The Minnesota Timberwolves' recent dismantling of the Phoenix Suns in the first round of the NBA playoffs has led to rumors that the Suns' best players could be available. There has already been speculation that superstar Kevin Durant may demand a trade, while many Suns fans may want the team to explore a deal for Bradley Beal.
However, according to outspoken ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith, star Devin Booker may want out. Not only that but he would want to join the New York Knicks.
Devin Booker reportedly wants to join the Knicks, per @stephenasmith
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) April 29, 2024
"[Devin Booker] might deny it, I haven't spoken to him. I'm just telling you the scuttlebutt in the NBA circles is that brother wanna be in New York."
(h/t @ClutchPoints ) pic.twitter.com/iju8Sv4cHO
Whether that is true is unclear at the moment since the Knicks are in the middle of a potentially deep playoff run while the Suns are headed home.
It should also be noted that Smith is allegedly a Knicks fan, but assuming that he does have sources that back his claim, it would be a major development. After all, the Suns were initially a mostly home-grown team that featured Booker, Deandre Ayton, and Mikal Bridges, as well as Chris Paul.
However, after a couple of playoff disappointments, they cashed in virtually all of their assets and traded most of their young core to acquire Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal. Now, they are seemingly stuck with a big three who just finished seventh in the Western Conference and couldn't win a game in the first round of the playoffs.
Would the Suns consider trading Devin Booker, and could he end up on the New York Knicks?
If Booker were to demand a trade, then the answer is probably yes, especially since it could trigger a fire sale. In fact, were he to want out, then it wouldn't make sense to keep Durant either. Moreover, in a potential deal, Booker, who is under contract for the next four seasons, may net the Suns three or four first-round picks.
As for Durant, although he is 36, has an injury history, and is coming off his 17th season in the NBA, he played 75 games and averaged a terrific 27.1 points. He also has two years left on his contract, so Phoenix could potentially get as many as two firsts for Durant.
Even so, a first-round playoff exit isn't usually the catalyst for a teardown. Tweaking around their core could yield better results for the Suns, not to mention that their Big 3 played just 41 games together and went 26-15. As a result, it would probably be wise for the Suns to run it back with minor changes and see if they fare better.
Ultimately, were Booker to demand a trade, the Knicks would seem like an ideal landing spot. Nevertheless, both Booker and the Suns may not be at that point just yet.