Is it time for star Devin Booker, Phoenix Suns to split?

The Phoenix Suns and Devin Booker saw their 2026 postseason end early, falling to the reigning NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round. The Suns exceeded expectations, but the franchise has struggled to replicate the success of an NBA Finals appearance in 2021.

Booker remains one of the league's premier scorers, but as the Suns continue to fall short of a championship, it may be time for a change of scenery for the 10-year veteran. 

Phoenix Suns, Devin Booker at a crossroads

The Suns were projected to finish at the bottom of the Western Conference and nowhere near postseason contention this season. Phoenix hired a new coach in Jordan Ott, traded superstar Kevin Durant and acquired a bevy of good players, but there were questions about if the unit would mesh. 

But the Suns went 45-37 and earned the Western Conference's eighth seed. Forward Dillon Brooks (20.2 PPG) had a phenomenal season and forward Royce O'Neale (9.8 PPG) and guard Collin Gillespie (12.7 PPG) showed how valuable they are. 

Booker had another excellent season, averaging 26.1 points, 3.9 rebounds and six assists. However, he averaged a career-high 3.1 turnovers and shot 45.1% from the field (lowest since 2017). 

Booker is touted for his ability to create space, whether it's in the paint, mid-range or beyond the arc. The 2022 first-team All-NBA selection is also a solid passer, but he is primarily a scorer. 

Booker arguably had his best seasons from 2020-23, when Chris Paul played for Phoenix. Paul, one of the greatest facilitators in NBA history, made sure Booker got to his spots. In 162 games with Paul, Booker averaged 26.2 points, 4.5 rebounds and 4.5 assists and posted an above-average true shooting percentage of 58.2%. 

Booker thrived alongside Paul, a partnership that propelled the franchise to an NBA Finals appearance in 2021 and helped Booker earn first-team All-NBA the following campaign.

Since Paul's departure in 2023, however, Phoenix has struggled to replicate that structure. The organization attempted to fill the void at primary playmaker — including the addition of Tyus Jones in 2024 — but it didn't get the results needed. 

Potential landing spots for Devin Booker

Booker thrives alongside a point guard who can be a supreme playmaker and run the offense. The 2015 first-round pick signed a two-year, $145 million maximum contract extension with the Suns that will keep him in Phoenix through the 2029-30 season. Booker will be 30 by early next season. 

Detroit Pistons: The Pistons face a 1-3 deficit heading into Wednesday's game against the eighth-seeded Orlando Magic in the first round. Detroit's lack of spacing on offense and absence of a consistent scorer have been evident throughout the series. Booker would immediately address both issues and form a strong backcourt alongside Cade Cunningham. 

Portland Trail Blazers: The Trail Blazers were eliminated in the first round by the San Antonio Spurs, largely because of their lack of a consistent scoring option outside of forward Deni Avdija. 

Portland found itself in high-pressure situations — particularly in Games 3 and 4 — needing a reliable bucket, but it lacked a go-to scorer capable of delivering under pressure. Booker would have provided the clutch scoring the Trail Blazers needed. 

Phoenix Suns: Booker is projected to earn roughly $70 million in 2028 following the expiration of his current deal in 2027. Teams may hesitate to absorb that kind of deal for a player who will be well into his 30s.