The Phoenix Suns and Oklahoma City Thunder are at two different points of the season. The Suns were swept in the first round despite Devin Booker’s efforts (27.5 PPG) and there are major doubts about this team’s ability to contend in the future because of their poor salary cap situation. Meanwhile, the Oklahoma City Thunder are locked in battle with the Dallas Mavericks in the second round and currently is 1-1 in their series.
The Suns need to trade one of their three stars, Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal, and Booker would net them the most assets. The Thunder could be a perfect fit with Devin Booker, considering they have Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren, and a blockbuster deal could be on the table to make this happen.
Trade Details
Phoenix Suns Receive: Jalen Williams, Josh Giddey, Luguentz Dort, 2025 First-Round Pick, 2026 First-Round Pick, 2028 First-Round Pick
Oklahoma City Thunder: Devin Booker
Could this deal be feasible? We provide an analysis of both teams involved in this trade to get an idea of how Devin Booker could shake up the Western Conference.
The Phoenix Suns Add Playmaking, Depth, And Defense Around Kevin Durant
For the Phoenix Suns, this trade seems to address some key needs. By acquiring young talent like Giddey, Williams, and Dort, they bolster their depth and inject more playmaking and defensive prowess into their roster. Giddey’s passing ability and youth provide a promising future for the Suns, especially as they consider life after Kevin Durant’s eventual retirement.
Jalen Williams, with his potential for growth and scoring output, could integrate well into their starting lineup alongside Giddey, Beal, Durant, and Jusuf Nurkic. Dort’s elite defense off the bench could significantly improve the Suns’ defensive capabilities, addressing a weakness that could hold them back in the playoffs. With Durant and Beal shouldering the scoring load and the younger players contributing on defense and energy, the Suns could indeed become a more balanced and formidable team, potentially avoiding early playoff exits.
On the other hand, the Oklahoma City Thunder’s decision to acquire Devin Booker suggests a shift in their strategy toward acquiring established talent. Booker would undoubtedly be a cornerstone player for the Thunder, providing scoring, playmaking, and star power to lead their franchise forward. However, it’s important to consider the Thunder’s rebuilding timeline and whether Booker aligns with their long-term objectives. While Booker’s presence could elevate the Thunder’s competitiveness in the short term, it might also delay the development of their younger prospects, considering the Suns do not own any picks until 2030.
The Oklahoma City Thunder Create The Most Talented Big Three
Devin Booker’s scoring ability and playmaking prowess would undoubtedly complement the skill sets of Gilgeous-Alexander and Holmgren, potentially creating a formidable trio capable of competing at the highest level. With Booker joining Gilgeous-Alexander and Holmgren, the Thunder would boast a versatile offensive arsenal.
Booker’s skill of creating his shots and scoring from anywhere on the floor would provide another dynamic scoring option alongside Gilgeous-Alexander’s crafty ball-handling and playmaking skills. Additionally, Holmgren’s unique blend of size, skill, and shooting touch would add a dimension of inside scoring and floor spacing, making the Thunder’s offense even more potent.
Furthermore, the Thunder’s depth with players like Cason Wallace, Jaylin Williams, and Aaron Wiggins would help alleviate the loss of talent from the Booker trade and provide valuable contributions on both ends of the floor. Williams, in particular, could step into a starting role and contribute immediately, further solidifying the Thunder’s rotation under Coach of the Year Mike Daigneault.
Would The Phoenix Suns Accept This Trade Package For Devin Booker?
The answer is yes. For the Suns, parting ways with Devin Booker in exchange for three young players and future draft picks offers an opportunity to both bolster their depth and prepare for the future. With Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal still in the final years of their prime, the Suns add much-needed defensive prowess and playmaking ability to complement their scoring duo.
Additionally, the influx of young talent and draft assets provides flexibility and a pathway to sustained success beyond the Durant and Beal era. Since the Suns do not own any of their picks until 2030, they need to revamp the roster with young talent and still contend at the same time. This deal gives them that chance.
Conversely, the Thunder’s acquisition of Devin Booker strengthens their roster and positions them as contenders with arguably the most potent Big Three in the NBA. Teaming Booker with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren forms a formidable trio capable of competing at the highest level immediately. However, despite this, would the Thunder agree to this deal? Probably not.
Giving up three talented players and three picks might be a bit steep, but considering Giddey isn’t untouchable and Dort struggles offensively at times, it is entirely possible they might look at Booker as their new star player. The problem is that GM Sam Presti doesn’t like to give up draft picks when his team is already one of the best in the league and only disastrous performances from Giddey, Dort, and Williams could cause a surprising trade for Booker to go through.
