NBA Fans React to Stunning Devin Booker Suns Contract Decision
How did your country report this? Share your view in the comments.
Diverging Reports Breakdown
Lakers trade Anthony Davis for Luka Dončić in one of the most shocking deals in NBA history
The Los Angeles Lakers traded Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks for Luka Dončić. There was no prior indication that either team was looking to move an All-Star. Even LeBron James, the Lakers’ de facto general manager, was reportedly out at dinner when the trade hit and had no idea it was coming. Davis is reportedly waiving his trade kicker for the deal to go through, which will push the Mavericks under the luxury tax. The Lakers were facing a potential slide over the next few years as both James and Davis aged, but this changes everything. It gives them something to look forward to once James retires, which they simply didn’t have before the trade. The Mavericks are moving on from a player their fans never expected to leave, and they don’t seem to be receiving much beyond Davis, who can impact a game on both ends of the floor but has rarely succeeded as a team’s offensive focal point.
The Lakers are sending Anthony Davis, Max Christie and a first-round draft pick to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Luka Dončić, Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris in a three-team deal that also includes the Utah Jazz. Dallas officially announced the trade on Sunday morning, following a report from ESPN’s Shams Charania on Saturday night.
Initial news of the trade was so jarring that many speculated Charania’s account could have been hacked, but reporters from both The Los Angeles Times and The Dallas Morning News quickly confirmed it. There was no prior indication that either team was looking to move an All-Star.
Advertisement
Advertisement Advertisement
NBA reporter Marc Stein reported that Dončić did not request a trade and it was in fact the Mavericks who approached the Lakers about the league-altering deal. The move reportedly blindsided Dončić. Even LeBron James, with his reputation as the Lakers’ de facto general manager, was reportedly out at dinner when the trade hit and had no idea it was coming.
It’s hard to think of a trade with anything close to a precedent to Saturday’s blockbuster. Superstars have been traded for each other before, but never midseason and rarely with no request from either side.
The deal swaps out Davis for Dončić as James’ co-star, though it may be more accurate to say Dončić will be the star long term. Dončić is currently out with a calf injury, but has made five straight All-NBA first teams at 25 years old. The Lakers were facing a potential slide over the next few years as both James and Davis aged, but this changes everything.
Advertisement
Advertisement Advertisement
Davis is reportedly waiving his trade kicker for the deal to go through, which will push the Mavericks under the luxury tax.
As for the Mavericks’ side, they are moving on from a player their fans never expected to leave, and they don’t seem to be receiving much beyond Davis, a player who can impact a game on both ends of the floor but has rarely succeeded as a team’s offensive focal point.
The Lakers and Mavericks just shook the NBA world with their Anthony Davis-Luka Dončić trade. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images) (Ron Jenkins via Getty Images)
Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison defended the move with a tried-and-true line, via ESPN’s Tim McMahon:
“I believe that defense wins championships,” Mavs GM Nico Harrison told ESPN, regarding his motivation to trade Luka Doncic for Anthony Davis. “I believe that getting an All-Defensive center and an All-NBA player with a defensive mindset gives us a better chance. We’re built to win now and in the future.”
Other rationalizations for the deal emerged soon after. McMahon reported Dallas had concerns about Dončić’s conditioning, which has been his main issue as an NBA player, and his approaching negotiations for a supermax deal. Dončić has two years left on his current deal after this season.
Advertisement
Advertisement Advertisement
Dončić was eligible for a five-year, $345 million supermax deal this summer, but is now no longer supermax eligible. Davis, who turns 32 next month, will take over down low with Kyrie Irving, Klay Thompson and P.J. Washington around him. Davis also gets his wish to play alongside an actual center in Daniel Gafford.
The deal completely alters the Lakers’ long-term outlook, swapping out their most important defensive player for one of the most talented players in the league, but also one who usually needs the ball in his hands to be impactful. It might not make them better for this year, but it gives them something to look forward to once James retires, which they simply didn’t have before the trade.
