When the Phoenix Suns traded Kevin Durant to Houston, there was some external talk about overhauling the entire team, including possibly trading or letting go of Devin Booker and Bradley Beal. However, such drastic changes were never seriously considered within the organization. Owner Mat Ishbia is focused on winning quickly rather than rebuilding through tanking, especially since the Suns won’t have control of their first-round pick until 2032. Additionally, Booker himself wanted stability, showcasing loyalty by aiming to become a franchise icon, much like his idol Kobe Bryant.
This commitment led to Booker and the Suns agreeing on a two-year, $145 million max contract extension, first reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania. The final details were finalized in Las Vegas just before the NBA Summer League. Booker’s current contract remains for three more years, and this new extension adds two additional years, keeping him with the Suns until 2030. He is set to earn $70.1 million in the 2028-29 season and $75.7 million in 2029-30, with future raises expected to be about 7%.
This move was expected. The four-time All-Star averaged 25.6 points and 7.1 assists last season, though his three-point shooting dropped to 33.2%, which he acknowledged he needs to improve. As the 28-year-old anchor of the Suns, Booker has witnessed many changes this offseason. Following Durant’s trade, the Suns acquired Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks and selected Duke center Kaman Malach with the 10th overall pick. They also named first-time head coach Jordan Ott, who replaced Mike Budenholzer, while James Jones transitioned from GM to become the NBA league office’s executive VP and head of basketball operations.
There’s still plenty of work needed to return the Suns to the NBA Finals like they were four years ago. Regardless of what unfolds in the coming years, one thing is clear: Devin Booker will remain a central figure for the Suns.
Fan Take: Devin Booker’s commitment to the Suns is a huge win for the franchise and its fans, symbolizing loyalty and a focus on building a strong core. This stability not only boosts Phoenix’s chances to compete at the highest level but also reminds basketball fans how crucial star players’ dedication is to a team’s long-term success.