Phoenix Suns guard Collin Gillespie revealed his plans for free agency, saying that he wants to remain a member of the Suns.
The 26-year-old Gillespie signed a one-year contract with the Suns for roughly $2.3 million before the season began, and he will become a free agent this offseason. He played in 80 regular-season games for the Suns, contributing 12.7 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game while shooting .418/.401/.874 in 28.5 minutes. He started 58 games for the Suns, who made it to the playoffs despite trading away superstar Kevin Durant during the offseason to the Houston Rockets for Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, and draft-pick compensation.
Gillespie, who won a ring with the Denver Nuggets in 2023 despite sitting out his rookie season with a leg injury, was a valued contributor to this Suns team. Although they were swept in four games by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs, overall, it was a strong season for the Suns under the leadership of first-year NBA head coach Jordan Ott. The Suns have a bright future, and Gillespie is hoping to stick around going forward.
Collin Gillespie Wants to Stay With the Suns
Speaking to the Arizona Republic, Gillespie reaffirmed his desire to stay in Phoenix, revealing that he has had discussions with the team about a possible contract extension.
“I want to be here. They know that. Iâm sure weâll figure something out. Right now, just process this, reflect on the season, probably this next week. Then figure that out when that needs to be figured out. This is where I want to be. I want to make this my home. They know that. Weâve had good conversations about it,” Gillespie said.
He can sign with the Suns for up to four years at a starting salary of $14.9 million, which would be a fair deal for both the player and the team, given how good he looked this season and how well the team performed when he was in the lineup.
Suns Could Shake Things Up This Offseason
The Suns are always a team that tends to make big trades during the offseason, and that’s not any different this year. Taking a look at the Suns’ cap table, the team could choose to part ways with veteran guard Grayson Allen and essentially replace his $18.1 million salary with Gillespie’s new deal. Green also makes $36.3 million, and the Suns could shop him after an inconsistent first year in the desert.
It would certainly be something if the Suns decided to trade their franchise player, Devin Booker. He has been the Suns’ best player for many years, but he appears to be on a slight decline and is owed over $250 million for the next four seasons. It’s a radical idea to consider, but the Suns may choose to potentially trade Booker and turn the team over to its younger players instead. If that happens, then Gillespie could take an even bigger role for Phoenix if he re-ups on a new contract with the team.
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