The Phoenix Suns have won five of their last six contests, but it’s safe to say it hasn’t been smooth sailing for the Mike Budenholzer-led Western Conference club this season.
If the franchise believes it doesn’t have a realistic title chance, it may surprisingly trade its second-leading scorer to the Detroit Pistons.
“If (Devin) Booker were to want out, there is one place that makes too much sense: The Detroit Pistons, and here’s why,” The Wrightway Sports Network’s Alamedad wrote last Thursday.
“The fun begins with Devin Booker being from Grand Rapids, Michigan, which is only two hours away from Detroit.”
“He’s a known Tigers and Lions fan, so the move makes sense from a pure connection standpoint to where he could finish his career for the “Hometown Team.”
“On a basketball perspective, Detroit should be one of the hottest destinations outside of a Houston Rockets or a San Antonio Spurs with Victor Wembanyama.”
“Looking at the Pistons current team, having a star in Cade Cunningham, a young stud center in Jalen Duren, and a young cast up next with Marcus Sasser and more.”
“The golden question for Detroit is if they’re willing to part ways with Jaden Ivey and allow Marcus Sasser to take that role as the premier scorer off the bench.”
“This fit with Booker and Cunningham would easily rank amongst the NBA’s best with Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, and much more.”
For clarity, the Suns would send Booker to the Pistons for Jaden Ivey, Ausur Thompson, Isaiah Stewart, Tim Hardaway Jr, a 2026 first-round pick, and a 2028 first-round pick in Alamedad’s trade proposal.
While Kevin Durant is Phoenix’s clear No. 1 scoring option, ignoring Booker’s offensive production would be foolish.
Booker, a smooth mid-range specialist with an underrated post-up game, averages 25.8 points and 6.7 assists per contest on 44.1% field goal shooting and 34.6% three-point shooting in Year 10.
The Kentucky product has netted 30+ points in six of his last seven outings, which explains why the Suns went 5-2 during that stretch.
With Phoenix attempting to turn the corner following a lackluster start to the year, the Suns may refrain from moving Booker this season.
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