A Blockbuster Devin Booker Trade Idea That Actually Makes Sense

The 2025-26 Phoenix Suns returned to respectability with 45 wins, fighting through two play-in games before falling to the Oklahoma City Thunder in a quick sweep. Through 10 games this season, the Suns (4-6) have yet to click, as the competition in the Western Conference is unforgiving. Unless the Suns can fix their porous defense and start racking up wins, it may be time for the franchise to explore trading five-time All-Star Devin Booker. Now in his 12th season, Booker remains a prolific 25.1-point scorer, but he's carrying a sizable four-year, $252.6 million contract (with a player option before the 2029-30 season). The Atlanta Hawks stand out as a viable partner in this theoretical trade concept. The Phoenix Suns receive: CJ McCollum, Kingston Flemings, Dorian Finney-Smith, Corey Kispert, protected 2028 first-rounder Phoenix added two years to Booker's deal in July 2025, rewarding its best player with another projected $134.5 million—the exact figure won't be decided until the 2028-29 salary cap is set. The franchise may not regret the loyalty; it may just find its way out of paying for it. The Suns would seek a greater pick haul than the one included in this deal, which would be top-5 protected for three years before converting into a pair of second-rounders (New York Knicks in 2030, Sacramento Kings in 2033). The two teams can hammer out those details. Phoenix's challenge is the heft of Booker's deal, a number large enough to turn off most potential suitors.