‘Devin Booker Should Request a Trade’ – NBA Fans React to Suns’ Concerning Depth Chart After Kevin Durant Trade
Devin Booker and the Phoenix Suns are in talks for a massive contract extension. But not everyone is happy about the state of the roster around him. Fans are questioning what Booker sees in the Suns’ roster. The Suns finished 11th in the West with a 36-46 record, falling short of every preseason expectation. The new trio of Booker, Green, and Beal isn’t convincing to anyone, and the team doesn’�t seem to have a defined plan. The roster is like chaos rather than cohesion, and there’s little belief that the Booker-Green-Beal trio will fare better than the previous experiment. The numbers on the table are mind-blowing with a potential two-year, $150 million max deal. But instead of excitement, fans were quick to voice frustration. ‘Free him from that poverty franchise,’ a fan wrote. “The Phoenix sucks,” one user wrote.
While the Suns continue reshuffling around him, the fanbase is growing restless, and many are convinced it’s time for their franchise star to walk away from what looks like a shaky future.
Devin Booker’s $150 Million Extension Talks Spark Fans’ Concern
NBA insider Chris Haynes dropped the update that reignited the fan storm. He revealed on X that Booker and the Suns are actively discussing a contract extension. The numbers on the table are mind-blowing with a potential two-year, $150 million max deal.
But instead of excitement, fans were quick to voice frustration over the state of the roster around him. “Devin Booker should request a trade cause this is not a winning roster,” one fan posted bluntly on X.
Devin Booker should request trade cause this is not a winning roster — 𝔽𝕒𝕤𝕤𝕒 ❤️🔥 (@MiamisOG) June 30, 2025
Another simply called Phoenix a “poverty franchise,” and urged Booker to move away from the franchise.
‘Free him from that poverty franchise,” a fan wrote.
Free him from that poverty franchise — 優木 せつ菜 🇯🇵 | Love Live Superstar S3 SZN (@Nljigakulive) July 1, 2025
The Suns’ recent history isn’t too encouraging either. Despite the hype surrounding their star trio of Kevin Durant, Booker, and Bradley Beal, the team couldn’t even sneak into the play-in tournament. They finished 11th in the West with a 36-46 record, falling short of every preseason expectation.
Brooker needs out the phoenix sucks — colin (@colin11890534) July 1, 2025
Then came the big move. Durant was traded to the Houston Rockets in late June in a deal that will become official in July. Phoenix received Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the No. 10 pick in the 2025 draft, and five second-round picks in return.
While that may sound like a decent haul, fans don’t see a contending core taking shape. “Brooker needs out,” one user wrote. “The Phoenix sucks.”
Fans Concerned Over Suns’ Roster Decisions Amid Lack of Clear Identity
What’s making fans even more uneasy is that the Suns don’t seem to have a defined plan. The new trio of Booker, Green, and Beal isn’t convincing to anyone. All three are ball-dominant scorers who prefer isolation play over running a team offense. That leaves one massive hole in the roster – a true point guard.
Tyus Jones, one of the few available lead guards in free agency, just signed a one-year deal with the Orlando Magic. Phoenix didn’t even make a serious push. That decision led one fan to vent: “Why is he doing this to himself? Just leave the Suns.”
Why is he doing this to himself just leave the suns😭😭 — LazyDontKnowBall (@LazyDontGotNext) July 1, 2025
Another chimed in with some tough-love advice for the Suns star: “Take this deal and then go somewhere you can win.”
Take this deal and then go somewhere you can win — Sam Robinson (@samrobby22) July 1, 2025
Green, though talented, hasn’t yet proven he can play a disciplined, off-ball role in a structured offense. So, backing the new trio feels like a recipe for chaos rather than cohesion.
Phoenix’s cap sheet only adds to the confusion. The roster is top-heavy with massive contracts amounting to a massive $245.16 million in total cap allocation. Still, they lack solid rotation pieces at nearly every position.
Yes, there’s a new coach (Jordan Ott) and front office in place. But judging by how fans are reacting, there’s little belief that the Booker-Green-Beal trio will fare better than the previous experiment.
