Shocking Updates: The 27-year-old Top Star Expresses Deed Disappointment Over Heat’s Decision…

Devin Booker Hoped to Join the Miami Heat Ahead of the 2015 NBA Draft

Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker has crafted an outstanding NBA career with the team that selected him nine years ago, but he recently revealed that the Suns were not his top choice leading up to the 2015 NBA Draft. Booker had his sights set on joining the Miami Heat and was even scouting homes near the team’s arena.

“That’s where I was hopin’ (Miami),” Booker said about his draft expectations. “Miami was my best workout, and I remember Pat Riley saying in an interview, ‘We’re lookin’ for a Klay Thompson-type player. We need to up our shooting.’ I had just shot 40 percent in college. I’m like, ‘Oh yeah.’ I’m lookin’ at spots right down there by the arena.”

The Heat had the opportunity to draft Booker when they were on the clock with the 10th overall pick but chose Justise Winslow instead. A few picks later, the Suns selected Booker at No. 13.

Winslow spent a few seasons with the Heat but never reached the elite status that Booker has achieved. During his 241 regular-season appearances with Miami, Winslow averaged 9.0 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game. He last played in the NBA during the 2022-23 season, spending much of it in the G League.

Booker, meanwhile, earned his fourth All-Star selection and second All-NBA nod last season, averaging 27.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 6.9 assists per game for the Suns. Despite Booker’s impressive performance, the Suns were swept by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the playoffs, ending a season that had much higher expectations.

The Heat also faced an early exit from the 2024 NBA Playoffs, managing to win just one game before falling to the Boston Celtics in the first round.

While it may sting for Heat fans to know that Booker wanted to join their team, the situation is now part of NBA history. If it’s any consolation, the butterfly effect suggests that other key players, like Jimmy Butler, may not have ended up with the Heat had the team drafted Booker in 2015 and built around him.