Image Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

“Toughest of My Career” – Devin Booker Admits Disappointment in Failed Suns Superteam With Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal

Booker opens up on failed Suns era

Image Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Devin Booker has been the face of the Phoenix Suns for nearly a decade, enduring years of losing, a Finals run, and repeated playoff setbacks. Yet, he says nothing compares to the frustration of Phoenix’s failed superteam experiment alongside Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal.

“It was tough,” Booker said. “I think just not getting to where we wanted to with Kevin and Brad. [Those are] two guys that I have a high respect for and always will. The opportunity to play alongside them was a lot on its own, but it will always be a disappointment to me to not do what we all sought out to do.”

"I have unfinished business here, I know how much [a championship] would mean to this city and this organization."@DevinBook on signing an extension with the Suns! pic.twitter.com/4eEoHejaVw
— NBA (@NBA) September 24, 2025

Kevin Durant was traded to Houston this summer, while Bradley Beal accepted a buyout before joining the Clippers. That leaves Devin Booker as the lone star remaining from what was supposed to be a championship-contending trio.

Devin Booker Opens On Big Three Disconnect

Devin Booker admitted that chemistry issues defined the failed project. “I don’t think there was any hatred in our last group,” he said. “I just think when you are all on a different plan and don’t have the same common goal or same objective. Then that’s what it turns into.”

The Suns, under owner Mat Ishbia, invested heavily in the group. The franchise committed more than $600 million in salary and tax penalties to bring Durant and Beal alongside Booker. But the results fell far short.

Phoenix Suns managed only one playoff series victory during the era. Injuries and overlapping skill sets prevented the group from ever finding a consistent rhythm, leaving expectations unmet and fans disappointed.

Devin Booker, who carried the franchise through years of rebuilding before Phoenix’s breakthrough to the 2021 NBA Finals, said the past two seasons were the hardest he has faced. He called the stretch “the toughest of my career,” highlighting the personal toll of the team’s shortcomings.

Following the exits of Durant and Beal, Phoenix has shifted its approach. Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks lead the group of new arrivals, while first-time head coach Jordan Ott steps in.