Devin Booker has officially signed a two-year contract extension with the Phoenix Suns, reported at a staggering $145 million. This deal ensures that the face of the franchise will remain in Arizona through 2030, as the team seeks stability amid a turbulent period.
According to the league’s collective bargaining agreement, Booker’s contract, which he signed in July 2022, has three years remaining on a four-year, $224 million supermax extension. This new extension means that over the next five years, Booker will earn a towering total of $316 million. As a result, the Suns are not just showing their faith in him but also positioning Booker as one of the highest-paid players in professional sports, outpacing even the top stars in the NFL.
This move shouldn’t come as a surprise. Suns owner Mat Ishbia has made it clear throughout the past season that he sees Booker as the essential piece in the future of the franchise. Even while concerns about potential trade talks involving the Houston Rockets were swirling, Ishbia maintained a firm stance. “Never happen,” he stated firmly. “It’s silly… In order to win an NBA championship, you got to have a superstar. You got to have a great player.”
Booker’s commitment mirrors his own desire to be one of the rare players who spends their entire career with a single franchise, despite the challenges the Suns have faced during his tenure. He took a moment to reflect on his roots in Phoenix, expressing pride in the community that supported him through the rough patches. “I want to do it here,” he said, highlighting the weight of responsibility he feels as a franchise player, while acknowledging the hard work needed to turn the team around.
As the Suns approach the upcoming season, the cloud of disappointment from the previous year looms large. For the first time since 2020, they missed the playoffs, transitioned from a star-studded team by trading Kevin Durant, and now face the uncertain future with a new head coach. With Booker’s massive contract extension, the Suns are signaling their intent to rebuild around a player who has cemented his legacy in the franchise’s history.
At 28, Booker has already set numerous records for the Suns, including being the all-time leader in points scored and 3-point field goals, and he ranks high in various franchise stats such as games played and points per game. Booker is a four-time All-Star and holds accolades as a two-time All-NBA selection and Olympic gold medalist. He excels as a dynamic scorer from all areas of the court, showcasing his ability to finish around the rim, knock down mid-range jumpers, and shoot from deep.
The Suns will lean heavily on Booker’s skills and leadership in the coming season, especially after an offseason filled with seismic changes. They recently parted ways with their head coach (for the third consecutive year), dealt Durant, and acquired a mixture of talent to replace him, including new faces like Jalen Green and Mark Williams alongside the intriguing acquisition of 2024 draft picks.
Booker will need to quickly adapt to the incoming talent and forge synergy with new players, including recently traded-to-Phoenix Bradley Beal. He will also have to step up as Phoenix’s primary playmaker, utilizing his playmaking abilities while rediscovering his shooting touch.
The stakes for Booker are high: He must reprise the level of performance that has placed him among the elite in the NBA if the Suns hope to break back into playoff contention. With expectations mounting, Booker is not only ready to lead on the court but also to drive the team’s culture and improve as a player in what promises to be a pivotal season for the franchise. One thing is clear—he’ll be notably well-compensated while working to elevate the Suns back into the conversation among the West’s contenders.
