Devin Booker, with $145M max extension, faces his biggest challenge with Suns

The article highlights NBA legends like Dirk Nowitzki, Kobe Bryant, and Tim Duncan who spent their entire Hall of Fame careers with one team, winning championships, as a model of loyalty and success. This context sets the stage for Phoenix Suns star guard Devin Booker, who recently agreed to a historic two-year, $145 million max extension, the richest annual salary in NBA history, keeping him with the Suns through the 2029-30 season.

Booker, now in his 10th season, has expressed his desire to finish his career in Phoenix, appreciating his bond with the city. However, for his loyalty to be truly meaningful, the article emphasizes that the Suns must position themselves to win their first championship – a feat Booker helped them nearly achieve once.

The Suns are currently undergoing a significant transition. After missing the playoffs last season for the first time since 2020, they have traded away star power like Kevin Durant (with Bradley Beal also expected to leave) and overhauled their roster. Their new strategy focuses on toughness, length, and athleticism. Acquisitions include Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks (via the Durant trade), Mark Williams, and draft picks Khaman Maluach, Rasheer Fleming, and Koby Brea. While seen as an "OK start," the effectiveness of this new roster under first-year coach Jordan Ott remains uncertain, especially with limited draft assets, leaving the team's immediate future unpredictable and requiring patience.

Booker earned Suns fans' loyalty by staying through difficult early years marked by very low win totals. His development was evident when, under coach Monty Williams and alongside Chris Paul in the 2020-21 season, he led a young Suns team on a surprising run to the NBA Finals (losing to Milwaukee). The following season, they set a franchise record with 64 wins, and Booker finished fourth in MVP voting, solidifying his status as a top NBA talent at just 25 years old.