Seeing what the Memphis Grizzlies just got back from the Orlando Magic in the Desmond Bane trade, the Phoenix Suns should seriously consider moving Devin Booker for a massive haul this summer, thus resetting the franchise and entering a rebuild. Obviously, there’s a lot to consider if that becomes the objective, but Phoenix could get a ton of assets for Booker.
The Suns are already slated to trade Kevin Durant this summer, so they have the chance to seamlessly enter a rebuild if they also trade Booker. Though Booker has been a Sun for his entire career (and is seemingly happy in Phoenix), this could be the Suns’ best chance to move forward with the organization.
And for the right price, anyone should be tradable.
Desmond Bane trade haul proves the Suns should seriously consider moving Devin Booker
The real key in a Booker trade would be finding the right partner. In theory, the Magic could have been a perfect landing spot for the Suns star, but that ship has sailed now that Bane has filled the role.
But who else around the league could end up star hunting this summer, and which of the teams that do will have the assets to please the Suns?
The Toronto Raptors seem to be keen on adding a star. They have been thrown around in rumors for both Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kevin Durant. Is there a world where they would want Booker?
Toronto could offer RJ Barret, Jakob Poeltl, Ja’Kobe Walter, the No. 9 pick in this year’s draft, and three or four more future first-rounders.
The Houston Rockets have also reportedly shown interest in Durant. For Booker, they could shell out Dillon Brooks, Reed Sheppard, Jabari Smith Jr., the No. 10 pick, and lots of future firsts including the Suns’ own draft picks.
That could give Phoenix the perfect chance to effectively tank in hopes of ushering in a new era of basketball in Phoenix.
All of these hypothetical situations fully depend on how willing other teams are to match the price the Magic paid in the Bane trade. But Booker is more than Bane. He’s another level of star in the NBA world.
Then again, the Magic clearly wanted to go all-in, and how many other teams around the league are trying to put themselves in those same shoes?
The point is, if there are offers available to the Suns that exceed what Bane went for on the open market, then Phoenix should heavily consider trading him for a monster haul.