Devin Booker spoke about his loyalty to the Phoenix Suns ahead of a game Tuesday against Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors. Curry has also only played for one franchise and is expected to largely retire as a member of the Warriors.
“You know because there aren’t many of them,” Booker said after the shooting Tuesday. “So I know he has a special place in everyone’s heart here in the Bay. And I feel a similar kind of love in Phoenix. It’s something special. It’s kind of hard to explain, but there’s a different kind of love involved. I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Booker signed a two-year, $145 million contract extension with the Suns last offseason, just as they initiated a reset around him by trading away Kevin Durant. The Suns hope they can eventually become contenders again with Booker after reaching the 2021 Finals and then suffering a series of disappointing results after going all-in on Durant.
“It’s a lot of pride,” Booker said. “It comes with a lot of responsibility. It’s something I try to pass on to the young guys. Having those few deep playoff runs and just getting the city to become electric is a feeling I strive for and want to get back to.”
Booker was drafted 13th overall by the Suns in 2015 after his freshman season at Kentucky.
“I was adopted as an 18-year-old,” Booker said of Phoenix. “I was embraced through tough times, all the way to reaching a final round. The city watched me grow up. I enjoyed growing up in the city. I’m sure Steph can say many similar things about this area.”
Booker spoke fondly of players from the generation before him who played for only one franchise.
“The ones I think of off the top of my head: Tim Duncan, Dirk (Nowitzki), Kobe (Bryant),” Booker said. “I also had the opportunity to play against all three guys right near their senior seasons, or their final seasons, so seeing their farewell tours and the love that they got. At that point, not just from their cities, but I think every city around the NBA also recognized it and showed love for the loyalty and embraced it.”
While Curry has won four titles and the Warriors are expected to be a playoff team this season, the Suns still have a lot more work to do around Booker. But Booker is committed to the long term.
“I don’t think he’s going anywhere,” Booker said of Curry. “And I don’t think I am either.”
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