The Phoenix Suns and Orlando Magic find themselves at different crossroads this NBA offseason, leading to numerous trade rumors for both teams. The Suns, despite a star-studded lineup featuring Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal, failed to secure a playoff victory. On the other hand, the Magic, while possessing a youthful roster with potential, managed to push the Cleveland Cavaliers to a seven-game series in the first round of the playoffs.
Amidst speculation, Fox Sports’ Colin Cowherd questioned whether it’s time for the Suns to part ways with Devin Booker. Co-host Jason Timpf suggested Orlando as a potential destination for Booker, citing the team’s need for shooting and additional shot creation.
In terms of a potential trade package, Timpf proposed that the Suns could acquire Jalen Suggs, Wendell Carter, and Jonathan Isaac, along with draft picks, in exchange for the four-time All-Star Booker.
Just a bit of an editor’s note here, the Suns would need to add some salary to this deal for it to work under the cap. Let’s take a look at why a blockbuster Booker deal could be viable for both the Magic and Suns.
Rumors are swirling around the Phoenix Suns, speculating whether they will entertain the idea of a blockbuster trade involving Devin Booker.
This offseason, Magic president Jeff Weltman has two options. Orlando may gradually add components to assemble Banchero, Suggs, and Franz Wagner.
The Magic might also become more assertive and try to use the trade market to acquire another star, such as Booker. On this course, Orlando would have to split up with some of its younger members.
“Hey, you got Paolo Banchero, but you just lost a series to the Cavs because nobody can create a shot other than Paolo and nobody can make jumpers,” I would say to Orlando over the phone. Accordingly, you need someone who can simply act as Paolo Banchero’s skill guard,” Timpf said in an episode of “The Colin Cowherd Podcast” that aired on May 5, 2024.
I would then give them a call and tell them that I wanted Jalen Suggs. I want Wendell Carter Jr. and Jonathan Isaac. That is quite a bit. That is quite the haul. “Those three young players are extremely talented,” Timpf continued.
“.. By the way, you could even be able to get Orlando into include one or two draft picks in that trade. Who knows how that conversation would turn out.
Rumors swirl about a potential trade that could see Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker landing in Orlando, hinting at the Magic as a potential destination.
Who is getting traded, Kevin Durant or Devin Booker?
Our wager 💵
(Beal has a no trade) pic.twitter.com/CKied3OoYD
— Jason McIntyre (@jasonrmcintyre) April 29, 2024
While acquiring Devin Booker could be a substantial gain for the Suns, the Magic would need to seriously weigh the pros and cons of such a blockbuster trade. One key consideration would be Jalen Suggs, whose emergence as a top player and premier perimeter defender for Orlando adds significant value. Suggs’ impact transcends mere statistics, but it’s worth noting Booker’s impressive numbers, averaging 27.1 points, 6.9 assists, and 4.5 rebounds per game with a 36.4% three-point shooting rate in 68 starts this season.
However, committing to this deal would entail a substantial financial investment for Orlando, both in the present and the future. Booker is poised to kick off a lucrative four-year, $221 million supermax contract next season, extending through 2027-28, with a hefty $49.3 million cap hit slated for the upcoming season.
Teams like the New York Knicks have demonstrated success in building around a single star, such as Jalen Brunson, with a supporting cast largely comprised of role players. Despite the Orlando Magic’s defensive prowess, their offensive struggles were evident in the postseason.
Orlando might opt to address this offensive deficiency through free agency rather than sacrificing assets in a trade. However, the available free agents may not possess the same caliber as players like Devin Booker. The Suns’ potential exploration of trades involving Booker or Kevin Durant this offseason is yet to be seen.