Devin Booker remains a fan favorite and a key figure for the Phoenix Suns, demonstrating again this season his ability to lead a team into the playoffs despite low expectations. However, controversy surrounds his massive contract, with many questioning whether he is worth the price tag he carries.
Ranking Among the NBA’s Most Questionable Deals
Stephen Noh of Yahoo! Sports recently listed Booker as the second worst contract in the NBA, a surprising position given his on-court contributions. This ranking has sparked debate considering Booker’s recognized talent and leadership, which have earned respect from peers and coaches alike.
As noted on social media,
The Inside the NBA guys all have Devin Booker as their #1 NBA All-Star west reserve spot. Book yet again, receiving the respect from his peers, coaches, and former players but yet, he’s still the most disrespected superstar in the league by fans. pic.twitter.com/uvjE3RnMuA
?CantGuardBook, Twitter
High Expectations Versus Performance
Noh’s critique centers on Booker’s standing as a “top 20 guy” instead of a no-brainer All-NBA player needed to justify his enormous salary. Booker’s current contract—a five-year, $304.5 million deal with a player option in the last year—is among the top ten highest salaries in the league.
While it is reasonable to expect a player with such a contract to perform at an elite level consistently, Booker has still delivered solid numbers and is likely to return as an All-Star once he recovers from his ankle injury. His value is also tied to his immense role in Phoenix’s franchise identity.
Booker’s Role as the Face of the Phoenix Suns
Booker represents more than just points on a stat sheet; he embodies Phoenix basketball. His contract reflects this, especially following trades such as Kevin Durant’s departure, which closed the Suns’ window for championship contention in the near term. Owner Mat Ishbia’s decision to extend Booker’s deal was partly aimed at maintaining team stability and keeping the franchise’s cornerstone content.
Bill Simmons has described players like Booker in his trade candidate lists as
“sorry, he means more to us than you,”
emphasizing their significance beyond performance alone.
Long-Term Contract Challenges Ahead
Noh acknowledges that while Booker’s contract might seem excessive now, it will become increasingly difficult to justify as Booker approaches his early 30s and his annual salary surpasses $70 million. This looming financial burden is a concern for the Suns’ management and their ability to build a competitive roster around him.
However, this future issue should not overshadow current achievements, especially as the Suns exceed preseason expectations and Booker continues to be a central contributor.
Fan Support and Team Outlook
Fans have rallied behind Booker during this season, recognizing his critical role in the Suns’ success. The team appears to be moving in a positive direction, which complicates critiques of Booker’s contract at this moment. While calling Booker’s salary one of the league’s worst deals may seem harsh now, over time, the justification for such a hefty commitment will be harder to defend if performance and team success do not align with the financial investment.
The Inside the NBA guys all have Devin Booker as their #1 NBA All-Star west reserve spot.
Book yet again, receiving the respect from his peers, coaches, and former players but yet, he’s still the most disrespected superstar in the league by fans. pic.twitter.com/uvjE3RnMuA
— CantGuardBook (@CGBBURNER) January 29, 2026
