Devin Booker wants to play in New York, Stephen A. Smith has said, with the Suns’ future in flux after their early playoff exit.
The Timberwolves pulled off a stunning sweep of Phoenix on Sunday night, and the Suns have more than $150 million in salary committed to their ‘Big Three’ of Booker, Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal for next season, with little wiggle room for improve.
Booker, who spent his entire career in Phoenix, has offered no public indication that he wants to leave, but ESPN’s Smith was adamant Monday that the four-time All-Star has a wandering eye.
‘From what I’ve been told, I don’t know if it will ever happen, Devin Booker wants to be in New York. That’s what they tell me,” Smith said.
Now I could deny it. I have not talked with him. I’m just telling you. The rumors in NBA circles are that my brother wants to be in New York. “So if you’re Phoenix, you have at least two people, probably three, who are paid about $150 million combined, and they don’t want to be there.”
Devin Booker is looking for a way out of Phoenix, according to ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith
Smith said Booker’s desire to play in New York was “the buzz in NBA circles”
While Smith did not specify which New York franchise he was referring to, the Knicks, who have won 50 games this season and are on the verge of advancing to the second round, are the more likely bet than the Nets.
The Knicks would be expected to transfer higher salaries, like those of Julius Randle and others, to theoretically pair Booker with superstar point guard Jalen Brunson.
On the other hand, the Nets are also loaded with first-round assets following their trade that sent Durant to Phoenix, and Booker is close to former Suns Cam Johnson and Mikal Bridges, now of the Nets.
Booker was even seen wearing a Nets jersey five years ago during the offseason, in a photo posted by his friend and former Nets guard D’Angelo Russell.
Booker was seen wearing a Nets jersey in 2019 and is close with several Brooklyn players.
A theoretical Booker trade to the Knicks would see him paired with point guard Jalen Brunson
After trading for Durant last season and acquiring Beal over the summer, the Suns find themselves in a difficult situation.
Durant, who they hoped could lead them to a title, is 35 years old, while Beal has a no-trade clause.
After the Suns were swept, The Athletic reported that Durant “never felt comfortable” in his role within the Phoenix offense.
Booker, still only 27 years old, is by far the youngest of the team’s ‘Big 3’, so it remains to be seen if Phoenix would actually be willing to move their hometown star.
