performance in an era defined by player movement. Even after being named an All-Star reserve, Booker remains firmly rooted in Phoenix, a decade-long run that sets him apart from his peers.
As the NBA trade deadline approaches, teams across the league are scrambling to make adjustments, but Booker’s name hasn’t surfaced in trade rumors. This stability is increasingly uncommon, and Booker’s commitment to the Suns is a striking anomaly.
Only a handful of active players can boast ten or more seasons with a single franchise: Stephen Curry and Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors, Joel Embiid with the Philadelphia 76ers, Nikola Jokić with the Denver Nuggets, and Jaylen Brown, who is nearing the milestone with the Boston Celtics. Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future with the Milwaukee Bucks is also a topic of discussion, though his long-term commitment remains uncertain.
At 29, Booker’s endurance and dedication are remarkable. His longevity with the Suns has spanned administrative changes, rebuilds, playoff contention, and periods of struggle. He’s seen it all in Phoenix, and he’s remained a central figure throughout.
Devin Booker nails a triple from the left corner to surpass Walter Davis and claim the top spot on the Suns’ career points leaderboard.
“When I started, we were at the bottom,” Booker said. “Later, I went to the Finals, two games away from winning it all. Obviously, the last two years, those have been some down years. I’ve stuck with it through thick and thin. We’re on a great trajectory right now. Especially after our last two years. We have a lot of youth, we have a lot of young players with potential growth and at the same time we have players who are ready to play great right now.”
This season offers renewed hope for the Suns, who are one of the league’s biggest surprises despite losing Kevin Durant last summer. A new coach, Jordan Ott, and a revamped roster seem to be clicking, and Booker is at the heart of it all.
The Suns are firmly in the playoff hunt in the competitive Western Conference. Ott is maximizing a roster built around Booker, the team’s lone All-Star, and a core of career role players. Despite a recent setback with Booker sidelined due to an ankle sprain sustained on January 25, the team was 11 games over .500 before the injury.
Booker is averaging 25.4 points and 6.2 assists per game, numbers consistent with his career averages, but his impact extends far beyond the stat sheet.
“How he thinks is different,” said Ott. “He’s so intentional with everything he does. How he behaves, how he acts every day, is just different. He has all the right stuff. And on the court, it’s the same thing.
“He has a routine, he wants to get better and he shows up every game to play as hard as he can, defensively. Offensively does a great job reading the defense and involving his teammates. He just plays the right way.”
In contrast to Booker’s stability, other players have frequently changed teams. Dennis Schröder, recently traded from Sacramento to Cleveland, is the second-most traded player in NBA history. Russell Westbrook, once a cornerstone of the Oklahoma City Thunder alongside Kevin Durant and James Harden, is now on his sixth team in the last seven seasons. Durant and Harden themselves have played for a combined eight teams since leaving OKC, and Harden’s future remains uncertain.
Even established stars like LeBron James have worn multiple uniforms throughout their careers, playing for Cleveland, Miami, and the Los Angeles Lakers across multiple stints. Players like Damian Lillard (Portland to Milwaukee) and Dwyane Wade (Miami to Chicago to Cleveland and back to Miami) also changed teams late in their careers.
Booker has navigated eight coaching changes, two ownership transitions, and countless roster moves, yet the Suns have consistently valued him as a core piece of their franchise. That commitment was solidified last summer with a two-year, $145 million contract extension.
Highlights from Devin Booker’s 31-point performance against the New York Knicks.
“People are surprised,” Booker said. “I’m not surprised. We had a long training camp. We got the team together before training camp. Obviously, you hear the expectations from everybody else on the outside, but everybody works on this team. Coaches came in and they’re great to be a part of. We came in to get better every day, whether you won or lost and that’s a good telltale sign.”
Booker is embracing his leadership role on this latest Suns iteration. “It’s my second nature,” he said. “I realize there are different forms of leadership. You can lead by example and by what you do, and by voice. I’ve developed relationships with these guys, kind of taken their temperature first to see what can work best for each player in how I approach them.”
He’s aligned with owner Mat Ishbia and general manager Brian Gregory as they chart a new course for the franchise, aiming to maximize Booker’s prime years. After shedding significant contracts, the Suns are positioned to make strategic moves in the future.
“My communication with the organization has always been at a high level,” he said. “They’ve entrusted me, so that’s a great honor to have, to have the trust of your organization.”
Booker acknowledges that his situation is unique, and that player movement is often driven by factors beyond a player’s control. “What you realize is everybody blames the players in these situations,” he said, “but it’s not always up to the players. Luka Dončić probably thought he would be in Dallas forever. It’s two-sided. Organizations are either win-now or build-their-young-core now. If you don’t fit into those two boxes, it’s kind of hard to adjust.”
Ultimately, success hinges on alignment between stars, management, and ownership. “Our situation, culture and environment are important in this league,” Booker said. “You want to be somewhere where everybody’s on the same page, where everybody wants to win. I can tell you that there are no ulterior motives going on here. Everybody here wants to win.”
Despite Jalen Green missing 45 games with a hamstring injury, the Suns have found success, with players like Dillon Brooks and Collin Gillespie stepping up. The team’s chemistry and Booker’s enthusiasm are palpable.
The future remains uncertain for this Suns team, but one thing is clear: Devin Booker isn’t going anywhere.
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Shaun Powell has covered the NBA since 1985. You can e-mail him at spowell@nba.com, find his archive here and follow him on X.
