Will the Suns Secure Collin Gillespie for the Long Term?
The future of Collin Gillespie with the Phoenix Suns remains a topic of discussion as the team prepares for the offseason. Gillespie’s current performance exceeds his salary, leading to questions about how the Suns will manage to retain him. This article delves into the potential options available to the Suns regarding Gillespie’s contract, while also considering competitive offers from other teams.
Understanding Early Bird Rights
The Suns hold Early Bird rights for Gillespie, which affects their ability to negotiate his new contract. These rights allow the team to offer him 175% of his previous salary or 105% of the league’s average player salary, whichever is greater. However, unlike Full Bird rights, this option limits contract offers.
Salary Offer Options
As it stands, the Suns have no cap space, restricting their offer to Gillespie. The calculations for his potential contract options are as follows:
- 175% of Current Salary: Approximately $4,163,022 – a figure easily outmatched by other teams.
- 105% of League Average Salary: For the season, the average salary is $12,661,208. Thus, 105% equates to $13,294,268, which would be the Suns’ strongest offer for the first year.
Projected Contract Structure
If the Suns offer Gillespie a contract based on Early Bird rights, the potential maximum values over a four-year span would include:
- Year 1: $13,294,268
- Year 2: $14,357,810
- Year 3: $15,506,434
- Year 4: $16,746,949
Total Contract Value: $59,272,401
Comparing Competitive Offers
Other teams could attract Gillespie with competitive offers. The non-taxpayer mid-level exception for 2026-27 is projected at $15,139,000 in the first year, leading to a significant total contract value if offered over four years:
- Year 1: $15,139,000
- Year 2: $15,895,950
- Year 3: $16,690,747
- Year 4: $17,525,285
Total Contract Value: $65,250,982
Will He Stay in Phoenix?
Despite the potential for higher offers, Gillespie has expressed a desire to remain with the Suns. The competitive contract could provide a financial incentive for him to leave, but it may not outweigh his commitment to the team.
Furthermore, any other team opting to use the mid-level exception would face a hard cap in relation to salary. In contrast, the Suns would maintain flexibility under their Early Bird rights, allowing them to negotiate without strict financial constraints.
Final Thoughts
Fans of the Suns should remain optimistic about the prospects of retaining Collin Gillespie. His affinity for the team, coupled with the Suns’ financial strategies, suggests a favorable outcome. While a competing offer may emerge, the Suns are poised to present a compelling contract that aligns with their goals.
