The Phoenix Suns put together in impressive run in the NBA bubble— finishing with an 8-0 record. That provided plenty of optimism for the team’s future as they continue to build around Devin Booker.
The main question appears to be, will Booker be willing to stick around for the Suns to put together a competitive enough product around him to contend in a loaded Western Conference.
According to Ryen Russillo on The Bill Simmons Podcast, it’s “the worst kept secret” in the NBA that Booker wants to depart from the Suns.
This isn’t the first time that Booker has been mentioned in NBA trade rumors. Last summer, Marc Berman of the New York Post the New York Knicks could be a potential landing spot for the Suns star after the hirings of Tom Thibodeau and Leon Rose.
“Since Leon Rose was hired as president, the player to watch out for most is Suns combo guard Devin Booker, according to league sources. If Rose hires Tom Thibodeau, (Karl-Anthony) Towns—a former Rose client—no longer makes sense because of their history. Booker and Towns were Rose clients who played at Kentucky, which means Knicks adviser William Wesley is close to each. Rose has done well with Kentucky standouts because of Wesley.”
Had this information been put out last summer, it would seem plausible that Booker would want out. The Suns have failed to achieve much success during his time with the organization—coming short of even earning one playoff appearance.
The run the Phoenix Suns put together in the NBA bubble showcased the potential the team has with Devin Booker running the show. They could use another perimeter star to take the team over the top, but regardless, the situation is much improved from just a year ago.
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