PHOENIX –The Phoenix Suns made it clear that everyone was available this trade deadline. Stuck at 25-25, 9th in the Western Conference, the franchise knew it needed to change. Phoenix shopped around their top stars in Bradley Beal and Kevin Durant, neither coming to fruition for several various factors. However, there were reports for NBA Insiders that the Houston Rockets were interested in franchise cornerstone Devin Booker.
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Nov 10, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; A general view of fans as they await Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) before the start of a game against the Sacramento Kings at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Allan Henry-Imagn Images
ESPN’s Bobby Marks and Ramona Shelburne reported that the Suns quickly shut those talks down, but once the idea is in the media cycle, it is hard for players to forget. According to Shelburne, the constant reports of Beal and Durant being shipped off have created a “toxic” locker room and make it interesting how the Suns can repair their relationships with the duo.
For Booker, though, the trade rumors haven’t affected his commitment to the valley. ESPN NBA Insider Brian Windhorst discussed the four-time All-Star’s desire to stay in Phoenix on his Hoop’s Collective podcast. Windhorst claimed that Booker wants to spend his “whole career” with the Suns, and the recent turmoil between the front office and the roster hasn’t changed that wish.
Drafted 13th overall in 2015, Booker has spent the past decade representing the Suns on and off the court. In 2021, he helped drag the franchise out of lottery purgatory to achieve their first playoff appearance since 2011. Booker rebuilt Phoenix into a valuable asset for not only the league but also for local communities.
Nov 8, 2021; Sacramento, California, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) gives his jersey to a young fan after the game against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Booker’s Starting 5 campaign has raised millions for local nonprofits, built three learning centers, renovated two basketball courts, and more. Since its conception in 2019, Starting 5 has given back to underserved locals in the valley all because of Booker.
Feb 4, 2023; Detroit, Michigan, USA; A fan holds a sign for Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) during a time out against Detroit Pistons in the first quarter at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports
Unlike Beal, Booker does not have a no-trade clause, and with recent trades like Luka Doncic to the Lakers, the possibility of the Suns trading Booker this offseason can’t be zero. However, what the 28-year-old has done for Phoenix on and off the court, and his desire to stay with the Suns, has made him close to untouchable.
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Tanner Tortorella is a sports reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account @TannerTSports
