One of the most significant rumors in the NBA right now is most likely the Jimmy Butler deal. The NBA Hall of Famer also shared his thoughts on this. Despite his harsh criticism of the people involved, Charles Barkley had a surprising opinion on his former team, the Phoenix Suns, and its star player, Devin Booker regarding a possible trade.
While on ‘Arizona Sports,’ Barkley expressed his thoughts on the Phoenix Suns’ present situation. Barkley claims that their lack of leadership from Devin Booker, their franchise star, is the reason behind their recent interest in Jimmy Butler. The Suns boast of stars like Booker, NBA legend Kevin Durant, and Bradley Beal but have not performed as per their standards this season.
“Devin (Booker)’s a hell of a player but I think he’s just too nice of a guy also, he doesn’t hold the other guys accountable. I think that’s why they want to get Jimmy Butler. Because Jimmy is not gonna have some of this stuff going around here.”
Charles Barkley said
“Devin (Booker)’s a hell of a player but I think he’s just too nice of a guy also. He doesn’t hold the other guys accountable. I think that’s why they want to get Jimmy Butler.”
Charles Barkley told @Bickley_Marotta why the Suns might want Jimmy Butler.
Full interview:… pic.twitter.com/nVZaFCqeRg
— Arizona Sports (@AZSports) January 9, 2025
Also, the Suns have been among the few teams continuously in the running as the Heat search for a new home for their dissatisfied star. The Suns are still vying for Butler even after making quick trades for Beal and Durant. According to recent sources, the WC franchise is making every effort to sign the Miami Heat player.
The Suns were expected to win a championship after making trades for Beal and Durant, and Booker was under pressure to meet those expectations. The Suns have yet to see any positive results, and there is a growing belief that Booker’s leadership may be partially to blame. Despite averaging 24.6 points, 6.8 assists, and 3.9 rebounds per game on 42.9% shooting, Booker still has a lot to prove in terms of ‘leadership.’
Devin Booker issues warning to teammates after poor loss against Hornets
No one is more upset than Devin Booker about the Phoenix Suns’ tumultuous season, particularly following January 7th’s 115-104 loss to the Charlotte Hornets. Booker issued a straight warning to his fellow teammates regarding their loss to the Hornets. He stated that their ‘communication’ has to be better when playing together on the court.
“You can’t have that. The vibes and communication being high when we have it rolling and things going well and then when we get in a tough spot, just fold. I just want to see the energy. Energy & effort high no matter what the score is. Just keep playing”
After the game, Devin Booker said
“You can’t have that. The vibes and communication being high when we have it rolling and things going well and then when we get in a tough spot, just fold.” Devin Booker.
“I just want to see the energy. Energy & effort high no matter what the score is. Just keep playing” #Suns pic.twitter.com/oxAk4lqzUT
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) January 8, 2025
Regretfully, since Kevin Durant’s injury comeback, the 17-19 Suns have struggled with consistency. They started 8-1 and have subsequently gone 9-18. Although injuries have been included, that standard does not exist. The squad doesn’t have a specific style of play, even under head coach Mike Budenholzer, and many are jumping on it.
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