Back in February 2017, the Phoenix Suns came dangerously close to making a franchise-altering move - one that could’ve sent Devin Booker packing before his star even had a chance to rise.
Former Suns head coach Earl Watson recently pulled back the curtain on a trade that nearly happened, revealing that Phoenix’s front office had serious talks about dealing a young Booker to the Chicago Bulls in exchange for Jimmy Butler. At the time, Butler was already an established All-Star and one of the league’s most competitive two-way wings, while Booker was still just a promising second-year guard with a silky jumper and a lot of potential.
Watson, who coached the Suns during the 2016-17 season, shared the story on the Bucks+ Podcast with Marques and Kris Johnson. According to Watson, then-owner Robert Sarver and GM Ryan McDonough approached him with the idea of a blockbuster swap: Booker for Butler.
Watson didn’t hesitate.
“If you trade Devin Booker, I am resigning tonight,” he told them.
That wasn’t just coach-speak. Watson saw something in Booker that numbers and scouting reports couldn’t fully capture yet - a work ethic, a killer instinct, and a feel for the game that screamed long-term greatness.
In his words, backing Booker wasn’t just about a player. It was about believing in the foundation of the franchise.
“In that moment, I’m the biggest Devin Booker advocate,” Watson said. “(The trade) could change my coaching trajectory. I’ve seen the kid who can be one of the greatest players to ever play.”
Ultimately, the Suns didn’t pull the trigger. Butler stayed in Chicago until June 2017, when the Bulls shipped him to Minnesota on draft night.
That deal sent Butler to the Timberwolves - reuniting him with Tom Thibodeau - in exchange for Zach LaVine, Kris Dunn, and the No. 7 pick, which became Lauri Markkanen. Minnesota also received the No. 16 pick, used on Justin Patton, as they looked to build a contender around Butler, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Andrew Wiggins.
Had the Suns gone through with the trade, the ripple effects would’ve been massive. Booker might have found himself in Chicago, trying to carve out his role in a franchise mid-rebuild. Butler, meanwhile, would’ve landed in Phoenix - a team still searching for its identity and direction at the time.
Instead, the Suns held onto Booker, and the rest is history. He blossomed into a multi-time All-Star, the face of the franchise, and a key piece in Phoenix’s run to the NBA Finals. Butler’s journey took him from Minnesota to Philadelphia, then to Miami - where he led the Heat to multiple deep playoff runs - before landing with Golden State ahead of this season.
It’s one of those “what if” moments that makes the NBA so fascinating. If Watson hadn’t stood his ground, if the Suns had prioritized the present over the future, if Booker had been viewed as just another trade chip - the entire landscape of the league might look different today.
Instead, Phoenix bet on Booker. And that bet paid off.