While representatives for Devin Booker dismissed recent rumors he would like to be traded to the New York Knicks this summer, some new details about a potential trade make it seem like a deal is far from impossible.
Following the Phoenix Suns’ four-game elimination from the NBA Playoffs this weekend, ESPN analyst and popular talking head Stephen A. Smith created a media firestorm when he suggested Devin Booker wanted out of Arizona, and specifically had his sites set on the Knicks.
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It was a surprising claim but one that has actually been speculated about over the last couple of months as the Suns played out what was a very disappointing showing in 2023-24. However, it wasn’t long before reps for the four-time All-Star looked to end the debate and told GoPhnx.com writer Gerald Bourguet on Tuesday that he has no interest in leaving and “this is his city.”
However, in that same report, Bourguet revealed some very interesting new tidbits about the New York Knicks having a long-standing interest in Booker.
Devin Booker stats (2023-24): 27.1 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 6.9 APG, 0.9 SPG, 36% 3PT
New York Knicks would offer “almost anything” in a Devin Booker trade
“The Knicks have been interested in Booker dating back to Leon Rose’s installment as team president back in 2020. Rose, a former CAA player agent before 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 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.”
– Gerald Bourguet
The big question is would the Suns even consider a trade? The team is in a financial position where they have little to no flexibility to improve this disappointing roster in the offseason. Bradley Beal is nearly untradable, and while Kevin Durant played very well this season, they may not get the return they would really want in a potential deal for the 35-year-old.
Devin Booker would get a massive return from the New York Knicks and give them the chance to rebuild the team for the short and long term. NY could offer an All-Star like Julius Randle, a talented and young defensive anchor in Mitchell Robinson to start, along with a majority of the 11 first-round picks they have for the rest of the decade.