Ever since his NBA debut in 2015, Devin Booker’s loyalty to the Phoenix Suns has been unparalleled.
The Suns guard has grown up with the team, his game evolving along with his leadership. And while most fans are aware of Booker’s commitment to the team, there’s enough reason to wonder if the star guard will eventually continue his career elsewhere.
Booker, however, is focused on his goals and the Suns.
Devin Booker Explains the Reason Behind His Loyalty to the Phoenix Suns
During a recent conversation with the media, Booker was asked about the Suns and his loyalty to the team. After all, a player the caliber of Booker could have asked for a trade in a quest for a better chance at winning an NBA title.
Booker, though, seems to know where his priorities are.
“I was embraced as an 18-year-old kid. Even when I was definitely not playing my best, I was able to play through mistakes, learn through mistakes, and people still support me,” Booker explained. “Once the success came in 2021, you just felt the energy change. You felt that, everybody seen me grow into that type of player. I owe it to this city, this fanbase. I still feel it. We need to bring a ring here, that’s my main objective.”
Booker also mentioned that while players move around all the time, the relationship between a team and an athlete is of trust. Of course, Booker also has unfinished business with the team.
“But like I just said, from being at the bottom and almost getting the job done, I have unfinished business here. I know how much it would mean to this city and this organization,” Booker added.
He explained that as a leader, it’s his responsibility to be a franchise player — making him the one to communicate how important basketball is.
Booker’s $145 Million Contract Extension Was ‘More Than Just Basketball’ for Suns Fans
Earlier this year, the Suns rewarded Booker’s loyalty by offering him a two-year, $145 million contract extension. And while this locked in his presence in Phoenix for another pair of campaigns, the move is more about the community and Booker’s loyalty.
In a previous report, NBA analysts further discussed the logic behind the deal:
“He’s done all other types of things that are non-basketball related that I feel like he goes above and beyond the call of duty for what a franchise player brings to a team in a city.”
Furthermore, Booker is going to be involved in major decisions the team makes, remaining at the forefront as the Suns aim for an NBA title.
Last season, Booker averaged 25.6 points, 4.1 rebounds, 7.1 assists per game while shooting 46.1% from the floor. And with Bradley Beal and Kevin Durant gone, Booker has more responsibility than ever to ensure his team’s success.