As Phoenix faces a dwindling stash of draft assets, Devin Booker’s elite shot-making and evolving playmaking solidify his status as the foundational cornerstone for the franchise’s future.
The Phoenix Suns are entering the 2026-27 campaign with much work to do in order to return to championship contention.
One of the main things holding the Suns back from reaching this plateau is the purported lack of avenues to take the next leap forward, but Phoenix is likely to have a major constant in tow heading into the future.
Franchise icon Devin Booker is in tow, as he is under contract through the 2029-30 season in lieu of signing a two-year extension last summer, but will he remain the best player on the team through this time period?
Grant Hughes of Bleacher Report believes so, as he labels Booker as the player who will be Phoenix's best three years down the line.
"Booker will almost assuredly be overpaid on a $69 million salary for 2029-30, his age-33 season. But he's such a polished and professional scorer that he should retain plenty of effectiveness between now and then."
Even though Booker is experiencing a slight regression as a scorer, he still possesses one of the purest shots in the NBA and also remains among the best at creating clean looks off the dribble. His growth as a playmaker is also difficult to ignore, as he continually evolves as an offensive hub regardless of the situation around him.
The other factor working in Booker's favor?
The Suns being incredibly devoid of draft capital that would otherwise land them a younger co-star to accompany and perhaps even overtake Booker long-term. While speculation is running rampant that Phoenix is setting the stage to pursue a star such as Luka Doncic, they would require major leaps forward from players such as center Khaman Maluach and wing Rasheer Fleming to even make this a possibility.
Maluach is the only player on the roster other than Booker that currently projects to hold an All-Star ceiling. The second-year big man is showing signs of developing a jump shot, while also serving as an electric rim protector that has grown more comfortable in terms of NBA speed.
It's a bit too ambitious to state that Maluach is going to actually reach the ceiling he has at the moment, although not outside of the realm of possibilities.
Ultimately, Booker is a safe bet to remain Phoenix's best player down the line. He is committed to the franchise, the franchise is committed to him, and the Suns have a defined plan to build around him.
