Robert Horry, the seven-time NBA champion, believes Devin Booker will leave the Phoenix Suns sooner rather than later. Horry argued on his podcast that Booker’s elite talent demands a championship-caliber team, something the Suns haven’t provided during his 11-year tenure.

Horry’s blunt take on Booker’s future

Horry didn’t mince words. *“He gone,”* he said. *“He’s too f—ing good. That team is like a f—king roller coaster. He’s going to eventually say, ‘Yo, man, I want to go somewhere where I got a chance to compete and win a title.’”* Horry’s assessment hinges on Booker’s prime status at 29 and the Suns’ inability to build a contender around him.

Booker’s 2025-26 season in Phoenix

Booker delivered another All-NBA-caliber season in 2025-26. He averaged 26.1 points per game while carrying the Suns’ offense without another All-Star or All-NBA teammate. Phoenix finished 45-37, secured the eight seed in the West, and beat the Golden State Warriors in the Play-In Game. Yet the roster lacked the depth and x-factor to challenge teams like the San Antonio Spurs, Minnesota Timberwolves, or Oklahoma City Thunder.

Why Booker might opt out of Phoenix

Booker’s contract complicates his future. He’s set to earn over $57 million in 2026-27 and more than $61 million annually for the next three seasons. That’s 30-32% of a team’s cap—too much for a roster that can’t contend. Booker needs to maximize his prime years on a team where he’s either the best or second-best player nightly. With Jaylen Brown out of Boston, Booker could slide into a “Robin” role for Jayson Tatum—or join Cade Cunningham in Detroit or Paolo Banchero in Orlando.

The Suns’ championship ceiling

Horry’s prediction reflects a harsh reality: the Suns aren’t built to win a title now. Despite flashes from Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks—both averaging 18-22 points per game—they lack game-winners off the bench and the depth to match elite contenders. Booker’s individual brilliance won’t bridge that gap in the ultra-competitive West.

*This story was originally published by Basketball Network on Jul 12, 2026.*