Near Trade: How Booker Almost Landed in Chicago

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, February 16th 2026 at 19:52 GMT by Sporting News
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What If? The Near-Trade That Could Have Changed Two Franchises: Devin Booker and the Bulls

Phoenix Suns head coach Frank Vogel recently dropped a bombshell during an appearance on the Pat McAfee Show: the team came incredibly close to trading away Devin Booker on draft night in 2017. The revelation, while seemingly a historical footnote, offers a fascinating glimpse into the 'what ifs' of NBA history and the precarious nature of franchise-altering decisions. Had circumstances unfolded differently, both the Suns and the Chicago Bulls could be drastically different organizations today.

According to Vogel, the potential trade hinged on acquiring the third overall pick in the 2017 NBA draft - the pick the Suns ultimately used to select Booker. The catch? That pick was held by the Boston Celtics. The Suns were actively negotiating a deal with Boston to move up and secure Booker, a player they clearly identified as a future cornerstone. The fact that the deal was almost completed speaks volumes about the level of desperation, or perhaps foresight, within the Suns' front office at the time.

In 2017, the landscape of both teams was starkly different. The Suns were a team desperately searching for an identity, mired in years of mediocrity following the Steve Nash era. They lacked a true franchise player, a star around whom to build a contending team. The Bulls, meanwhile, were coming off a promising few seasons led by Jimmy Butler, but cracks were beginning to show. The team was aging, and questions surrounding the long-term viability of their core were starting to surface.

For the Bulls, Booker would have represented a potential long-term solution, a dynamic scoring guard to build around as Butler's prime potentially waned. While Butler was a proven playoff performer, Booker's offensive ceiling was, and remains, exceptionally high. A backcourt pairing of Booker and Butler, if it could have overcome potential personality clashes, could have propelled the Bulls back into contention in the Eastern Conference. The Bulls ultimately moved on from Butler shortly after, embarking on a rebuild of their own. Looking back, adding Booker could have expedited that process and potentially avoided years of struggle.

The Suns, on the other hand, faced a critical juncture. They needed a player with superstar potential to reverse their fortunes. Booker, even as a rookie, possessed the scoring prowess and potential to become that player. Losing him would have been a devastating blow, potentially setting the franchise back for another decade or more. The fact that the team prioritized securing him, even at the cost of potentially significant draft capital, demonstrates a clear understanding of his value. The willingness to navigate a complicated trade with the Celtics highlights a degree of risk-taking that ultimately paid off.

Since being drafted, Booker has blossomed into a five-time All-Star and one of the league's premier scorers, averaging 22.4 points per game throughout his career. He's become the face of the Suns franchise and played a crucial role in their recent resurgence, culminating in a Finals appearance in 2021. His partnership with Kevin Durant and the arrival of other key pieces have transformed the Suns into legitimate championship contenders.

The story also highlights the volatility of the NBA draft. A single trade, a missed phone call, or a last-minute change of heart can alter the trajectory of not just one team, but multiple franchises. The 2017 draft itself was rich with talent, producing players like Jayson Tatum, Donovan Mitchell, and De'Aaron Fox. While the Celtics ultimately benefited from the pick they received (which they used to select Tatum), the Suns undoubtedly made the right decision in holding onto Booker.

Ultimately, Frank Vogel's revelation serves as a potent reminder that even the most successful franchises operate on a knife's edge. The near-trade of Devin Booker underscores the importance of player evaluation, calculated risk-taking, and a little bit of luck in the unpredictable world of NBA basketball. It's a fascinating "what if" scenario that continues to resonate, showcasing how a single decision can reshape the landscape of the league.