What Did Devin Booker Think of Playing AGAINST Deandre Ayton?

All good things must come to an end, and that is exactly what happened with Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton when Ayton was traded to Portland a few weeks ago.

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Before he was traded, Ayton and Booker were the only homegrown players on the Suns, as well as the only ones left from the team’s 2021 Finals run.

Ayton was the team’s No. 1 overall pick in 2018, while Booker was the team’s No. 13 overall pick in 2015.

“Trades are the hardest part of this business,” Booker said at the team’s media day. “I know me, personally, I’m so invested, but (it’s) just understanding that people might be in a better situation. I saw Deandre get to Portland, he had a big smile on his face. Even when we shook hands before he walked out after the trade, you could tell his energy was: a new opportunity, a new moment. That’s all you could ask is that they’re in a better situation, and they continue to flourish and get better.”

Devin Booker talks about losing players like Deandre Ayton and gaining new players on the roster. pic.twitter.com/9d5EN8QIHN

— Damian Adams (@TheRealDealwDA) October 2, 2023

On Thursday, the two got to square off head to head for the first time in their careers. Phoenix travelled to Portland in its third preseason matchup of the year.

Booker ended the matchup with 18 points and five assists in just under 21 minutes. Ayton had seven points and six rebounds in 23 minutes.

“It was just competitive. Competitive and fun,” Booker said of playing against Ayton.

Booker also added what he thinks Ayton can bring to Portland: “Hopefully he can give them a little something he picked up from me and Chris (Paul) … and be the leader of that group.”

See everything Booker said below:

Devin Booker says playing against Deandre Ayton was “competitive and fun”

Booker also speaks on how he thinks Ayton fits in Portland: “Hopefully he can give them a little something he picked up from me and Chris … and be the leader of that group” #Suns

📹 @brendan_mau pic.twitter.com/y5A9Bflp49

— Burn City Suns Talk 🎙️ (@BurnCitySuns) October 14, 2023

After being together for so long, Booker and Ayton now look to lead their respective teams to new heights.

Devin Booker Comments For the First Time On Suns Trading Deandre Ayton

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Brendan Mau is a senior writer covering the Phoenix Suns and more for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on X via @Brendan_Mau