Stephen A. Smith believes Devin Booker should ‘want’ to leave Phoenix Suns

Smith appeared on ESPN’s First Take. When asked if Booker should want out of Phoenix, he responded strongly.

“I think so. We’ve got to look at the Phoenix Suns situation. They went all in to get Kevin Durant. It’s kind of inexplicable,” Smith said. “If I’m Devin Booker, this is what you’re going to do if you’re the Phoenix Suns. You have to move Kevin Durant or Devin Booker. If you don’t move Devin Booker and you move Kevin Durant, you’re going to get assets, but those assets that you’re going to get is basically a reclamation project. If you’re Booker, you don’t want to stick around for that.”

Booker is 28 years old, and enduring another rebuild after the first six years of being in lottery purgatory is not an attractive offer. During his decade tenure in Phoenix, the four-time All-Star has made the playoffs three times, including a Finals run. However, the franchise has fallen from grace, trading for superstars Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal for poor results.

Phoenix was looking to offset Beal’s massive contract, but his no-trade clause made it next to impossible. The Suns pivoted to trade Durant, which blindsides the 15-time All-Star. Durant will likely be moved in the offseason, but will the return be enough for Booker to stay?

Smith believes Booker should cut his losses and request out. Booker’s loyalty to Phoenix hasn’t wavered. In the past, Booker has claimed that he wants to stay in the Valley for the rest of his career, with strong roots in Arizona.

However, a big shift, like a Durant trade and missing the playoffs, could send Booker over the edge in wanting out and finding a new team.