An ex-Wildcat point guard is leaving the Golden State Warriors to join the Suns.
After four years with the Golden State Warriors' organization, Pat Spencer has a new home.
The former Northwestern point guard has signed a two-way contract with the Phoenix Suns, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. Spencer, who turns 30 on Saturday, remains out West after proving he belongs in the NBA.
Spencer's two-way deal means he will play for both the Phoenix Suns and their G League affiliate, the Valley Suns, next season. Per league regulations, athletes with two-way designations can be active for a maximum of 50 NBA games before they must either be converted to a standard contract or return to the G League for the remainder of the season. Spencer has spent time in each of the past three seasons as a two-way player before earning a standard contract in 2024-25 and 2025-26.
Phoenix reached the playoffs this spring, but was swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Suns have made several moves already in an attempt to retool around Devin Booker, including trading for Hornets forward Miles Bridges. However, point guard still appears to be a weakness, thus providing an opportunity for Spencer to step in.
Feb 27, 2020; Evanston, Illinois, USA; Northwestern Wildcats guard Pat Spencer (12) goes to the basket as Illinois Fighting Illini center Kofi Cockburn (21) defends him during the second half at Welsh-Ryan Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn ImagesSpencer has taken a unique path to carving out a role in the NBA. He was a four-time All-American lacrosse player at Loyola University and won the Tewaaraton Award — given to the nation's top player — in 2019. Spencer then decided to enter the transfer portal to pursue a graduate year playing basketball and joined the Northwestern Wildcats.
The 2019-20 season was disappointing for Chris Collins' 'Cats, who finished 13th in the Big Ten with a 8-23 record. Spencer was a bright spot, though, averaging 10.4 points per game and leading the team in assists.
Upon going undrafted, Spencer went overseas for a season with the Hamburg Towers in Germany. He returned to the United States on a G League contract with the Capital City Go-Go (Washington Wizards affiliate) in 2021.
Apr 9, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Pat Spencer (61) shoots the ball against Los Angeles Lakers guard Luke Kennard (10) in the third quarter at the Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn ImagesSpencer signed with the G League's Santa Cruz Warriors in 2022-23 and slowly worked his way through the organization's ranks. By 2024, he had earned a two-way contract and made his NBA debut that February. The following season, Spencer's two-way deal was converted to a standard NBA contract and he took on a significant role during the Warriors' 2025 playoff run. The former Northwestern star knocked down 64.0% of his shots to help Golden State reach the second round.
That strong postseason powered Spencer to his best year in the NBA in 2025-26. He played in 66 games and started 14, averaging a career-high 7.2 points, 3.5 assists and 2.4 rebounds per game on 42.7% shooting and 35.7% from deep.
There are four Wildcats expected to be on an NBA roster or a two-way contract next season: Spencer, Pete Nance (Milwaukee Bucks), Brooks Barnhizer (Oklahoma City Thunder) and Nick Martinelli (Los Angeles Clippers).
