New Frontrunner Emerges For Devin Booker Trade With Suns

At the center of these rumors is Suns superstar Devin Booker, who has reportedly caught the eye of the Rockets’ front office. Houston is said to be considering an aggressive offer that could include multiple first-round draft picks and young talent.

The Rockets see Booker as a transformative player who could accelerate their rebuilding process and form a dynamic duo with Alperen Şengün. For Phoenix, such a trade would mark a dramatic shift in direction, potentially kickstarting a rebuild of their own.

“They have a lot of Suns’ draft capital and they’ve let it be known they are Devin Booker fans,” said NBA insider Tim MacMahon of the Rockets.

“There’s no indication Devin Booker, and certainly not the Suns, have any interest in participating in that.”

Brian Windhorst of ESPN seemed to agree with that last point.

“Devin Booker is staying with the Suns,” said Windhorst. “I don’t see any wavering on that whatsoever. Just to interject.”

Any potential deal for Booker would likely require a substantial package from Houston, given his $49.2 million salary this season.

The Suns’ willingness to engage in trade talks would indicate a shift towards rebuilding, potentially seeking young talent in return.

As the trade deadline approaches, speculation continues to swirl around possible moves involving these two Western Conference teams.

As the NBA season progresses, all eyes will be on these two Western Conference teams to see if this high-stakes deal materializes.

Suns Trade For Nick Richards

The Phoenix Suns and Charlotte Hornets have finalized a trade involving multiple players and draft picks. Nick Richards, a 27-year-old center, is heading to Phoenix along with a 2025 second-round draft pick. In exchange, the Hornets receive Josh Okogie and three second-round picks.

Richards has been a consistent presence for the Hornets, starting games in the absence of Mark Williams. His stats for the current season include 8.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 1.2 blocks per game in 21 minutes of average playing time. His contract is set at $5 million for this season, with a non-guaranteed $5 million for the next.

Okogie, moving to Charlotte, brings versatility to the wing position. He’s known for his defensive skills and has shown improved shooting this season. His contract is more substantial at $8.25 million for the current year, with similar guarantee structure as Richards’ for future seasons.

The draft picks involved are significant. Phoenix receives the least favorable 2025 second-round pick between Denver and Philadelphia. Charlotte gains three future second-round selections: Denver’s 2026 and 2031 picks, plus Phoenix’s own 2031 pick.

This trade has notable financial consequences for both teams. The Suns, operating above the second tax apron, will see a reduction in their luxury tax bill. Estimates suggest a decrease of around $20 million in their projected end-of-season tax payment. This move aligns with their limited trade options due to their tax situation.

The deal also generates a $3.25 million trade exception for Phoenix. They can use this exception during the current season but not in the 2025 offseason if they remain above the second apron.

Charlotte, on the other hand, maintains significant space below the luxury tax line. Even after acquiring Okogie’s larger contract, they’ll have over $7 million in flexibility. This positioning allows them to potentially facilitate more trades before the February 6 deadline.

For Phoenix, this move addresses their frontcourt needs. Richards is expected to take on a starting role once he acclimates to the team. This addition provides the Suns with an athletic option in their big man rotation.

The Hornets’ motivation appears to be asset accumulation. By trading Richards, they’ve added three future second-round picks to their portfolio. This strategy follows their earlier move in the Karl-Anthony Towns trade, where they also acquired draft assets.

Richards’ role in Phoenix is likely to be significant. He’s projected to become the starting center, which could reshape the Suns’ frontcourt dynamics. His athleticism and shot-blocking ability could provide a different look for the team.

Okogie’s future with Charlotte is less clear. While he’s been efficient in limited minutes this season, shooting career-bests from the field and three-point range, he might not be in the Hornets’ long-term plans. There’s potential for Charlotte to explore further trades involving Okogie before the deadline.

This trade highlights both teams’ approaches to draft pick management. Phoenix, with limited draft assets due to previous trades, now has their 2031 first-round pick as their primary tradable draft resource. They may look to use this in future deals.

Charlotte continues to stockpile second-round picks. These assets can be valuable for future trades or for adding young talent to their roster in upcoming drafts.

With the February 6 trade deadline approaching, this deal could be a precursor to more moves. Charlotte’s increased flexibility below the tax line positions them as potential facilitators for cap-strapped teams looking to make deals.

Phoenix, having addressed a frontcourt need, might still be active in the market. Their remaining 2031 first-round pick could be a key asset in any further trades they pursue.