Devin Booker’s extension with Suns could be the beginning of the end

Devin Booker, the Phoenix Suns guard and four-time All-Star, signed a two-year, $145 million contract extension that will keep him with the team until the 2029-2030 season. Despite the significant financial commitment, the large sum involved may ironically become a reason for his eventual departure from Phoenix.

The issue stems not from Booker's contract itself, but from the financial constraints created by Bradley Beal's contract. Beal's $20 million in dead money will remain on the Suns' books throughout Booker's deal, severely limiting the team's salary cap flexibility. Together, Booker and Beal will account for nearly 50% of the cap space, with one player active and the other not contributing on the court.

This financial burden will hinder the Suns' ability to retool the roster and build a competitive team around Booker. Additionally, the team has limited draft picks in the coming years, which further complicates their efforts to add talent. While the Suns had three picks in the 2025 NBA draft, if those selections don't pan out, the lack of future draft capital will leave them with few options to improve.

The combination of a high payroll and scarce draft assets could force the Suns into a rebuild, potentially leading to a trade of Booker to regain picks and create cap space. Although owner Mat Ishbia has stated that Booker will not be traded, prolonged losing seasons over the course of Booker's expensive contract may eventually make such a move a necessity for the team's survival.