PHOENIX – A former Phoenix Suns coach details about stopping Robert Sarver from making the biggest mistake in the franchise’s history. Earl Watson, who was the Suns coach from 2015-2017, appeared on the Hear District podcast, with Marques Johnson and Kris Johnson. In the episode, Watson details a story in his second year where he meets with Sarver at 2am about trading future franchise leader-scorer Devin Booker for Jimmy Butler.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Watson was absolutely baffled by the decision and threaten to quit his job on the spot if Sarver went through with the trade.
Nov 27, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns head coach Earl Watson and guard Devin Booker (1) against the Denver Nuggets at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Nuggets defeated the Suns 118-114. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Watson on stopping Sarver and the trade:
Booker and Watson’s relationship has been well-documented in the past, as the duo had a stellar dynamic. The strength of the friendship came with Watson’s belief of Booker becoming one of the best players in the NBA at such a young age. Booker was only in his second year, but Watson could tell the future four-time All-Star was special.
Butler was with the Bulls at the time and had a infamous beef with head coach Fred Hoiberg. The six-time All-Star would be traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 2017 offseason, where his beef with coaches and front office would continue. Butler is currently on his fifth team in his career, while Booker has been loyal for the past decade.
Nov 14, 2022; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) drives past Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) in the second half at FTX Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-USA TODAY Sports
Watson’s belief proved to be correct almost immediately. A month after the 2017 NBA trade deadline, Booker would have his iconic 70 point game vs. the Boston Celtics, which cemented himself as one of the best young players in the NBA. Booker has grown roots in Phoenix, helped the community in so many ways, became the franchise-leading scorer and will likely retire with the Suns after finishing his Hall of Fame career, which wouldn’t have happened if Watson didn’t speak up.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
