The Phoenix Suns are back in action, and with the NBA preseason underway, star guard Devin Booker is already a central topic of national conversation. The Suns fell 123-103 to the San Antonio Spurs in a preseason contest on October 14, 2026. Booker, entering his 12th season, is no stranger to this kind of spotlight, but the chatter around his massive contract and performance level has intensified.
Analysts are questioning if Booker's play matches his pay. He's set to earn $57 million this season, with his salary climbing in subsequent years. The final two years of his deal include a reported two-year, $145 million extension that set records at the time. ESPN analyst Brian Windhorst recently stated, "Devin Booker is being paid like he’s a top 10 player, and he hasn’t been a top 10 player these last couple years."
That sentiment was echoed by others who point to the risks of supermax contracts for guards in their late twenties. Booker's loyalty to Phoenix was a factor in his deal, but the financial commitment brings immense pressure. Every missed shot or preseason loss amplifies the debate. The Suns' recent 124-117 loss to the Chicago Bulls on October 7 and a 109-107 defeat to the Detroit Pistons on October 5 have kept the team in the news.
Phoenix's preseason schedule has been a mixed bag. After the losses to Detroit and Chicago, they secured a 102-98 victory over the San Antonio Spurs on October 10. But they couldn't maintain that momentum, dropping the rematch 123-103 just four days later. These games are for tuning up rotations and evaluating players, but the results still draw attention.
Booker's early shooting percentages will be watched closely. He's the engine of the Suns' offense, and his ability to create for himself and others is non-negotiable for a team with championship aspirations. The preseason is the time to work out kinks, and the team's full roster is getting valuable minutes to build chemistry.
The immediate focus is the next preseason fixture at home against the Utah Jazz on October 16, 2026. It's another chance for Booker and the Suns to build positive momentum and quiet the outside noise before the regular season tips off. Head coach Mike Budenholzer will be looking for more consistent defensive effort and offensive flow.
Owner Mat Ishbia has publicly backed his star, calling Booker "everything that we want here in Phoenix as a leader." The organization believes in his ability to deliver when it matters most. Booker spearheaded Phoenix's surprising playoff push last season, proving his value in high-pressure moments. He and his teammates are used to proving doubters wrong, and this season will be no different.
This early criticism is a reminder of the expectations in Phoenix. The Suns are built to win now, and Booker's performance is directly tied to that goal. His contract isn't going anywhere, so the narrative will persist until playoff success is achieved. The chatter itself is a sign of his stature in the league. Only elite players face this level of scrutiny over their salary and production.
For Suns fans, the preseason results are secondary to the team's health and preparation. The real test begins when the games count in the standings. Booker's response to this latest wave of analysis will be a key storyline to follow. He has always used criticism as fuel, and this year provides another opportunity to do just that.
