Suns guard Devin Booker may be the player to watch as the Knicks try to trade for an unhappy star, writes Marc Berman of The New York Post. Booker is a former client of new team president Leon Rose, and as a Kentucky alumnus, he has a close relationship with newly hired executive VP William Wesley. Booker had plenty of good things to say about Rose when he became part of New York’s front office.
“I think he’ll do unbelievable,’’ Booker said. “One of the most genuine guys I know. One of the most honest guys I know. So I’m happy for him in his new position. I think the Knicks are in really good hands.’’
Berman suggests the Suns’ lack of success may eventually cause Booker to want to move on. They haven’t come close to making the playoffs in any of his five seasons.
There’s more from New York:
- Finding a shooter will be a priority in the draft, Berman adds in the same piece. The Knicks own three of the top 38 picks and will be looking for a 3-point threat after shooting just 33% from beyond the arc this season. Berman notes that LaMelo Ball remains the team’s first choice among point guards, but he hasn’t been an effective long-distance shooter. If they draft him, the Knicks are hoping he can develop that part of his game, just like his brother Lonzo has.
- Wesley has exerted influence over owner James Dolan for the past 15 years and was responsible for at least one disastrous decision, Berman states in a separate story. Wesley reportedly convinced Dolan to hire Steve Mills to replace Glen Grunwald as general manager in 2013 after a 54-28 season. The Knicks haven’t made the playoffs since that move.
- Steve Popper of Newsday questions whether the Knicks should bother with a planned mini-camp in Chicago for the eight teams that weren’t invited to Orlando. The team wants to bring players together for workouts, but sees no benefit to a combined effort with seven other franchises while the coronavirus continues to spread, Popper writes. New York also has a coaching search to concentrate on and would prefer to hold private sessions so the new coach can begin to teach his system to the players.
Ball remains Knicks first choice, they like Ball so much
Where are the assets to trade for Booker？
Free agents？
The Suns are known for franchise altering trades that improve other teams. $arver has a terrific lint and gum wrapper collection from all of the gem trades he has overseen. This will be no different.
Knicks should go all in on booker. He’s young and a star no more trading for someone in his 30s and past his prime on a albatross of a contract go and get a young stud for once
Yes Yes that’s what I’ve been thinking all along Booker or Beal on the Knicks. Move RJ to the 3. Trade Knox,Randle, DSJ and 3 number one picks
You want to trade the three draft picks? That’s insane. We should keep at least our best draft pick.
If 2 draft picks, it will be outbid by Wolves
Wolves offer 3 picks this year and one more future First
Booker is worth three if his all-around has improved like is claimed. The Lamelo pick is not worth Booker until he can prove himself… they don’t like him that much!— especially if they want shooting.
They would need to throw in some picks for Booker since they don’t have much talent to trade
More like throw in some vets with the picks.
They should go after Chris Paul.
Nobody has to attend, Steve Popper. Now get you grubby hands off other team’s plans. He can dismiss the Knicks if he wants, but he’s supposed to be a national sportswriter. He has no right to dismiss all 8 or hold them to Knick standards.
It’s always so easy to write about the home team for the national media, why try elsewhere.
Here’s his level:
“At that time [March 11], the NBA pulled the plug immediately after learning about the first positive test. Now nine positive tests merit a shrug and a willingness to send teams whose seasons really were lost months ago into the unknown.”
First all games are what we give up time and money to see. Maybe he has given up and only has his seniority left. The Cavs have their new coach.
But also, there were goals then, of responding quickly, flattening the curve, and gaining novel knowledge some time. At this time, the only thing going on is a very gradual public increase in knowledge about viruses that everyone used to know but now seems too forbidding.
The 3 draft picks I’m trading are the Clippers this year and the 2 from the Mavs. Knicks hopefully get a PG this year Ball or Halliburton.
Wolves have 3 ,16, 33 picks this year
Every team wants need Knicks own picks instead of Clippers
If Booker is unhappy with losing, why would he want to go to the Knicks?
‘Xactly, it aint money either, he already has his max deal
Only way Knicks can snag Booker is if RJ is in the deal.
Booker is not leaving Suns. Why would you believe anything Berman writes. The Post is all about rumors not facts. Berman was just answering Fan write in questions. About Knicks, absolutely no FACTS. Suns have better young talent than Knicks.
Knicks are committed to this draft. Next yr is when they will look for trades. Right now no young star is available. You don’t hear about anyone wanting to leave their team. Plus Knicks just changed management. Knicks have to build a team, franchise worth coming to. It’s why this draft is so important. Don’t believe everything you read.
Don’t get what the point is for 8 teams to work out. It’s best they all do it on their own. There are players who are leaving thru FA. So why would they play now. It’s best for these teams to focus on draft and next yr. For them it’s all about next year. NBA should focus on Orlando. And it’s protocol. Cause it seems there are issues. With all these players testing positive lately. Stay safe out there. Wear a mask.
LOL. “Berman suggests the Suns’ lack of success may eventually cause Booker to want to move on.” And the Knicks have been winning championships lately?
Right , he also suggested. Knicks pick up CP3 cause he could mentor team. For 42 mill I can get ast coach (PG) to mentor. Plus sign Woods at PF, Gallinari at SF And still have 10 mill left over for another player.
How did Gallinari like it his first time there? There seems to good-enough feelings from fans toward him. Not sure Berman has weighed in!
HR suggested the Knicks could have $25mil capspace plus Bullock, Payton, & Gibson on team options. Those three are good values though. Maybe drop Payton and count on drafting a PG.