The Official 2025 Offseason Thread #4 Free Agency Opens!

[DirtyDez]

Two of the dumbest things Ishbia can do, he’s doing.

If the Suns buy out and stretch Beal, the combination of his dead cap hit and Devin Booker's contract would account for 46.8% of the team's salary cap this season ($19.3M + $53.1M = $72.4M, which is 46.8% of the $154.6M cap).

In the first year of Booker's extension, that total would rise to 49.7% of the cap ($19.3M + $75M = $94.3M, which is 49.7% of the projected $189.4M cap in 2028-29).

50% of the teams salary goes to a ghost and another player who isn’t an all-star.

Don't be silly. Extending Booker makes 100% sense. If it is necessary to trade Book then a longer contract should bring more return in draft picks and young prospects.

Booker has less trade value after the extension. We are overpaying for past production.

[lilfishi22]

Remember you guys all wanted Jakucionis! That dude is horrible

Yeah he's been rough. But still early days. His strength is his skill set, not his athleticism so it's not unexpected to see him struggle as he's getting used to this next level of size and athleticism. Once the games slows down, that's when his skill set will shine through. Assuming it does

[bigfoot]

Two of the dumbest things Ishbia can do, he’s doing.

If the Suns buy out and stretch Beal, the combination of his dead cap hit and Devin Booker's contract would account for 46.8% of the team's salary cap this season ($19.3M + $53.1M = $72.4M, which is 46.8% of the $154.6M cap).

In the first year of Booker's extension, that total would rise to 49.7% of the cap ($19.3M + $75M = $94.3M, which is 49.7% of the projected $189.4M cap in 2028-29).

50% of the teams salary goes to a ghost and another player who isn’t an all-star.

Don't be silly. Extending Booker makes 100% sense. If it is necessary to trade Book then a longer contract should bring more return in draft picks and young prospects.

Booker better ball out and not miss ASG over next 5 seasons otherwise it's KD story all over again where return is much less than what the fanboys expected initially. Or Booker starts getting hammy problems and it becomes Beal story. It's just risky giving those contracts earlier than required. Could've waited a year to see how he bounced back from underwhelming season.

I wouldn't call averaging 24 points and 7 assists underwhelming. He was #12 in scoring and #15 in assists league-wide. He also played 75 games last season. Every player that puts up those types of numbers is a max salary player. If there is anything to gripe about it would be his defense.

ASG is really a bunch of bull. Starters are 100% fan voted. The reserves are 50% fan and 25% media which heavily skews to big market teams. The remaining 25% is player based. I think most players rate Booker much higher than fans or media.

[Mr Puddles]

Two of the dumbest things Ishbia can do, he’s doing.

If the Suns buy out and stretch Beal, the combination of his dead cap hit and Devin Booker's contract would account for 46.8% of the team's salary cap this season ($19.3M + $53.1M = $72.4M, which is 46.8% of the $154.6M cap).

In the first year of Booker's extension, that total would rise to 49.7% of the cap ($19.3M + $75M = $94.3M, which is 49.7% of the projected $189.4M cap in 2028-29).

50% of the teams salary goes to a ghost and another player who isn’t an all-star.

Don't be silly. Extending Booker makes 100% sense. If it is necessary to trade Book then a longer contract should bring more return in draft picks and young prospects.

Booker has less trade value after the extension. We are overpaying for past production.

This is nonsense, Desmond Bane signed a max contract in '23 and just fetched a haul despite being a tier below Booker. Booker's extention is a normal extention for a max player, by the time 2029 rolls around a bunch of players in the league will make the same and more money, including players far inferior to Booker.

The best course of action for the Suns would have been to trade Booker this offseason, even to the magic who would have gladly taken him over Bane, but that didn't happen so moving forward having him locked up for the next 5 years absolutely means he holds more value than if he was a couple years away from being able to walk.

[sunsbg]

So Jokic declined ~70M/y which would've made him greatly underpaid compared to Booker, so that he signs 90M+ extension next offseason. Did Suns gain anything by signing Booker earlier ? From what I've read - no.

[503Suns]

I want to see Book retire a Phoenix Sun, I've made no doubts about that. But if I was Book and I still have like 3 years of guaranteed money, I would've taken the Jokic route of not committing the moment the extension was available. Both guys are franchise dudes and if they put their hand up for an extension in a year or two's time, they'll get it from their respective team. Jokic is keeping his options open and I think Book should have too.

Totally understand. And I know a lot of Suns fans who have a soft spot for Booker. Personally I don’t have him up there with Arizona greats like Larry Fitzgerald, Kurt Warner, Shane Doan or even to an extent Steve Nash. I just feel like those people lived and breathed Arizona and embraced Arizona and were fire on the court/field. I just don’t see the same passion for the state or the passion on the court to put Booker on a pedestal. Plus Suns owe him nothing. They already gave him more than any professional athlete in Arizona history. He has and always will give me vibes that he cares about money and himself more than winning or the fans. But that’s just how I view him. Doesn’t mean I’m right just how I view him.

