original article content here: https://www.nba.com/news/phoenix-suns-media-day-2025: /’### 2025-26 AmEx Season Preview

Entering 11th season, Devin Booker’s presence gives Suns much-needed stability

Still in his prime, Devin Booker is the unquestioned leader of a team that’s trying to bounce back from a string of tough seasons. • • Download the NBA App PHOENIX (AP) — There’s a lot of new people surrounding the Phoenix Suns these days, from first-year coach Jordan Ott to first-year general manager Brian Gregory to new players like Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, Mark Williams and Khaman Maluach. One thing hasn’t changed — Devin Booker plans on being a force for this franchise. The four-time All-Star is entering his 11th season with the Suns, growing from a 19-year-old rookie to one of the most respected and accomplished shooting guards in the league. Still in his prime, the 29-year-old is the unquestioned leader of a team that’s trying to bounce back from a string of tough seasons. “The leadership aspect is going to be more important than ever this year — just realizing our roster, the age of our roster and the experiences I’ve had and what I’ve seen,” Booker said. “I’m going to do what I can and I’m always going to use my voice.” Booker — who signed a $145 million, two-year extension during the offseason that will keep him in Phoenix through 2030 — is already the leading scorer in franchise history, passing greats like Walter Davis, Kevin Johnson, Shawn Marion, Amar’e Stoudemire and Steve Nash. Now he’s working to lead the franchise back to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2021. That’s an ambitious goal considering where the Suns are at in their current rebuild, but he’s optimistic that the team’s young core will gel quickly. He’s seen it happen before. “Although we didn’t get it done in ‘21, I was able to see it go from the bottom almost to the top,” Booker said. “It wasn’t easy, but just understanding that it’s an everyday grind and it starts right now.” Later, he added: “I have unfinished business here.” Phoenix remade its roster after last year’s 36-46 debacle, firing coach Mike Budenholzer and shipping 15-time All-Star Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets. The Suns also bought out the contract of three-time All-Star Bradley Beal, who is with the Clippers. Now Booker is surrounded by a much younger core that includes Green, Brooks and the 19-year-old Maluach, a 7-foot-2 center who was drafted with the No. 10 overall selection. The three players were all part of the return from the Rockets in the Durant trade. Green is a promising young guard who averaged 20.1 points per game over four seasons in Houston after being drafted No. 2 overall in 2021. Brooks is known as a defensive stopper and an emotional leader, but also averaged 14 points per game for the Rockets last season while shooting nearly 40% from 3-point range. The Suns dealt for 7-foot center Mark Williams, a 23-year-old who was productive when healthy during his first three seasons with the Charlotte Hornets. Phoenix is gambling that he can stay on the floor and grow into one of the game’s better big men. There’s also a handful of holdovers who played quite a bit last season, including Grayson Allen, Royce O’Neale, Ryan Dunn and Oso Ighodaro. The Suns are now led by the 40-year-old Ott, who comes to the Suns after spending more than a decade rising up the ranks of the NBA coaching world. He’s spent time with the Hawks, Nets, Lakers and most recently the Cavaliers, who had the best record in the league’s Eastern Conference last season.

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The Phoenix Suns are entering the new season with a fresh look, featuring a new coach and several young players. Amidst all the changes, one thing remains constant: the presence of their star player, Devin Booker. Now in his 11th season, the four-time All-Star is the clear leader of a team looking to bounce back and build a strong foundation for the future.

After a challenging 36-46 season, the Suns have made significant moves to rebuild their team. They have shifted their focus from experienced veterans to a promising young core, trading away Kevin Durant and parting ways with Bradley Beal. The team’s new strategy centers on developing this young talent under the guidance of Booker, who recently signed an extension to stay with the team until 2030.

🌟 Booker: The Team’s Constant Star

At 29 years old, Devin Booker is in his prime and ready to take on a bigger leadership role. “The leadership aspect is going to be more important than ever this year,” Booker said, acknowledging the team’s younger roster. Having experienced the team’s journey from rebuilding to the NBA Finals in 2021, he understands the hard work required. With his new contract, Booker has made his commitment clear, stating, “I have unfinished business here,” as he aims to lead the franchise back to success.

🔄 A Fresh Start for Phoenix

This season marks a major transition for the Suns. The team has a new head coach, 40-year-old Jordan Ott, who brings over a decade of NBA coaching experience from successful teams like the Cavaliers. The front office also has a new general manager, Brian Gregory. These changes followed the decision to fire former coach Mike Budenholzer and move on from veteran stars Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal, signaling a clear new direction for the franchise.

🤝 Welcoming New Talent

Booker is now surrounded by a new, younger group of teammates. Key additions from the trade with the Rockets include Jalen Green, a dynamic scorer who averaged over 20 points per game in Houston, and Dillon Brooks, known for his strong defense and emotional energy. The Suns also added 7-foot center Mark Williams from the Hornets and drafted 19-year-old Khaman Maluach, a 7-foot-2 center. These new players, along with returning role players like Grayson Allen and Royce O’Neale, form the core that the Suns hope to develop into a competitive team.