The Suns have gotten an unexpected boost from guard Collin Gillespie all season long, but his time in Phoenix may soon be coming to a close. Gillespie's contract, which only earns his $2.3 million this season, will expire in the summer and leave him an unrestricted free agent.
Gillespie has been a major contributor to the Suns as a pesky defender and much-needed 3-point shooter, but they may not be able to afford his services going forward.
Collin Gillespie is in line for a big raise
Gillespie has been one of the best value contracts in the whole NBA this season. He's got one of the league's lowest salaries but is producing like a solid starter. Time and time again, he's come up big for the Suns this season despite having such low expectations coming in. It's become very rare to see him disappoint, even in Suns losses.
In the offseason, Gillespie will rightfully be able to demand a larger deal in the open market. He's got some of the quintessential skills that modern teams are looking for in a supporting or backup point guard: shooting, playmaking and solid defense. With that demand, he could easily see his salary triple or even quadruple next season.
However, the Suns may be able to afford a substantial raise by using his Bird Rights. Still, other teams could offer him more over a 4-year contract by using a mid-level exception - which fits perfectly for a player like Gillespie. And the Suns still have their other financial troubles that could make it hard to afford re-signing Gillespie to a long-term contract.
Devin Booker's contract will increase to $57 million next season, taking up a huge portion of the Suns' cap sheet. At the same time, they'll also pay out big amounts to Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks and Grayson Allen. But perhaps most painful will be the $19 million they still have to pay Bradley Beal each season until 2030.
Between their limited state of finances and assets, the Suns might have a hard time making room for Gillespie's raise while filling out the rest of their roster.
He will be a highly-desired free agent and receive offers from other teams, including contenders where he could have an opportunity to play a big role. Even if Gillespie feels loyalty to the Suns for giving him a proper chance, opportunities elsewhere could be too good to resist.
The Suns will be hard-pressed to replace Gillespie adequately. They lack other proper point guards on the current roster, but sadly they may not have much of a choice. If anything, Phoenix may have to scour the free agent market for another cheaper option if Gillespie leaves.