But I know everyone views him differently. AZsports did a poll (on twitter) and 50% of the fans want him traded. So he’s very polarizing. Bickley was talking about it on the radio this morning and Bickley was surprised so many want him gone. He had your point of view, that they should keep him.

Anyway, my point is that this roster doesn’t even have an all-star and the cap is already maxed out. And that’s really bad to have a maxed out roster with no all-stars. That’s no a plan, that’s a lack of a plan.

(Totally respect your love for Booker)

I'm not an AZ guy obviously so I don't know how engrained the guys you've mentioned were in the community and I only get snippets of Book and others like Nash do community stuff now and then. Correct me if I'm wrong but hasn't Book been pretty damn committed to and engrained himself into AZ? Like he's consistently repped AZ whenever I see IG posts from him etc. The guy has a decade in the NBA, one of the few home grown stars to still be with the same franchise and yeah maybe he hasn't brought a ring to the desert but he got as close a Barkley, KJ and other Suns legends. Hell Nash is my favourite NBA player of all time and even I recognise Book has gone further and repped the Suns longer than he has. Sure, Charles and Nash had better peaks as NBA MVPs and were the clear leaders on their respective teams but I feel like Book is getting disrespected simply because he's not as talented as them and didn't take us to the promised land - which neither did the other two. And there is a lot that is out of player's hands like the ability for the owner/front office to build a competitive team. The guy got drafted by a crap team, developed into an excellent basketball player in spite of the revolving door coaches during his formative years and waste lotto picks, put PHX back on the map and some of the most iconic Suns moments involved him

Like the same standard where you say the Suns don't owe Book nothing, what do we owe Charles? KJ? Nash? Why are they any more of a Suns legend than Book?

Devin Booker’s Influence in Arizona


Devin Booker’s journey from a high school athlete in Moss Point, Mississippi, to a shining star in the NBA is a tale of relentless determination and community impact. Since being drafted by the Phoenix Suns in 2015, Booker has not only become a beacon of hope on the basketball court but also a pivotal figure in nurturing the community of Arizona.

This article delves into the various facets of Booker’s influence, focusing on his philanthropic endeavors, community engagement, and his vital role in the state’s sports landscape.

Devin Booker: From Underdog to NBA Star
Despite his current stature as an NBA superstar, Devin Booker’s journey was filled with challenges. From practicing in a high school gym with a leaky roof and no air conditioning to anxiously waiting for his name to be called at the NBA Draft, Booker’s early days were a testament to his resilience.

His dedication paid off when the Phoenix Suns selected him with the 13th pick in 2015, marking the beginning of an illustrious career that would significantly impact Arizona both on and off the court.

The Devin Booker Starting Five Program: A Commitment to Arizona’s Non–profits
In January 2019, Devin Booker made a substantial commitment to his adopted community by pledging $2.5 million to Phoenix Suns Charities, distributed over five years through the Devin Booker Starting Five program. This initiative annually recognizes five local non-profit organizations, each receiving a $100,000 grant. Booker’s involvement goes beyond just funding; he actively participates in selecting these organizations, ensuring that his contributions are impactful and meaningful.

“My favorite accomplishment of my career thus far!! Blessed to be in the position to be able to give back and make an impact here on the community in Phoenix!” Booker tweeted in 2019.

Booker’s Philanthropic Journey: Yearly Impact Through Charity
Devin Booker’s philanthropic efforts can be seen through the lens of each recipient of his Starting Five initiative. Each year, Booker and the Phoenix Suns Charities Board of Directors choose five organizations that receive substantial financial support.

These organizations create videos, three to five minutes long, to showcase their projects and the expected impact, allowing Booker to connect deeply with their missions. The program has celebrated its four-year anniversary, demonstrating Booker’s sustained commitment to enriching lives across Arizona.

“It’s one of the most exciting things that I’m a part of, I’d say mostly because we’re 20 organizations in now, all non-profits here in Arizona,” Booker said after announcing the 2022 Devin Booker Starting Five grant recipients.

“We’re still trying to find creative ways to surprise the people, and to do it here on our home court in front of everybody is a special moment.”

“This is year four now and it’s something that’s here to stay. I want to thank everybody on the Phoenix Suns Charities board, including Sarah [Krahenbuhl] running it, and my brother is on the board and they’re really passionate about these projects. They do a good job of selecting the organizations that we use. We’re just trying to level the playing field for everybody and give everybody an equal chance out here. We’ve been doing a great job of that and it’s something that we want to keep doing.”

