Does Gregory know that Suns star Devin Booker is not the future of the Suns?
Two steps behind the rest of the league, the Phoenix Suns’ front office, operating quietly in the shadows, might be one step ahead heading into next season. And it all revolves around four-time All-Star and two-time All-NBA selection Devin Booker.
In a move that helped prevent an even bigger disaster than what this offseason already delivered, the Suns made the right call. They extended Booker for another two years. It was a clear signal of commitment, not just to the player, but to the city of Phoenix and everything he’s come to represent for this franchise over the last decade.
But dedication only lasts so long. It fades when someone newer and flashier shows up, or when another team’s front office calls, and that call vibrates through the tight pants you’re wearing courtside. I’m picking up, and I’m listening. No, I’m not talking about Josh Bartelstein’s tight pants. I’m talking about the Suns’ new general manager, Brian Gregory. He’s a figure who has so far operated with a subtle, quiet edge, but may already be thinking two or three moves ahead.
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If the Suns stumble out of the gate in 2025–26, say, 10 to 12 games below .500 by Thanksgiving, trade talks around Booker could start simmering long before the deadline. And yes, that scenario feels entirely plausible.
We love the idea that players and teams can be “loyal,” but in today’s NBA, that’s mostly a myth. Almost 99% of the time, it ends the same way: separation. When a team stops winning, the teardown is inevitable. It just becomes a matter of when.
So, is Brian Gregory already playing the long game? Does he see something the fan base doesn’t want to admit? That Devin Booker might not be the franchise cornerstone after all? Is he quietly preparing to flip him for a massive return next season, buying low on optimism and selling high on nostalgia?
I think there’s a real chance this happens. And when the season finally arrives, Suns fans might come to an uncomfortable realization: “Hey…maybe Booker isn’t it.” That’s not to say he’s a bad player. Far from it. But maybe he’s not the guy. Maybe he never was. And maybe it’s time we stop pretending this roster construction around him is working.
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But he’d look good in Detroit. Real good.
The Pistons own their first-round picks through 2031 and have an intriguing young core, making them a tempting trade partner. That’s just one scenario. There are at least five other teams that could put together competitive offers. Teams with flexibility, draft capital, and the patience to make Booker their long-term piece.
Has Gregory already been making calls? Maybe. Maybe not.
But behind that calm, executive grin, he might already know that moving on from Booker could sit better with the fan base than most expect. Especially if the team gets off to a slow start. If the right package presents itself, one that brings youth, future picks, and financial breathing room, it wouldn’t just be about a fresh start. It would be about finally accepting that Booker might be better suited as the second, or even third-best player on a true contender.
And maybe, we’ll be the ones who want to set him free.
Of course, don’t expect a peep — and never a peep — from Booker himself. That’s never been his style. He’s not going to demand a trade or call anyone out publicly. But after years of watching Phoenix rebuild around him every offseason, how could he still be happy with the constant churn? He’s said he loves it here. And we believe him. But even love can wear thin when there’s no winning to back it up.
In today’s NBA, nothing is guaranteed. Not for stars like Booker, not anymore. He may already feel burned out by this revolving door of role players, coaches, and failed title pushes. He might want out quietly. But leaving now, when the fan base is already anxious and the headlines still link him to 2021 glory, would spark chaos. He knows that. Gregory knows that. So, the smart move? Re-sign, stay quiet, and wait to see how the season unfolds.
My gut says they already know how it’s going to go: somewhere between disappointment and disaster.
And the reason I believe that? I’m genuinely more excited to watch the young guys. I want to see Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks go at it with a chip on their shoulders. I’m intrigued by rookies like Khaman Maluach and Rasheer Fleming. I want to see if Ryan Dunn and Oso Ighodaro, now in year two, can take real strides. That’s a fun group. It’s fresh. It’s raw. It’s got potential.
But will it equate to wins? Most likely, no.
Deep down, I don’t think so. But as a fan, I still have hope. I want to believe that Phoenix can rinse off the rust from the last few seasons and discover something new. Something exciting. But I have to be realistic, too. I can see it going wrong. Fast. And if it does, don’t be surprised if the first major shift is the one none of us wanted to admit might be coming: a future without Devin Booker.
And I think the front office sees that too.
The Suns are now somewhat young again and nailed this past draft. A draft they couldn’t afford to miss. For reasons of keeping Book happy, or knowing that he will likely be gone soon?
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