ESPN REPORT: The Suns Aren’t in Imminent Danger of Losing Booker Even if He Doesn’t Sign an Extension This Summer
According to a recent ESPN report, the Phoenix Suns are not currently at risk of losing star guard Devin Booker, even if he opts not to sign a contract extension this summer. While extension talks naturally raise questions about long-term commitment and franchise direction, the situation surrounding Booker appears far less urgent than some might assume. That’s because Booker is still under contract for three more years, with a substantial $171.2 million remaining on his current deal.
Booker, who has been the face of the Suns’ franchise for nearly a decade, signed a four-year supermax extension in 2022. That deal kicked in during the 2024–25 NBA season, tying him to the team through the 2027–28 campaign. The structure of the deal gives the Suns both financial clarity and time to continue building a championship-caliber roster around their cornerstone player.
Despite the long-term nature of his contract, rumors surrounding Booker’s future have started to swirl. That’s in part due to the Suns’ recent playoff disappointments and their expensive, top-heavy roster featuring stars like Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal. The Suns have struggled to find playoff success since their 2021 Finals run, and expectations in Phoenix remain sky-high. With Durant aging and Beal struggling to stay healthy, some around the league are wondering how long Booker will be content should the team continue to fall short.
Still, sources around the NBA suggest there is no immediate concern from Phoenix’s front office. The Suns view Booker as a player around whom they want to continue building, and he has given no public indication that he’s unhappy or looking to move. In fact, Booker has been one of the league’s most loyal stars to date, remaining with the Suns through multiple losing seasons before leading them into contention.
Even if Booker were to express discontent or hesitate on signing an extension in the near term, the Suns have the benefit of time. His current deal means he can’t walk away in free agency until the summer of 2028. That gives Phoenix flexibility to retool or pivot as needed to keep their franchise star satisfied. This is especially critical given the volatile nature of NBA superteams and the league’s increasing player movement.
One point of concern, however, is the Suns’ cap situation. With Booker, Durant, and Beal commanding max-level salaries, Phoenix has limited flexibility to add depth or improve the roster without diving deep into luxury tax territory. Their lack of draft capital also hampers their ability to make significant trades. If the current core doesn’t make significant postseason strides, the pressure to reshape the roster—and prove to Booker that Phoenix remains the best place for him—will mount.
League executives note that stars under long-term deals have still forced their way out in the modern NBA, citing examples like James Harden, Damian Lillard, and Kevin Durant himself. So while Booker is contractually committed for three more seasons, that doesn’t guarantee long-term security for the Suns if issues arise. However, unlike many of those cases, there’s been no off-court drama or reported tension between Booker and the organization.
For now, the focus remains on winning. Booker continues to perform at an elite level, and the Suns will likely run it back with their Big Three at least one more season before making any major changes. If Phoenix can contend or even reach the Finals again, the conversation around Booker’s future could shift dramatically.
In short, while a lack of extension this summer might raise eyebrows, it doesn’t signify danger. The Suns have time on their side, and Devin Booker, at least for now, appears fully invested in the
mission at hand.