Heading into the 2024-25 NBA season, the Suns had championship aspirations. With a superstar trio of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal, fans and analysts alike believed Phoenix would be a top contender in the West.
However, things didn’t go as planned. The Suns finished with a dismal 36-46 record and missed the playoffs entirely — an outcome no one expected and one that immediately sparked speculation about a possible roster overhaul.
In the aftermath of the season, whispers of a complete reset grew louder, with one rumor making the most noise: Booker could be on the trading block. But now, NBA insider Marc Stein has shed light on what’s happening in Phoenix.
Phoenix Suns Have No Plans To Let Go of Devin Booker
Appearing on a recent episode of the PHNX Suns Podcast, Stein said the Suns have made it clear they have no intention of trading Booker.
“I think teams still look at Devin Booker not being available,” Stein said. “I think the Suns and Devin Booker have both made it pretty clear they want to carry on together. So, I think—now, look—will a team or two or three test that resolve? Probably. I mean, teams love to make those calls even after the Suns might say [no]….
“I think Mat Ishbia has been pretty clear that the Suns do not want to move Devin Booker. But will that ultimately scare teams off? I guess we’ll see.”
Stein’s words carry weight — not only because of his credibility, but also because they align with recent comments from the Suns’ owner, Ishbia. After the Suns were eliminated from postseason contention, Ishbia didn’t hide his frustration. He publicly acknowledged that a full reset was on the table. Yet even in that moment, he made one thing abundantly clear: the $220 million franchise cornerstone is not going anywhere.
“He’s the franchise player, he’s done amazing things. I speak with him and we’re very aligned with what we want to do. His mission and my mission are very similar — let’s bring a championship to Phoenix,” Ishbia said about Booker, per ESPN.
Booker remains a solid player despite the Suns’ shortcomings. He wrapped up the 2024-25 season averaging 25.6 points and 7.1 assists per game.
However, the Suns don’t have many other trade options. Beal has a no-trade clause in his contract. That initially shifted attention to Durant as the most likely trade chip. However, Stein also noted during the podcast that Phoenix may ultimately pursue “a resolution” with Durant rather than explore a trade this offseason.
So in the end, despite the noise, Booker may not be going anywhere.
Booker Wants to Stay With the Suns
While Stein’s comments confirm that the Suns have no plans to move Booker, the sentiment is even stronger considering Booker’s own stance.
In an interview with Logan Murdock of The Ringer, Booker reiterated his commitment to staying in Phoenix for the entirety of his career.
“It’s not always greener on the other side. People always want to leave their situation and end up in a worse one, and then they go missing. You’ll never have the love that you get from the team that drafted you,” Booker said.
Booker’s journey with the Suns began on June 25, 2015, when he was selected No. 13 overall in the NBA Draft.
In 2022, he signed a four-year extension worth more than $220 million, which kicked in during the 2024-25 season and will keep him in Phoenix through 2027-28.
