Collin Gillespie’s Breakout Year Has the Suns Facing a Crucial Offseason Decision
Collin Gillespie wasn’t supposed to be a key piece for the Phoenix Suns this season. But here we are, with the 25-year-old guard not only carving out a significant role in the rotation but also forcing the front office to start doing some serious math ahead of the offseason.
Gillespie’s rise has been one of the more underrated stories of the year. He’s gone from a minimum-deal backup to a legitimate contributor for a Suns team trying to stay relevant in a loaded Western Conference. And now, with free agency looming in 2026, Phoenix is staring at a familiar crossroads - one that could look a lot like what Cleveland faced with Ty Jerome.
The Ty Jerome Blueprint
Let’s rewind for a second. Jerome, after a breakout year with the Cavaliers, inked a three-year, $27 million deal with the Memphis Grizzlies this past summer.
That payday came after he finished third in Sixth Man of the Year voting - a leap few saw coming. Sound familiar?
Gillespie is tracking along a similar path. He’s not just playing well - he’s playing himself into award consideration and, more importantly, into a much bigger paycheck.
There’s been no noise about Phoenix moving him before the trade deadline, and frankly, there shouldn’t be. He’s earned his spot.
But it’s also clear that his market value is climbing, and fast.
A Numbers Game in the Desert
So what does this mean for the Suns?
For starters, Gillespie is set to become an unrestricted free agent in 2026. He’s currently on a minimum contract, but that won’t be the case for long. Thanks to his strong play, he’ll be looking at a substantial raise - potentially in the same ballpark as the deal Jerome got from Memphis.
Phoenix does have a bit of leverage here. Because Gillespie has spent the last two seasons with the team, they hold his Early Bird Rights.
That allows them to offer up to 175% of his current salary or the league’s average salary - whichever is greater - without needing cap space. It’s a useful tool, but it doesn’t guarantee they’ll be able to match what another team might offer.
Just ask Cleveland. The Cavs wanted to keep Jerome, but they were stuck in the second apron and couldn’t match Memphis’ offer.
He walked. The Suns aren’t in that same financial bind anymore, but their books are still tight.
Devin Booker, Dillon Brooks, and Jalen Green are all on significant deals. Mark Williams is heading into restricted free agency, and Phoenix is expected to retain him.
That all adds up quickly.
Roster Crunch and Tough Calls Ahead
Then there’s the rest of the backcourt. Grayson Allen could be on the move before the trade deadline, which might open up some space.
But Gillespie isn’t the only point guard who’s outperformed expectations. Jamaree Bouyea has also shown flashes and could draw interest elsewhere.
He’s behind Gillespie in the rotation, but not by much - and his price tag is likely going up, too.
The Suns are going to have to make choices. They can’t pay everyone, and Gillespie’s emergence is forcing the issue sooner than expected.
Gillespie’s Earned This Moment
What’s clear is that Gillespie has earned every bit of this attention. He’s gone from fringe roster guy to someone who might get Sixth Man of the Year votes.
That doesn’t happen by accident. He’s shown poise, playmaking, and the kind of two-way toughness that coaches love and teammates respect.
He’s also made it known he wants to stay in Phoenix. That matters.
The Suns, for their part, would love to keep him. But this is the NBA - want doesn’t always align with cap realities.
Other teams are watching, and they’re ready to spend.
If Phoenix can find a number that works for both sides, Gillespie could be a long-term piece in The Valley. But if not, this breakout season might just be the beginning of a bidding war the Suns didn’t see coming.