Mavericks trade Luka Doncic to Lakers for Anthony Davis in stunning 3-team blockbuster
Luka Doncic has been traded by the Dallas Mavericks to the Los Angeles Lakers. The trade was announced Sunday morning, after the teams got the required league approval on all the terms. The Slovenian star can’t sign a five-year contract extension this summer that could have been worth around $345 million US. The deal, at least for now, pairs doncic with LeBron James as the new 1-2 punch in Los Angeles, while Davis would be forming a new star duo with Kyrie Irving in Dallas. The Utah Jazz also were involved, getting Jalen Hood-Schifino and a 2025 second-rounder from both the Mavs and Lakers.. Anthony Davis’ ability to be elite on both ends makes him “a unique unicorn in the NBA,” says Lakers GM Rob Pelinka. The decision came down to what Davis does on the defensive end of the floor, says Mavericks GM Nico Harrison. “We feel like we’re built to win now as well as in the future,” Harrison says.
They have switched teams now — in an absolute blockbuster.
Doncic has been traded by the reigning Western Conference champion Mavericks to the Los Angeles Lakers for Davis. The trade was announced Sunday morning, after the teams got the required league approval on all the terms involved in the deal.
The trade talks, which took place over about a month, were kept extremely tight-lipped by Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison and Lakers GM Rob Pelinka. Among those not in the know until the end of the process: Mavs coach Jason Kidd.
His first reaction? “Shock,” Kidd said, though he later added that he believes it’s the right move for his team going forward.
Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris also headed to the Lakers, while Max Christie went to Dallas. The Utah Jazz also were involved, getting Jalen Hood-Schifino and a 2025 second-rounder from both the Mavs and Lakers.
“Sports are about transformative moments,” Pelinka said. “We are inspired by these moments Lakers fans know, expect and love with a franchise that continually ushers in new eras of greatness. … Luka is a one-of-a-kind, young global superstar who will lead this franchise for years to come. His killer instincts and commitment to winning championships will be a driving force for the team.”
The trade news broke about an hour after the Lakers beat New York at Madison Square Garden. Davis was not with the Lakers for the game; he has been back in Los Angeles because of an abdominal injury that needed assessing.
Welcome to Dallas, @AntDavis23!@chime // #MFFL pic.twitter.com/uKfGRv9R6U —@dallasmavs
Doncic has not played for Dallas since Christmas, when he exited a game with a strained left calf. The trade may come at a serious price for Doncic, who now can’t sign a five-year supermax contract extension this summer that could have been worth around $345 million US.
It was never clear if the Mavs would have offered such a massive deal. Doncic would have also had an option to leave as a free agent after the 2025-26 season if he wanted, and it’s certain that other teams would have — and probably already were — planning for that scenario with hopes of landing the Slovenian star.
“There’s other teams that were loading up,” Harrison said Sunday. “He was going to be able to make his own decision at some point of whether he wants to be here or not, whether we want to supermax him or not, or whether he wants to opt out. We had to take all that into consideration and I feel like we got out in front of what could have been a tumultuous summer.”
Doncic is still extension eligible this summer, with the max that the Lakers could offer him being five years at about $230 million — a $115 million difference than what the supermax could have been.
New star duos
The deal, at least for now, pairs Doncic with LeBron James as the new 1-2 punch in Los Angeles, while Davis would be forming a new star duo with Kyrie Irving in Dallas. And it also reunites Doncic with his former teammate, Lakers coach JJ Redick.
Doncic was one of the Mavericks players on the floor when Redick came out of a game for the final time on May 11, 2021.
For the Mavericks, the decision largely came down to what Davis does on the defensive end of the floor.
“We think defence wins championships and we’re bringing in one of the best two-way players in the league,” Harrison said. He added that Davis’ ability to be elite at both ends makes him “a unique unicorn” in the NBA.
“We feel like we’re built to win now as well as in the future,” Harrison said.
There was one game still going on in the NBA on Saturday night when reports began swirling of the trade, that being Phoenix-Portland. Suns guard Devin Booker said someone in the stands told him and his teammates of the trade.
“They said Luka. I said, `Luka Garza?”‘ Booker said, referencing a Minnesota centre.
Booker wasn’t trying to be funny. He just thought what many probably thought — that there was no way the Mavs would move Doncic.
“It’s crazy, man. I really don’t know what to say about it,” Booker said. “Luka being a guy that everybody has claimed is untouchable and untradeable. The NBA shows you again. Can’t predict. It’s a business. They’re always having a conversation about you. So don’t think you’re safer than you are.”
