Eleventh in the West, the Phoenix Suns might be far from making it to the playoffs this time. Their 2-8 record in the last 10 games narrates a devastating story. After a banger start to the 2024-25 NBA season, this downfall seems pretty unreal. But then, as the saying goes, ‘it is what it is.’ This reality is a bitter pill for the team. Moreover, the fates of Mike Budenholzer, Devin Booker, and Kevin Durant seem to be hanging by a thread amidst the losses and glaring eyes.

Speaking of Devin Booker, the 28-year-old point guard has spent a decade in the NBA, fully committed to the Suns. However, in the recent turn of events, Coach Bud “called Booker into his office to issue a complaint. The complaint was that Booker was being too vocal on the court and during timeout huddles. He urged Booker to dial it back so the coach’s voice could take center stage,” Chris Haynes reported weeks ago. Moreover, the heat of this episode lingers on, as Devin Booker recently cleared his stance before the media. Amid the Suns’ struggles, one voice has been particularly vocal about Booker’s future, Stephen A. Smith. And his message? Get out while you still can!

ESPN veteran has a massive request for Devin Booker

SAS said that the Suns went all in to get KD, but what change did that bring to their game? Nothing. “It’s kind of inexplicable when you think about Kevin Durant and Devin Booker. They’re the only tandem in the league,” Stephen A. said. “They’ve lost 11 of their last 14 games. They’re five games under 500 different players at the beginning of the day. What’s to begin today? They wouldn’t even be in that, that is just pathetic. It is bad.” Maybe calling the Phoenix Suns shaky would be an understatement at this point. According to SAS, the Booker-Durant duo isn’t working out as planned. 

Therefore, “If I’m Devin Booker, here’s what you’re gonna have to do if you’re the Phoenix Suns,” continued the 57-year-old veteran analyst. “You have to move Kevin Durant or Devin Booker. If you don’t move Devin Booker and you move Kevin Durant, you’re going to get assets, but those assets that you’re going to get is basically a reclamation project.” You don’t want reclamations, you want results, therefore, if you’re Devin Booker you won’t settle for this. “If you’re Booker, you don’t want to stick around for that. So, therefore. you might want to leave.”

He’s only about 28 years of age. Been in the league for about 10 years. “You’re just looking at them right now, this is an absolute, positive mess. There’s no way around it and as far as I’m concerned, if I was him, I’d want out,” Stephen A. Smith concluded. If the results and championship are the main concerns for the Phoenix Suns, then they need D-Book more than KD. That might sound harsh, but hey, that’s the reality.

Moreover, the Houston Rockets are already eyeing the point guard, so Mat Ishbia needs to tread through the rough roads. Most importantly, Booker hasn’t mentioned that he wants to leave the franchise, his loyalty and contribution remain unquestionable. But considering how Luka Doncic’s trade might have opened a floodgate, no one is safe, not even 10-YO franchise veterans like Devin Booker. But Booker isn’t the only one under scrutiny. Head coach Mike Budenholzer is also facing mounting pressure, with speculation swirling about his future in Phoenix. And maybe, just maybe, they’ve already pinned the successor.

Are Devin Booker & Co. getting a new coach for the next season?

Speaking of Mike Budenholzer, there is a slight possibility that the 55-year-old’s job at Phoenix is in jeopardy. However, there are no confirmations on the same. Tension runs high in the locker room after clashes with Devin Booker and a benching incident with Bradley Beal. However, according to Evan Sidery of Forbes:

“If the Suns decide to fire Mike Budenholzer, keep a close eye on a potential pursuit of Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups.” The Portland Trail Blazers’ HC has one year remaining on his contract. Moreover, he has “no guaranteed years left on his current contract with Portland,” Sidery further informed. At 48, Chauncey Billups‘ work with Portland’s young core could make him a strong candidate to replace Coach Bud.

Meanwhile, according to veteran reporter Mark Stein Mike Budenholzer’s job isn’t at risk. No, not yet. But, this fuming rumor has generated “heightened whispering and curiosity” in the coaching circle. The Suns aren’t new to the firing system. They parted ways with Monty Williams in 2023 despite having 3 years and $20 million remaining. And 2024, was no different as Frank Vogel found his way out in his first season with Devin Booker & Co.

The Phoenix Suns are walking a tightrope. With locker room tensions boiling and losses piling up, nothing feels secure—not even for stars like Devin Booker. While Stephen A. Smith pushes for Devin Booker’s exit, the Houston Rockets are already circling. Meanwhile, whispers about Mike Budenholzer’s future refuse to die down. If the Suns pull the trigger, Chauncey Billups might be waiting in the wings. But for now, it’s all talk—until it’s not.