Devin Booker dropped a surprising update for Phoenix Suns fans on Wednesday, as it was revealed that he will be changing from his iconic number one to 15 ahead of the 2026-27 season.
The official reason given is that Booker wants to honor his father Melvin, who had the number himself during four seasons with Missouri. The younger Book has also worn 15 in international play for Team USA.
Mark Williams could be on his way out of Phoenix with number gone
In case you'd forgotten, Mark Williams already occupies the 15 jersey, although he did wear number five while with the Charlotte Hornets. A small indicator that he might yet be leaving The Valley this offseason, with his number being changed and his role in Phoenix unclear as well.
There is every chance that Booker checked in with his teammate before the change went public, and if that happened then Williams likely received some kind of compensation for agreeing to vacate the number. He surely doesn't care what jersey he has either, and it is not like it is easy to tell a future Ring of Honor member that they can't have your number.
But with the future of Williams unclear and everything from a sign-and-trade to letting him walk for nothing being put forward, there could be more going on here than we realize.
The franchise is quietly building a center rotation for the future too, with Khaman Maluach a long-term prospect and Oso Ighodaro continuing to improve. Williams has always felt like a risky extension, particularly with the Suns appearing to prioritize bringing back both Collin Gillespie and Jordan Goodwin this offseason.
It is not like Williams can go back to his own aforementioned five, because that has been retired in Phoenix in honor of Dick Van Arsdale. Again this all seems small when you consider the moster task the organization has in getting back to contention.
But these are the little things that happen behind the scenes that can indicate larger moves, or if Williams is indeed going nowhere, have to be handled smoothly to ensure no discontent. Suns fans with multiple Booker jerseys may also be frustrated by the change, although you can expect a sea of number 15s in the arena come opening night.
The timing seems relevant here too, given we've hit a lull between the NBA Finals ending and the NBA Draft almost upon us. A development to watch.
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