Devin Booker has reportedly agreed to a two-year, $145 million contract extension with the Phoenix Suns, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. This extension ensures that Booker, the face of the franchise, remains under contract through 2030, serving as a stabilizing force during a period of uncertainty in Arizona.
The collective bargaining agreement between the NBA and its players stipulates that a contract covering a term of five or six seasons, including option years, cannot be extended until the third anniversary of the signing of the contract. Additionally, it can only be extended up to five years from the date of the new deal’s signing. Booker, who has three seasons left on his four-year, $224 million supermax extension signed in 2022, will now earn a total of $316 million over the next five years.
The Suns’ decision to extend Booker at the earliest opportunity underscores their commitment to him as a cornerstone of the franchise. Suns owner Mat Ishbia has been vocal about his belief in Booker’s potential to lead the team to an NBA championship. Despite trade rumors involving the Houston Rockets, Ishbia dismissed the notion, stating,
“Never happen. It’s silly. So here’s what I’ll tell you: I have Devin Booker in the prime. In order to win an NBA championship, you got to have a superstar. You got to have a great player.”
Booker’s Loyalty and Vision for Phoenix
Booker has consistently expressed his desire to remain with the Suns throughout his career, aiming to be part of the “rare breed” of players who spend their entire career with one franchise. Despite the team’s struggles during his tenure, Booker remains committed to bringing success to Phoenix.
In a statement to ESPN’s Tim MacMahon, Booker shared,
“I take pride in the community in Phoenix, the people that have supported me since I was 18 when things were ugly. And the people that are with us, we just fell short of accomplishing what we want. So I want to do it, and I want to do it here. That’s the responsibility of being a franchise player, and I wear that with honor.”
The Suns, however, face significant challenges. They failed to qualify for the playoffs for the first time since 2020, traded away Kevin Durant, and are now under new leadership with another head coach. These developments highlight the importance of securing Booker’s future as they rebuild.
Booker’s Impact and Legacy
At 28, Booker is already Phoenix’s all-time leader in points scored and 3-point field goals. He ranks in or near the top five in franchise history across multiple categories, including games, minutes, and points per game. A four-time All-Star and two-time All-NBA selection, Booker is also a two-time Olympic gold medalist.
His prowess as a three-level scorer makes him a critical asset to the Suns. Booker is known for his high-efficiency finishing in the paint, elite midrange shooting, and threat from beyond the arc. His development into a primary playmaker is evident as he joins the ranks of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Damian Lillard, and Donovan Mitchell as one of the few NBA players with a high usage rate and low turnover percentage.
Despite a challenging 2024-25 season, Booker averaged 25.6 points and a career-high 7.1 assists per game, maintaining a .589 true shooting percentage. These numbers place him alongside elite players like Nikola Jokić, Luka Dončić, and Jalen Brunson.
The Road Ahead for Phoenix
The Suns will rely heavily on Booker’s performance as they aim to return to the playoffs. The offseason has been tumultuous, with the firing of their head coach for the third consecutive spring and significant roster changes, including trading Durant to the Rockets.
Booker will need to adapt to new head coach Jordan Ott and integrate with teammates like Bradley Beal, Jalen Green, and new additions such as Mark Williams. His ability to facilitate and lead will be crucial as Phoenix navigates these changes.
If Booker can maintain his All-NBA level of play and foster team cohesion, the Suns may have a chance to climb back into the competitive Western Conference. While the road ahead is challenging, Booker’s extension signifies Phoenix’s faith in his leadership and ability to guide the team through this rebuilding phase.
