Undrafted guard Collin Gillespie earns 4-year, $48 million deal with Suns

Phoenix Suns guard Collin Gillespie is set to sign a four-year, $48 million contract extension, a remarkable achievement for the 26-year-old who went undrafted in 2022. This deal signifies a major career milestone and a testament to his resilience and development.

Gillespie's journey has been one of overcoming adversity. After being drafted by the Denver Nuggets, he suffered a season-ending leg fracture during his rookie year, which sidelined him for his entire debut season. He spent most of his time in the G League before joining the Suns on a two-way contract in 2024.

Last July, Gillespie signed a one-year, $2.3 million deal with the Suns, and he capitalized on the opportunity, delivering a career-best season. In 80 games, including 58 starts, he averaged 12.7 points, 4.1 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 1.2 steals, while shooting an efficient 41.8% from the field and 40.1% from three-point range. His performance extended into the playoffs, where he averaged 10.5 points, 5 rebounds, and 3.8 assists in four games.

Notably, Gillespie etched his name in the record books on February 4th, recording 30 points, 10 assists, and 8 three-pointers against the Portland Trail Blazers. He became only the third undrafted player in NBA history to achieve such a stat line, following in the footsteps of Jeremy Lin and Fred VanVleet. This accomplishment underscores his potential and impact as a player who has defied expectations.