Celebrating Four Years of Giving: A Milestone in Community Service
January 2023 marked the four-year anniversary of the Devin Booker Starting Five initiative. Over this period, Booker’s program has injected $2 million into the Arizona community, supporting various projects and causes.

This milestone is not just a reflection of Booker’s generosity but also his deep connection with the Valley community he cherishes. Through his program, Booker has enabled numerous organizations to flourish, thereby significantly enhancing the quality of life in the region.

“Devin’s contributions to the community transcend the basketball court,” Sarah Krahenbuhl, Vice President, Social Responsibility & Executive Director, Phoenix Suns Charities, said.

“The Devin Booker Starting Five program has positively impacted thousands of children and families across Arizona and paved the way for a brighter future for those in need. Since arriving in the Valley, giving back to this community has been a focal point for Devin and his entire family, including his brother Davon who serves on the board of directors of Phoenix Suns Charities. We could not be more grateful for Devin and his family’s generosity.”

Previous Devin Booker Starting Five Grant Recipients:

2022

Back to School Clothing Drive
Homeward Bound
Positive Coaching Alliance Arizona
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central and Northern Arizona
The Be Kind People Project

2021

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona
Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale
Girl Scouts-Arizona Cactus-Pine Council
Lights, Camera, Discover
Valley of the Sun YMCA

2020

Arizona Autism United
Central Arizona Shelter Services
Elevate Phoenix
GAP Ministries
YMCA of Southern Arizona

2019

Ability 360
Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center
Special Olympics Arizona
UMOM New Day Centers

Booker’s Approach to Philanthropy: The Secrets Behind His Success
Devin Booker’s success as a philanthropist is grounded in his authentic approach to giving. He engages personally with the projects he supports, ensuring that his contributions are not just financial but also emotional and intellectual. Booker’s keen interest in the actual implementation of the projects and their outcomes demonstrates his deep commitment to making a real difference in people’s lives.

Annual Support to Youth Organizations: Empowering the Next Generation
The Devin Booker Starting Five initiative is not just a one-off gesture but a sustained effort, committing $500,000 annually to five different youth-serving non-profit organizations in Arizona. This consistent support underscores Booker’s dedication to nurturing and empowering the younger generation, ensuring that they have the resources and opportunities to succeed and thrive.

Devin Booker’s Community Engagement: Beyond Financial Contributions
Devin Booker’s impact extends beyond financial assistance. He has been actively involved in various community activities, including treating local youth to holiday shopping sprees and contributing over $100,000 during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Moreover, as a Special Olympics Global Ambassador, Booker promotes inclusion in sports, focusing on opportunities in basketball, thus influencing countless lives beyond the basketball court.

Arizona’s NBA Scene and Booker’s Role: A Vital Piece in a Star-Studded Team
The state of Arizona could not be more excited with their hometown NBA team that is packed with three superstars, those being Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal, who arrived from the Wizards and fan favorite Devin Booker. That’s why Arizona sportsbooks are running special betting bonuses.

Booker’s Legacy in Arizona: More Than Just a Basketball Player
Devin Booker’s influence in Arizona transcends his on-court achievements. His deep involvement in the community, his commitment to philanthropy, and his role as a mentor to the youth paint the picture of an athlete who is as impactful off the court as he is on it. Booker’s legacy in Arizona is defined not just by his basketball prowess but by the lives he has touched and the community he has helped build and strengthen.

Devin Booker’s Enduring Legacy in Arizona
Devin Booker’s journey from an underdog to a superstar in the NBA and a hero in the Arizona community is a story of inspiration and dedication. His commitment to giving back, empowering youth, and driving positive change in the community has cemented his place not only in the annals of sports history but also in the hearts of the people of Arizona. Devin Booker’s legacy is a testament to the power of sports to transform lives, both on and off the court.

I'm not gonna convince you that you should be a bigger fan of Book or anything but it's worth just putting out there what Book means to AZ and the city of Phoenix from the words of Phoenicians.

100% agree with you here on Book

[DirtyDez]

So Jokic declined ~70M/y which would've made him greatly underpaid compared to Booker, so that he signs 90M+ extension next offseason. Did Suns gain anything by signing Booker earlier ? From what I've read - no.

No it was a purely emotional decision. Had he been willing to take less than max like Brunson you could find some logic in it. Booker wasn’t a top-30 player last year according to many metrics and now he’s sharing a backcourt with a younger Zach Lavine.

[Saberestar]

About Beal:

Read on Twitter

[Mr Puddles]

If big Val decides he want to return to Europe, could theoretically Denver trade Val to Phoenix for Grayson Allen or Royce O'Neal and then clear 10 mil off the books when he heads back across the pond?

[Saberestar]

If big Val decides he want to return to Europe, could theoretically Denver trade Val to Phoenix for Grayson Allen or Royce O'Neal and then clear 10 mil off the books when he heads back across the pond?

