Devin Booker’s $145 Million Extension Raises the NBA Salary Bar
Devin Booker has just surprised the basketball world and the business side of sports with his latest contract extension. The Phoenix Suns star signed a two-year, $145 million max extension, which shoots him to the top of the NBA’s list for highest annual salary. In real numbers, we’re talking $72.5 million per year—nobody in NBA history has ever landed a deal like that by annual value. This agreement doesn’t just signal trust from the Suns; it sets a new precedent for what NBA superstars can expect when it comes to massive multi-year deals.
This was not a quick, last-minute decision. Before putting pen to paper, Booker met with Suns owner Mat Ishbia in Las Vegas. The meeting was all about locking in a vision. The franchise wanted to make it clear that Booker isn’t just another star—he’s Phoenix’s core, the engine of everything they want to build. Booker's existing contract, when stacked with this new extension, will put $316 million in his pocket over the next five years—an eye-watering sum for one of the league’s most dynamic guards.
Why Booker and the Suns Are All In—Right Now
When you break down what Booker brings, the numbers are just the start. He’s already the Suns’ all-time scoring leader. Last season, he dropped 25.6 points, dished out an impressive 7.1 assists, and grabbed 4.1 rebounds per game. What’s even more impressive: he’s averaged over 25 points per game for seven straight seasons, sharing that feat only with Giannis Antetokounmpo. This level of production is exactly what keeps Phoenix in the spotlight and why the front office is going all in to keep him happy.
General manager Brian Gregory didn’t mince words after the deal. The message: Phoenix is building around Booker, and they want to win—and win soon. It’s not about hoping for a title in the distant future. The Suns want to take another serious shot at a championship while Booker is still in his prime. Booker’s loyalty—he’s been with Phoenix his entire 10-year career—fits perfectly with that urgency. The new contract guarantees he’ll be leading the way, at least through 2029-30.
Now, people might squint at the size of the paycheck. But salary cap analysts, like Bobby Marks, have pointed out that the league’s swelling salary cap makes these blockbuster numbers less shocking. As TV deals get bigger and league revenue climbs, $72.5 million a year could seem almost moderate in five years’ time compared to other future superstar contracts. It’s not just a reward for Booker’s stellar play—it's a calculated move for a team aiming to protect its franchise player against poaching and pay him at the market's true future value.
The Suns are making a statement. With Devin Booker locked in on a historic extension, they’re doubling down on their shot at NBA glory—and setting a new standard for what top NBA talent can command in an ever-expanding sports economy.
