The Warriors and Suns Trade Talk: Exploring the Possibility of a $220 Million Guard for a New “Splash Brother”

The National Basketball Association (NBA) is a league driven by trades, rumors, and blockbuster moves that have the potential to reshape the balance of power in the sport. One such hypothetical trade that has captured the imaginations of fans and analysts alike is the potential exchange between the Golden State Warriors and the Phoenix Suns, where the Warriors might acquire the Suns’ $220 million guard in exchange for one of their own star players to become the new “Splash Brother.” This trade scenario offers tantalizing possibilities for both teams, each with its own motivations and objectives.

The Players Involved: A Breakdown of the $220 Million Guard and the Warriors’ “Splash Brother”

The Suns’ $220 Million Guard

The player in question is Devin Booker, the Phoenix Suns’ dynamic shooting guard, who signed a massive four-year, $224 million contract extension with the team in 2024. Booker has firmly established himself as one of the NBA’s elite offensive talents, consistently averaging 25+ points per game and being a key figure in the Suns’ lineup since his rookie year. At 27 years old, Booker’s combination of scoring, playmaking, and leadership qualities has made him a cornerstone player for Phoenix, and he’s seen as one of the most promising stars of the next generation.

However, despite Booker’s individual brilliance, the Suns have yet to reach the pinnacle of success. While they made a deep run to the NBA Finals in 2021, they’ve failed to replicate that success in subsequent seasons. The acquisition of Kevin Durant in 2023 raised expectations for the team, but the Suns have struggled to find the right balance to compete consistently at the highest level. In such a competitive landscape, Phoenix could be looking to shake things up, especially if they feel that moving on from Booker might provide a new direction for the franchise.

The Warriors’ “Splash Brother”

On the other side of this hypothetical trade is the Golden State Warriors, a team that has dominated the NBA for the past decade, largely due to the brilliance of their backcourt duo—Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson. The “Splash Brothers,” as they are affectionately known, revolutionized the game with their shooting prowess, turning the three-pointer into a weapon of mass destruction. Together, Curry and Thompson have led the Warriors to multiple championships, cementing their legacy as two of the greatest shooters in NBA history.

However, Klay Thompson, now 34 years old, has had his fair share of injuries in recent seasons, including torn ACL and Achilles injuries that have raised questions about his ability to perform at an elite level consistently. While Thompson’s shooting remains exceptional, his defensive abilities and overall impact on the floor have diminished in recent years. Given Thompson’s contract, which expires in 2024, and the Warriors’ window of championship contention being tied to the health and performance of their star core, Golden State might be considering a future without Klay Thompson.

This is where the notion of trading for Devin Booker comes into play. By acquiring Booker, the Warriors could bring in a younger, more dynamic guard who could seamlessly fit alongside Curry, providing the team with a new “Splash Brother” to complement their star point guard. Booker’s skill set, which includes elite scoring, playmaking, and leadership qualities, would make him a perfect fit in Golden State’s fast-paced, three-point heavy system.

What a Booker-to-Warriors Trade Could Look Like

Given the significant difference in value between Devin Booker and Klay Thompson, a direct one-for-one trade might not be realistic. The Warriors would likely need to include additional assets to make the deal work financially and ensure that Phoenix is receiving adequate value in return. Here’s a potential framework for a trade:

Golden State Warriors Receive:

• Devin Booker (Shooting Guard, $224 million contract)

Phoenix Suns Receive:

• Klay Thompson (Shooting Guard, $40 million contract)
• James Wiseman (Center, $12 million contract)
• Future Draft Picks (2025 First-Round Pick, 2026 First-Round Pick)

This trade structure benefits both teams in different ways. The Warriors get their new “Splash Brother” in Booker, while Phoenix receives a potential replacement in Thompson, a young, high-potential center in Wiseman, and valuable future draft capital to rebuild or retool the roster.

The Warriors’ Perspective: Why They Would Pursue Booker

The Warriors have experienced tremendous success over the last decade, but their current roster is aging, and the championship window is narrowing. Stephen Curry, at 35 years old, remains one of the best players in the league, but his supporting cast is becoming less reliable, especially with Klay Thompson’s injuries and decreasing performance. If the Warriors want to continue competing for titles in the coming years, acquiring a player like Booker could ensure they remain a championship contender for the long haul.

1. Booker’s Fit with Curry
Devin Booker’s shooting and offensive versatility would make him an excellent fit in Golden State’s system. While Curry is the focal point of the offense, Booker could slide seamlessly into the role that Klay Thompson has occupied for years, offering elite spacing, shooting, and the ability to create his own shot. Booker’s improvement as a playmaker would also allow him to share ball-handling duties with Curry, providing the Warriors with a more dynamic and multi-dimensional backcourt.

2. The Warriors’ Need for Youth and Long-Term Stability
While Curry remains the face of the franchise, the Warriors know that they need to transition into the next era of basketball. The acquisition of Booker, at 27 years old, would give them a younger star who can serve as a long-term building block for the future. With Thompson on the decline and Draymond Green entering his 30s, the Warriors’ core is aging quickly. Booker would represent a significant piece of the puzzle as the team looks to build a future around Curry and his offensive genius.

3. Championship Window and Pressure
As long as Curry is in his prime, the Warriors have a chance to compete for championships. With Kevin Durant’s departure from the Warriors and the rise of other contenders like the Denver Nuggets and the Milwaukee Bucks, the Warriors can’t afford to waste another season without making a move to solidify their place at the top. Booker, with his combination of scoring and playmaking, would immediately elevate Golden State’s championship hopes.

The Suns’ Perspective: Why They Would Trade Booker

While trading away their star player in Booker would be a significant move, the Phoenix Suns could find several compelling reasons to make such a deal. The Suns are in a unique position, having a mix of veterans like Durant and Chris Paul, along with young talents like Deandre Ayton. However, the team has failed to translate that talent into sustained postseason success, and there are concerns about the team’s overall roster balance.

1. The Potential for a Fresh Start
Trading Booker could signal the beginning of a new era for the Suns. By moving on from Booker, Phoenix could open up salary cap space and gain a package of assets that could help them reload the roster. While Thompson may not be the long-term answer, the addition of Wiseman and future draft picks could provide the Suns with the flexibility to retool the roster around Durant and Ayton. Additionally, Wiseman has shown promise as a center, and his development could be key for Phoenix’s future.

2. Thrusting Deandre Ayton into the Spotlight
With Booker gone, the Suns could lean into the development of Deandre Ayton as the team’s centerpiece. Ayton has shown flashes of brilliance, but he has often been overshadowed by Booker’s offensive prowess. With more touches and a larger role, Ayton could become the focal point of the Suns’ offense, with Durant playing a secondary role as a mentor and scorer. This dynamic could open the door for a new identity for the team, with a more balanced offensive attack.

3. Rebuilding Around Kevin Durant
Durant, now in his late 30s, is unlikely to be on the Suns for the long term. The team may see trading Booker as a way to accelerate their rebuilding efforts around Durant, rather than waiting for Booker to become a more consistent playoff performer. The Suns could use the draft picks and young assets acquired in the trade to bring in additional pieces to surround Durant with a more cohesive and effective roster for a potential championship push before he retires.