Devin Booker Talks Importance of Playing for Suns Despite Missing NBA Playoff Bracket

Devin Booker left it all on the court Friday night for Phoenix Suns fans.

The Suns defeated the San Antonio Spurs 117-98 in the final home game of the season. Phoenix missed on clinching a spot in the play-in tournament, and while he could have rested, Booker said it was important to play for the fans.

"It took a real Suns fan to be there tonight and still cheer with pride," Booker told reporters. "It's something I don't take lightly. They've always shown love to me. I pay respect to the person that it was either their first time or maybe their last time ever seeing me play."

Booker scored 18 points and added five rebounds and three assists in 28 minutes. The win improved Phoenix to 36-45 and the team will likely finish 11th in the Western Conference.

This was disappointing for a franchise that is second in the NBA in total salary cap allocations, per Spotrac, and had not missed the playoffs since 2019-20.

Booker is under contract through 2027-28 and should remain a franchise piece throughout that time. However, he also could fetch a haul in a return and would be an interesting trade chip if the Suns want to change the dynamics of the team.

Either way, Booker saw value in giving the Suns fans one last effort for the 2024-25 season before he and the team focus on a return to contention in upcoming seasons.