Since making it all the way to the NBA Finals 2021, the Phoenix Suns have tumbled completely out of the playoff picture in the Western Conference.
The Suns were swept in the first round of the playoffs in two of the last three seasons, and in the third season they missed the postseason entirely. As a result, the Suns are being urged to consider moving on from star guard Devin Booker.
Devin Booker Named ‘Trade Target No One is Talking About’
GettyPHOENIX, ARIZONA – JANUARY 04: Devin Booker #1 and head coach Jordan Ott of the Phoenix Suns during the second half of the NBA game at Mortgage Matchup Center on January 04, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Thunder 108-105. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
In an article for Bleacher Report entitled “Potential NBA Trade Targets Nobody Is Talking About,” Zach Buckley makes the case for why the Suns should consider moving on from the franchise player over the offseason, pointing to the stagnation of the team since their Finals appearance and their limited pathways to improvement.
“Suns governor Mat Ishbia will scoff at this suggestion, since he’s already on record unequivocally saying, ‘Devin Booker’s not getting traded.’ There’s just one minor issue it’d be great if Ishbia could clear up: Why not?” Buckley wrote.
“… The only reason the Suns don’t feel totally stuck is that trading Booker offers a way out. But you wonder how much longer that’ll be the case, since trade values don’t exactly keep climbing as 30-somethings grow older and become unconscionably expensive.”
Phoenix Suns Owner Matt Ishbia is Committed to Devin Booker
GettyNEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – DECEMBER 27: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns reacts during the second half of a game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center on December 27, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tyler Kaufman/Getty Images)
As Buckley mentioned, the Suns even entertaining the idea of possibly trading Booker would take a complete 180 from their current stance. After Phoenix’s season came to an end in April, owner Matt Ishbia declared in no uncertain terms that Booker wouldn’t be moved.
“Devin Booker’s not getting traded. We’re going to win a championship here with Devin Booker,” Ishbia said.
“Devin Booker is everything that we want here in Phoenix as a leader, as the star player in the community, on the court, off the court. People don’t realize the gravity he brings to a basketball game. I can go through all (the) details, but the truth is, Devin Booker is a winner and he cares and does all the little things that maybe the normal eyes don’t see and catch.”
Booker still has four years remaining on his current contract with the Suns, including a $69 million player option for the 2029-30 season. Even if the Suns ultimately did decide that they were open to trading Booker, doing so could prove easier said than done given the sheer size of his contract.
Phoenix Suns Urged to Consider Trading Devin Booker This Offseason