Charles Barkley thinks the Phoenix Suns could best benefit their long-term future by dealing Devin Booker this offseason as the team’s most valuable asset.
The TNT-turned-ESPN analyst told Arizona Sports’ Bickley & Marotta on Tuesday there are no decisions to be made around Kevin Durant or Bradley Beal, because Durant should be moved for whatever haul best benefits Phoenix and Beal “won’t waive his no-trade (clause).”
Barkley said he laughs at the idea of working with Durant to find a suitable destination, while reports have indicated Phoenix is playing along.
“They’re screwed right now,” Barkley said of the Suns’ outlook. “You make the best deal with Kevin. … Don’t worry about his feelings, you make the best deal for yourself, ’cause some people going to take a chance with him, some people not.”
Going somewhere Durant intends to sign an extension, however, would net the Suns the best return in any trade, as he’s entering the final year of his contract in 2025-26.
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Phoenix is left with just a decision around Booker, Barkley said.
“The only decision: you got to go to Devin Booker and say, ‘We’re going to suck for the next couple years. You can stay here ’cause we love you, but can we make a deal to start our rebuild and make you happy?'” Barkley said. “And if I’m Devin Booker, I say, ‘You know what? Let’s do this.’ That’s really the only decision.”
Owner Mat Ishbia has insisted Booker won’t be traded, and Booker has given no indication he wants to leave Phoenix.
Booker staying and Durant leaving would reveal a better Booker, although “the team’s not going to be any good,” Barkley said.
“The Suns are an afterthought,” Barkley said. “I would feel bad for (Booker) if he stayed in Phoenix. I think they got to make the trade because that’s the only way they can start their rebuild. … He’s a valuable player, he could be on a championship-contending team. So at some point, you got to start your rebuild.
“I mean, you can keep him and be mediocre in his prime for the next 3-4 years, but that makes zero sense whatsoever.”
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