The Ringer’s Wosny Lambre shared on social media that he’s “heard similar things” to ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith that Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker wants to join the New York Knicks.
If you think Stephen A is not tapped in, you’re wrong. This ain’t out of thin air. And I’ve heard similar things. https://t.co/cm7rBiuh8i
— Wosny Lambre (@BigWos) April 29, 2024
It’s interesting that Booker’s interest in the Knicks is more widespread than just Smith’s report, especially since the Suns were swept in the first round of the playoffs by the Minnesota Timberwolves this season.
Phoenix built a Big 3 of Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal and Booker, but now the team has very little flexibility to improve the roster around them.
Phoenix does not have control over any of its own first-round picks until 2031, and the team is locked into Beal and his no-trade clause – unless he wants to waive it to join another team.
The Suns mortgaged away their entire future, and it resulted in a first round sweep.
Phoenix not only has zero control over their first-round picks from 2025-2030, but Bradley Beal also refused to waive his no-trade clause when he arrived in June.
Beal, who is owed $160 million… pic.twitter.com/Gg5IWghLg4
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) April 29, 2024
If the Suns do decide to move on from Booker to rebuild the roster – or if the star guard requests a trade – it’s possible that the Knicks could put together a package for the four-time All-Star.
New York has a handful of first-round picks (although some are protected) over the next two drafts that could help it make a major offer for Booker. The team also has impactful role players like Donte DiVincenzo, Josh Hart and Mitchell Robinson that are under contract after this season and could be of interest to Phoenix.
However, New York may not want to mess with its current core, as the team earned the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference this season and currently has a 3-1 series lead on the No. 7-seeded Philadelphia 76ers in the first round of the playoffs.
With Jalen Brunson (an All-Star for the first time this season) leading the way, New York could make a deep run in the playoffs. Plus, the team may want to see how it fares next season when Julius Randle (out for the rest of the current season with a shoulder injury) is likely to return to the floor.
Still, Booker would be an interesting option, especially if he were to ask to be traded to New York.
During the 2023-24 regular season, the University of Kentucky product averaged 27.1 points, 4.5 rebounds and 6.9 assists per game while shooting 49.2 percent from the field and 36.4 percent from 3-point range.
