The NBA offseason isn’t even here yet, but there’s already rumors that the Knicks will trade for a star player.
The speculation is an annual tradition, but it’s become more interesting now that New York is a real playoff threat in the Eastern Conference.
The Knicks made a significant trade to acquire O.G. Anunoby at the trade deadline. But even with his presence and the emergence of Jalen Brunson as one of the best point guards in the NBA, it doesn’t seem to be enough.
Sure, the Knicks are without All-Star forward Julius Randle due to injury. Even with him in the lineup, though, New York doesn’t stack up against the league’s titans just yet.
As a result, the Knicks could be in the hunt for another star to pair with Brunson. The latest name thrown in the mix is Suns star shooting guard Devin Booker.
The Sporting News breaks down the latest Booker rumors and questions regarding his future with the Suns.
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Devin Booker, Knicks trade rumors
Just days after the Timberwolves swept the Suns in the first round of the NBA Playoffs, rumors have circulated regarding Phoenix’s roster makeup and whether the team will run it back next season.
The Suns could maintain the same roster and build camaraderie, similar to what the Timberwolves did after an underwhelming first season with Karl-Anthony Towns, Rudy Gobert and Anthony Edwards trio.
Yet early rumors indicate the Knicks are seriously interested in trading for Booker during the offseason. New York is “willing to offer almost anything” to pair Booker with Brunson, per Phoenix sports reporter Gerald Bourguet.
Booker still has four years remaining on his contract since he signed a super max extension in 2022. He’ll become an unrestricted free agent in 2028. Any trade including Booker would require a large haul.
Luckily for the Knicks, they’ve stockpiled draft picks for a moment like this. Pair that with a few players to match Booker’s contract and a deal could be made.
It’s way easier said than done, of course, especially considering Booker’s desire to play for one organization for his entire career.
“Booker understands the value of sticking with one franchise for his entire career, following in the footsteps of guys like his idol Kobe Bryant,” Bourguet wrote.
The 27-year-old doesn’t have a no-trade clause, but it would be surprising to see the Suns move Booker after nine seasons despite his wishes. Of course, crazier things have happened in the NBA.
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New York Knicks draft picks
The Knicks could use the assortment of draft picks they’ve acquired over the past few seasons to trade for a star. But this has been the narrative for several offseasons, and the fan base is still waiting on that blockbuster move.
Here’s what picks the Knicks have to offer in the trade market.
| Year | Round | Team |
| 2024 | 1 | Own (No. 25) |
| 2024 | 1 | Dallas (No. 24) |
| 2024 | 2 | Utah (No. 38) |
| 2025 | 1 | Detroit (Top 13 protected) |
| 2025 | 1 | Washington (Top 10 protected) |
| 2025 | 1 | Milwaukee (Top 4 protected) |
| 2025 | 2 | Brooklyn |
| 2025 | 2 | Detroit (Top 55 protected) |
| 2026 | 1 | Own |
| 2026 | 2 | Less favorable of multiple teams |
| 2027 | 2 | Own |
| 2028 | 1 | Own |
| 2028 | 2 | Less favorable of Indiana or Phoenix |
| 2029 | 2 | Less favorable of Indiana or Washington |
| 2030 | 1 | Own |
| 2030 | 2 | Own |
| 2031 | 2 | Own |
Devin Booker contract
Booker is under contract until 2028 after signing a super max extension with Phoenix in 2022. He’s set to be an unrestricted free agent after the 2027-28 season.
His estimated base salary is below, per Spotrac.
| Year | Estimated base salary |
| 2024-25 | $49.35 million |
| 2025-26 | $53.3 million |
| 2026-27 | $57.25 million |
| 2027-28 | $61.19 million |
