Introductory news conference for new Suns GM Brian Gregory
The Phoenix Suns hold an introductory press conference for their new general manager, Brian Gregory.
- Suns fans are divided on whether to keep or trade Devin Booker and Kevin Durant.
- One perspective is to trade one of the stars, with differing opinions on whether Booker or Durant should be the one to go.
Phoenix Suns fans aren’t in agreement on this highly sensitive subject.
The Arizona Republic asked readers last week to share their thoughts, opinions and questions about the future of Devin Booker and Kevin Durant with the Suns.
Booker is expected to stay, as he was involved in the Suns’ head coaching search that ended with the hiring of Cleveland Cavaliers assistant Jordan Ott.
As for Durant, the Suns entertained trade talks involving him before the 2025 trade deadline and could complete a deal as early as the June 25-26 NBA draft.
Keep Booker and Durant
“I think they have to consider trading both since they screwed up so badly with the Durant trade and set the team back five years in the process. They sure won’t get back what they gave away for Durant at this point. They also have to consider trading Booker and keeping Durant since the return on him will probably be higher, and they can try to be competitive with KD and an infusion of young players, draft picks. They are also stuck with Beal for now, and he can play Book’s position while they groom a younger, heir apparent.
“KD may or may not like the results but he forced this trade to Phoenix and it has not worked out, and he’ll be gone next year for sure if not before unless he likes the results of what he sees and decides to re-up here.”
– Brandon Faircloth, Rio Rico
“We have no choice but to keep Bradley Beal.
“If we want to win while we have Booker in his prime, trade Beal if you can! Run back with Durant is probably our best chance! And hopefully the new coaches can get everyone to give everything they have night after night!”
– Ryder Floyd
“It would be truly ‘dumb and dumber’ to trade Booker and/or Durant.
“Booker is the epitome of an all-around player.
“Durant, although aging a bit still contributes immensely to the team. The two can regularly contribute 60 points. What is missing are the three others around them. Double team Booker and the points drop precipitously. Who can he pass to and get points? Who can shoot a 3 other than these two?
“They need five or so players than can score 10 and the Suns win 90% of their games.
The team does not have a center and haven’t had one for years. This in my mind is the key. A center who can score, defend, rebound and pass. (Nikola) Jokic available?
“Lastly, the bench is way below standard. Look at the playoff teams and note the success with players coming off the bench and performing.
“Keep the two and build around them!”
– Bill Rau, Scottsdale
“Nonsense! Booker and Durant are two of the best 2-point clutch shooters in the NBA. (Mike) Budenholzer made the mistake of trying to incorporate them into his 3-point offensive philosophy. Even when the whole world could see it wasn’t working, he refused to adjust. The new coach and GM (Brian Gregory) need to build the offense around their strengths. Throw in a power forward and a 3-point shooter, then fill out the rest of the roster with young athletic defensive players.
“Any chance of getting CP3 (Chris Paul) back?”
– Marvin Hook, Gold Canyon
“I find the idea of putting the Suns’ highly disappointing season on the backs of Durant and Booker and suggesting that trading one or both of them will magically improve the team in the future to be dubious at best.
“Clearly Booker and Durant are both franchise players who excel in all facets of the game. But where both players excel the most is their ability to consistently hit mid-range shots in the 8-to-15 foot range.
“This reality was in complete opposition to Mike Budenholzer’s insistence that in order for the team to be successful that both players hoist up 20 3-point shots every game in spite of the 3-point shot being neither player’s true forte. The Suns correctly identified the team’s real issue and dumped Budenholzer and hopefully will replace him with a coach who can more effectively capitalize on the strengths of the individual players.”
– Chris Dalheim, Ahwatukee
“(Beal) was our biggest underachiever based on salary. Booker and Durant were our best players and they should be respected and retained.
“Our problems on offense were greatly aggravated by the loss of Chris Paul. We could re-sign Paul for limited minutes and to mentor our point guards. We need to have strong rebounding and rim protection at center and power forward.
“We need to stop pretending that power players are 3-point shooters when they aren’t. I would focus on improving point play, rebounding, defense and running offensive plays that are appropriate for the personnel.
“Our offensive play last season was stupider than Jupiter.”
– Drew Williamson, Tempe
Set Booker free
“Suns don’t deserve this talented guy. I would love for Devin to go to a team that he doesn’t have to carry every game He plays his Heart out and gets nothing but criticism for it.
“He deserves a ring and he isn’t going to get it at the Suns. Would love to See Book at (Los Angeles) Lakers or Golden State (Warriors). A team that can have his back because he has carried the Suns team for years.
