"We’re young and youthful"- Devin Booker reveals what makes new look Phoenix Suns special

Things haven't gone according to plan for the Phoenix Suns lately, especially with the Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal, and Devin Booker experiment failing. Heading into the 2025 summer, management had no choice but to break up the “Big 3”, parting ways with Durant and Beal.

However, the Suns refused to part ways with homegrown talent DBook, who has represented the franchise for over a decade now. The 29-year-old recently shared that he wishes to have a similar relationship with the city of Phoenix to the one Stephen Curry has with the Bay Area.

There was a lot of conjecture regarding Booker's future with the Suns heading into the summer. Many felt it was time for Devin to join a championship contender, but the 6’5” guard refused to change course. On the contrary, he seems ready to take on the new challenge and assume the leadership role.

“I'd say we’re young and youthful. You know, it changed quickly from me being the youngest guy on the team most of my career, and now I’m the second or third oldest.We have a lot of youth, a lot of guys 22 and under. And they honestly carry the energy through the locker rooms,” said Booker, describing how the young locker room was bustling with energy on a back-to-back as well.

Unfinished business in Phoenix

It was unfortunate that the Suns failed to capitalize on a world-class talent like KD. Ultimately, the two-time champion and Finals MVP was shipped to the Houston Rockets. The trade earned Phoenix Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks and the No. 10 pick in the 2025 draft, Khaman Maluach.

The Suns had also reached a buyout agreement with Beal, who subsequently signed with the Los Angeles Clippers. While the Suns appear to be entering a rebuild, Booker looks to win a championship in Phoenix.

“From being at the bottom and almost getting the job done, I have unfinished business here. I know how much it would mean to this city and this organization. The leadership aspect is going to be more important than ever this year, just realizing our roster, the age of our roster, and just the experience that I’ve had and what I’ve seen,” stated D-Book during media interaction in the buildup to the 2025-26 season.

Related: Steve Kerr heaves sigh of relief after Steph Curry injury update

Lucky to have him

Although winning a title may be a bit too ambitious for the Suns, one cannot overlook their respectable start to the season, with an 11-7 record in their first 18 games. Discussing the relationship between the Suns and Booker, owner Mat Ishbia has made some interesting revelations lately.

From being a lottery team to making the Finals in 2021, DBook has always stood by the Suns. There are no surprises why he holds a special place in the hearts of the Arizona community. The last few seasons were tumultuous for the Phoenix franchise, which also included an ownership change.

Addressing his loyalty towards the Suns, owner Ishba had nothing but gratitude towards Booker.

“So, when we went through some tough times… It would be easier for that franchise player to be like, ‘Hey, man, I put my time in, I’m ready to go.’ Instead, he did the reverse, he said, ‘Listen, I’m with you, Mat, I believe in what we are doing, I’m all in with you. I’ll even sign an extension. I wanna be here with you,’’’ revealed the billionaire owner, adding how DBook always had his back.

Embarking on a new era with the Suns, it will be interesting to see how the coming years unfold for the organization and Booker. That said, it is indeed rare to see such selflessness in today's NBA, where immediate wins are all that matter and patience is at an all-time low.

Related: "I hated watching him, I hated everything about him" - Tom Chambers praises Dillon Brooks for giving the Phoenix Suns an identity

This story was originally published by Basketball Network on Nov 27, 2025, where it first appeared in the Latest News section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.