Basketball in Phoenix was starting to look encouraging. They had just beaten the Philadelphia 76ers a night ago. The decision to have Bradley Beal come off the bench seemed to give the team life once again. But that lasted for a few hours. Tonight, the Charlotte Hornets handed the Suns another loss. The result was especially heartbreaking for Devin Booker, who seemed to give it his all in the agonizing game.

The Suns’ long-time guard exploded for 39 points and 10 assists against the Hornets. His first-quarter antics allowed the Suns to establish a lead as big as 10 points. But in the very next quarter, their offense went numb. The Hornets outscored them by 20 points. The bleeding never seemed to stop.

And despite a last-ditch effort in the third quarter to bring the game close, Charlotte managed to hold themselves in the fourth quarter. Cuff The Legend, a good friend of LeBron James, was present at the game. And as he watched the downfall of the Suns, he also noticed something else. “I saw a lot of bad vibes on that Phoenix Suns bench during timeouts tonight. That’s all I’m gonna say,” he said about the Suns.

Amidst such an observation, fans also called for Devin Booker to decide about his future. Think about it. How long can a talented guard be without an NBA title? Should he make a move?

Fans call for Devin Booker to leave the Phoenix Suns

Devin Booker has devoted himself to making ‘The Valley’ great again for nine years. In 2021, he came close, seeing a trip to the NBA Finals. From that point on, it’s not been as encouraging for D Book. Over the past two years, the Suns have been knocked out in the first round. And this season, it’s all going wrong.

“I wonder where Devin Booker and KD will end up,” a fan opened the thought. That is how the Sun’s fanbase is starting to feel as well. Over the last 15 games, the organization has only won four. All their top players from the bench tonight recorded a negative point differential. Hence, from a strategic standpoint, Phoenix doesn’t seem to be in a great place. 

Likewise, those who have watched Devin Booker grow from a raw scorer to bring whatever the team needs in these nine years wish for him to leave. Some feel instead of Beal, the Suns could offer Devin Booker to the Miami Heat. “Devin Booker you’re needed in Miami,” a fan wrote trying to entice the Suns guard. 

With a record of 16-19 and no reason for such a result, it’s imminent for the Phoenix Suns to be active, once again. Maybe a move for Jimmy Butler could bring them some relief. However, exchanging Booker heavily damages the chances of the Suns being more competitive than before.

Staying in the East, another option has emerged for the 28-year-old shooting guard. Many fans feel the Detroit Pistons could use someone like Booker to pair up besides Cade Cunningham, an elite point guard who has had a revolutionary impact on the team this season. “So Devin Booker to the #Pistons isn’t such a crazy thought anymore huh? The Suns are sooo bad,” a fan mentioned. 

Keeping the chances of probability aside, the Pistons are back to play some amazing basketball once again. They are currently the 7th seed in the East with an 18-18 record. Moreover, their team is full of youth. Devin Booker could be the veteran anchor that can help them navigate through the postseason, which they seemed slated to be a part of for the first time since 2019.

The bottom line among the NBA community though seems to be that the experiment in Phoenix hasn’t worked. And if not just Booker, then it might be better to start fresh. “Dude they need to blow it up. How does a team with Kevin Durant and Devin Booker play this bad every single night? All they do is shoot mid ranges all game,” was the suggestion. 

As extreme as it might sound, the Suns are one of the few teams operating above the second apron. Not only does this mean a bunch of restrictions to make moves but also financial penalties. Having gone into such a window, it might be better for Matt Ishbia to aim for a roster that can compete immediately. The new CBA provides a shot window for teams above the second apron. Hence, this is the time to seize.

And to do so, a massive sweep might be necessary.