Devin Booker’s Record-Breaking Contract: What It Means for the Suns

By Edcel Panganiban July 11, 2025 09:45

Devin Booker’s recent two-year, $145 million contract extension with the Phoenix Suns marks a historic moment not only for the franchise but for the NBA as a whole. With an average annual salary of $72.5 million, this deal sets a new benchmark as the largest annual average salary extension in league history, surpassing even Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s recent $285 million, four-year contract extension .

Booker, 28, has been the heart and soul of the Suns since being drafted 13th overall in 2015. Over his ten seasons in Phoenix, he has steadily evolved into one of the league’s premier scorers and leaders. He holds the franchise records for career points (16,452) and three-pointers made (1,424), boasting a career scoring average of 24.4 points per game, ranking third all-time in Suns history behind only Kevin Durant and Charlie Scott. His consistency is remarkable, having averaged over 25 points per game in each of the past seven seasons and maintaining at least 22 points in nine consecutive campaigns.

This extension secures Booker’s presence in Phoenix through the 2029-30 season, potentially marking 15 years with the same franchise a rarity in today’s NBA landscape. Suns owner Mat Ishbia emphasized Booker’s importance, stating, “Devin Booker is the embodiment of the Phoenix Suns, representing the best of our organization, our community and our future”. This deal is more than a financial commitment; it’s a declaration that Booker remains the cornerstone of the Suns’ long-term vision.

The timing of this extension comes amid a period of transition for Phoenix. After a disappointing 2024-25 season where the Suns missed the playoffs despite boasting the highest payroll in NBA history largely due to the acquisitions of Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal the franchise has undergone significant changes. Durant was traded to Houston in a massive seven-team deal, and the Suns hired Jordan Ott as their new head coach, a move praised by Ishbia for Ott’s “track record of developing players and fostering team chemistry”. Booker himself was involved in the coaching search, underscoring his leadership role within the organization.

Financially, Booker’s contract is a Designated Veteran Player Extension, carrying a cap hit starting at $53.1 million in the 2025-26 season and escalating annually to over $61 million by 2027-28. This sizable commitment reflects the Suns’ willingness to invest heavily in their franchise player despite the luxury tax implications. Booker’s consistent production averaging 25.6 points and 7.1 assists per game last season justifies this investment.

What does this mean for the Suns moving forward? Booker’s extension provides much-needed stability and a clear identity for a team in flux. His leadership on and off the court will be vital as Phoenix integrates young talents like 18-year-old rookie Khaman Maluach and veterans Dillon Brooks and Jalen Green acquired in the Durant trade. The Suns are betting that Booker’s scoring prowess and competitive drive will anchor a new era of contention.

Devin Booker’s record-breaking contract extension is a landmark moment for the Phoenix Suns. It not only secures the franchise’s all-time leading scorer for the foreseeable future but also signals a recommitment to building around a proven superstar. As Booker continues to chase his first NBA championship, the Suns’ investment underscores their belief that he is the key to restoring the team’s status as a Western Conference powerhouse.