Saturday, May 2, 2026

Suns All In on Booker, Who Signs Record Extension Amidst Chaos

Booker’s two-year extension has an average annual value of $72.5 million. 

Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

The Suns have had a massive shake-up over the last half-decade, from new ownership to four different head coaches and several new star players. But the one constant has been Devin Booker—and both sides once again showed their loyalty to each other.

Booker agreed to a two-year, $145 million extension Wednesday, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. The deal is on top of the three years and $171.2 million remaining on his contract, giving him a total of roughly five years and $316.2 million. The contract runs until the 2029–30 season, when the guard will be 33 years old.

At $72.5 million per year, it’s the largest extension in terms of average annual value, surpassing the $71.25 million Shai Gilgeous-Alexander signed for last week, though that extension was for four years.

It’s been a busy offseason for the Suns, who hired Cavaliers assistant Jordan Ott to become the franchise’s fourth head coach in the same number of years in early June.

Weeks later, Phoenix traded Kevin Durant to the Rockets and received a package highlighted by 23-year-old Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, and the No. 10 pick in the 2025 draft that it used to select Khaman Maluach from Duke. 

With Booker, Green, and Bradley Beal, the Suns have nearly 91% of the league’s salary cap tied to three players who play the same position. However, there have been multiple reports that the Suns are working on a buyout with Beal, who has two years and $110 million remaining on his contract.

Phoenix has struggled to move on from Beal due to the no-trade clause in his contract, originally a five-year, $251 million supermax deal that he signed with the Wizards in 2022. The Suns are expected to waive-and-stretch Beal’s contract, which would mean the team would have nearly $20 million in dead money on their books for the next five years. However, a buyout will save Phoenix about $230 million, largely due to tax savings, according to cap expert Yossi Gozlan.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Dundon Pours Money Into Pickleball As He Cuts Blazers Spending

NBA fans have nicknamed the Blazers owner “El Cheapo.”

Caitlin Clark Calls Out Indiana Fever Graphic Made With AI Tools

The NHL’s Jets and Blues also use AI in their content.

Elizabeth Williams Explains Why WNBA Players Drew Line on Housing

Williams recently re-signed with the Sky for two years, $1.2 million.
exclusive

Mark Cuban Admits He Wanted to Buy Back Mavericks

“That’s just not the game anymore.”

Featured Today

Kaitlin Oaks (left) from Tampa looks at photos with Layla Abutha from Tampa while attending Thurby at Churchill Downs during the week of Kentucky Derby on Thursday, April 30, 2026.

Kentucky Derby Is Courting Gen Z

Churchill Downs is mixing traditional splendor with a youthful atmosphere.
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 25: Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever sits on the baseline and makes photographs during the Indiana Pacers game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on March 25, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
April 22, 2026

Why Athletes Are Moonlighting As Sports Photographers

Athletes are swapping courtside seats for sideline cameras.
Quinnipiac women's varsity rugby
April 21, 2026

The Death of Quinnipiac Women’s Varsity Rugby

The sudden decision at Ilona Maher’s alma mater left players blindsided.
April 17, 2026

The Lawyer Steering the NIL Era

In the new era of college sports, Darren Heitner is everywhere.
Brendan Sorsby runs with the ball during the Texas Tech football team's spring game, Friday, April 17, 2026, at Jones AT&T Stadium.
April 27, 2026

Texas Tech QB Sorsby to Seek Treatment for Gambling Addiction

The NCAA has reportedly opened an investigation into Sorsby’s betting activity.
Mar 19, 2026; Portland, OR, USA; BYU Cougars forward AJ Dybantsa (3) dribbles against Texas Longhorns forward Dailyn Swain (3) in the second half during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center.
April 29, 2026

AJ Dybantsa Has Big NBA Plans. He’ll Chase Them While Wearing Nike

“Around sixth grade, that was my first dunk.”
Sponsored

Why Brandon Marshall Bet on Athlete-Owned Media

Brandon Marshall on athlete media, life after football, building I AM ATHLETE.
Mar 25, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Elena Rybakina (KAZ) salutes the crowd after her natch against Jessica Pegula (USA) (not pictured) on day nine of the 2026 Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium.
April 27, 2026

Tennis Star Calls Out ‘Wrong’ Electric Line-Calling System in Madrid

A stomach virus has spread across the Madrid Open.
Sponsored

How Thrivent and Athletes for Hope Are Leading With Purpose

Meet those making a difference as Thrivent and Athletes for Hope spotlight community impact.
Indiana University quarterback Fernando Mendoza speaks to the media at the 2026 NFL Combine.
April 24, 2026

Fernando Mendoza Will Arrive in Unique Raiders Situation

The top pick enters the league with high intrigue and higher expectations.
April 24, 2026

Carlos Alcaraz Withdraws From French Open Due to Wrist Injury

Jannik Sinner would secure a career Grand Slam with a French Open title.