NBA's Previous Highest Earned Salary Surpassed in Just a Week: The New Frontrunner in Basketball Wages Remains Unknown
In a groundbreaking move, Devin Booker has agreed to a two-year, $145 million max extension with the Phoenix Suns, setting a new record for the highest annual extension salary in NBA history. With an average of $72.5 million per year, this surpasses the previous record held by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who earns approximately $1 million for each regular-season game.
Booker, the Suns' all-time leading scorer and a four-time NBA All-Star, has spent his entire 10-season career with Phoenix and has expressed a desire to remain with the franchise long-term. This extension cements his role as the franchise's leader and is seen as a commitment to the team's future vision.
The new deal, which runs through the 2029-30 NBA season, will see Booker earn a total of $316 million when combined with his existing contract, making him one of the highest-paid players in the league. Notably, more prominent players in the league have significantly smaller contracts than Booker.
In comparison, LeBron James's contracts in recent years have not matched this annual extension record in average yearly value, though he has had some of the largest total career earnings overall due to longevity and endorsements. Steph Curry's extensions, while lucrative, have also not reached the $72.5 million per year mark set by Booker's new deal. Curry signed a four-year, $215 million extension in 2022, averaging about $53.75 million per year.
Meanwhile, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has signed a new four-year supermax contract extension with the Oklahoma City Thunder, but this deal does not surpass Booker's record-breaking extension in terms of yearly average salary.
The news about Booker's contract was broken by ESPN insider Shams Charania. The agreement will last until the end of the 2030-2031 season, and over the four years of the agreement, Booker will earn a total of $285 million. The total value of the contract is $145 million.
Booker's impressive performance on the court, coupled with his dedication to the Suns, has undoubtedly earned him this historic deal. As the Suns continue to build their team around Booker, fans can look forward to exciting basketball in the coming seasons.
Devin Booker's new $145 million max extension with the Phoenix Suns, running through the 2029-30 NBA season, sets a new record for the highest annual extension salary in NBA history, surpassing Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's previous record. Being the Suns' all-time leading scorer and a four-time NBA All-Star, Booker has shown his commitment to the franchise, leading the team's future vision in basketball.
