In a revealing account of his coaching tenure with the Phoenix Suns, Earl Watson disclosed that he intervened to stop a trade that would have sent Devin Booker to the Chicago Bulls. This incident occurred early in Booker’s career when the Suns were struggling to find their footing after several rebuilding seasons.
At that point, Jimmy Butler was an established NBA All-Star, while Booker was considered a promising but unproven scorer. The proposed deal would have exchanged Booker for Butler, a trade that could have drastically altered both players’ careers and the Suns’ future.
Watson’s Intervention During a Crucial Road Trip
Watson described being urgently called by then-owner Robert Sarver during a road trip. Sarver sent a text message ordering Watson to come to his house immediately. Upon arriving, Sarver outlined the trade details, announcing,
“We have a trade for Devin. We’re gonna send Devin to Chicago for Jimmy Butler,”
according to Watson’s retelling.
Despite the owner’s plan, Watson firmly opposed the move, motivated by his strong belief in Booker’s potential as a franchise leader. He shared,
“In that moment, I was the biggest Devin Booker advocate,”
underscoring his conviction that Booker could evolve into an all-time great.
Job Security Tied to Keeping Booker
Watson’s commitment to retaining Booker was so resolute that he linked his own employment to the decision.
“I seen a kid that could be one of the greatest players ever. I said, ‘If you trade Devin Booker, I am resigning tonight,’”
Watson recounted, demonstrating the seriousness of his stance in the face of the proposed trade.
The Long-Term Impact on the Suns Franchise
Ultimately, Booker stayed with Phoenix, a decision that reshaped the Suns’ trajectory. He grew into the team’s cornerstone, leading multiple deep playoff runs and becoming the face of the franchise. Now 29 years old, Booker remains central to the Suns’ success in the 2025–26 NBA season.
This season, Booker is averaging 25.4 points, 6.2 assists, and 4.0 rebounds per game, starting all 41 games he has played. His scoring ability and playmaking continue to define Phoenix’s offensive identity as the team fights for position in a competitive Western Conference.
Where the Suns Stand Today
As of now, the Suns hold a 28–19 record, sitting seventh in the Western Conference amid a crowded playoff race. Devin Booker’s ongoing performance is a key factor keeping Phoenix in contention. The decision to retain Booker has proven pivotal not only for the player’s growth but also for the franchise’s championship aspirations moving forward.
12 points from Book in 1Q 👏 pic.twitter.com/3bzewo8Ww0
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) March 19, 2023
Former Phoenix Suns HC Earl Watson said he stopped a trade that would’ve sent Devin Booker to the Chicago Bulls for Jimmy Butler:
“We’re on a road trip. [Robert] Sarver sends me a text, ‘Come to my house immediately’. I pull up to the house and I sit down, he [Sarver], goes,… pic.twitter.com/SWBBGmmqr1
— CantGuardBook (@CGBBURNER) December 19, 2025
