Lillard had been with Portland for a decade before being traded back in 2023 – ironically with the Suns being involved. After two disaster years in Milwaukee, Lillard returned home to Portland this summer. <\/p>\n
Booker<\/a> enters his 11th year in the league – all coming with Phoenix – and that’s something that’s impressed Lillard. <\/p>\n Apr 11, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) dribbles against the San Antonio Spurs during the second half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images \/ Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images<\/p>\n In an interview with Duane Rankin, Lillard offered the following on Booker:<\/p>\n \u201cI always thought he was a special talent,\u201d Lillard said (h\/t Fadeaway World<\/a>). <\/p>\n \u201cBut I think when you make it to the NBA, you can look around at each gig and say \u2018that\u2019s a special talent.\u2019 And then when you start making money and an organization gives you the keys, that\u2019s when you have a decision to make\u2026 Everybody\u2019s not able to do that, even the most talented ones. So for him to become what he\u2019s become, I can\u2019t say I\u2019m surprised by it, but you never know.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s standing on his square about what he wants to accomplish. It\u2019s not about what everybody else is doing. He\u2019s standing on what he wants to do and who he is, and I think that\u2019s the most important thing.\u201d<\/p>\n Damian Lillard on Devin Booker when asked about loyalty. #Suns<\/a> #RipCity<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/TUOYuQqbxr<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) August 9, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n He also added, \u201cWhen I think of loyalty, I think of being true to who you are. It\u2019s who you are and what you represent. He\u2019s standing on his square about what he wants to accomplish. It\u2019s not about what everybody else is doing. He\u2019s standing on what he wants to do and who he is, and I think that\u2019s the most important thing.\u201d<\/p>\n Booker inked a two-year, $145 million extension<\/a> to remain in Phoenix after a shaky offseason that saw changes at general manager\/head coach on top of parting ways with stars in Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
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