The Phoenix Suns look like a roster that is going to run it back this summer after a regular season in which they exceeded expectations and got the fans back onside.
But what if Giannis Antetokounmpo were to try and force his way to The Valley? A conversation would surely have to be had, while the NBA Draft Lottery shaking out the way it did sure seemed to eliminate some potential trade partners for the Greek superstar.
Booker could finally be perfect second option with Giannis tradeÂ
The discourse around Booker in 2025-26 was as partisan as ever, with many in The Valley feeling that his time as the best player on this roster should be coming to an end if the Suns want to win big.
A way of thinking that was aided by Dillon Brooks being the most clutch player the team had in their first round sweep versus the Oklahoma City Thunder. He wanted the ball and he took (and made) some of the shots usually reserved for Booker.
But if Antetokounmpo was in Phoenix then we would finally get to see Booker being used in a way we never have before, and it could get the best out of his still ridiculous offensive talents.
The Kevin Durant trade attempted to do this, but the skills of that duo had some overlap and Durant was the one who ended up with the ball in his hands when it really mattered.
That wouldn’t be a problem with a Giannis/Booker combo, Antetokounmpo could be the best and most impactful player for the first 42 minutes of the game before giving the ball to Booker late in games to close it out. A situation he is comfortable with, but just needs more help.
We all saw how good the combination of Booker and Deandre Ayton was for the Suns back in 2021, and having Antetokounmpo in his place would be taking a concept that got Phoenix to the NBA Finals and turning it up to 11. Giannis is a former Defensive Player of the Year who can score in a myriad of ways.
It is clear Booker needs more help if the Suns want to win even a couple of series out West, and a 31-year-old wrecking ball at the tail end of his prime that aligns with Booker’s own timeline sure does make a lot of sense.
The cost of doing business has never been less as well, the saga of Giannis and his future a long and drawn out one that will surely reach its conclusion this summer.
Having Devin Booker be the Suns’ second best player is a concept we’ve never seen properly, and the time to see how far that can take Phoenix is surely about to present itself. Will owner Mat Ishbia be brave enough to consider it?
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