The Phoenix Suns are preparing to make big moves this offseason, and their message couldn’t be clearer. Devin Booker is the franchise’s cornerstone. He isn’t just staying; he’s becoming the heart of the team.
After a tough season and plenty of speculation around trades, the Suns are now involving Booker in their head coach search. That’s no small thing. It signals a full commitment to building around him, both on the court and behind the scenes.
Suns Double Down on Devin Booker As Franchise Centerpiece
The Suns are officially turning the page, and Booker’s fingerprints are already on it. According to NBA insider Marc Stein, Booker has been given a voice in the team’s search for its next head coach.
“The Stein Line has learned that Suns star Devin Booker has had a level of involvement with candidates in this stage of interviews, further illustrating the owner Mat Ishbia’s loudly stated determination to keep Booker in place as the team’s cornerstone. It’s believed Ishbia will have face-to-face discussions next week with the candidates (likely two) who progress from this round.”
May Ishbia and the Suns are ensuring Devin Booker continues to be the cornerstone of the franchise going forward, per @TheSteinLine. pic.twitter.com/TKAWu8bG4l
— PHNX Suns (@PHNX_Suns) May 31, 2025
Sources say the All-Star guard is actively involved in the current round of interviews, and team owner Mat Ishbia is expected to meet with finalists next week personally. It’s a rare level of input for any player and one that underscores how seriously Phoenix views Booker as its cornerstone.
This comes on the heels of growing buzz around potential offseason trades involving Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal. While no move is confirmed, the direction is clear: the Suns are ready to reset the roster around Booker, who averaged 25.6 points, 7.1 assists, and 4.1 rebounds this season.
The team’s decision to involve him in a coaching hire isn’t just symbolic. It’s a calculated move – one that signals trust, stability, and a desire to create real synergy between the front office and its star. After a disappointing 36-46 finish and missing the playoffs for the first time since 2020, the franchise is leaning into a rebuild with a face they already know.
Booker Embraces the Weight of Being the Franchise Guy
Booker’s loyalty has never been louder. In an ESPN interview, the 28-year-old spoke candidly about his connection to Phoenix, his frustrations with the team’s struggles, and what it means to carry the franchise through a rebuild.
“I take pride in the community in Phoenix,” he said. “The people that supported me since I was 18 when things were ugly. We just fell short of accomplishing what we want. So I want to do it, and I want to do it here.”
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That mindset is everything for a franchise facing one of its most pivotal offseasons in years. While Durant and Beal may be on the trading block, Booker is now seen as the anchor. And with names like Sean Sweeney, Chris Quinn, and Johnnie Bryant reportedly in the mix for the coaching job, the Suns are making sure their next leader fits with the star they’re sticking with.
