During free agency, Houston looked to be a hub. Several stars were on the market, and the team had opportunities. Back then, head coach Ime Udoka believed the team wasn’t ready. Now, as the two seed, they find themselves down 3-1 against the Golden State Warriors. Their fans might be wishing the franchise traded for Kevin Durant, who was heavily linked to them during the trade deadline. But what if they are looking in the right direction, but not the right guy?
Austin Rivers spoke about the Rockets’ situation. All he could think of was how a “bucket getter” could change the series. Durant checks that box, but there is a major problem. The Slim Reaper is turning 37 in September, which would thin their championship window. Instead, Rivers wants his former team to go for Phoenix’s very own Devin Booker.
“They have a lot of young, talented players. People threw around Kevin Durant midseason. I would try, if I’m personally them, I’m going after a younger player. I’m going after Devin Booker. You got a long runway with that team,” Rivers commented on Off Guard.
The Rockets are not only a young team, but they also have the resources to make a blockbuster trade in the offseason. According to Rivers, a package centered around Jalen Green, who has struggled to bear scoring duties along with picks, could get the job done. With Booker, he offers versatility as a guard.
Feb 28, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) looks on against the New Orleans Pelicans during the first half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
As part of the Paris Olympics, the Suns’ all-time leading scorer’s defensive tenacity was on full display, taking on the best players. As a scoring threat, not much needs to be said. Devin Booker is an expert in putting the ball in the net and could thrive with the spacing the Rockets can offer with their elite athleticism.
There’s only one thing that might hold them back. That is Book himself.
Is loyalty stronger than the desire for glory?
We have established that the Rockets can offer a variety of deals to the Suns if they want Devin Booker in the offseason. The team took a ain’t leap this season, showing their viability in a tough Western Conference. It seems to be the right time to add that one stud who would instantly elevate their status in the West.
In terms of business, there are no barriers that are obstructing the Rockets from making such a case. There’s only one problem. Will Devin Booker break his loyalty to the Desert?
On more than one occasion, the 28-year-old phenom has reiterated his desire to stay in Phoenix. He wants to bring a title to the city that has supported him since he was practically a teenager. Even Brian Windhorst noted that Booker wants to be a one-team man for his entire career. Austin Rivers doesn’t rule out that possibility.
But what he also sees is that the Suns aren’t moving ahead anytime soon. Their picks are exhausted, and mainly if they trade Durant, he doesn’t think rivals would “give up the whole house for him,”. Hence, while Devin Booker continues to propel his career in his prime years, Rivers wants to see him do so while staying competitive.
“It wouldn’t surprise me if he wants to make a change and just get out, go compete again. Your team hasn’t been competitive for a couple of years. It’s been a while,” he said about Booker’s potential desire to want to switch teams.
The electric shooting guard has already had a taste of the NBA Finals. He has seen the confetti fall and sorrow loom over him. The desire to reverse that memory must be strong within his mind. Hence, although his loyalty has stood firm, even if Devin Booker chooses to leave, he can do so knowing he gave it his all for a decade.
Do you think a move to the Houston Rockets would benefit Booker’s career? Let us know your views in the comments below.
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