On July 10, 2025, Devin Booker made NBA history by signing a two-year, $145 million max extension with the Phoenix Suns. This deal, the richest in annual salary in league history, solidifies Booker’s position as the face of the franchise and sends a clear message about the Suns’ direction for the rest of the decade.
Breaking Down the Deal
The agreement will keep Booker in Phoenix through the end of the 2029–30 NBA season. At an average of $72.5 million per year, this extension slightly eclipses the record recently set by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, whose four-year, $285 million contract with Oklahoma City averaged just over $71 million annually.
According to AZ Family, the Suns structured the contract to give Booker either 35% of the 2028–29 cap or 105% of his previous year’s salary, whichever is greater. This ensures that the deal remains at the maximum level possible under the NBA’s collective bargaining agreement.
Why the Suns Did It
The extension signals that Phoenix is all-in on building around Devin Booker. While the team’s recent history has been a rollercoaster—from a Finals appearance in 2021 to missing the playoffs in 2025—the front office clearly believes that Booker remains the cornerstone for any future contention.
With Kevin Durant gone to Houston and Bradley Beal’s future uncertain, the Suns appear to be handing the reins entirely to Booker. Team sources say Booker was heavily involved in the selection of new head coach Jordan Ott, indicating that his influence on team decisions now extends well beyond the court.
Is It Too Much?
Critics argue that this kind of contract might be an overpay for a player whose teams have not advanced past the second round since 2021. Booker is a four-time All-Star and two-time All-NBA selection, but some analysts point out that he lacks the MVP-caliber accolades that typically accompany such historic paydays.
Yet it’s hard to argue against rewarding loyalty. Booker has spent his entire career in Phoenix, become the franchise’s all-time leading scorer, and remained committed even as the roster underwent radical changes. In an era where stars often change teams to chase championships, that level of commitment is rare.
Financial Implications
From a salary cap perspective, this extension ties up even more of Phoenix’s financial flexibility. If Beal stays, the Suns could enter the luxury tax with three players making over $50 million each. This leaves little room for signing depth or making significant mid-season trades unless drastic measures are taken to shed salary.
On the other hand, having a superstar locked in can be a magnet for veterans chasing a ring or young players looking for mentorship. The Suns could pivot toward a model similar to what Miami has done with Jimmy Butler—build around one central figure and adapt season-to-season based on availability and value contracts.
Rising Player Valuations
Booker’s deal is the latest sign that the NBA’s financial landscape is undergoing a rapid transformation. As media rights revenue and international expansion drive up league income, player salaries—especially for top-tier stars—are climbing to unprecedented levels.
This extension could be a trend-setter. Other elite players entering their late 20s may now push for short-term, high-value deals instead of long-term security. The model gives players flexibility while still securing generational wealth, and it provides teams a tighter competitive window with elite talent.
The Legacy Factor
Booker is already a Phoenix icon. He’s the franchise’s all-time leading scorer, holds the record for most 3-pointers made, and was the engine behind their 2021 Finals run. But the lack of recent playoff success weighs on his legacy.
This contract could be his defining window. If the Suns fail to contend by 2030, Booker risks being remembered as a great scorer who never translated his talent into consistent winning. If they can build a contender around him—via trades, draft picks, or a surprise breakout star—his place in NBA history could rise dramatically.
What Comes Next for the Suns
There are multiple ways Phoenix could approach the next five years:
- Run It Back: Retain Booker and Beal, add veteran role players, and hope that Jordan Ott’s system produces playoff-caliber basketball.
- Pivot to Youth: Use Booker as a mentor and reset the roster through the draft and smart trades, focusing on building for 2027–30.
- Go All-In Again: Package future picks and young assets to acquire a co-star for Booker, repeating the Durant-era “superteam” strategy.
None of these paths are easy. The West is stacked, with Oklahoma City, Denver, and Minnesota all on the rise. The Suns must be strategic, not desperate.
The League-Wide Impact
This contract reverberates far beyond Phoenix. It marks a shift in the structure and expectations of superstar extensions. Teams will have to decide whether to follow the Suns’ lead or stick to more conservative long-term deals. Players, meanwhile, may now prioritize leverage and flexibility over total years guaranteed.
Moreover, this could reignite debates about max contracts and cap inflation. Should the league revisit the 35% cap max if superstars continue to sign deals approaching $75M per year? If cap percentages don’t keep pace with market value, stars may continue to pursue shorter, more aggressive deals.
Final Thoughts
Devin Booker’s new deal is a landmark moment for both the player and the franchise. It represents belief, risk, and ambition in equal measure. Whether it pays off will depend entirely on what happens between now and 2030—on the court, in the front office, and in the locker room.
Booker bet on Phoenix, and Phoenix bet on Booker. The next five years will determine who won the bet.
