Devin Booker’s Commitment to Phoenix and the Suns’ Future
Devin Booker has long been the face of the Phoenix Suns, and his passion for the franchise remains as strong as ever. His connection with the city, which has embraced him since he was just 18, has shaped his career. Wearing the Suns’ jersey isn’t just about playing basketball—it’s a symbol of pride and loyalty. However, despite his unwavering dedication, speculation about his future with the team had been growing. Now, those rumors can be put to rest, as a national reporter has confirmed what’s ahead for Booker.
The Suns’ Struggles and Trade Speculations
A major topic of discussion on The Hoop Collective Podcast was the Suns’ uncertain future. This season has not gone according to plan, and while there have been discussions about potential trades, such as acquiring Jimmy Butler, no major moves have been made to significantly improve the team. The ongoing struggles have led to a growing belief that a trade could be the best way forward. One notable revelation from Tim MacMahon was that the Houston Rockets have shown interest in acquiring Booker. However, the key question remains—does Suns’ majority owner Mat Ishbia support this idea?
MacMahon provided a clear answer: “This summer, everything is on the table for Phoenix with the exception of a Devin Booker trade.” He emphasized that Booker is committed to turning the team around, and the Suns’ management is equally determined to do so with him. Although MacMahon couldn’t recall Ishbia’s exact words regarding a potential roster rebuild, his co-host, Tim Bontemps, pulled up the quote to clarify.
Mat Ishbia’s Stance on Rebuilding and Winning Now
Ishbia made his stance on rebuilding clear. He expressed surprise that some fans actually enjoy the idea of a long-term rebuild, stating, “Are you crazy? You think I’m going to go for seven years and try to get there?” He stressed his desire to win as soon as possible, saying, “I want us to win today, and we’re going to try. Although, let’s say this doesn’t work, guess what? Maybe next year we won’t be as good, but we’re going to try again. The next opportunity we have, we’re going to try and compete, and it might work. We will win championships here in Phoenix. It might not be this year, but I promise you we’re going to do it, and that’s what we’re focused on.”
This statement reinforces the idea that Ishbia is against a long-term rebuild. Instead, he is fully committed to a win-now approach, with no intention of trading Booker. However, this aggressive strategy has raised concerns within the organization.
Trust Issues in the Suns’ Ownership
Ishbia took over as the majority owner of the Suns in February 2023, making immediate high-profile moves, including acquiring Kevin Durant and later adding Bradley Beal. Despite these efforts, the team has yet to achieve the desired success. His aggressive, all-in approach has sparked concerns about trust within the organization.
MacMahon revealed that some close to Ishbia have questioned his approach. “Somebody close to Ishbia told me there is no trust in the process with Mat Ishbia,” he stated. “He is like, ‘Dude, there’s no patient rebuild here. It is going to be, I don’t give a damn what it costs, we are all in every single season, put on the gas, trying to be as good as possible every single year. We’re going to win championships.’”
This aggressive mindset has reportedly created tension within the Suns’ front office. MacMahon noted that while there is pushback against the idea that Ishbia is micromanaging every decision, there is no doubt that he is the driving force behind the team’s win-now philosophy.
The Suns’ Current Position and Uncertain Future
Currently sitting at 11th place in the Western Conference, the Suns face a tough road ahead. The season has not unfolded as expected, and Ishbia’s urgency to win may not be helping matters. With the team struggling, it remains to be seen what steps will be taken to improve the situation.
While Booker’s loyalty to Phoenix is undeniable, opinions are divided on whether it benefits the Suns in the long run. Some see his commitment as the foundation for future success, while others question if it limits the franchise’s flexibility in making major changes. With the pressure mounting, the decisions made in the coming months will be crucial in determining the Suns’ path forward.