“His loyalty to the Suns is unbelievable, but I honestly think he needs a move and get a championship.”
– Maree Blacksell, Australia
Trade Booker and Durant
“The big expensive three has not worked at all. With few future high draft choices and NBA’s top payroll, they really have no choice but a total rebuild. Probably means trading Book and Durant and somehow disposing of Beal.”
– Dick Kling, Phoenix
“It’s time for the Phoenix Suns to make bold, culture-defining decisions—and that starts with trading both Devin Booker and Kevin Durant. While both players are undeniably elite talents, the past two seasons have proven that simply stacking stars isn’t enough.
“The team has lacked identity, cohesion, and the kind of hunger that defines true contenders. By trading Booker and Durant, the Suns have a unique opportunity to completely reset the culture—shifting from a top-heavy, inconsistent squad to one built on depth, youth, accountability, and sustainable winning.
“Booker has been the face of the franchise for nearly a decade, but that era has plateaued. Durant, while still an offensive force, is nearing the end of his prime and doesn’t offer the leadership spark this team desperately needs. …
“Trading Booker would undoubtedly bring frustration to the city of Phoenix—he’s embodied everything you want in a franchise cornerstone, giving his all to the team and community. He deserves a statue outside the arena one day. That said, transformational shifts in an organization often begin with the difficult decision to move a star in their prime for multiple assets— just look at what happened with Paul George or James Harden.
“Phoenix doesn’t need to chase names anymore. It needs to chase identity. And a full reset could be the exact catalyst to bring back the kind of relentless, gritty, winning basketball this city deserves.”
– Brandon Hughes, Bellevue, Washington
Durant should want out of Phoenix
“As I sit here watching the playoffs, it has occurred to me our Phoenix Suns played rather slow. And it seems like (Robert) Sarver was not such a bad owner after all (minus the inexcusable crap he was involved in). Have you noticed? Ever since they fired Monty Williams, they have been losers?
“And this recent hire (general manager Brian Gregory). Ok, I’ll just say, I don’t think the Suns shine in Phoenix for a long, long time regardless of what trades they make. If I were a player of Durant’s caliber … I’d be begging to leave Phoenix. This team is going nowhere. And Booker is not a great player. He is a good player. There is a big difference. This new owner has quite a bit to learn. I have no confidence in him.
“GO SUNS!! But I will not hold my breath.”
– Big Mike Wright, Peoria
“They are pitiful! But the biggest (problem) is Kevin Durant. Most of the time he’s injured and he does play he’s anything but a team player. Time to go. It’s Booker’s team.”
– Ray Valle
Trade Durant, not Booker
“I can’t imagine getting equal value in trading Booker. … (And) I was opposed to the Durant trade at the start. The players we gave up were regrettable but worth the acquisition. The draft choices we gave up were insane … .
“Only the (Bradley) Beal trade was worse and it was unthinkable. …
“1) Trade Durant. Get a young stud and a draft pick or two and look to the future. (Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan) Kuminga?
“2) Cut (Bradley) Beal – his cap hit will be there either way. Trade him if we can, but cut him if we don’t. (Oklahoma City guard Lu) Dort?”
– Ira Ehrlich, Scottsdale
Real quick. First. Beal has a no-trade clause.
Second, the Suns can’t waive and stress Beal because of the NBA’s salary cap rules. They would exceed the 15% limit on dead salary for waived players if they attempted to waive and stretch Beal’s full contract.
Beal is due $110.7 million over the last two years of his five-year, $251 million deal.
“As a huge Suns fan that loved the team before trading for Durant, I stopped watching completely midway through last season and I will not watch them again until Durant is traded. I have no interest in his one-on-one play and his lazy turnovers. Granted he is one of the greatest scorers to ever play the game, but I lived in Chicago through the Jordan years and he scored while making his teammates better. Of course I am hoping Booker stays.”
– Sam Derence, Laveen
Trade Booker, not Durant
“There is a heavy consensus that Booker should not be traded as he is in his prime and is the heart and soul of this franchise. That same consensus will tell you that if we trade Durant for ‘picks and pieces,’ then that means Suns would be putting Booker through another rebuild. …
“Meanwhile, there is a heavy consensus that any team with Durant will always have a chance to compete.
“So, by trading Booker for ‘picks and pieces’ and keeping Durant, the Suns still have a chance to compete having one of the all-time greats while also setting themselves up for a solid rebuild when Durant retires.”
– William Tynor, Mesa
Have opinions about the current state of the Suns? Reach Suns Insider Duane Rankin at [email protected] or contact him at 480-810-5518. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter, at @DuaneRankin.
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