Valley of the Suns
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3 Phoenix Suns players whose trade value improved in 2023

By Luke Duffy

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MARCH 16: Bol Bol #10 of the Orlando Magic during the game against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center on March 16, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns beat the Magic 116-113. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MARCH 16: Bol Bol #10 of the Orlando Magic during the game against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center on March 16, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns beat the Magic 116-113. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images) /
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PHOENIX, ARIZONA – MAY 11: Devin Booker of the Phoenix Suns. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA – MAY 11: Devin Booker of the Phoenix Suns. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

1. Devin Booker

Could there be anybody else? Devin Booker is already one of the 15 best players in the league, and would place similarly in any list done on trade value. But after the postseason he just had, you can now make a case that he has entered the top six or seven of both discussions.

Booker was sensational in the playoffs, as he clearly took another leap forward. It wasn’t clear if this was possible given how good he already was, but at this point, it is completely reasonable to expect him to challenge for the MVP award next season.

In 11 playoff games last year, he averaged a league best 33.7 points per game, and shot an insane 50.8 percent from 3-point range on 5.5 attempts per night. To do this against the Nuggets and L.A. Clippers, when both were planning heavily for Booker’s offensive influence, is fantastic.

With last season in the books and a finals appearance in 2021, there is now no reason why Booker can’t be the best player on a team that wins it all. Even with Durant along for the ride, this is Booker’s team. The final step in his growth from young star, to learning from Chris Paul, to leading a group featuring Durant and Beal.

Next. The 6 worst Suns starters of the Devin Booker era. dark

The list of players you would trade Booker straight up for is tiny. At only 26-years-old, he hasn’t even entered his prime yet. He is right there with Jayson Tatum, and has surpassed the brilliant Jamal Murray. In 2023 he once again improved his trade value, and in doing so went to a place that only a select few in the NBA have reached.

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