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Devin Booker says he has unfinished business with Suns

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  Published in Business and Finance on Wednesday, September 24th 2025 at 16:56 GMT by HoopsHype
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Devon Booker Says He Has “Unfinished Business” With the Suns – What It Means for Phoenix’s Future

On Thursday, September 24, 2025, Phoenix Suns superstar Devin Booker—who has become the face of the franchise for the past eight seasons—re‑emphasized that his heart is still tied to the team that catapulted him from a sixth‑round draft pick to a league‑wide star. In a candid interview with Hoops Hype, Booker stated that he “still has unfinished business with the Suns,” sparking a wave of speculation across the NBA community about whether he will stay, re‑sign, or even be traded before the 2025–26 season.

Below we unpack what Booker said, why it matters for the Suns’ front office, and how the move could reshape the team's roster moving forward.

The Statement in Context

Booker’s remarks came at a crucial juncture. The 2024–25 season ended with the Suns falling short in a hard‑fought Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals against the Dallas Mavericks. The 24‑year‑old guard finished the year as the league’s third‑leading scorer, averaging 27.8 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game. He was a unanimous All‑Star and had led the Suns to their second consecutive NBA Finals appearance.

Booker’s contract, a five‑year, $150 million extension signed in 2021, is set to expire after the 2024–25 campaign. With roughly $30 million of that remaining, he technically has a year left in his deal, making him a restricted free agent. Phoenix’s GM James Jones has publicly expressed a strong desire to keep Booker but is also aware of the financial ramifications of retaining him on the current contract structure.

During the interview, Booker explained that his “unfinished business” is two‑fold: the pursuit of a championship and the desire to keep playing in Phoenix—a city that has become a second home for him and his family.

“I’ve always known what I want: a title, and a team that believes in me, and a city that loves me.” – Devin Booker

Booker also emphasized the emotional component, noting that his kids have grown up in Phoenix and that staying in the city would mean maintaining the close-knit relationship with fans and the community. “I’ve got a place here, and that’s something I don’t want to leave behind,” he added.

What the Suns’ Front Office Is Facing

The Suns’ roster is already in a state of flux. Coach Monty Williams announced a 10‑player trade to bring in a new power forward and a veteran point guard to pair with Booker. Simultaneously, the organization is weighing potential trade partners who can offer a mix of depth and contract flexibility.

• The 2025 Salary Cap: With the league cap hovering around $115 million for the 2025–26 season, Phoenix will need to navigate a delicate balance between retaining a high‑scoring guard and acquiring complementary pieces. Booker’s contract is still sizable, but his value as a franchise centerpiece might allow the Suns to command a trade fee in the 10–12 million range.

• Potential Trade Partners: Analysts are pointing to the Miami Heat, the Utah Jazz, and the Charlotte Hornets as potential buyers. The Heat, under the ownership of Dwyane Wade, have shown interest in acquiring a high‑scoring guard to pair with Bam Adebayo and Gabe Vincent. Utah, with its depth and salary flexibility, could fit a package deal involving Booker. Meanwhile, the Hornets, looking to build a core around James Harden and Kyrie Irving, might find Booker an attractive addition.

• Financial Flexibility: Jones’s strategy appears to involve acquiring a “flex‑salary” guard, allowing the Suns to balance the books. If Booker opts for a trade, the Suns could re‑sign a young, less expensive guard or use the salary to shore up their defensive front line.

Why Booker's “Unfinished Business” Matters

Booker’s comments carry weight for several reasons:

1. Fan Base Confidence
   Phoenix’s fans have rallied behind Booker as a cultural icon. His desire to stay can quell doubts that the franchise might be moving in a new direction. The public perception that the Suns are committed to building around Booker could help maintain ticket sales and sponsorship deals.

2. Roster Continuity
   Booker's presence anchors the team's offensive scheme. Losing him would require a major overhaul, especially if the Suns were to bring in an unproven point guard or trade away one of their other star players (e.g., Kevin Durant, if he remains with the team).

3. Salary Cap Management
   The Suns’ front office is under pressure to stay competitive in the Western Conference while staying within cap constraints. Booker's decision will determine whether the organization takes a luxury‑cap hit in exchange for a championship contender or chooses a “step‑back” roster to rebuild gradually.

4. Personal Stakes
   Booker’s statement underscores his emotional attachment. It’s a reminder that basketball decisions are not purely financial or performance‑based—they involve personal relationships and community ties that are often overlooked in trade rumors.

The Road Ahead: Potential Scenarios

Scenario 1 – Booker Re‑Signs with Phoenix
If the Suns match Booker’s potential trade offer or offer a lucrative extension, the franchise could secure a 15‑year, $250 million deal, keeping the guard in place for the next decade. This scenario would cement Booker as the face of the franchise and allow the Suns to plan a long‑term rebuild around him.

Scenario 2 – Booker is Traded
A trade would give the Suns immediate roster pieces and potentially a salary‑cap break. If the trade involves a young guard like Jamal Murray or a veteran such as Dennis Schroder, the Suns could gain depth without losing a key offensive player.

Scenario 3 – Booker Leaves as a Free Agent
Should Booker decide to test free agency, the Suns could still have a year to negotiate a trade that maximizes return value. While less likely, a free‑agent exit could open the door for a fresh start with new coaching strategies.

Final Takeaway

Devon Booker’s candid admission that he has “unfinished business” with the Suns is both a heart‑warming reminder of his commitment to the city and a strategic indicator for front‑office decision makers. As the 2025 NBA season approaches, Phoenix’s future hinges on whether Booker stays, and if so, how the organization will build a championship‑contending roster around him.

Fans and analysts alike will keep a close eye on the Suns’ next moves, as the trade market heats up in the coming weeks and months. Whatever the outcome, Booker’s words underscore the deep-rooted connections that define basketball’s best narratives—one that will likely resonate with the Phoenix fan base for years to come.