They need a backup C. I can see the Nuggets trading for Richards and we can get one 2nd and clear $5M off the books.

[King4Day]

https://www.reddit.com/r/nba/s/qDLg8q0IEb

[Katz/Murray] As long as Bradley Beal secures a contract buyout with the Phoenix Suns, the LA Clippers are likely the leaders to sign the guard, league sources tell The Athletic. As of Tuesday, Beal and the Suns were still discussing a contract buyout. Both sides remain optimistic it will get done.

Beal could have stepped up and initiated the buyout earlier in FA and received multiple offers.

Instead he wanted to drag this out and now he won't make his money back

This tells me the Suns are trying to get him to take less than the exact amount needed for the Suns to stretch him.
So, if we need him to lose 13.9 for it to be legal, I bet the Suns are trying to get him to lose maybe 20-30 total.
Both sides want this to end so I think they come to a semi-middle ground. 15-20 total probably.

[King4Day]

Two of the dumbest things Ishbia can do, he’s doing.

If the Suns buy out and stretch Beal, the combination of his dead cap hit and Devin Booker's contract would account for 46.8% of the team's salary cap this season ($19.3M + $53.1M = $72.4M, which is 46.8% of the $154.6M cap).

In the first year of Booker's extension, that total would rise to 49.7% of the cap ($19.3M + $75M = $94.3M, which is 49.7% of the projected $189.4M cap in 2028-29).

50% of the teams salary goes to a ghost and another player who isn’t an all-star.

Don't be silly. Extending Booker makes 100% sense. If it is necessary to trade Book then a longer contract should bring more return in draft picks and young prospects.

Booker has less trade value after the extension. We are overpaying for past production.

It'll come off as more of a bargain when players are making 80-90 mil per year in a few years.

[King4Day]

So Jokic declined ~70M/y which would've made him greatly underpaid compared to Booker, so that he signs 90M+ extension next offseason. Did Suns gain anything by signing Booker earlier ? From what I've read - no.

It's only 2 years. It's certainly an overpay but once the 5 years are up, we're pretty much bottoming out again and starting over. 2 years at 75 per will be manageable.
When players start getting 4-5 years at 80-90mil per, that's when to be scared.

[Frank Lee]

I’ll be done with this league when some start making a million per game. Won’t be long. Will be nice to shelve this habit/hobby that has become more of an annoyance

[King4Day]

Blast from the past

Michael Scotto: Sources: Wizards center Richaun Holmes is partially guaranteed $250,000 of his $13.28 million salary for the 2025-26 season, which makes him a prime candidate to be eventually waived or traded, given Washington’s roster logjam. He averaged 7.4 points and 5.7 rebounds last season. – via x.com

Didn't realize he was still in the league, let alone making that much money. No question they cut him. He had to know that wasn't happening. Probably why they negotiated a partial guarantee.

[garrick]

https://www.nba.com/news/30-teams-30-days-washington-wizards-2022-23

Extending Booker to 150M now at age 29 is similar to how the Wizards game Beal the Max extension at age 29 to lock him up till age 33.

Sure the salary cap is going to keep rising and we are probably going to get super max players making 80M in a couple years but having an aging Booker making 75M per year in his final years is pretty risky if his performance declines a lot or if he ends up being as injured as Beal.

If the Suns are really going to waive and stretch Beal and have 20M per season counting against the cap then all the more reason to lower Book to something more reasonable at 60M at the very least because we likely won't be able to afford to offer a max contract in 2027 when Giannis and Jokic are free agents.

[BobbieL]

Don't be silly. Extending Booker makes 100% sense. If it is necessary to trade Book then a longer contract should bring more return in draft picks and young prospects.

Booker has less trade value after the extension. We are overpaying for past production.

This is nonsense, Desmond Bane signed a max contract in '23 and just fetched a haul despite being a tier below Booker. Booker's extention is a normal extention for a max player, by the time 2029 rolls around a bunch of players in the league will make the same and more money, including players far inferior to Booker.

The best course of action for the Suns would have been to trade Booker this offseason, even to the magic who would have gladly taken him over Bane, but that didn't happen so moving forward having him locked up for the next 5 years absolutely means he holds more value than if he was a couple years away from being able to walk.

I think Bookers extension won't be bad as teams trading for him know he is signed. I just hope the Beal thing is resolved just to see what the next steps are. If there are any

[King4Day]

OKC about to feel the second apron hard after Williams gets his extension. They're crafty enough to figure things out but they have maybe a 2 year window with those 3 before one will be dealt.

Read on Twitter

[KdoubleDees23]

I cannot wait for Beal to go to the Clippers with their broken old team! Clippers management has to be worse than Suns.

[Ghost of Kleine]

Read on Twitter