After a miserable 2024-25 campaign (24-58) that exposed just how poorly the pieces fit in Philadelphia, it’s clear the trio of Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Paul George isn’t built to contend in the East. Injuries, inconsistent chemistry, and a lack of playoff pedigree doomed this group from the start.
Across the country, Phoenix isn’t faring much better. Their own “superteam” experiment, headlined by Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal, ended in another flameout (36-46), further proving that names alone don’t win titles. That’s where this blockbuster idea comes in.
The 76ers swing for the fences by acquiring Devin Booker, a legitimate offensive engine with elite playoff scoring chops and a personality built for big markets. In return, Phoenix gets a younger All-Star in Tyrese Maxey, a rotation-ready wing in Quentin Grimes, and two valuable future firsts via the Clippers, giving them the tools to reshape the roster around Durant or, more likely, set the stage for a full-scale rebuild.
Proposed Trade Details
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: Devin Booker
Phoenix Suns Receive: Tyrese Maxey, Quentin Grimes (Sign-and-Trade), 2028 First-Round Pick (LAC), 2029 First-Round Pick (LAC)
It’s bold. It’s messy. And it just might save both franchises. Let’s dive into how it works out.
Philadelphia 76ers Create A Brand-New Big Three That Could Work
Imagine pairing Devin Booker’s elite scoring punch (25.6 PPG, 7.1 APG, 4.1 RPG in 2024‑25) with Joel Embiid’s dominance in the paint. Embiid posted 23.8 PPG, 8.2 RPG, and 4.5 APG in 19 games before injury shutdown, and Paul George might return to form after a very down season in 2024-25. That’s a lethal three-man attack: Booker’s silky midrange, George’s separation scoring, and Embiid’s interior presence.
Booker’s court vision (7.1 assists/game ranked 11th in the league) offsets Embiid’s interior scoring and George’s downhill drives. Defensively, Embiid demands double-teams, freeing Booker and George to attack mismatches or find open shooters, something the Sixers crookedly missed last season. With Quentin Grimes offloaded in the deal, spacing spot-up threats could be added around this trio, keeping the offense balanced and unpredictable.
Bringing in Booker ($49.2M cap hit in 2024‑25; climbs to $61M by 2027‑28) alongside Embiid ($55.2M next season) looks hefty, but it locks in a championship window. Without PG-13’s $51.7M anchor, the Sixers can diversify their bench, pursue complementary wings, or target defensive stopgaps. It’s luxo-spending with clarity, pushing everything on three MVP-level talents.
Phoenix Suns Cash In On Booker And Start A Rebuild
The Phoenix Suns clear Booker’s massive contract (four years, $220M deal signed in 2022) and acquire Tyrese Maxey, a prime-age All-Star (26.3 PPG, 6.1 APG), a dependable wing in Quentin Grimes (14.6 PPG, 38.5 3P%), and two first-rounders from the Clippers (2028, 2029 via LAC). Instead of doubling down on aging stars, they pivot to a young core with room to grow.
Trading Booker frees up flexibility to chase early window upgrades without locking into big-ticket long-term deals. Maxey’s contract ($35M this year, scaling to $43.5M in 2027‑28) gives them cost-controlled scoring. And Grimes, on a rookie-scale deal ($6.3M qualifying offer next season but included in a sign-and-trade), brings cheap, reliable shooting. Combined with the picks, this means rebuilding around athleticism and youth without blocking future moves.
Phoenix’s Durant–Beal–Booker “Big Three” has stalled; Durant might already be on the move. Shifting Booker sets off a roster domino: they can retain Beal or flip him too, then chase fitting youth and vets to complement an emergent guard-core style. Rather than individually chasing wins now, they can build for post‑2028 with cap space, assets, and a young nucleus all pointing forward.
A Blockbuster Trade Idea That Makes Sense For Everyone Involved
Philadelphia acquires a proven scorer in Booker, 25.6 PPG and a reliable 46% FG/33% 3PT shooter in 2024‑25, to offset Maxey’s likely decline after moving. With Embiid’s health always in question (played just 19 games in 2024‑25) and PG-13’s inconsistent performances (16.2 PPG in 41 games), Booker brings poise and stability to their superteam aspirations.
Phoenix acquires a dynamic All-Star in Maxey, a 24-year-old on the rise with playoff intensity, plus Grimes, a 3&D prototype, on a cheap deal. Not to mention two lottery-protected Clippers firsts. It’s a serious haul for a player who hasn’t won a ring, giving the Suns real ammunition to reload or pivot entirely.
Surgically, Philly accelerates toward a high-ceiling Big Three built to contend now, while Phoenix leverages draft capital to craft their next identity. Cap space, youth, and picks land where they’re needed most.
And both fan bases get a narrative restart: Philly goes all‑in on proven blue-chippers, Phoenix refocuses on long-term growth. That’s what makes it a rare trade where everyone actually wins.
