The Phoenix Suns could be on the verge of a massive franchise-altering decision this summer. According to recent reports, Devin Booker’s future in Phoenix is uncertain, and the Suns could explore trading their franchise star if the right opportunity presents itself.
NBA insider John Gambadoro recently hinted at the possibility of Booker leaving Phoenix, despite his long-standing commitment to the franchise. He stated:
“He’s never asked out. He’s never wanted to leave… He was part of it when it was really bad. But then it got good.”
“The biggest question now is Booker. Would Booker want to stay? You would get more for Booker than you would Durant, way more.”
“So if you wanted to, you could trade Durant and Booker, completely start over, have a bunch of young players and draft picks. But again, unless you could make a trade with Houston, tanking does not do them no good because Houston has their picks.”
While Booker has remained loyal to the organization through some of its worst years, the dynamics have shifted drastically. The team’s struggles this season, combined with Kevin Durant’s presence and a lack of playoff success, have fueled speculation that the Suns may opt for a full rebuild.
This statement highlights Booker’s resilience and dedication to Phoenix. He endured years of losing before helping lead the Suns to the 2021 NBA Finals, only for the team to fall short against the Milwaukee Bucks. Now, as the Suns sit in a disappointing position this season, questions arise about whether Booker still envisions winning a title in Phoenix or if he would be better off elsewhere.
The Suns have already invested heavily in the superteam experiment, acquiring Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal to form a new “Big Three” with Booker. Injuries, roster imbalances, and inconsistent performances have kept them from reaching their full potential. They are currently 11th in the West with a 27-31 record, and are a doubt to make the play-in tournament.
The idea of trading both Booker and Durant would give Phoenix a fresh start, allowing them to stack draft picks and build for the future. However, one major obstacle to tanking for high draft picks is that Houston owns Phoenix’s future draft assets.
This makes any rebuilding strategy complicated for the Suns, as losing games would only benefit the Rockets due to their control over Phoenix’s first-round picks.
Booker is still in his prime at 28 years old and is signed through the 2027-28 season with a four-year, $224 million contract. That contract alone makes him one of the most valuable assets in the league.
If the Suns decide to explore trade options, multiple teams would line up for Booker, given his elite scoring ability, playmaking, and leadership. The New York Knicks, Miami Heat, and Los Angeles Lakers are potential suitors that could pursue Booker in the offseason.
Ultimately, the decision will depend on Phoenix’s vision for the future. If they believe this Big Three experiment has failed, moving Booker could be their best path forward.
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