After shattering franchise records and securing a massive extension, the sharpshooting Villanova product solidifies his future in Phoenix as the engine of the Suns' high-octane bench unit.
Phoenix Suns guard Collin Gillespie is one of the breakout stars of the last year in the NBA.
The fourth-year standout from Villanova came to Phoenix ahead of the 2024-25 season by way of the G-League Valley Suns. He eventually earned a major opportunity in the NBA rotation on the back-end of the season, excelling in those opportunities.
The Suns rewarded the 6'1" guard with another one-year deal and he never looked back.
Gillespie played in 80 games over the course of the season, starting in 58 of them in large part due to an injury to regular starting guard Jalen Green. He broke the single-season three-point makes record for the franchise in the process, and is widely seen as one of the best guards off of the bench in the NBA.
In light of this, Gillespie had an opportunity to take his talents elsewhere - or at least entertain outside offers.
He did not.
The 27-year old guard re-upped with Phoenix on a four-year, $48 million contract, agreeing upon the deal before the open negotiation period even lifted in late June.
Gillespie joined the PHNX Suns show on Tuesday to discuss the process behind deciding to return to the organization, summing it up best with a simple phrase.
"I knew where I wanted to be and it was an easy decision."
Gillespie is expecting to slot in as Phoenix's sixth man in the season ahead behind Green and five-time All-Star Devin Booker, which is an ideal basketball situation for the standout. Gillespie will lead a bench unit that is multi-faceted on paper, while also serving as arguably the best pure shooter on the roster.
Gillespie's partnership with versatile guard/forward Jordan Goodwin is another major factor behind the simple decision to stay in Phoenix. The duo is one of the driving forces in the Suns winning 45 games last season behind their relentless defensive pressure and timely shotmaking.
The on-court fit, relationships built over the last two years, and appreciation for the city were all contributing factors for Gillespie's fully guaranteed return to the Valley. He is slated for more volume as a shot creator, more opportunities to wreak havoc on defense, and create clean looks for others in an expanded role.
The first opportunity to see Gillespie in action in the upcoming season is in preseason play against the Detroit Pistons on October 5.
