The Phoenix Suns, after one of the most disappointing seasons in NBA history, appear to be heading towards a hard reset. They fired head coach Mike Budenholzer after just a single season, are expected to trade Kevin Durant, and could even buy out Bradley Beal.
Even Devin Booker isn’t safe from trade rumors. If the Suns want to recoupe as many draft picks as possible to rebuild, Booker needs to be on the table.
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The team’s plans for their franchise player were recently revealed.
Apr 20, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) shakes hands with forward Kevin Durant (35) against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first half during game one of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Target Center.© Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Booker has been the best player on the Suns for pretty much his entire career, and Phoenix doesn’t appear ready to see him walk.
“Booker remains so as he finishes the first season of a four-year, $220 million extension. Booker is eligible to sign a two-year, $149.8 million extension this summer, which Phoenix is expected to offer, sources said,” reported ESPN’s Brian Windhorst. “In his first season under Budenholzer, Booker averaged a career-high 37.3 minutes, 25.6 points — his lowest since 2018 — and shot a career-low 33% from 3.”
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However, extending him through the 2029-2030 season does not mean that the Suns won’t trade him. If they reach an agreement, Booker’s value will remain sky-high until he only has two seasons left on his contract, provided he continues to play and score at a high level.
Owner Mat Ishbia has made his reluctance to rebuild clear, but he might have painted himself into a corner. He could buy himself some time, but if Booker refuses an extension, the writing could be on the wall.
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