'More to come': Suns star Devin Booker thankful for historic 2-year, $145M extension
Devin Booker has agreed to a two-year extension with the Phoenix Suns for $145 million, league sources confirmed on July 9 to The Arizona Republic.
ESPN's Shams Charania initially reported the deal on July 9 to mark the highest annual extension salary in NBA history. Booker, the franchise’s all-time leading scorer with 16,452 career points, is under contract with the Suns through 2029-30.
Booker's extension per year of $72.5 million just edges Oklahoma City Thunder's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander $285 million supermax extension ($71.25 million) for the richest ever. Gilgeous-Alexander won NBA MVP and finals MVP in leading the Thunder to the 2024-25 NBA championship.
“This moment means so much to me and my family,” said Booker in a team news release on July 10. “Ten years ago, my NBA dreams became reality when I was drafted here and Phoenix is my home. I love this city and am proud of what we have accomplished throughout my decade here. I am grateful to (team owner) Mat Ishbia and the entire Phoenix Suns organization for the partnership. Thank you fans for your loyalty and support. More to come!!”
Booker averaged 25.6 points on 46.1% shooting and a career-high 7.1 assists last season in 75 games, the most he’s played since his second NBA season when he played a career-high 78 games in 2016-17.
The four-time All-Star and two-time All-NBA selection is entering his 11th NBA season. He’s set to make $53.1 million in the second of a four-year, $220-million deal.
“Devin Booker is the embodiment of the Phoenix Suns, representing the best of our organization, our community and our future,” said Ishbia in a team news release Thursday. “As the team’s all-time leading scorer, his on-court achievements are unparalleled and the result of his relentless preparation and unwavering pursuit of excellence.
"His character, leadership and ‘I’ll do it’ mentality define the standards and culture we uphold. Moreover, his connection with our fans is unique – his impact resonates across the Valley, and his tireless efforts in supporting Arizona’s youth and families reflect the deep community bond we cherish.”
Back in April, Booker was closing out what was a disappointing season when he addressed the extension with The Arizona Republic.
The Suns won just 36 games to mark the first time they had a losing season since 2019-20, which was the last time they missed the playoffs.
Booker knew changes were on the horizon, but also knew he was eligible for a historic extension.
“I haven’t even thought about it to be honest,” Booker said about the extension back on April 4. “It’s a great situation to be in, though. Longevity in this league. Every year you can get, somebody wants you for an extra year or two, that’s always a pleasure. You never know when the game is going to stop.
"I’ve been in long enough where I’ve watched some of my heroes and idols just slowly get out of the league, and you see how it hurts them. I don’t want to think about the day that I have to do that. It’s nice to be up for an extension.”
The Suns have since made major and multiple changes.
Team owner Mat Ishbia fired Mike Budenholzer after one season, replaced James Jones with Brian Gregory as general manager and hired Jordan Ott to replace Budenholzer as a first-year head coach.
Phoenix Suns head coach Mike Budenholzer talks with guard Devin Booker during NBA Cup group play against the San Antonio Spurs at Footprint Center on Dec. 3, 2024.
Jones has since landed a job with the NBA as its head of basketball operations, the league announced Wednesday, July 9.
The Suns then traded Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets for Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks and the 10th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft that wound up being Duke 7-foot-1 freshman big Khaman Maluach in a historic seven-team deal that also brought in second-round selections Rasheer Fleming and Koby Brea.
Phoenix is also having discussions over a possible buyout for Bradley Beal, league sources have informed The Republic. The Suns went 45-33 in two seasons with a Big 3 of Booker, Durant and Beal with one postseason appearance that ended in Minnesota sweeping them in the first round of the 2024 playoffs.
Not good enough. Not even close to good enough for the NBA's first $400-million team.
The Suns are looking to build an identity of competitiveness, toughness, playing hard, being physical and having grit.
Booker is now the unequivocal leader of this movement. He provided input in the hiring of Ott and gave his stamp of approval on the former Cleveland Cavaliers assistant.
With Booker now agreeing to this historic extension, he and the Suns are making a long-term commitment with him continuing as their face of the franchise.
(This story has been updated to add new information.)
Have opinions about the current state of the Suns? Reach Suns Insider Duane Rankin at [email protected] or contact him at 480-810-5518. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter, at @DuaneRankin.
