Devin Booker Comically Makes Peace With Longtime Rival

Devin Booker has been through the motions when it comes to sifting through tensions with opponents over the years as a member of the Phoenix Suns.

Even opponents of the mascot variety. 

The five-time All-Star was embroiled in controversy on January 11, 2022 - when he had the Toronto Raptors' mascot removed from the stands for attempting to distract him while shooting free throws in the final seconds of a 99-95 Phoenix victory. The move drew a divided reception, with critics stating that the decision to bring it to the attention of referees was unnecessary, while others defended Booker for trying to protect his peace as the game was closing.

The reputation of being a "complainer" has hovered over Booker ever since this moment. although a step was taken to shed that earlier this week. The 11-year NBA vet squashed the beef with the mascot at the "OVO Golf Classic" earlier this week, even taking a picture with The Raptor. 

The two calling a truce this week might lead to more than just a surface-level resolution, as Booker is a frequent subject of trade conversations despite Phoenix governor Mat Ishbia doubling down on the shooting guard being the franchise player and shutting down trade chatter. 

Booker's close relationship with Toronto icon Drake would lend to the city being an ideal landing spot in the event of a trade, but don't expect that to actually become reality anytime soon. The Raptors are on the doorstep of making a seismic move a reality themselves, as the trade to reunite with Kawhi Leonard is still waiting in the wings. Would Toronto even be interested in parting with young stars to make a potential Leonard/Booker pairing happen? That question will likely never be answered, but it is interesting to discuss. 

In the meantime, Booker is continuing to serve as the undisputed face of the Suns' franchise, maximizing what management has surrounded him with for the interim, while also working to draw in an ideal co-star that would change the trajectory of the franchise for years to come - perhaps Luka Doncic?

The Suns and Raptors are set to square off twice in the upcoming season, with the two teams being ideal matches for one another in terms of serving as a litmus test to see just how much crucial offseason moves have done to boost each roster in the midst of a wildly competitive NBA.