The Phoenix Suns are riding high as they emerge from the All-Star break with a 32-23 record, just 1.5 games shy of the Minnesota Timberwolves for the sixth seed in the Western Conference. The immediate focus is on finishing strong and securing a playoff spot, but there's plenty to ponder for general manager Brian Gregory and the Suns' front office when it comes to the roster's future.
Both breakout point guard Collin Gillespie and center Mark Williams, acquired last offseason, are set to become free agents. Williams will enter restricted free agency, allowing the Suns to match any offers he receives. However, other teams might craft contracts that Phoenix finds challenging to match, given their tight cap space and the looming luxury tax.
Gillespie's situation offers a glimmer of hope. The Villanova alum is having a standout season, posting career highs with 13.3 points, 4.7 assists, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per game, while nailing 42.3% of his shots from beyond the arc. His current contract at $2.3 million is a bargain considering his performance, and he's poised for a significant raise.
Thanks to his early Bird rights, Gillespie can sign a four-year, $66.6 million deal with the Suns, as detailed by ESPN's NBA insider Bobby Marks. These rights allow the Suns to offer him a contract starting at 105% of the league-average salary, potentially around $13.2 million in the first year, with annual increases.
While other teams could tempt Gillespie with the full non-taxpayer mid-level exception, which exceeds what Phoenix can offer, the difference over four years is roughly $6 million. Gillespie has expressed his affection for Phoenix, which might sway him to prioritize fit over finances.
This Bird rights advantage could be crucial for the Suns as they aim to keep their Most Improved Player candidate. Despite the challenges of the offseason, retaining Gillespie seems more achievable, especially with limited options at the point guard position beyond two-way talent Jamaree Bouyea.
In summary, while the Suns face a daunting offseason with key players hitting free agency, the path to keeping Gillespie looks promising, making it a primary focus for the summer.