FVV is probably out in the trade if it's at the deadline, I don't think they want a massive PuPu platter of (to them) random bench players. If it's in the offseason it could be a JG for Booker swap, but right now (can't believe I'm saying this) I think Jalen is making it hard to trade him. Whether that continues--we'll see! So if it's at the trade deadline--can a starting group of Booker, Brooks, and three kids who've never been in the playoffs (plus most of the bench too) make some noise in the playoffs? I have serious doubts. Maybe if Booker was an MVP candidate type of player, but he's probably not even in the top 10 at this point. He can't even carry his team--with KD to boot!--to a winning record right now. Not saying we definitely shouldn't trade for Booker... he's a clear upgrade over FVV in this scenario. Just saying there are pros and cons, the assets he's going to cost will be very significant. If we do this, it's the move, more or less, and we have to win with the group we're left with.
If you listen to the podcast, McMahon was speaking in the past tense. Which isn’t news, the FO was eyeballing Booker last summer. Maybe because they think they can get him, maybe to destabilize Phoenix while we short their picks (just like with Bridges in Brooklyn). We have no updated intel that the FO wants to pursue Booker now that we’re already #2 in the West with just the 22-23 year olds.
https://www.statmuse.com/nba/ask/nba-leaders-in-fourth-quarter-scoring Booker is #21 on the list of best 4th quarter scorers with an average of 6.5 points (same as Curry, Shai, and JJJ). However, he has the lowest efficiency of everyone in the top 25 - a mere 40.9% FG%. By comparison, Durant averages 7.5 points with a 55.9% FG%, De'Aaron Fox averages 7.4 points with a 50.2% FG% and Jimmy Butler averages 6.6 points with a 56.5% FG% (everyone but Fox plays fewer minutes as well). I agree with the sentiments that you only get a superstar when their value is depressed - Harden for example was coming off a very underwhelming performance in the 2012 finals - and right now, Booker's value due to his drop in efficiency and poor team play. If that continues through the trade deadline or even through the end of the year, I think Booker could be available. Personally, I think Phoenix will wait until the end of the season before making such a decision.
I'd offer Jalen + their picks but dude makes way too much money. I'd rather roll with our guys thanks. Fox has a much more manageable contract but the fit is clunky.
Something like Jalen, Cam, Jeff, Landale, picks returned to Suns Tate + 2nd to 3rd team into a MLE-TPE Booker to Suns Works financially.
Wow - Haven't listened to McMahon ---- but surprised this has exploded. First, the Rockets wanting Booker is nothing new and not surprising. Most the league wants someone that averages 26 points a night and has solid size. Second, the Suns are not trading him now and not likely to trade him this Summer either. He is also 28 and that isn't ancient but that isn't really in the Rockets age range either. I don't think the Rockets would give up all the Suns picks and young assets for him IMO. The Rockets would need KD to demand out of Phoenix first and then have Booker get bored and want to leave - and even then, it would likely be him wanting to go to the West Coast.
i mean booker is pretty much an extremely rich man's brooks... i'd imagine we'd have to give up Brooks/Jabari/Cam + Picks... that's a tough call to make. You only make the deal if you know Tari is ever going to come back because otherwise you're 1 injury away from disaster. I'd love to keep Jabari but I really don't see any scenario Phoenix doesn't demand him and with Booker I can't see him + Amen getting long term deals. Fred / Reed Green / Holiday Booker / Eason Amen / Tate Sengun / Adams Green-Booker-Amen-Sengun is hella nice but our bench becomes absolutely anemic. Maybe in the off-season you get Fred to sign a team friendly deal and bring in another MLE guy.
Agreed, I like Booker, but back then we weren't #2 in the West with one of the youngest cores in the league, with guys starting to reach a new level. And yes his salary is tied for sixth highest in the league, which would be for an MVP player. All three of the Suns core are in the top 8 highest paid in the league. Let the team grow with no changes imo.
Matt Ishbia is never trading Devin Booker. Devin Booker is the Franchise Player for them. Devin Booker sells their Tickets.
The day the Suns don't want Booker is the day he is damaged good or too old. Trading for a 28 year old when you a 22 year old at the same position with upside does not make sense.
If I know anything about sports "journalism" is McMahon probably directly asked someone in the front office in the Rockets org directly "what are your thoughts on Booker" and they answered "He's pretty good" and McMahon saw that as an opportunity to create some buzz.
