Devin Booker has established himself as one of the NBA’s premier players. The four-time All-Star averaged 27.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, 6.9 assists, 0.9 steals and 0.4 blocks per game in 2023-24. He shot 49.2% from the field, 36.4% from three-point range and 88.6% from the free-throw line.
While they entered the season with championship aspirations, the Phoenix Suns fell well short of those goals. They were quickly bounced from the postseason after suffering a first-round sweep at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves. Gerald Bourguet of PHNX Sports suggested that the New York Knicks could look to acquire Booker this offseason, writing:
The Knicks have been interested in Booker dating back to Leon Rose’s instatement as team president back in 2020. Rose, a former CAA player agent prior to being hired by New York, once served as Booker’s representation, and other Knicks personnel with connections to the 27-year-old Suns star recently put out feelers about his potential interest in coming to New York.
Adding a young superstar with four All-Star selections and one All-NBA selection (and possibly a second to follow soon) like Booker to the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference makes sense from the Knicks’ perspective. He and Jalen Brunson would form an electrifying, high-scoring backcourt for one the NBA’s most pleasant surprises, and according to a source, New York would be willing to offer almost anything to make that pairing happen. [h/t PHNX Sports]
Booker has spent his entire nine-year career as a member of the Suns and has not publicly expressed discontent. Despite this, fans of the NBA know to expect the unexpected. The Knicks will have plenty of assets to make available in a trade. They have several tradable contracts and first-round draft picks. It is unclear, however, if Phoenix will entertain moving on from their star guard.
Devin Booker reportedly hoping to follow Kobe Bryant’s footsteps, stay with one team
While the New York Knicks are looking to pair Devin Booker with Jalen Brunson, their interest may not be mutual. According to Gerald Bourguet of PHNX Sports, the four-time All-Star 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]
While Phoenix fell well short of expectations – and have limited assets to upgrade their roster – Booker does not appear ready to move on from the franchise. It remains to be seen how the Suns – who will be well over the luxury tax before filling out their roster – will look to improve heading into 2024-25.
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