With rumors indicating young star Devin Booker may want out of Phoenix, the 24-year-old guard from Kentucky has teams all around the league eyeballing him in a potential trade deal.
While he’d be an ideal fit for most NBA teams, the Boston Celtics are known to be an organization keen on taking risks making big moves. With Kemba Walker, Jaylen Brown, and Jayson Tatum, the team is in a position to stay relevant for a long time in the East.
But the acquisition of Booker, one of the best scorers in the league, might be enough to put them over the top. The question is, do the Celtics have enough to pull off a deal?
To get a guy like Booker, they’ll have to give up a few members of their coveted young core: like a package including Brown, Smart, and this offseason’s 14th pick. If they’re willing to make that offer, the Suns might be inclined to take it.
Suns Add Defense
Whether or not the reports about Booker wanting out are true, the Suns will need to address their defensive woes if they want any hope of turning their fortunes around. If they do trade Book, Jaylen Brown and Marcus Smart would be the answer to their prayers on the defensive side of things.
While he is no Booker, Brown is also a more-than-capable scorer who averaged 20.3 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game on 48% shooting last season.
The key for Phoenix, however, will be Deandre Ayton. If he can develop his skills and become a true star, the Suns could have enough depth with Brown, Smart, Oubre, Saric, and Rubio to make some real noise in the West. Plus, with that No. 14th pick, they might find another potential star in the draft.
Celtics Build Big Three With Kemba, Tatum, And Booker
The Boston Celtics may truly be just a piece or two away from title contention, and a guy like Booker (who averaged 26 points per game in ’19-20) could be the one to get them there. He and Tatum would make a powerful young duo that could last for years. Walker would only add more potency to their offense, as he is an exceptional shooter and ball-handler.
Needless to say, Danny Ainge has never been one to shy away from making moves he feels could make his team better. But whether or not he’s willing to give up Jaylen Brown, or Marcus Smart, is still very much up in the air.
