Realistic starting 5 for the Phoenix Suns 5 years from now
By Luke Duffy
![PHOENIX, ARIZONA - JANUARY 08: Darius Garland #10 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the game against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center on January 08, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Cavaliers beat the Suns 112-98. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images) PHOENIX, ARIZONA - JANUARY 08: Darius Garland #10 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the game against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center on January 08, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Cavaliers beat the Suns 112-98. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/d8e61289a24f55aaea9a3f877524ec883c32a8fb9164465c1a1e7f7b4e3cf955.jpg)
Shooting Guard – Devin Booker
The surest name to appear on this list is current franchise cornerstone Devin Booker, who will be in his early 30s by the time we get to 2028-29. Barring some sort of disaster whereby he wants out, Booker is never going anywhere. Suns fans have already voted him the greatest player in franchise history.
This is already Booker’s team, but once Durant is gone, he will undoubtedly be the face. There are no guarantees Ayton will still be around, and Bradley Beal is another star we will get to shortly who will be 35 in five year’s time. So at that point it really will be all about Booker and building a winner around him.
If the Suns have already won a championship, they will have more time on their side to do this. The additions of Toppin and Hart aren’t overly inspiring, but their skillsets (Hart’s especially) would seem to mesh well with Booker’s. On the other hand, if the Suns can’t get it done with Durant and Beal, then all bets are off as to who will be there alongside Booker.
You could even make the argument that Ishbia would push hard for Giannis Antetokounmpo, in a trade that would see Beal and some other stuff go in the other direction. A deal we’ve broken down already that might seem outrageous, but which is no less ridiculous as Durant landing in The Valley if Giannis asks out of his current situation.
Devin Booker made 111 3-pointers in the 2022-23 NBA season.
— Booker Muse (@DevinBookerMuse) September 9, 2023
Here’s ALL 111 of them. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/nSX0EJ7EWa
No matter what ends up happening, you can be sure Booker will be the constant with which the Suns’ organization will orbit. He has the ability to win an MVP award, and is going to be an All-Star for years to come. Everything you could want in a star player then, and one Ishbia will do whatever it takes to keep happy.