Devin Booker, other young Suns react to Jared Dudley trade

After forward Jared Dudley was traded to the Brooklyn Nets, some young Phoenix Suns players tweeted their appreciation to him.

BY LOGAN NEWMAN

Jul 21, 2018, 2:11 PM

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Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) and Jared Dudley look at the video screen after a foul was called on teammate TJ Warren during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Houston Rockets, Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018, in Houston. Houston won 113-102. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)

(AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)

At first, forward Jared Dudley tweeted that he had been asleep when the trade was announced that would send him from Phoenix to Brooklyn.

Then, Dudley responded to a fan who told the forward he “will always be a Phoenix sun [sic]” with one word: “Always.”

A few hours later, he was able to put his thoughts into words and tweet them out.

I First off want to thank Robert Sarver and the Suns organization. It’s truly been the best 7 years of my life.There’s been no better feeling then being a Sun! To all the Fans that opened me with open arms and embracing me I truly love you guys and the city. Phx is home!

— Jared Dudley (@JaredDudley619) July 20, 2018

Dudley leaves the Suns after two stints totaling seven seasons with the franchise. Over the latter years, his role changed from a high-energy glue guy to a veteran leader.

“I was here more of a mentor role, to help bridge the gap and try to teach guys even though the record might not show it, it’s showing how to be professional, teaching them how to do the right work ethic, and then seeing the game from a different point of view,” Dudley said Friday on Bickley & Marotta on 98.7 FM Arizona’s Sports Station.

“That’s what I tried to do and I think that you’ll see that in a couple of these other guys.”

Though the team’s record didn’t improve over Dudley’s second stint in Phoenix, some young players tweeted their support for the veteran after the move was made.

My brother @JaredDudley619, thank you for all the knowledge you have passed on to me. True representation on how to be a great Vet in this league. I learned a lot from you just from conversation throughout the past couple years. I wish the best for you and your family movin fwrd!

— Devin Booker (@DevinBook) July 20, 2018

Dudley said that Booker has more pressure to step up and be a vocal leader, but he thinks the young star is ready to take the leap.

“He has to know to learn the personalities of the team, with new guys coming in, who to push, who to be encouraging with,” Dudley said. “He understands that … He has a good understanding of just life, and understanding people, understanding his role.”

Alan Williams, who is no longer on the Suns, also tweeted at Dudley. A Phoenix native, Williams would have been a teenager watching the team during Dudley’s first stint on the Suns.

As a Suns fan first and foremost thanks for representing the city where I’m from Phoenix will always have love for you big bro!✊🏾 https://t.co/rP9fAPJkUH

— BigSauce (@alantwilliams) July 20, 2018

Marquese Chriss sent a tweet at Dudley, who responded with one last piece of advice.