Knicks willing to offer 'almost anything' to land All-Star

The present is already looking pretty good for the New York Knicks, but they may also have one eye on the future.

Gerald Bourguet of PHNX Sports reported that the Knicks have had a trade interest in Suns guard Devin Booker for several years. Bourguet adds that New York would be willing to offer “almost anything” to the Suns to pair Booker with Jalen Brunson in their backcourt.

The report comes after Stephen A. Smith passed along a rumor that Booker, whose Suns were just swept out of the first round of the playoffs, would like to be in New York. Knicks president Leon Rose notably was Booker’s agent at Creative Arts Agency (CAA).

Bourguet is also quick to note that the Knicks’ interest is one-sided at this point as Booker remains fully committed to the Suns for the moment.

But it is an intriguing proposition as Phoenix is facing a dire roster situation and may have some tough decisions. They would unlikely consider moving their franchise player, Booker, if he still wants to remain with them. But if the Suns decide to explore that drastic option, Booker does not have a no-trade clause in his contract (which runs through 2028).

As for the Knicks, the offensive firepower of a Brunson-Booker frontcourt would be absurd. While the duo would foreseeably struggle to defend at the point of attack, rugged defenders like OG Anunoby, Josh Hart and Mitchell Robinson could help cover for them — assuming that none would be sent back to Phoenix in a trade for Booker. 

The first round of rumors linking Booker to the Knicks was already interesting enough, and now the Knicks may be trying to intensify their pursuit come the summer.