Devin Booker, Mat Ishbia Reportedly 'Aligned' on Suns' Future After Meeting, Contract
Phoenix Suns shooting guard Devin Booker and governor Mat Ishbia are reportedly "aligned" on the team's vision and future after the four-time All-Star signed a two-year, $145 million extension with the team, per ESPN's Shams Charania (6:40 in video).
"Devin Booker is Mr. Phoenix. I'm told the entire Suns roster flew out Wednesday to be there for him to celebrate and honor his extension. I'm told they surprised with a team dinner at the Delilah at the Wynn (in Las Vegas).
"And so everything about Devin Booker has been commitment back to the franchise. He's said publicly, privately, behind the scenes, he wants to retire in Phoenix, he wants to bring a championship to Phoenix and Booker, Suns owner, Mat Ishbia, met for an hour before this agreement to finalize not only the contract, but discuss how they would be moving forward through the next couple of years.
"This is a Suns team that has had a lot of transition, they have had a complete roster overhaul. So what are the partnership division of the future look like? They are on the same page. They're aligned now, and this cements him as the face of that franchise moving forward. Five years, $316 million on his Suns contract moving forward."
Booker is the clear focal point of the team now after the Suns traded Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets, moving past a big three era including Bradley Beal that didn't fare well with zero playoff series wins.
Phoenix is now moving forward with a different core. Former No. 2 overall draft pick Jalen Green is now a key contributor to the Suns after being traded in the KD deal, and the Suns have some promising young bigs in rookie Khaman Maluach (No. 10 overall draft pick) and Mark Williams, who arrived via trade with the Charlotte Hornets.
Phoenix also retained some veteran wings to complete the rotation in Grayson Allen and Royce O'Neale alongside Dillon Brooks, who's also in town now from Houston.
It's a brand-new look for the Suns, but the vision is clear now as Phoenix is clearly committed to building around Booker in hopes of entering a new and more prosperous era.
