Devin Booker Tops List of Highest-Paid Phoenix Athletes After Kyler Murray's Departure

With the Cardinals cutting quarterback Kyler Murray, the Valley's sports landscape has shifted, leaving the Suns' Devin Booker as the highest-paid athlete in the region.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 11:34pm

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The departure of quarterback Kyler Murray from the Arizona Cardinals has shaken up the landscape of the highest-paid athletes in the Phoenix metropolitan area. Without Murray, the Suns' Devin Booker now stands as the Valley's highest-paid sports star, earning an average annual salary of $63.2 million. The article provides a rundown of the 10 richest athletes in the region, including players from the Suns, Diamondbacks, and Cardinals.

Why it matters

The shift in the highest-paid athletes in Phoenix reflects the changing dynamics of the local sports scene. With Murray's exit, the spotlight now shines brighter on Booker and other rising stars like Jalen Green, as well as established talents like Corbin Burnes and Nolan Arenado. This changing of the guard could have implications for fan engagement, team trajectories, and the overall sports culture in the Valley.

The details

After the Cardinals cut ties with quarterback Kyler Murray, the Suns' Devin Booker has emerged as the highest-paid athlete in the Phoenix metropolitan area. Booker recently signed a two-year, $145 million extension on top of his current deal, setting him up to make $316 million over the next five seasons. Other top earners include Jalen Green, who was acquired by the Suns in a trade with the Rockets, and Diamondbacks pitchers Corbin Burnes and Zac Gallen. The list also features Cardinals defensive end Josh Sweat, who signed a four-year, $74.6 million deal in 2025.

  • Kyler Murray was officially cut by the Cardinals in 2026.
  • Devin Booker signed a two-year, $145 million extension with the Suns in 2025.
  • Jalen Green was traded to the Suns from the Rockets in July 2023.
  • Corbin Burnes signed a six-year, $210 million contract with the Diamondbacks in 2025.
  • Josh Sweat signed a four-year, $74.6 million deal with the Cardinals in 2025.

The players

Devin Booker

The face of the Phoenix Suns, Booker signed a massive two-year, $145 million extension on top of his current deal, setting him up to make $316 million over the next five seasons.

Jalen Green

The No. 2 overall pick in the 2021 NBA draft, Green was one of the centerpieces of the deal that shipped future Hall of Famer Kevin Durant to the Rockets in July.

Corbin Burnes

The Diamondbacks shocked the baseball world by signing the top free-agent pitcher to a franchise-record six-year, $210 million contract in 2025.

Nolan Arenado

One of the greatest third basemen ever, the 34-year-old Arenado is being paid a hefty chunk of his eight-year, $260 million deal by the Colorado Rockies and St. Louis Cardinals.

Josh Sweat

The Cardinals made Sweat the second-highest-paid player on the team in 2025 when they signed him to a four-year, $74.6 million deal in free agency.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

The departure of Kyler Murray from the Cardinals has shifted the balance of the highest-paid athletes in the Phoenix metropolitan area, with Devin Booker of the Suns now leading the pack. This changing of the guard reflects the evolving sports landscape in the Valley and could have significant implications for fan engagement, team trajectories, and the overall sports culture in the region.