The San Antonio Spurs may be all-in by the trade deadline, and Devin Booker could be the best player available. Victor Wembanyama is a historic talent and could quickly leap into being a top-five player in the world. De’Aaron Fox needs the ball in his hands, so San Antonio would be searching for a bucket-getter to push them up the standings. Booker can certainly do that, but this move would be pricey.
Booker is already a four-time All-Star and two-time All-NBA selection at 28 years old. He was the Suns’ leading scorer during their NBA Finals run in 2021 and is eager to get back into the playoffs after a disappointing season.
Phoenix is nowhere near contention, and Kevin O’Connor believes the Suns may be shopping Booker before the Feb. 5 trade deadline. The Spurs have the assets to trade for anyone, and Booker may be the perfect finishing piece to make San Antonio a serious threat to win the crowded Western Conference.
Spurs must pay a hefty price to get Devin Booker out of Phoenix
Booker has stated his desire to be a Sun for his entire NBA career, but the franchise has to explore their options if they struggle this season. They don’t have their own draft picks, and the future will be bleak if they keep Book. A crossroads is coming, but the only serious option is trading Booker and setting out on a full-scale rebuild.
The Spurs have a ton of draft capital and young talent. This is the perfect chance to package multiple pieces for a needed star. It will cost them a developing player and at least three first-round draft picks. The most likely move would be to dump Stephon Castle, especially if Dylan Harper is blossoming into a future star.
The Suns can’t say no. The reigning Rookie of the Year could be a centerpiece next to 2025 lottery selection Khaman Maluach, and Ishbia gets three draft picks to trade or find young talent. Devin Vassell is a bucket, and Keldon Johnson is an improving rotation piece. This is a massive haul that would give Phoenix a fighting chance of making the playoffs before 2030. If they keep on the current path, it may be a decade before the Suns next see the postseason.
Spurs fans won’t be happy, but finding Castle minutes with Fox, Booker, and Harper playing over him wouldn’t be easy. San Antonio could go smaller, but they don’t want to fully rely on that.
The Suns are not letting Devin Booker walk out the door for nothing. San Antonio got lucky that they were the top team on Fox’s wish list. Booker is the ideal final piece to make them a title contender, so the Spurs go for it. The danger quickly pays off if the Spurs make a playoff run.
The San Antonio Spurs should act now. Wembanyama is already a star and will only improve. It is time to put a contending roster around him and see what he can do in the playoffs. Trading for Book may spark San Antonio needs if the Suns decide to finally move on. This could be the rare win-win deal.