Full Breakdown
The Trade That Never Happened: Devin Booker and the Chicago Bulls
12/21/2025, 10:05:06 PM
Background of the Proposed Trade
In February 2017, the Phoenix Suns considered a significant trade that would have sent shooting guard Devin Booker to the Chicago Bulls in exchange for forward Jimmy Butler. At the time, Booker was only in his second NBA season and had not yet established himself as the elite scorer he is recognized as today. The proposal was initiated by former Suns owner Robert Sarver, who approached then-interim head coach Earl Watson with the trade idea.
Earl Watson's Intervention
Earl Watson, who had been promoted to head coach of the Suns after serving as an assistant, was a strong advocate for keeping Booker. He recounted that Sarver contacted him late at night to discuss the potential trade. Watson stated, “If you trade Devin Booker, I’m resigning tonight,” emphasizing his commitment to the young player and his belief in Booker's potential. Watson's intervention effectively halted the trade discussions, allowing Booker to remain with the Suns.
Implications of the Trade
Had the trade gone through, it could have significantly altered the trajectories of both franchises. The Suns, with a roster that included Eric Bledsoe, Tyson Chandler, and potentially Butler, might have seen a different competitive landscape. Conversely, the Bulls, who eventually traded Butler to the Minnesota Timberwolves in June 2017 for Lauri Markkanen, Kris Dunn, and Zach LaVine, faced a multi-year rebuild that led to an overhaul of their front office. The players acquired in the Butler trade have since left the organization, raising questions about the long-term impact of their decision.
Reflection on the Decision
In hindsight, the Suns appear fortunate that Watson intervened. Since that time, Booker has developed into one of the league's premier scorers and a cornerstone of the Suns' roster, contributing to their recent success, including a Finals run. The Bulls, meanwhile, are left to ponder the "what if" scenario of having added Booker to their lineup.
Official Statements & Responses
Earl Watson's account of the trade discussions highlights the internal dynamics of the Suns during that period. His strong stance against trading Booker reflects a broader recognition of the player's potential, which has been validated by his subsequent performance in the league. The Bulls' management, while not directly commenting on the missed opportunity, has faced scrutiny for their decisions during that era.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics of the Bulls' management decisions have pointed to the missed opportunity of acquiring Booker as a significant misstep. The team's inability to capitalize on Butler's trade value and the subsequent failure to build a competitive roster has led to ongoing discussions about the effectiveness of their front office strategies.
Verbatim Quotes
- “He goes, ‘we have a trade for Devin. We’re going to send Devin to Chicago for Jimmy Butler. In that moment, I am the biggest Devin Booker advocate. It would have been a hell of a team, though. Eric Bledsoe, Tyson Chandler, Brandon Knight, Jimmy Butler – it could have changed my entire coaching trajectory … This was the beginning of the end on me in Phoenix. In that moment, I said if you trade Devin Booker, I’m resigning tonight.” — Earl Watson, Former Head Coach, Phoenix Suns
- “Eric Bledsoe, Tyson Chandler, Brandon Knight, Jimmy Butler – it could have changed my entire coaching trajectory …” — Earl Watson, reflecting on the potential impact of the trade.
In summary, the aborted trade of Devin Booker to the Chicago Bulls serves as a pivotal moment in both franchises' histories, illustrating the far-reaching consequences of management decisions in professional sports.
