The Warriors might get a new ‘Splash Brother’ by dealing for Suns’ $220 million guard.
As the NBA season progresses, teams are constantly evaluating their rosters, looking for ways to strengthen their squads for a playoff push. The Golden State Warriors, a team that has dominated the league for nearly a decade, continue to focus on finding ways to bolster their roster, especially as they look to remain competitive in the fiercely contested Western Conference. One potential move that has been buzzing around NBA circles is the possibility of the Warriors trading for Phoenix Suns’ star guard, Devin Booker.
Booker, who is currently signed to a massive $220 million contract, has emerged as one of the league’s premier scorers and has become a centerpiece for the Suns. However, with Phoenix undergoing its own transformation under new leadership, rumors have been swirling about the Suns potentially moving the 26-year-old sharpshooter. This speculation has led many to wonder: could the Warriors pull off a deal to bring Booker into the fold as a new “Splash Brother” alongside Stephen Curry?
In this article, we will examine the potential trade scenario between the Golden State Warriors and Phoenix Suns, the reasons why this move could make sense for both sides, the financial considerations, and how Booker would fit in Golden State’s system. The trade talks have raised the question of whether the Warriors could add another elite scorer to their roster, giving them an additional weapon to combat the rising competition in the West.
Devin Booker: A New ‘Splash Brother’ in Golden State?
Devin Booker’s profile as one of the NBA’s best shooting guards makes him a natural fit for Golden State’s fast-paced, perimeter-oriented offense. The 26-year-old has been the focal point of the Phoenix Suns for several years and has seen his stock rise dramatically since entering the league. Booker’s scoring prowess, ability to create for himself and others, and his improving playmaking make him an ideal complement to the Warriors’ offensive system.
Booker’s Scoring Ability and Playmaking
Booker has long been known for his ability to score the basketball. He has a diverse offensive game that allows him to score from virtually anywhere on the court. Whether it’s from beyond the arc, in isolation situations, or coming off screens, Booker can be a consistent scoring threat. Over his career, he has averaged 24.5 points per game, and his scoring efficiency has improved each season.
What separates Booker from many other elite scoring guards is his playmaking ability. As the primary ball handler for the Suns, Booker has developed into a capable facilitator, averaging 5.5 assists per game over the past few seasons. This is a valuable skill that would make him a seamless fit alongside the Warriors’ two-time MVP, Stephen Curry. With Curry drawing constant defensive attention, Booker would have the opportunity to either create his own shot or dish out assists, further elevating Golden State’s already potent offense.
In addition to his scoring and playmaking, Booker has shown an ability to step up in clutch moments. During the Suns’ run to the NBA Finals in 2021, Booker demonstrated his ability to carry the team in high-pressure situations. This composure in the postseason is something the Warriors would greatly value as they look to make another championship run.
Defensive Capabilities
While Booker is primarily known for his offensive skills, he has become a more competent defender over the years. At 6’5″, he has the size and agility to guard opposing shooting guards and small forwards. While he isn’t known for being an elite defender, Booker’s improvement on that end of the floor would make him an acceptable defender in Golden State’s system. The Warriors have always placed a premium on defense, and Booker would benefit from playing in a defensive-minded system that has developed players like Draymond Green and Andrew Wiggins.
His defensive versatility would also allow him to take on tough matchups, particularly during the postseason when every possession is critical. Having Booker on the floor next to Green and Wiggins would help shore up Golden State’s defense, which has been a key component of their championship teams.
Why This Trade Makes Sense for the Warriors
The Golden State Warriors have been in championship contention for much of the last decade, and their roster is built around one of the greatest shooters of all time, Stephen Curry. The core of Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green has delivered four championships in eight years, and their dynasty remains a formidable force in the NBA. However, as the league has evolved, so have the Warriors. They are constantly looking for ways to keep their window of contention open.
Adding Another Elite Scorer
One of the primary reasons the Warriors could target Booker is to add another elite scorer to the roster. While Curry and Thompson are both excellent shooters, the Warriors would benefit from an additional offensive weapon who can create shots independently. Booker could relieve pressure from Curry and Thompson by handling the ball in certain situations and providing another go-to scoring option when the defense focuses on Golden State’s backcourt.
In addition, Booker is capable of being a second or third scoring option on a championship-caliber team, which is exactly what the Warriors need to remain competitive with other top teams in the West like the Phoenix Suns, Denver Nuggets, and Los Angeles Lakers. The Warriors would be able to run a dynamic offense with Booker, Curry, and Thompson on the floor at the same time, giving them multiple scoring threats at all times.
Youth and Longevity
Another key factor in the Warriors’ decision to pursue Booker is his youth. At 26 years old, Booker is entering his prime, while Curry (36), Thompson (33), and Green (34) are all in the later stages of their careers. While Golden State’s current core remains highly productive, the team must begin thinking about how to maintain championship contention after their veterans begin to slow down. Booker would provide the Warriors with a long-term solution as they look to stay competitive for years to come.
Adding Booker to their roster would give Golden State an additional star that could help carry the load when their current stars begin to decline. With Booker under contract through the 2027-2028 season, the Warriors would have a player they can build around for the foreseeable future, ensuring that the transition from their current championship core to a new era is as smooth as possible.
Potential to Form a New ‘Splash Brother’ Duo
The Warriors have long been known for their “Splash Brothers” duo of Curry and Thompson, one of the most lethal backcourts in NBA history. By adding Booker, the Warriors could form a new “Splash Brother” duo, with Curry and Booker complementing each other on the floor. The ability to space the floor, shoot the three-ball, and create for others would make this new backcourt combination one of the most potent in the NBA.
Booker’s style of play fits seamlessly into the Warriors’ offensive system, which emphasizes ball movement, three-point shooting, and spacing. Curry and Booker could play off each other, constantly keeping the defense on its heels, while Thompson provides elite floor spacing on the other wing. This offensive firepower would make the Warriors even more difficult to defend against, especially in the postseason.
Why This Trade Makes Sense for the Phoenix Suns
While the Suns would certainly be hesitant to part with one of their franchise players, the potential benefits of trading Booker cannot be ignored. Phoenix has entered a new era under head coach Monty Williams, and with the right moves, they could position themselves to build a competitive team around their rising stars. Trading Booker could free up cap space and allow the Suns to retool their roster with assets that better fit the team’s long-term vision.
Rebuilding and Asset Acquisition
Phoenix could benefit from moving Booker by acquiring multiple assets in return. Given Booker’s age and production, the Suns would likely command a substantial return for him, which could include draft picks, young players, and other key pieces. The Suns have been in a win-now mode with Booker leading the charge, but they may opt for a different approach in order to build a more balanced team.
Additionally, trading Booker could give the Suns the flexibility to pursue other free agents or trades that would better complement their current roster, which includes talented players like Deandre Ayton and Mikal Bridges.
Financial Considerations and Trade Package
Devin Booker’s $220 million contract makes him one of the highest-paid players in the league. For the Warriors to pull off this deal, they would likely need to include several significant assets in return. The Warriors could package a combination of players such as Jordan Poole, Moses Moody, or Kevon Looney along with draft picks to match Booker’s salary. Poole, in particular, could be an attractive trade piece for Phoenix, as he’s a young, high-scoring guard with significant upside.
The Warriors would also need to find a way to make the financials work, as trading for Booker would likely push them into the luxury tax. However, the prospect of adding another superstar to their roster could be worth the financial commitment, especially if they believe Booker could help them secure another championship.
