ESPN REPORT: Devin Booker Phoenix Suns Basketball Star Stuns Basketball World, Rejects Jaw-Dropping $80.5 Million OCC Offer Which is Much More Than His Salary from Chicago Bull, Boston to Remain with the Phoenix Suns; ‘I Have No Plans Beyond..… Full Details
In a move that has shocked the basketball world, Devin Booker, the face of the Phoenix Suns franchise, has reportedly turned down an eye-popping $80.5 million offer from the Overseas Champions Circuit (OCC)—a global basketball league gaining traction for luring high-profile NBA players with massive contracts. Despite the deal being significantly higher than what he’s currently earning and would potentially make in the future with teams like the Chicago Bulls or Boston Celtics, Booker has made it clear: his heart remains in Phoenix.
The news broke via an ESPN insider report, which revealed that representatives from OCC approached Booker with a short-term, high-reward contract designed to pull him away from the NBA spotlight and into the increasingly competitive international scene. The $80.5 million package was said to include player freedom, global marketing deals, and a multi-year guarantee—terms that have previously attracted former NBA players seeking lucrative opportunities outside of the United States.
However, Booker’s response stunned everyone. He turned it down flatly, opting to continue his journey with the Phoenix Suns. When asked about the decision, Booker gave a characteristically calm response: “I have no plans beyond Phoenix right now. This city, this team, and these fans mean everything to me. The journey we’re on is far from over.”
Booker’s loyalty to Phoenix isn’t new, but the level of commitment he’s showing—especially in the face of such a life-changing financial offer—is extraordinary. The Suns have built their team around Booker since drafting him in 2015, and despite trade rumors, injuries, and multiple playoff heartbreaks, he has remained the steady heartbeat of the franchise.
What makes this story even more remarkable is the comparison to other offers reportedly on the table. Sources say the Chicago Bulls and Boston Celtics had been quietly expressing interest in signing Booker in the near future, with potential max contracts that would still pale in comparison to the OCC offer. The idea of Booker teaming up with young stars in Chicago or being the missing piece in Boston’s championship puzzle was certainly tempting from a competitive standpoint, but neither team could match the OCC’s financial muscle.
Still, for Booker, it appears that loyalty and legacy outweigh dollar signs.
“I’ve always said I want to build something special here,” Booker told ESPN after the report went public. “We’ve had our ups and downs, but I believe in what we’re building. Money comes and goes. Legacy? That’s forever.”
Phoenix Suns fans were quick to flood social media with praise and admiration for Booker’s decision, with hashtags like #ForeverPhoenix and #BookerLoyalty trending within hours. The Suns front office, while declining to comment on the OCC deal directly, released a statement commending Booker’s commitment and expressing confidence in the team’s championship aspirations.
NBA analysts have been buzzing with reactions. Stephen A. Smith called the move “a rare show of loyalty in an era where players chase bags,” while Kendrick Perkins described Booker as “the closest thing to Kobe in terms of mindset.”
The OCC, for its part, has yet to issue a statement regarding Booker’s rejection. Their growing presence in the global basketball market poses a new kind of threat to the NBA, and Booker’s snub may be a critical setback in their recruitment strategy.
As the Suns prepare for the next chapter of their season, one thing is clear: Devin Booker isn’t going anywhere. In a league where change is constant and loyalty is rare, Booker’s choice sends a powerful message—sometimes, staying true to your roots is more valuable than chasing riches elsewhere.
And in Phoenix, that loyalty is worth farmore than $80.5 million.