Devin Booker and the Phoenix Suns entered the 2023-24 season with championship aspirations. They fell well short of their goals as they were unceremoniously swept by the Minnesota Timberwolves. The four-time All-Star had a strong series, averaging 27.5 points, 3.3 rebounds, 6.0 assists, 1.8 steals and 0.3 blocks per game. He shot 49.2% from the field, 35.0% from three-point range and 95.1% from the free-throw line.
Despite his strong play, questions have began to emerge about Phoenix’s ceiling. Booker has been linked to the New York Knicks, who have reportedly had interest in acquiring him since 2020 – when they hired his former agent Leon Rose as team president. According to Gerald Bourguet of PHNX Sports, he has no interest in leaving the Suns at this time:
The Knicks’ interest in Devin Booker is one-sided, and the source was adamant about squashing this latest, unfounded rumor. Booker has remained loyal to the Suns franchise through some of its darkest days and has talked about bringing the super-team to him in Phoenix.
There may come a day where Booker is convinced he can no longer win with the Suns and decides to pursue titles elsewhere. But that day isn’t here yet, according to the source with knowledge. As a student of the game and its history, Booker understands the value of sticking with one franchise for his entire career, following in the footsteps of guys like his idol Kobe Bryant. [h/t PHNX Sports]
Booker has spent his entire nine-year career in Phoenix. While the team has limited assets to upgrade the roster this summer, it appears that he is not ready to move on from the only team he has known. New York will likely have to look elsewhere if they are hoping to pair Jalen Brunson with another star in the offseason.
Stephen A. Smith claimed Devin Booker wants to be in New York
It is no secret that the New York Knicks will be star-hunting this offseason. The team has built a solid core and has plenty of assets available in a potential trade. Stephen A. Smith recently claimed that Devin Booker wants to join the organization. Speaking on First Take, the sports media personality stated:
From what I’m being told – I don’t know if it’ll ever happen – Devin Booker wants to be in New York. That’s what I’m being told. That’s what I’m being told. Now, he might deny it. I haven’t spoken to him. I’m just telling you the scuttlebutt in the NBA circles is that brother wants to be in New York. So if you’re Phoenix, you got at least two people – probably three – who are all getting paid about $150 million combined [and] don’t want to be there.
Despite the struggles of the Phoenix Suns, Booker played at an elite level. He averaged 27.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, 6.9 assists, 0.9 steals and 0.4 blocks per game while shooting 49.2% from the field, 36.4% from three-point range and 88.6% from the free-throw line. Phoenix will have plenty of work to do if they hope to bounce back in 2024-25.
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