Suns, Devin Booker agree on two-year, $145 million max extension: Source
This was an expected move, one the Suns felt was necessary. After last season's disappointing finish, owner Mat Ishbia made it clear that Phoenix planned to build around Booker, a four-time All-Star and two-time Olympic gold medalist who remains in his prime.
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Among the more popular players in franchise history, the 28-year-old Booker has averaged 24.4 points and 5.2 assists over 10 NBA seasons. Last season, he placed among the top 15 in the league in scoring and assists, but his efficiency numbers — 46.1 percent from the field and 33.2 from 3-point range — were among the worst of his career.
Booker acknowledged near the end of last season that he needed to shoot with better accuracy. He also said he needed to improve his leadership skills, using his voice and forcing his will inside the locker room and on the court. 'Pretty much everything when you fall this short,' he said of his off-season goals.
The Suns have undergone a massive change over the last two months. Ishbia revamped the front office, promoting executive Brian Gregory to general manager and shifting longtime GM James Jones to a senior advisory role. Phoenix later tabbed former Cavs assistant Jordan Ott to replace fired Mike Budenholzer as head coach.
Since then, the front office has worked on restructuring the roster, a challenge given Phoenix's place above the second apron. Last month, the Suns traded superstar forward Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets for a package that included guard Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks and the 10th pick of the draft, which Phoenix used to select Duke center Khaman Maluach. The goal is to provide more athletic ability, length and toughness.
Throughout his time in Phoenix, Booker has experienced some of the best and worst seasons in franchise history. Over his first four seasons, the Suns never won more than 24 games. That changed in 2020-21 when Booker, along with veteran point guard Chris Paul, led the Suns to the NBA Finals, where they lost to the Milwaukee Bucks in six games. The next season the Suns posted a franchise-record 64 wins and Booker finished fourth in MVP voting.
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The Suns have since declined, but Booker never has publicly expressed a desire to play elsewhere. He enjoys Arizona, hanging out in Flagstaff in the offseason, and has often said he likes the idea of playing for one organization over his entire career.
David Aldridge contributed to this story.
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