PHOENIX – After re-signing Collin Gillespie to a four-year, $48 million deal, the Phoenix Suns will shift their focus towards starting center Mark Williams. The franchise doesn’t have a lot of money to work with this offseason, as bringing back Gillespie and Williams seemed impossible. However, Phoenix was able to sign the 26-year-old guard to a $12 million annual, when experts believe Gillespie was looking for high-teens in a deal. The discount opens the door for a possible Williams return.
The problem remains is that the only avenue that the Suns would bring back the 24-year-old is on the qualifying offer. His injury history could scare teams from topping that deal, but it cuts the team close to crossing the luxury tax and near the first apron.
Jan 27, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns center Mark Williams (15) shoots the ball against Brooklyn Nets center Nic Claxton (33) in the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
If best case scenario Gillespie has a yearly salary increase for his four-year deal, the 2026-2027 salary would be $10.7 million. Adding that money in, Phoenix would be at $192.78 million for 2026-2027, with the difference of the luxury tax being $8.22 million. If Williams signs to the qualifying offer, the franchise would be over the tax by around $1.5 million.
A small number that owner Mat Ishbia would likely eat. Regardless, the Suns would have just $6.2 million to fill the final three roster spots. One of those spots would be Jordan Goodwin, a player the franchise is desperate in bringing back. But, would Goodwin return on a minimum deal again?
The problem remains is that the only avenue that the Suns would bring back the 24-year-old is on the qualifying offer. His injury history could scare teams from topping that deal, but it cuts the team close to crossing the luxury tax and near the first apron.
Jan 27, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns center Mark Williams (15) shoots the ball against Brooklyn Nets center Nic Claxton (33) in the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
If best case scenario Gillespie has a yearly salary increase for his four-year deal, the 2026-2027 salary would be $10.7 million. Adding that money in, Phoenix would be at $192.78 million for 2026-2027, with the difference of the luxury tax being $8.22 million. If Williams signs to the qualifying offer, the franchise would be over the tax by around $1.5 million.
A small number that owner Mat Ishbia would likely eat. Regardless, the Suns would have just $6.2 million to fill the final three roster spots. One of those spots would be Jordan Goodwin, a player the franchise is desperate in bringing back. But, would Goodwin return on a minimum deal again?
4 months ago
