Charles Barkley, a former NBA MVP, expressed amazement over Devin Booker‘s record NBA salary after the shooting guard signed a contract extension guaranteeing him an average annual pay of $72.5 million from 2028 to 2030. Barkley’s reaction highlights the vast changes in player compensation, emphasizing how star athletes like Booker now earn what would have been unimaginable during Barkley’s 16-year playing career.
Charles Barkley Comments on the Unprecedented Scale of Devin Booker’s Earnings
During his NBA career, Charles Barkley made just over $40 million in total, a figure that now many rotational players can match. In contrast, Devin Booker’s recent contract extension with the Phoenix Suns sets a new benchmark as the highest salary across all major American sports leagues. Barkley remarked on this massive financial leap during an appearance on the Dan Patrick Show, underscoring the extraordinary fortune of players today.
He should just go around shaking people’s hands. God bless these guys for how much money they make. But these guys should all be in a good mood. Think about it, Devin Booker is going to make $70 million to dribble a stupid basketball. Why shouldn’t he be in a good mood? He is the luckiest dude in the world.
—Charles Barkley
Barkley also pointed out how the modern NBA lifestyle contributes to players’ well-being, noting that many spend the 6 to 7-month season staying in luxury hotels such as the Ritz-Carlton or the Four Seasons. The limited number of working hours—roughly two hours a day, four times a week—combined with such lucrative paychecks, should give players plenty to be content about.
Why Devin Booker’s New Contract Won’t Affect His Pay for Three Years
Although Devin Booker’s contract extension cements his status as the cornerstone of the Phoenix Suns through the 2029-30 season, he will not receive any additional money from the extension for the next three seasons. Instead, he will continue to earn out his current deal, which pays him an average of $55 million annually.
Booker’s recent seasons have been challenging, partly due to unsuccessful experiments by the Suns’ front office involving high-profile players like Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal. Now, with renewed focus on building a balanced roster, Booker faces pressure to deliver results that justify the record-breaking contract awaiting him in the coming years.
If Booker fails to meet expectations, he could encounter difficulties similar to those experienced by his competitor Luka Doncic, who faced management challenges last year with the Dallas Mavericks. Thus, the contract’s promise carries not only immense financial reward but also intensified scrutiny.
Adjusting to a New Dynamic: Devin Booker and Jalen Green on the Same Team
In an effort to move past previous setbacks, the Phoenix Suns acquired shooting guard Jalen Green and forward Dillon Brooks from the Houston Rockets. Brooks is expected to bolster the team with his veteran experience, defensive toughness, and perimeter skills, potentially addressing some of the Suns’ roster weaknesses.
The Suns have also added two centers and are eyeing talent from the Summer League to strengthen depth. These moves aim to create a more fluid playing style without burdening Booker’s offensive responsibilities excessively.
However, Booker will need to find a way to share the ball more effectively alongside Green, who is also a ball-dominant guard. This situation could resemble Booker’s past challenges playing with Beal, but many anticipate Booker to take on a leadership role for this new partnership to work smoothly.
Jalen Green, despite a strong regular season, struggled with nerves during the playoffs last year. The hope is that joining forces with a seasoned leader like Booker will help alleviate that pressure, allowing the Suns to benefit from their combined talents this upcoming season.
Understanding the Broader Context of NBA Salaries and the Impact on Players
The NBA’s average player salary currently exceeds $10 million, far outpacing other major sports leagues. This reflects the NBA’s global popularity and substantial revenue streams from media rights, merchandising, and sponsorships. Such financial clout means top athletes command exceptional contracts that dwarf the earnings of players in other sports.
These record-breaking salaries come with expectations and pressures. Players must perform under intense scrutiny while adapting to team changes and new teammates. For Devin Booker, the remarkable contract signals both the league’s economic growth and the high stakes involved in maintaining elite performance levels.
As the Suns move forward with their revamped roster and Booker stepping into a leadership role, their success or failure will illustrate how modern NBA contracts both empower and challenge players in today’s competitive environment.