Collin Gillespie’s rise continues as Suns agree to $48 Million contract

The Phoenix Suns are making sure one of their biggest success stories remains part of the franchise’s future.

According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, free-agent guard Collin Gillespie intends to sign a four-year, $48 million contract to return to Phoenix after a remarkable breakout season that transformed him from a two-way contract player into a key member of the Suns’ core.

The new deal represents the culmination of an unlikely journey for Gillespie, who went undrafted out of Villanova University in 2022 and spent three consecutive seasons fighting for opportunities on two-way contracts. After brief stints developing in the NBA and G League, Gillespie finally established himself as a full-time contributor during the 2025-26 campaign.

The 27-year-old delivered career-best numbers across the board, averaging 12.7 points, 4.6 assists, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.2 steals while appearing in 80 games and making 58 starts. He also shot an impressive 40.1% from three-point range, emerging as one of the league’s most reliable perimeter threats.

Suns reward grit and growth

Perhaps Gillespie’s most impressive accomplishment was rewriting the Suns’ record book. He knocked down 232 three-pointers during the regular season, surpassing the previous franchise record of 226 set by Quentin Richardson during the 2004-05 season.

Multiple outlets credited Gillespie as one of the driving forces behind Phoenix’s culture shift under its revamped roster and coaching staff. His toughness, leadership, and willingness to embrace any role helped the Suns exceed expectations and return to the postseason after missing the playoffs a year earlier.

The contract also reflects the value Phoenix places on continuity. Gillespie developed strong chemistry with franchise star Devin Booker and became an essential piece of the Suns’ backcourt rotation.

For Gillespie, the deal is more than financial security it is validation. From undrafted prospect to franchise record-holder and long-term starter, his rise stands as one of the NBA’s most inspiring development stories. Now, Phoenix is betting that his grit, shooting, and leadership will remain central to the organization’s pursuit of championship contention for years to come.

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