Added fellow Suns star Kevin Durant: “Insane. It’s crazy. Crazy. Damn, would of never thought Luka Doncic would get traded. At his age, midseason, the NBA is a wild place, man. If he can get traded then anybody is up for grabs.”
Shock on social media
And there was immediate shock on social media when the news hit as well.
“Luka getting traded from Dallas has to have a deeper story behind it,” Cleveland centre Tristan Thompson wrote on X. “This just doesn’t happen on a random Saturday night.”
“Wait what?” posted Patrick Mahomes, the star Kansas City quarterback who sits courtside at Mavs games occasionally during the off-season, NBA playoffs included.
And Knicks guard Jalen Brunson wondered in another post if it was a joke: “April fools right?” he asked.
Evidently not.
LeBron James learned of the Davis-Doncic trade after the Knicks game when it broke while he was out to dinner with his family, sources close to James told ESPN. James was surprised by the news, is processing it and had no idea it was in the works, sources said. —@mcten
Dallas plays at Cleveland on Sunday, while the Lakers are off until visiting the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday night. It’s not clear when Doncic or Davis could play for their new clubs, since both are dealing with injuries without any publicly known firm timetable for their returns.
Among players with at least 400 games, Doncic’s 28.6-point average is third in NBA history behind only Michael Jordan and Wilt Chamberlain — both at 30.1. When healthy, he’s typically somewhere between dynamic and unstoppable.
He was third in the MVP voting last season after averaging 33.9 points, 9.8 assists and 9.2 rebounds per game, easily one of the greatest statistical seasons in league history. Doncic — who turns 26 later this month and has referred to James as an “idol” — had a 73-point game against Atlanta on Jan. 26, 2024, tying the fourth-highest scoring total ever in an NBA game. Only Chamberlain (100), Kobe Bryant (81) and Chamberlain (78) scored more.
Davis, an all-star pick this year for the 10th time in his career, turns 32 next month. He’s part of the NBA’s 75th anniversary team, helped the Lakers win the NBA title in the bubble in 2020, and — like Doncic — is a five-time All-NBA selection.
Doncic is averaging 28.1 points, 8.3 rebounds and 7.8 assists this season. Davis is averaging 25.7 points and 11.9 rebounds.
NBA Fans React to Stunning Devin Booker Suns Contract Decision
Devin Booker has inked a two-season, $145 million maximum contract extension that will keep him under team control through 2029-30. The Suns’ biggest change of the offseason, aside from its decision to hire its third head coach in as many seasons, was its choice to flip 15-time All-Star power forward Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets. Former 2021 Executive of the Year James Jones — freshly demoted this summer — has opted to depart the Suns front office and assume a role with the NBA itself as its fresh Executive Vice President, Head of Basketball Operations. For Booker, the move is a bit bizarre. He’s stuck on a team that seems to be spinning its wheels, destined for years of lottery picks with a bizarrely mismatched lineup. The NBA world has reacted to the move on Booker on Twitter as only it can.
The Phoenix Suns have had a bizarre 2025 offseason.
Let’s be real, they’ve had a bizarre several years, thanks to overwhelmed new owner Mat Ishbia’s influence on the club’s roster and coaching moves.
Advertisement
Advertisement Advertisement
On Wednesday, two major moves happened to further add to the Suns’ strange summer.
ESPN’s Shams Charania reports that, following a meeting with Ishbia in Las Vegas in the midst of Summer League activities, four-time All-Star shooting guard Devin Booker has inked a two-season, $145 million maximum contract extension that will keep him under team control through 2029-30.
The 6-foot-6 Kentucky product averaged 25.6 points on .461/.332/.894 shooting splits, 7.1 assists, and 4.1 rebounds in 75 healthy games for the 36-46 Suns.
As Charania notes, this now becomes the biggest yearly extension salary in the history of league.
Advertisement
Advertisement Advertisement
Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Until the next maximum extension deal pops up, of course.
The NBA world has reacted to the move on X as only it can.
“Over/under 6 [Shams] tweets on the same person,” predicted user @BronsMindset.
Charania is at three so far.
