PORTLAND — Two Valley stars linked up on Tuesday, as Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker and Kingman native Tarik Skubal crossed paths after the Suns’ win over the Portland Trail Blazers.
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May 25, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal (29) celebrate after defeating the Cleveland Guardians at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
Both stars met up courtside, where Booker gifted him two pairs of sneakers and the two talked briefly. Their short conversation drew online buzz from NBA and MLB fans, with some hoping the interaction could lead to Skubal landing in the desert this offseason.
Future D-back
— Jeebus (@Jesusonthisapp) November 19, 2025
Dback 👁️ 👀
— Sadge suns fan (@1ericdominguez) November 19, 2025
He’s a dback https://t.co/EOUoFjDInH
— DT AT DB SS KFC Mack enthusiast (@imahotdawgg) November 19, 2025
The interaction, although brief, shows how much Booker has grown as a leader for the Suns. He’s always supporting the Valley, whether that’s the Arizona Diamondbacks or the Phoenix Mercury, consistently showing up for teams across the state.
Booker meeting up with Skubal shows it’s not just Valley teams he backs, but homegrown talent that has made its way to the big stage, like the two-time Cy Young winner.
Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal high-fives teammates in the dugout after a pitching change during the seventh inning at Comerica Park in Detroit on Wednesday, May 14, 2025. © Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Skubal is currently involved in trade talks this offseason, as the Tigers are planning to move the ace before the start of next year.
In 2025, the Kingman native posted a 13-6 record with a 2.21 ERA, 241 strikeouts and a 0.89 WHIP. That was enough for him to win his second straight Cy Young Award.
Nov 18, 2025; Portland, Oregon, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) dribbles the ball during the first half against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-Imagn Images
While there’s not a strong possibility of the Detroit ace landing with the D-backs this year, the stars’ interaction could lead to something bigger than a simple meetup.
For now, Booker and Skubal’s encounter was simply a fun crossover of NBA and MLB talent showing mutual respect.
Nov 18, 2025; Portland, Oregon, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) shoots during the first half against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-Imagn Images
The Suns will head back home to face the Minnesota Timberwolves in their second game of the Emirates NBA Cup on Friday, Nov. 21, at 7 p.m.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
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