Former Kentucky star Devin Booker signs massive new contract with Phoenix Suns

Former Kentucky star Devin Booker slipped to the No. 13 overall pick in the 2015 NBA, where he ended up with the Phoenix Suns.

Over the past three seasons, the ex-Wildcat has become one of the best scorers in the NBA, even going as far as to drop 70 points against the Boston Celtics back during the 2016-17 season.

Now, the Suns are investing in the young guard. On Saturday, the team announced it had signed Booker to a max contract extension worth $158 million over the next five years. After signing the deal, Booker posted his gratitude on Twitter:

I am humbled & honored to commit to the Suns organization long term. I loved calling Phoenix home the last 3 seasons as this team & community are special to me. Thank you to the Suns for drafting me and believing in me. I look forward to the future & pursuing a title as a Sun. pic.twitter.com/AHRaraPww6

— Devin Booker (@DevinBook) July 8, 2018

The contract won’t kick in until next season, when Booker will make $27.2 million. The extension makes Booker the highest-paid player in Suns’ history, per USA TODAY.

The Suns haven’t put much talent around Booker in recent years, but with No. 1 overall pick Deandre Ayton joining the team this fall, now is the time for the Suns to start to rise out of the Western Conference cellar.