Warriors 'First in Line' for Devin Booker if Suns Ever Trade Him

The Warriors' Summer Swing-and-Miss

Golden State's front office called this offseason "super aggressive," per GM Mike Dunleavy Jr., chasing both Giannis Antetokounmpo and LeBron James. Neither move materialized. Stephen Curry is still the engine of this offense, and the Warriors' realistic paths to a co-star are narrowing fast. Enter a name that's been floated before: Devin Booker.

Why Booker, Why Now

According to insider Tim Kawakami on the Warriors Plus Minus podcast, Golden State isn't just casually interested in Booker — they're obsessed. "I think the Warriors like him too much, if you ask me. But they love him. Steve loves him. Booker loved playing for Steve," Kawakami said, referencing the Olympic connection between Booker and head coach Steve Kerr from Team USA.

That chemistry matters. Booker thrived under Kerr's system internationally, and on paper, his shot creation and scoring punch would give Curry exactly what he's been missing: a second option who can carry the offense when defenses blitz Steph. Booker's a five-time All-Star averaging star-level numbers for years in Phoenix, and his skill set — perimeter shot creation, mid-range scoring, closing ability — slots in almost seamlessly next to Curry.

The Real Obstacle Isn't Golden State

Here's the catch: the Warriors' willingness to deal isn't the problem. Kawakami noted Golden State would be "first in line," reportedly ready to offer three first-round picks if Phoenix ever opened the door. The issue is Phoenix has shown zero indication it wants to.

Suns owner Mat Ishbia has repeatedly said Booker isn't going anywhere. He's the face of the franchise, and Phoenix has built its entire roster identity — and fanbase loyalty — around him. Unless something changes drastically in Phoenix (a losing season, front-office shakeup, or Booker himself requesting out), this stays hypothetical.

What It Means for Golden State's Timeline

The bigger story here is what this reveals about the Warriors' situation. They've already spent significant draft capital trying to build around Curry, and continuing to dangle picks for a superstar who isn't available yet keeps their timeline in limbo. If Booker ever becomes available — even a year or two down the line — Golden State wants to be positioned to strike immediately, picks in hand.

For now, it's a name to file away. Nothing suggests imminent movement, but in today's NBA, stars change addresses faster than anyone expects. And if Phoenix's plans ever shift, the Warriors have made it clear they'll be the first call.