Devin Booker Ready to Lead Phoenix Suns Back to Relevance in 2025-26
As the Phoenix Suns prepare for a fresh start in the 2025-26 NBA season, the spotlight shines squarely on Devin Booker. Following a tumultuous offseason that saw the franchise undergo significant roster changes, Suns owner Mat Ishbia has firmly reestablished Booker as the heart and soul of the team. This commitment was solidified with a two-year, $145 million contract extension—a move that not only secures the 28-year-old guard’s future in Phoenix but also signals the organization’s renewed confidence in his leadership.
Booker now faces the challenge of silencing critics who’ve recently begun to doubt his elite status in the NBA. Despite being one of the league’s most reliable scorers over the past several seasons, Booker failed to make the All-Star team or receive All-NBA recognition last year—a surprising fall from grace for someone once considered a near-lock for both honors.
Yet, while he might not currently rank among the league’s top 10 players in the eyes of analysts and fans, his popularity remains strong, especially internationally. The Suns’ newly released preseason schedule, featuring games in two different countries, reflects Booker’s global appeal and suggests that the league still views him as a marketable figure. But on the court, respect must be earned all over again.
Tim Legler Predicts a Resurgent Season
Veteran NBA analyst Tim Legler recently joined the ALL NBA Podcast to discuss the state of the Western Conference, and it didn’t take long for the Suns—and Booker—to come up in conversation. Legler praised Booker’s willingness to reshape his game during the previous year’s Olympic campaign with Team USA, where he took on a more complementary role and emphasized team success over personal accolades.
That willingness to adapt, according to Legler, shows that Booker is ready to face the upcoming season with a renewed mindset. With the offense once again built entirely around him, Legler believes Booker could be primed for a career-defining year. He’s expected to get more shot opportunities, command a high usage rate, and take full control of the Suns’ offensive rhythm.
If things go well, Booker should have no problem rejoining the All-Star ranks. A return to an All-NBA team—something that eluded him last year—also seems possible, especially if he puts up gaudy numbers and demonstrates leadership through adversity.
Challenges Ahead for Booker and the Suns
However, several factors could stand in the way of this ideal scenario playing out. The first and perhaps most pressing concern is the lack of established help around Booker. Much of the Suns’ success—or failure—will hinge on how well their supporting cast performs. Jalen Green, one of the team’s recent additions, is being considered for a role at point guard despite having limited experience as a primary playmaker.
This raises red flags. If Green fails to adapt, or if the team’s rookies struggle to adjust to NBA competition, the Suns could find themselves near the bottom of the Western Conference standings. And while Booker’s individual brilliance might still shine, poor team performance would hurt his chances of garnering awards or leading the team into playoff contention.
Even if Booker averages 30 points per game, those efforts will feel hollow if the team is consistently losing. This scenario emphasizes how important it is for at least a few of Booker’s teammates to step up and ease some of the burden he will inevitably carry. The responsibility can’t rest solely on his shoulders.
Concerns About the Point Guard Position
The Suns’ biggest unresolved issue is at point guard. Rumors have swirled that Jalen Green could begin the season running the offense—an experiment that may or may not work. If Green struggles, there’s a strong possibility that Booker will have to assume playmaking duties again, a role he’s taken on in the past with varying levels of success.
Over the last two seasons, Booker has posted career highs in assists, proving he can be an effective facilitator when needed. However, there’s a risk in relying on him too heavily in that capacity. Running the offense could detract from his scoring focus and potentially wear him down over the course of a long season.
It’s a tough balance to strike: maximizing Booker’s scoring prowess while asking him to lead the offense and create opportunities for others. If mishandled, the Suns could undermine the very strategy they’ve built their season around—making Booker the focal point.
A Season With Trade Implications?
Looking at the situation through a more skeptical lens, it’s also possible that a career-best season from Booker could raise his trade value significantly. While the Suns have shown no public intention of moving him, the NBA is a business, and if the team’s current rebuild goes poorly, management might explore all options—including a blockbuster trade involving their franchise player.
A high-performing Booker, especially one on a fresh contract, becomes one of the league’s most attractive assets. Should things deteriorate in Phoenix and the front office choose to go in a different direction, they could command a massive return for him—potentially including future draft picks and young talent to help fuel a longer-term rebuild.
Of course, this is speculative and not rooted in any reported discussions, but the possibility looms in the background as a reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in the NBA.
Booker’s Legacy at a Crossroads
This season is shaping up to be one of the most important in Devin Booker’s career. Not only is he being counted on to carry the team on the court, but he’s also being asked to lead off it. This dual responsibility will test every aspect of his game—from his scoring and decision-making to his poise and professionalism.
Since entering the league, Booker has experienced the full spectrum of NBA life: losing seasons, playoff disappointments, superstar partnerships, and personal accolades. Now, with the Suns retooling around him once more, he has a chance to redefine his legacy.
If he succeeds, he’ll solidify his place as one of the NBA’s most resilient and complete players. If he falls short, questions about his ceiling and long-term future in Phoenix will only grow louder.
But those who know Booker best believe he’s ready for this challenge. With a new contract, a new team dynamic, and a clean slate, 2025-26 could be the season that reminds everyone exactly who Devin Booker is—and why he should never be counted out.