“Overpay he’s not that good,” posits fan @playoffjake.
One fan seemed somewhat excited about Phoenix’s bizarre roster churn this summer, and the rotation that Booker would theoretically be joining.
“$316M to run it back with Bradley Beal, Dillon Brooks, and Jalen Green. Bless his loyalty and his back,” @ChapelReza wrote. “Booker locked in. Now someone lock in a point guard, rim protector, and bench.”
Advertisement
Advertisement Advertisement
Beal has been rumored to be exploring a contract buyout with Phoenix so he can sign with a real contender as a free agent, but as of now he remains rostered.
The Suns’ biggest change of the offseason, aside from its decision to hire its third head coach in as many seasons, was its choice to flip 15-time All-Star power forward Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets in exchange for wings Brooks and Green, the rights to the No. 10 pick in June’s NBA draft (used on center Khaman Maluach, who theoretically is that rim protector), and five future second round draft picks.
Per ESPN’s Bobby Marks, the Durant trade eventually got rolled into an epic seven-team deal — the league’s first-ever.
Houston’s three-year, $21.5 million sign-and-trade agreement with the Atlanta Hawks for center Clint Capela was also rolled into the exchange. The No. 59 selection, used on Jahmai Mashack, which was initially moved to Phoenix in the deal, was sent from the Suns first to the Golden State Warriors, and next to the Memphis Grizzlies.
Advertisement
Advertisement Advertisement
The Miami Heat were the other final contenders for Durant’s services in a trade.
The Booker news was the second big change reported on Wednesday.
According to NBA insider Chris Haynes, former 2021 Executive of the Year James Jones — freshly demoted this summer — has opted to depart the Suns front office and assume a role with the NBA itself as its fresh Executive Vice President, Head of Basketball Operations.
The Suns are loaded up with wings and centers, and currently lack starting-caliber point guards or power forwards.
For Booker, the move is a bit bizarre. He’s stuck on a team that seems to be spinning its wheels, destined for years of lottery picks with a bizarrely mismatched lineup.
Advertisement
Advertisement Advertisement
Related: Details Emerge About James Jones, Mat Ishbia’s Roles With Phoenix Suns, It’s Worrying
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 10, 2025, where it first appeared.
Kevin Durant surprisingly snubs Warriors’ Stephen Curry in a stunning starting five revelation
Kevin Durant, star of the Phoenix Suns, recently shared his ideal quintet of current players in a 2K game, where he surprisingly excluded NBA and Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry. Durant’s decision to exclude Curry doesn’t stop there, as Kyrie Irving has also been ignored, generating surprise and debate among fans. The Suns, with Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal, had a disappointing season in 2023. The team barely managed to qualify for the playoffs and was eliminated in the first round.
Durant has had the opportunity to play with several exceptional players throughout his career. However, his ideal quintet reflects his preference for players with outstanding offensive and defensive skills.
Kevin Durant‘s decision to exclude Curry doesn’t stop there, as Kyrie Irving has also been ignored, generating surprise and debate among fans. Both players have been Durant’s teammates on different teams and are considered some of the best in the NBA.
Advertisement
Advertisement
During a live broadcast with Sauce Gardner, Durant revealed his selection of players to form his dream team. “I’ll probably go with Luka [Doncic] at that point. Luka, me, LeBron [James], [Joel] Embiid at my 5 because he can shoot the three better. You gotta go with somebody like Klay [Thompson].”
Advertisement
The Suns’ performance
The Suns, with Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal as stars, had a disappointing season in 2023. The team barely managed to qualify for the playoffs and was eliminated in the first round.
Advertisement
see also NBA Rumors: After extending Stephen Curry, Warriors doubtful on another star”s contract
The lack of chemistry between the three players and injuries were factors that affected the Suns’ performance. However, the team hopes to improve in the coming season and compete for the championship.
Advertisement
Durant’s motivation
Kevin Durant has used his experience at the Olympics as motivation for the upcoming season. Playing alongside Stephen Curry and LeBron James has reminded him of his ability to compete at the highest level.
The Suns hope Durant can translate that motivation to the court and lead the team to success. With a talented roster and an experienced coach, the Suns have the tools to compete for the title.
Advertisement