The Phoenix Suns are in a very rough spot, but it seems like they have a clear way out. This summer, they are expected to trade Kevin Durant for the best return possible, namely three first-round picks and a young player. After that, everything is on the table.
The Suns have been rumored to include Devin Booker in trade talks, but as the face of the franchise that seems unlikely. Bradley Beal will continue to be pressured to waive his no-trade clause, but he's long made it clear that he has no intention of doing that.
In order to move on from Durant's last year on his contract, the Suns will have to absorb salary in a deal back, continuing to limit their flexibility, but fans should be able to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Beal has a player option in 2026-27, and Booker's contract will end the next offseason after that. Assuming the worst-case scenario where Beal is still on the roster and opts in to make $57 million, the Suns can still make the most of Booker's prime.
Trading him, it would seem, is off the table.
"Roping in Devin Booker will be popular fare, but he is the Suns' future so long as they don't control their own draft pick until 2032," wrote *Bleacher Report's*Dan Favale. "Consider him off-limits unless he initiates a divorce. Bradley Beal should be considered a long shot as well. You know, the no-trade clause and whatnot."
Phoenix can instead offer Booker a massive extension the year before his contract is up, obviously, let Beal walk (and whichever poorly-aged contracts they have by then), and then go all-in with their newfound draft capital to add a legitimate complimentary talent next to Booker.
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Fans might not want to wait three years for the Suns to be in the mix again, but it's hard to imagine them being "back" at the top as quickly as next season.
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This story was originally published March 25, 2025 at 1:15 PM.