The Phoenix Suns are hoping to sign Devin Booker to a contract extension as soon as possible, but they may have to smooth over some tension before the two sides sit down at the negotiating table.
Shams Charania of Yahoo Sports reports that Booker is upset with the Suns for releasing fellow guard Tyler Ulis, who is apparently a very close friend of Booker’s.
Sources: As he becomes eligible for five-year maximum rookie extension, Phoenix Suns' Devin Booker is upset with the front office over release of best friend Tyler Ulis, who started 43 games last season.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 1, 2018
The Suns announced on Saturday that they have released Ulis, whose contract of $1.5 million for next season would have become guaranteed on Sunday. The move was not a big surprise after the team drafted French point guard Elie Okobo at No. 31 overall, but it apparently angered Booker.
Phoenix drafted Ulis in the second round of the 2016 NBA Draft, and they had high expectations for him heading into last season after his impressive rookie campaign. However, Ulis averaged just 7.8 points and 4.4 assists per game and failed to make a big leap.
Booker is part of an exciting young core for the Suns, who also entertained the idea of trading one of their former lottery picks on draft night. It would be a surprise if he doesn’t eventually sign a max extension, but a star player being angry with the front office is never a great thing.
