The Phoenix Suns made their biggest move yet this summer with their latest extension for Devin Booker. According to ESPN's Shams Charania, the franchise has just agreed to terms on a new two-year, $145 million contract that will keep their beloved star in town through the 2029-30 season.
"Booker and owner Mat Ishbia met in Las Vegas tonight to finalize the contract, which cements Booker’s commitment to the Suns' vision for the future and him as the franchise’s leader moving forward," wrote Shams. "Booker now has five years and $316 million total on his Suns deal."
The contract now holds the title as the highest annual extension salary in NBA history and will continue to make Booker one of the league's highest-paid players. Incredibly, he's set to make $75.47 million in the 2029-30 season, totalling his contract to a whopping $316 million over six years. It’s a deal that reflects both his elite status and the Suns’ unwavering faith in him as the face of the franchise.
For the Suns, it sends a clear message about the direction they intend to take the franchise for the foreseeable future. Despite talks about a rebuild or a complete roster overhaul, team owner/governor Mat Ishbia remains committed to helping his longtime franchise player achieve his ambitions of winning.
Booker, 28, was drafted 13th overall in 2015. Ever since, he's been the star of the show in Phoenix, leading the team to multiple playoff runs and a trip to the NBA Finals in 2021. With career averages of 24.4 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game on 46.1% shooting, he has delivered on star expectations even when the situation has collapsed around him.
This summer, things turned outright dire for the Suns, and his loyalty has been pushed to the limit. Kevin Durant is gone, Bradley Beal is mixed up in trade rumors, and the team is nearly gutted of all its draft assets. Next season, with limited star power and minimal depth off the bench, nobody is expecting the Suns to make a run, and it could take years before they become favorable picks again.
Still, Booker is committed to the long term, and his latest act of loyalty proves that their recent struggles have not swayed his faith. He still believes the Suns can win a championship and that he'll be the one to get them there.
Sadly, Phoenix has yet to win the title, and this upcoming season will not be any easier. Without a true co-star, Booker will be leading the Suns on his own, just like the old days. This time, however, he'll at least have a decent supporting cast that includes Bradley Beal (for now), Grayson Allen, Nick Richards, Dillon Brooks, Mark Williams, and Royce O'Neal.
In a crowded Western Conference, the Suns will be facing overwhelming odds to make the top six. But, with Booker at his best and leading the way, the Suns have a chance to make some noise and maybe challenge some of the NBA's top-tier contenders next season.
But, regardless of what happens on the court, Devin Booker isn’t running from the challenge. In an era where stars are constantly on the move, he’s choosing to build, stay loyal, and chase greatness in the only NBA city he’s ever known. That alone makes this extension one of the most meaningful deals of the offseason.
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