The people have spoken. Loudly.
The Arizona Republic asked readers to share their thoughts, opinions and questions about the future of Devin Booker and Kevin Durant with the Phoenix Suns.
Booker, the team’s franchise player, seems the least likely of the two to be dealt.
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However, seeing Luka Doncic moved before the 2025 trade deadline sent a very powerful message that anyone can be traded.
As for Durant, the Suns could move him as early as the June 25-26 NBA draft, as they entertained trade talks involving the 15-time All-Star before the trade deadline.
Should the Suns trade Booker or Durant — or both — or should they run it back with those two along with Bradley Beal, who has a no-trade clause?
The Republic split up the responses into two parts.
Part 1. Upset fans.
Part 2. Trade Booker or Durant — or both — or keep both.
Here’s Part 1.
Fan calls Suns ‘a joke’
“I see an owner (Mat Ishbia) that reminds me of Dan Snyder of the Washington football team. He hired a bunch of his friends. A (expletive) show, 20 years.”
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“The Suns just three years ago had a very good team and coach. Today we are what? Supposed to get excited about a new coach. What is he going to last, nine months?”
“He put together a team that cannot function.”
“Even with two stars. I wouldn’t spend a dime on this joke.”
— Robert Kenney, Phoenix
‘Cannot compete with the elite’
“You could accurately say they are dead in the water.”
“The top four teams have point guards/forwards, bigs and depth. The Suns have none of that. They cannot compete with the elite.”
“Booker is much overrated. He is a lousy 3-point shooter. He dribbles too much and takes desperation shots or passes leading to turnovers. In the right place and right coaching, he could be an asset.”
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“Don’t see much of a future for the Suns. In the meantime, enjoy the (Oklahoma City) Thunder without any rain.”
— Tom Haladyna, Phoenix
Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) sits on the bench during a timeout against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the fourth quarter at PHX Arena in Phoenix, on April 9, 2025.
Fan ‘feels sorry’ for Booker
“Sadly, the Suns owner couldn’t buy true love.”
“I loved our team when they were young and exciting. Suddenly, they were traded away, and we got old. Wouldn’t it have been fun to watch them grow together instead of getting two older guys no matter how good they are?”
“It just didn’t work. I feel sorry for Booker. He plays his heart out, and he may have to go with anyone else so this team can start all over with good drafts.”
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— Sander Wiener, Paradise Valley
‘His contract is toxic’
“I have to admit to being very pessimistic about the Suns’ future — certainly the next few seasons. The reason? Mat Ishbia. “
“All signs point to lots of micromanaging by Mr. Ishbia, and he knows not what he’s doing. “
Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker and Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury owner Mat Ishbia talk during the second quarter between the Phoenix Mercury and the Indiana Fever at Footprint Center in Phoenix on June 30, 2024.
“If Ishbia deals Booker, he’d best be bringing Cooper Flagg in exchange. We know Durant is gone and we can hope to get fair value despite the Suns’ weak bargaining posture.”
“If Beal is still on the roster next season, expect fans to stay away in droves.”
“Beal might be a perfectly nice guy (I don’t know much about him), but his contract is toxic and has already poisoned the environment. The longer the poison festers in Phoenix, the longer it will take to detoxify the place.”
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“In general, I’d like to see more beef and more aggression on next year’s roster. When I was younger, the Suns were known for high-powered offense epitomized by Mike D’Antoni’s team built around Steve Nash.”
Steve Nash #13, Channing Frye #8, Amar’e Stoudemire #1, Grant Hill #33 and Jason Richardson #23 of the Phoenix Suns talk during a timeout against the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half at Staples Center on Nov. 12, 2009, in Los Angeles, California.
“Defense was never prominent and wasn’t necessary during the regular season. But when playoffs came around and the NBA turned into the NFL, the Suns got pushed around and couldn’t execute their offense.”
“I’d like to see a roster featuring some enforcers like Steven Adams or Draymond Green to bring a little NHL flavor to the floor so they’re prepared to contend in the playoffs.”
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“But first, they have to make the playoffs which they’ll do (IF they do) in spite of Mat Ishbia rather than because of him.”
“Can we trade the owner?”
— Greg Groh, Peoria
Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) and guard Bradley Beal (3) during training camp at Verizon 5G training center in Phoenix on Oct. 2, 2024.
Season ticket holder offers fix
“I have been a season ticket holder for decades. The coach move is a good one. It was very obvious early on that these two players and the coach was not a good fit.”
“I believe that Booker stays under any scenario and should have his opinion about Durant’s future.”
“If Durant wants to go, help him get the best possible future situation; if he wants to stay, he stays. Yah, yah, he is in the last few years of a stellar career but he wants to play, can make shots and does intimidate young players from other teams.”
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“I know that Beal is not part of your question, but eat the money and find some place for him to go. Make it very clear that he will be a bench player only and that there will be no more talk about ‘the big three.’”
“Spend money for a big, tough shooting center who isn’t afraid to get banged up being in that role. There are plenty of young shooters on that team who can be better trained in defense.”
— JA, Tempe
Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers handles the ball defended by Ryan Dunn #0 of the Phoenix Suns in the first half at Crypto.com Arena on March 16, 2025, in Los Angeles.
Longtime fan addresses Suns issues
“I’ve been a Suns fan since the late 70’s. I was at the arena when we lost to the Bulls in the finals. I was a season ticket holder for 12 years.”
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“As I see it, the Suns need three things to get better.”
“Better defense. They have a rising star in Ryan Dunn, but I don’t believe he is equal to a Mikal Bridges defensive player. If they could get a physical player like a Lu Dort type or someone like P.J Tucker when he was in his prime.”
“They need a solid guard that can distribute the ball. Steve Nash did it for them, Ricky Rubio improved the team wins when that trade was made, and then there was Chris Paul, who took the Suns to the next level. Booker needs to play off the ball for most of the game.”
“The Suns need a solid defensive-minded coach that has the ear and loyalty of the players.”
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“If I were in control of the Suns team, I would try to trade Kevin Durant to get the first two options listed. I would even try to make an effort to move Bradley Beal although that might be tough to get a great return for him given his injury history and his no-trade clause.”
“I would not give up Booker for anyone unless it was for someone like (Giannis) Antetokounmpo, but then we keep Durant.”
— Ted Reisig.
Have opinions about the current state of the Suns? Reach Suns Insider Duane Rankin at dmrankin@gannett.com or contact him at 480-810-5518. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter, at @DuaneRankin.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Phoenix Suns mailbag: Fans rage against ‘toxic’ elements, bleak future