SUMMARY
- Rumors suggested that Devin Booker showed interest in joining the Knicks and Jalen Brunson.
- League sources have confirmed that the interest is one-sided and that NYK's President Leon Rose has wanted Booker on his team since 2020.
Devin Booker and the Phoenix Suns are in a tough spot after failing to fulfill their championship goals this season. The Suns went all in to acquire piecing like Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal to the roster. However, they lost most of their future draft picks and only have swaps left to deal with. An offensively dominant Big 3 like the Suns were expected to make it all the way to the NBA Finals.
“[Devin Booker] might deny it, I haven’t spoken to him. I’m just telling you the scuttlebutt in the NBA circles is that brother wanna be in New York.”
– Stephen A. Smith 👀pic.twitter.com/PR8KYqOovj
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) April 29, 2024
It has been nine years since Booker signed with the Suns and they’ve only found playoff success over the last four seasons. The 4x All-Star is evidently growing frustrated but still shows a lot of loyalty towards the Suns organization. Recently, ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith revealed that an anonymous source believes Booker wants to join the New York Knicks. Smith claimed Booker may not admit it but he wants to go there.
Knicks President Leon Rose wanted to acquire Devin Booker in 2020
Interestingly, another source told PHNX Sports that Devin Booker hasn’t shown interest in the Knicks but it’s their president, Leon Rose who wants a piece of the All-NBA guard. Rose used to be one of Booker’s representatives before he assumed his role at the Knicks organization in 2020. It was around the same time Booker led the Suns to an impressive 8-0 run in the NBA Bubble.
The New York Knicks are reportedly ‘willing to offer almost anything’ to pair Devin Booker with Jalen Brunson, per @GeraldBourguet
“He and Jalen Brunson would form an electrifying, high-scoring backcourt for one the NBA’s most pleasant surprises, and according to a source, New… pic.twitter.com/hm1USjyMID
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) May 1, 2024
Leon has been interested in acquiring Booker since 2020 and these reports are only surfacing now when Phoenix is struggling. Reports have stated that Knicks personnel were approached regarding Booker’s possible arrival in New York. They claim that the Knicks wouldn’t mind offering “almost anything” for Booker to play alongside Jalen Brunson and Co.
Devin Booker’s loyalty might remain in Phoenix after all
Unfortunately, the interest has been fairly one-sided in this matter. Stephen A. and the other sources haven’t necessarily spoken to Devin Booker. However, the All-Star and the organization are in sync about the future. Matt Ishbia recently commented on Booker’s future saying, “Devin Booker’s the face of the franchise and he’s going to be for the next 10-plus years until he retires.”
“Devin Booker’s the face of the franchise and he’s going to be for the next 10-plus years until he retires.”
– Mat Ishbia
(via @TrevorMBooth) pic.twitter.com/4vnheBbX4P
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) May 1, 2024
Pairing the 2021 NBA Western Conference Champion with Jalen Brunson comes with its own set of benefits and drawbacks. Firstly, Brunson is an emerging star while Booker has always maintained his position as a leader in a team.
Booker’s arrival might push Brunson to take on a smaller role. However, having a high-score backcourt will benefit the Knicks offensively. The Knicks finished second in the Eastern Conference this year. Experts do believe that the Knicks have the potential of making it to the NBA Finals as well. Maybe Booker can help them bring back a championship to the Big Apple, and a first since 1973.