Collin Gillespie Signs Two-Way Contract with Phoenix Suns
Free agent guard Collin Gillespie has officially signed a two-way contract with the Phoenix Suns for the 2024-2025 NBA season, the team announced. This move integrates the former Villanova standout into the Suns’ developmental pipeline, allowing him to split time between the NBA roster and the G League affiliate, the Valley Suns. The agreement follows Gillespie’s tenure with the Denver Nuggets, where he appeared in 54 games over the past two seasons.
Terms and Structure of the Deal
Unlike a standard multi-year veteran contract, Gillespie’s agreement is a two-way deal. According to official statements from the Phoenix Suns, this structure permits the team to maintain flexibility while evaluating his fit within head coach Mike Budenholzer’s rotation. Under NBA collective bargaining rules, two-way players are eligible to be active for up to 50 regular-season games, providing a cost-effective way for the front office to bolster depth at the point guard position.
Why the Move Matters for Phoenix
The Suns entered the offseason looking to address backcourt depth behind starters Devin Booker and Bradley Beal. Gillespie, who helped lead Villanova to a 2018 NCAA championship, brings high-level collegiate experience and two years of professional development within the Nuggets’ system. While he averaged limited minutes in Denver, his high basketball IQ and shooting efficiency made him a target for teams seeking low-risk, high-reward depth. By signing Gillespie, Phoenix adds a floor general capable of managing the offense during secondary minutes or potential injury absences.
Career Context and Prior Performance
Gillespie’s path to Phoenix was shaped by his time in the Nuggets’ organization, where he was part of the 2023 championship-winning team. Despite his limited role in Denver’s crowded rotation, he demonstrated consistent performance in the G League, where he served as a primary initiator.
Comparison: Gillespie vs. Previous Depth Options
| Player Attribute | Collin Gillespie | Typical Two-Way Guard |
|---|---|---|
| NCAA Experience | 4-year starter (Villanova) | Varies (often 1-2 years) |
| NBA System Exposure | Denver Nuggets (2022-2024) | Often limited/None |
| Primary Role | Playmaking/Shooting | High-volume scoring |
What Happens Next for the Roster
Gillespie will compete for backup minutes throughout the training camp and preseason. The Suns’ current roster construction relies heavily on veteran minimum contracts, making the addition of a young player on a two-way deal a strategic hedge against long-term injury risks. If Gillespie performs well, the team retains the option to convert his contract into a standard NBA deal later in the season, provided they have an open roster spot.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is this a four-year, $48 million contract? No. Reports suggesting such a figure are inaccurate. Gillespie is on a standard two-way contract, which carries a salary significantly lower than a veteran multi-year extension.
- What is a two-way contract? It is a contract that allows a player to play for both an NBA team and its G League affiliate, providing a pathway for players to gain experience while remaining under the parent team’s control.
- Will Gillespie play in the G League? Yes. A significant portion of his development will take place with the newly formed Valley Suns, allowing the coaching staff to monitor his progress in real-time.
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