Devin Booker Jimmy Butler
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MIAMI, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 14: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns drives against Jimmy Butler #22 of the Miami Heat during the third quarter at FTX Arena on November 14, 2022 in Miami, Florida. 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 Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
The Phoenix Suns are witnessing Devin Booker getting closer to becoming the greatest player in franchise history. Charles Barkley and Steve Nash accomplished more via the MVP Award, but Booker’s longevity is helping him move up most of the all-time leaderboard lists. The hope is for the Suns to rebuild a new contending roster around Booker as the top star.
However, Phoenix was tempted to trade Booker in his earlier years and almost came close to a blockbuster deal. Former Suns head coach Earl Watson revealed that he stepped in to stop the owner from sending Booker to the Chicago Bulls for Jimmy Butler:
“Robert Sarver, goes, ‘We have a trade for Devin. We’re gonna send Devin to Chicago for Jimmy Butler’… I said, ‘If you trade Devin Booker, I am resigning tonight.”
Butler was on the trade block when Chicago realized he was no longer going to be a long-term part of the franchise. Phoenix showed interest in making Butler the new face of the franchise since he was in his prime. Watson stepped in and believed too much in the talent of Booker to deal him for the first chance at acquiring a superstar.
Why Suns Almost Traded Devin Booker
The rationale behind Sarver wanting to trade Booker was nothing against the rising star. Phoenix had lost relevance from the Nash era and desperately wanted to make a move to get closer towards contention. Booker showed promise, but the decision to keep him on the roster took years before they could field a contender around him.
Butler represented a top tier player in his prime that was clearly ascending to do even more in the league in his next stops. The Suns also showed interest in moving other assets to pair Butler and Booker together, but Chicago had no desire without the top prospect. Watson’s words connected with Sarver to shut down the trade.
The Minnesota Timberwolves ended up trading for Butler and showed the flaws associated with the move. Butler wasn’t secured to a long-term deal and requested a trade once the team didn’t offer the contract figure he desired in less than two seasons there. Phoenix ended up contending years later by having Booker as the clear best player to prove Watson right.
Can Devin Booker Get Traded Soon?
Phoenix’s recent big three era with Booker, Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal failed badly to warrant the latter two getting moved in the most recent offseason. Booker’s name entered online conversations about his future with the franchise. The Suns would have received a lot more moving Booker than they did for Durant or Beal.
Booker’s importance to the franchise as a homegrown player that led them out of the ashes of NBA irrelevance caused them to keep him. Loyalty sees Booker and Phoenix trusting each other to make the team a contender again in his prime.
Time will tell if the Suns have enough assets to find the right talents, but they have a chance for a franchise GOAT to spend his entire career with them. Watson deserves credit for making sure Booker remained in a Phoenix uniform at a time when many coaches would have preferred the more established talent.