Devin Booker to New York Knicks? Charles Barkley shuts down Stephen A. Smith trade rumor
You may have heard talk going around after the Phoenix Suns were eliminated from the NBA Playoffs that Devin Booker wanted to be traded to the New York Knicks.
The talk was originated by ESPN's Stephen A. Smith on Monday, when the ESPN personality said on his show, First Take: "[Devin Booker] might deny it, I haven't spoken to him. I'm just telling you the scuttlebutt in the NBA circles is that brother wanna be in New York."
Do Suns fans have to worry about Booker being unhappy in Phoenix and wanting a trade to New York?
Charles Barkley shut down the Booker to the Knicks "rumor" (if we can call it a rumor) on Arizona Sports 98.7 FM on Tuesday morning.
“Stephen A. thinks everybody wants to go to New York,” Barkley said on The Bickley and Marotta Show. “Last few years, it’s been Donovan Mitchell. Last time … KD was a free agent it was New York. Stephen A is a friend of mine, and I love Stephen A, but he wants everyone in New York. He’s not going to die happy until the Knicks win a championship. … You can skip that (rumor).”
There has never been any indication from Booker's camp that the star wants out of Phoenix and Barkley's comments should help ease the concerns of Suns fans.
More: Phoenix Suns next head coach speculation, odds, candidates if team should fire Frank Vogel
Hosts: Blame Phoenix Suns' roster construction, not Frank Vogel, for NBA Playoff failure
VOTE: Who is most to blame for the #Suns' early #NBAPlayoffs exit? (Hosts blame Phoenix's roster construction: https://t.co/I27Ji9khob) #ComingInHot #ItTakesEverything
— Jeremy Cluff (@Jeremy_Cluff) April 30, 2024
Social media slammed Stephen A. Smith for his 'scuttlebutt' about Devin Booker wanting to go to New York:
According to him, everybody going to NY, 5698852 people roster.
— Riccardo (@Dulafive) April 29, 2024
SAS trying to speak it into reality
— Scott Wiese (@SW1680) April 29, 2024
This guy
— Michael A Valentine (@mjazzer) April 29, 2024
Just stop with the what he's been told nonsense. He is the one who wants DB with the NYK.
— Russell B (@Russie88) April 29, 2024
Stephen A wanting a guy in NY is not the same as them wanting to be in NY.
— Vince Buccellato (@vbuc810) April 29, 2024
Stephen A Smith loves being gossip dude
— Josh in Cleveland (@Y2Josh76) April 29, 2024
Devin Booker isn’t going to the Knicks. The package that the Suns would ask for would put the Knicks behind for a long time.
— Marvin Mosley (@MarvinM92978810) April 29, 2024
So Stephen wants Booker on his Knicks
— Chris Medina (@chrismedina) April 29, 2024
The Knicks need to pay Stephen A Smith for tampering and recruiting for them 😂
— Mareeezy (@mgaitan_214) April 29, 2024
This dude want everybody to b in NewYork Shut up Stephen 😂😂😂😂
— Randy Daytona (@PezzieG1) April 29, 2024
This officially means Booker WILL NOT be joining the New York Knicks.
— tone🗽 (@TonySinn) April 29, 2024
“I didn’t talk to him, he’s gonna deny it, but it’s true” -Journalism in 2024
— Matt C (@MCorrea_127) April 29, 2024
More Sir Charles: Barkley calls Phoenix Suns 'mediocre' after being swept by Minnesota Timberwolves
Reach Jeremy Cluff at jeremy.cluff@arizonarepublic.com. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter @Jeremy_Cluff.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Devin Booker to Knicks? Charles Barkley nixes Stephen A. Smith rumor