The Golden State Warriors interest in rival stars has known no bounds in recent years, but their most recent links to Phoenix Suns superstar Devin Booker might be their most audacious bid yet.
Booker has been in Phoenix for a decade and is under contract for another four years, while appearing like one of the few players that could wind up as a one franchise player. However, that won’t stop the Warriors from lurking around the 29-year-old if the Suns were to pursue a rebuild and kickstart that by getting a haul for their best player.
Devin Booker interest might be Warriors wildest one yet
Links between Golden State and Booker exploded last week when Tim Kawakami of the Warriors plus minus podcast alluded to Steve Kerr’s love for the five time All-Star from their time together with team USA at the 2024 Paris Olympic Olympics.
“I think the Warriors like him too much, if you ask me. But they love him. Steve loves him. Booker loved playing for Steve," Kawakami said. "I know the Warriors would be first in line saying, ‘we got three first round picks we can give you.’”
At the same time, Kawakami and colleague Marcus Thompson of The Athletic both outlined that a Booker trade was very unlikely, noting it as a dream for the Warriors rather than a possible reality entering the season.
As much as Golden State haven’t managed to land a star since their trade for Jimmy Butler at last year’s mid-season deadline, their respective pursuit of big name players have at least been realistic to some degree.
When they sought a blockbuster trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo at this year’s mid-season deadline, it appeared like a matter of when not if the two-time MVP would be traded. The same can be said of Kawhi Leonard who the Warriors chased before the deadline, only to fall short on the two-time Finals MVP who's now landed back at the Toronto raptors. Their pursuit of LeBron James in free agency was obviously some sort of possibility considering he announced his departure from the Los Angeles Lakers in early July.
Devin Booker appears well and truly settled in Phoenix
Unlike that trio of stars, there’s been no rumblings aboutBooker being unsettled at the Suns, particularly after a surprise season in which they managed to make the playoffs after losing former Warrior star Kevin Durant.
Golden State would need an almighty Phoenix collapse this season into being a bottom five or even bottom three team in the Western Conference for Booker to seriously consider his future. Stranger things have happened in the NBA, and nothing should be ruled out, but Booker appears incredibly settled in Phoenix where he’s the number one guy -- something he wouldn’t get at the Warriors alongside Stephen Curry.
Booker will be part of a wide nest the Warriors cast of potential trade targets this season, but he surely ranks well down the bottom in terms of legitimately realistic targets.
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