While it is impossible in the NBA, if presented with the opportunity, would the Phoenix Suns sign Devin Booker to a contract similar to that of the Super Bowl MVP?
Last week the largest contract in North American sports history was signed by Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs. Some people might be aware of him. The contract has the potential, with incentives, to reach more than a half a billion dollars over the 12 years of the deal. If it were possible would Robert Sarver be willing to open up his checkbook in the same way for anyone on the Phoenix Suns?
The longest extension a player can be signed to in the NBA is five years, and the salaries in those extensions are tied to a percentage of the cap. This means that some players are never truly able to make what they are worth. It also means that the deal that Mahomes signed could never happen in the NBA.
But what if it could? And what if the Phoenix Suns chose to do so with their 23 year old all-star?
If it were possible, would the Phoenix Suns give Booker a Mahomes-like deal?
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Not taking incentives into account, a $450 million dollar, 12-year contract would pay Devin Booker $37.5 million dollars every year until he is nearly 36 years old. While the headline number looks intimidating, once you start to look at the details it sounds like something that would be considered if given the opportunity.
The biggest advantage of the contract is that it is not tied to a percentage of the salary cap, at least not initially. Any contract of this length would have opt-out clauses and places where it can be restructured easily. However for this activity, just looking at the $450 million, it would end up being more of a bargain long-term if you account for the value of contracts to continue to grow.
Another advantage Booker has going, and basketball in general, is that the primes of players extend for much longer. It would not be unreasonable to assume that Booker will be in his prime for the next decade. This would leave only two years left on the contract, which would be the cost of the extra security a 12 year contract would bring a team.
While this type of contract is not something that the Phoenix Suns will have to consider it would create an interesting dilemma for the front office if they were faced with the choice.