Key Takeaways:
– NBA Analyst Ric Bucher proposes 3-for-1 trade sending Devin Booker to the New York Knicks.
– The trade proposal includes a package of Knicks’ players and draft picks.
– Uncertainties surround Booker’s future in Phoenix due to Suns’ disappointing season.
– The Knicks are preparing to balance the team, led by Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal.
Ric Bucher’s Trade Proposal
Ric Bucher, an NBA analyst at Fox Sports, has suggested a 3-for-1 trade, bolstered with draft picks, to enable the New York Knicks to land Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker. The suggestion gained traction amid rumors about Booker’s uncertain future at Phoenix. This proposition involved the Knicks providing a package of players paralleling requirements stated by a Western Conference scout, after analyzing Phoenix’s disappointing first-round exit. The players include point guard Miles McBride, power forward Precious Achiuwa, and rim protector Mitchell Robinson.
The Suns Struggles
The issues raised by the scout revolved around the Suns’ structure which he labeled as inadequate. He pointed out several missing pieces in the Suns, such as the absence of a rim-protecting, shot-blocking big, a decision-making point guard, and a strong defensive wing. Additionally, the Suns were criticized for lacking a power forward who plays with size and physicality and overall size in the team, all crucial components for a championship hopeful squad. Booker’s salary for the next season, $49.3 million, meant Bucher’s proposal fell short by one more salary to make the transaction viable.
The Knicks’ Countermove
The Knicks found a solution by including Bojan Bogdanovic, whose non-guaranteed $19 million salary next season could be fully guaranteed by June 28, allowing him to be added to any trade. The Knicks can further sweeten the deal with eight tradable first-round picks aimed at enticing the Suns and balancing a duo-led team of Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal.
Booker’s Future in Phoenix
Booker’s future in Phoenix has faced scrutiny following their poor postseason finish and the controversial decision by new owner Matt Ishbia to trade away key pieces, including Miles Bridges and Cam Johnson, for Durant. An unidentified Eastern Conference general manager inquired openly about Booker’s intention to remain in Phoenix. The Suns’ potential upgrade options for their roster look bare owing to the substantial combined salaries of their Big Three: Booker, Durant, and Beal, which totals to $150 million for next season.
Booker Trade Benefits
Amid this, some believe that a potential trade of Booker could bring fruitful returns to Phoenix. An eastern conference executive suggested that among the Suns’ Big Three, Devin Booker would fetch them the most return. This could lead to what is being referred to as the mortgage-the-franchise-to-acquire-him package, giving up all future assets to acquire him.
An Exciting Prospect for the Knicks
As per Gerald Bourguet, PHNX Sports’ Suns lead writer, the Knicks have reportedly shown interest in setting up a backcourt combination of Jalen Brunson and Booker. The idea of adding a young superstar like Booker to the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference, the Knicks, has raised eyebrows in positive anticipation. If executed as proposed by Bucher, the Knicks are anticipated not only to strengthen their current starting five but also to emerge as title contenders. A possible starting lineup consisting of the likes of Brunson, Booker, OG Anunoby, Julius Randle, and Isaiah Hartenstein could make them a formidable force in the playoffs.
Nothing here, however, is guaranteed, and for now, it remains speculation. As the off-season progresses, all eyes will be on Phoenix and the Knicks to see if a blockbuster trade can be made.