D-Book’s Rollercoaster Week
It has been a week of highs and lows for Devin Booker, the talented shooting guard for the Phoenix Suns. On one hand, his highly-publicized relationship with Kendall Jenner has come to an end after being together for over two years. On the other hand, the Suns have shown their commitment to Booker by offering him a lucrative four-year supermax contract extension worth a staggering $224 million.
At 25 years old, Booker still has two more seasons remaining on his current contract before his supermax extension goes into effect at the start of the 2024-25 season. Over the course of the next six seasons, Booker is set to earn an incredible $295 million, which averages out to approximately $49 million per year.
Booker’s Stellar Performance
Booker played a key role in leading the Phoenix Suns to the best record in the NBA last season, finishing with an impressive 64-18 record. This outstanding performance helped secure the top seed in the Western Conference playoffs. However, their title hopes were dashed when they were unexpectedly eliminated in the second round by the Dallas Mavericks.
Despite the team’s playoff disappointment, Booker’s individual achievements were noteworthy. He finished fourth in the MVP race, narrowly missing out on the prestigious award won by Nikola Jokic. The top three spots went to Joel Embiid and the formidable Giannis “Greek Freak” Antetokounmpo. Additionally, Booker earned a spot on the All-Star team for the third consecutive year, solidifying his status as one of the league’s premier players.
In the 68 games he played last season, Booker showcased his scoring prowess by averaging 26.8 points per game. He also contributed 5.0 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game, exhibiting his well-rounded skills. As the primary offensive weapon for the Suns, Booker was the sixth-highest scorer in the league. Furthermore, he displayed exceptional accuracy from beyond the arc, shooting a career-best 38.3% from 3-point range.
An unforgettable moment in Booker’s career came in 2017 when he lit up the Boston Celtics with an astounding 70-point performance. This incredible feat further solidified his reputation as a scoring machine.
The Potential Durant Factor
The Suns’ chances of winning the NBA Championship received a significant boost with the news that Kevin Durant, one of the league’s top talents, is seeking a trade from the Brooklyn Nets. The Suns, along with the Miami Heat, are among Durant’s preferred destinations. As a result, the Suns’ championship odds have soared to +600, making them the second-favorite team on DraftKings’ NBA futures board.
Phoenix had been focused on building a championship-caliber team around Booker and Deandre Ayton, the former first overall pick from the 2018 NBA Draft. However, the Suns were hesitant to offer Ayton a substantial contract extension. Although they have the option to match any offers Ayton receives from other teams, it appears that Ayton will not be with the Suns next season.
An unexpected turn of events occurred during Game 7 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Mavericks when head coach Monty Williams benched Ayton. The Suns suffered a devastating blowout loss, falling behind by a massive 46 points. The reasons behind Ayton’s benching remain a mystery, as Williams simply stated that it was an internal matter without providing any further details.
Prior to Durant’s trade request, there were swirling rumors of potential sign-and-trade deals involving Ayton. One scenario involved the Suns sending Ayton to the Nets as part of a package for Durant. Alternatively, the Suns could explore other trade options for Ayton and utilize any draft assets acquired in return to pursue Durant.
Dreaming of a New Big Three
Imagine a scenario where Booker, Durant, and the highly skilled Chris Paul join forces on the Phoenix Suns. This formidable trio would undoubtedly propel the Suns back to the NBA Finals, where they fell just short in 2021, losing to the Milwaukee Bucks.
The combination of Booker’s scoring prowess, Durant’s versatility and offensive dominance, and Paul’s exceptional leadership and playmaking abilities would create a force to be reckoned with. The Suns’ aspirations of clinching an NBA championship would become more tangible with such a star-studded lineup.
Conclusion
Devin Booker’s eventful week has seen the end of his relationship with Kendall Jenner, but it has also brought him a substantial contract extension, demonstrating the Phoenix Suns’ commitment to their star player. As Booker continues to excel on the court, his achievements and potential partnerships fuel speculation about the Suns’ future success. With the potential addition of Kevin Durant, the team’s championship aspirations could materialize, offering fans plenty to anticipate.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. Will Devin Booker’s breakup affect his performance on the court?
While breakups can have personal implications, professional athletes like Booker are known for their ability to maintain focus and perform at a high level despite personal challenges. Therefore, it is unlikely that his breakup with Kendall Jenner will significantly impact his performance on the court.
2. Why did the Phoenix Suns bench Deandre Ayton during Game 7?
The precise reasons behind Ayton’s benching during Game 7 of the Western Conference semifinals remain a mystery. Head coach Monty Williams referred to it as an internal matter without providing further details. It could have been a strategic decision or a response to performance issues, but without additional information, it is impossible to say for certain.
3. How would Kevin Durant’s addition to the Phoenix Suns impact their championship aspirations?
Kevin Durant is widely regarded as one of the best players in the NBA, and his addition to any team would undoubtedly strengthen their championship prospects. With Durant’s scoring ability and versatility, combined with the skills of Booker and Chris Paul, the Suns would have a formidable trio capable of competing at the highest level and potentially winning an NBA championship.
4. What are the chances of the Phoenix Suns winning the NBA Championship?
The Suns’ chances of winning the NBA Championship are influenced by various factors, including the strength of their roster, the performance of key players, and the level of competition within the league. While they have proven themselves as a strong team, nothing is guaranteed in the highly competitive world of professional basketball. However, with their recent successes and the potential addition of Kevin Durant, the Suns’ championship chances certainly appear promising.
5. Has Devin Booker’s 70-point game against the Boston Celtics been surpassed?
Devin Booker’s impressive 70-point game against the Boston Celtics in 2017 remains a remarkable individual accomplishment. Although there have been numerous exceptional scoring performances since then, including 60-point games by multiple players, no one has surpassed Booker’s incredible feat of scoring 70 points in a single game.
