PHOENIX – Phoenix Suns fans had every reason to raise an eyebrow when Bleacher Report ranked Devin Booker as owning the fifth-worst contract in the NBA. A four-year, $250.6 million commitment sounds staggering on paper, but context matters far more than dollar figures. Booker is being criticized because Phoenix hasn’t justified the investment around him.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The worst contract in the NBA, per @BleacherReport
1. Joel Embiid: 3-year, $187.9M remaining
2. Trae Young: 4-year, $212.9M remaining
3. Paul George: 2-year, $110.7M remaining
4. De’Aaron Fox: 4-year, $221.7M remaining
5. Devin Booker: 4-year, $250.6M remaining
6. Donovan… pic.twitter.com/PguLTxRJST— NBARetweet (@RTNBA) July 9, 2026
As the face of the Suns franchise, Booker has evolved from a prolific scorer into one of the league’s most complete offensive guards. Multiple All-Star appearances, All-NBA recognition, two-time USA Gold Medalist, and a trip to the NBA Finals established him among basketball’s elite. Players with that résumé are exactly the ones expected to receive maximum contracts.
Apr 27, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second half during game four of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The problem is that contracts are judged by team results as much as individual production. Owner Mat Ishbia and general manager Brian Gregory have doubled down on Booker as the centerpiece of the organization’s future. Every roster move now revolves around maximizing his prime. When the Suns fall short of championship expectations, critics naturally point toward the largest salaries on the payroll.
Feb 10, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) questions a ref in the second half of the game against the Dallas Mavericks at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Arianna Grainey-Imagn Images
That’s why Booker landed on the list. Yet calling his deal one of the NBA’s worst ignores a critical reality. Booker continues producing at an elite level while remaining in the heart of his prime. Unlike truly damaging contracts tied to declining veterans or injury concerns, Phoenix is paying for a player capable of carrying an offense every night.
Apr 14, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) against the Portland Trail Blazers in the first half during the play-in rounds of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The bigger question isn’t whether Booker deserves $250 million. It’s whether the Suns have built a roster worthy of their investment. If Phoenix returns to being a legitimate playoff threat and contender, Booker’s extension immediately looks like the cost of keeping a franchise superstar. If the Suns continue hovering outside the title picture, the contract becomes an easy target, not because Booker failed, but because the organization failed to surround him with a championship-caliber supporting cast. In today’s NBA, superstar contracts don’t define contenders; the decisions made around those superstars do.
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Reporter Benjamin Bliklen covers the Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Cardinals, and Phoenix Suns for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @BenBliklen
