​Phoenix Suns general manager Brian Gregory has been incredibly active over the past couple of weeks, leveraging his position as a former Michigan State coach to pull off a major trade, identify an intriguing first-round draft prospect, and re-sign three core pieces of the anticipated 2025-26 roster. Here, we explore how each of the three re-signings might age and the most likely path forward for the organization with these standout players in the near and mid-term.
Collin Gillespie signed a four-year, $48 million deal to stay in Phoenix after breaking out over the last 16 months. It’s hard to imagine a scenario in which the Philadelphia native is moved during this contract, though the modern NBA rarely offers guarantees. Gillespie stands out as one of the most efficient low-volume offensive players in the league, while also contributing in areas that carry outsized importance for smaller guards. A move of Gillespie over the next four seasons would be surprising, given the likelihood that his production holds steady or even improves before his age-32 season. If he sustains his efficiency and continues to contribute on the defensive end, the Suns would have a reliable, cost-controlled guard who complements larger scorers and playmakers. The concern would be if injuries or a shift in team dynamics dampen his impact; in that scenario, his value could decline relative to his contract, though such a downturn would need to be significant to alter his perceived value.
Jordan Goodwin has navigated a notably turbulent career path, returning to Phoenix last season for a second stint after a partial run with the Suns during the 2023-24 campaign. Goodwin recently agreed to a three-year, $19 million deal that provides the Suns with flexibility: he can serve as a cost-controlled piece on a stable roster or be packaged in a larger deal to upgrade the roster’s infrastructure. It’s unlikely Goodwin will be moved in the near term, given his versatility and hard-nosed defense, plus marked improvement as an off-ball shooter over the past year. His fit as a multi-position defender who can space the floor makes him valuable in a lineup that prizes switchability and depth. The risk here is that if his shooting regresses or his role changes with different coaching schemes, his value could waver, though the contract structure affords the Suns options for relocation if necessary.
Mark Williams stands out as the most intriguing of the trio, having re-upped with a surprisingly economical three-year, $39 million deal. That figure is notably lower than what some peers in the league have commanded for similar roles, such as the Lakers’ willingness to commit more for Walker Kessler or the Celtics’ deal for Mitchell Robinson. Williams’ future can unfold along a few clear paths. First, he could stay healthy, meet the expectations set for a 7-foot presence, and grow into a player who feels indispensable to the Suns’ long-term plans. In this scenario, his trade value would remain high, and he could become a cornerstone piece whose value grows with time. A second possibility is that Williams remains productive and becomes a legitimate trade asset as young players like Khaman Maluach and Oso Ighodaro continue to develop, giving the Suns additional flexibility to reshape the roster around him. The least favorable path would see him limited to roughly half of the 82 games each season, with nagging concerns resurfacing and regression reducing his overall impact.
The overarching question for the Suns is how these deals age in the context of a changing league and evolving team needs. Gillespie provides dependable offense and efficiency, established as a reliable guard who can contribute within a larger framework of scorers. Goodwin offers a blend of défendre and playmaking versatility that can adapt to multiple lineups, with the option to be traded if the right upgrade presents itself. Williams, given the potential upside and the relatively modest price, stands as the most speculative piece, capable of becoming either a foundational component or a valuable trade asset as the team’s younger players continue to mature.
As for the organization’s broader trajectory, the Suns appear intent on building depth and flexibility while pursuing upside at multiple positions. The combination of a steady veteran core with a higher ceiling in younger players suggests a balanced approach: yield immediate value while preserving future options for growth or targeted upgrades. Of course, the future is never guaranteed, and much can change in the coming seasons. The Suns will need to monitor health, development trajectories, and the evolving market for talent to determine whether these re-signings become long-term cornerstones or strategic pieces that help facilitate further evolution of the roster. Nevertheless, the current moves reflect a deliberate strategy to maintain competitive depth, ensure lineup versatility, and keep doors open for intelligent roster maneuvers as the league continues to shift.