Devin Booker’s Suns contract detail leaves Brian Windhorst stunned

Despite the Phoenix Suns' recent struggles following their 2021 NBA Finals appearance, Devin Booker, a cornerstone of the franchise since being drafted in 2015, signed a contract extension instead of requesting a trade to a contender. This move surprised some given the team's underwhelming seasons.

ESPN NBA insider Brian Windhorst expressed significant disbelief about one specific aspect of the extension on the 'Hoop Collective' podcast: the inclusion of a player option for the 2029-30 season, estimated at $69.2 million. Windhorst marveled that Booker essentially agreed to only a one-year extension by taking the player option, guaranteeing himself approximately $140 million while only committing one extra year to the Suns. He stated he wouldn't have thought the player option was guaranteed.

Tim Bontemps countered Windhorst's surprise, suggesting the negotiation was straightforward for Booker and his representatives because Suns owner Mat Ishbia declared the team had to give Booker "all the money" and "all the stuff," implying Booker held immense leverage due to his talent and the Suns' lack of immediate prospects.

Since Booker still had multiple years left on his previous extension signed three years ago, he could only extend for two additional years. The contract details show Booker earning $53.1 million this coming season, followed by $57.1 million in 2026-27, $57.1 million, $61.0 million, $64.1 million, and the $69.2 million player option year in 2029-30. Salaries for the final years are based on projections of the 2028 salary cap.

Booker is noted as one of only five active NBA players who have spent their entire career (minimum 10 seasons) with a single team.