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As Devin Booker and the Phoenix Suns were finishing up shop on a disappointing season, rumors surfaced that the star guard had his eyes set on playing for the New York Knicks.
The big three of Booker, Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal did not necessarily pan out like the Suns had anticipated. The end result was a first-round sweep at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves and head coch Frank Vogel being fired.
Now that Mike Budenholzer has taken over in Phoenix, we’re hearing a bit more on Booker and his future with the Suns.
Fans in the desert can rest easy. Booker is not about to request a trade any time soon.
“I continue to hear that there is no Devin Booker, like, trade request coming,” ESPN’s Zach Lowe noted on Monday.
This fits in with the narrative from Suns owner Mat Ishbia who noted after Phoenix was eliminated from the playoffs that they want to retain the big three.
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Booker, 27, is playing under a four-year, $221.09 million contract that takes him through the 2027-28 season. Short of the star requesting a trade, he’ll remain in Phoenix for the long run.
This past season saw Booker average 27.1 points, 4.5 rebounds and 6.9 assists per game. He shot 49% from the field, including 36% from three-point range.
The broader question for Phoenix is Kevin Durant and his future with the Suns. He was mired in drama throughout the 2023-24 season, leading to speculation that the two-time NBA Finals MVP will indeed request a trade. He’s been linked to his former Golden State Warriors team.
Either way, don’t look for Booker to force his way back east. Lowe’s report pretty much puts an end to that idea.