2026 offseason plan for Suns after Gillespie and Goodwin re-signing
· Yahoo Sports
PHOENIX – The Phoenix Suns are in a tight spot following latest move in free agency. ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that the franchise has re-signed Colling Gillespie and Jordan Goodwin. Those moves put Phoenix closely towards the luxury tax and the daunting first apron. NBA cap expert Bobby Marks showcased his projection for the Suns’ cap space, assets and distance from different cap holds.
Visit salonsustainability.club for more information.
The graphic illustrates a reality that owner Mat Ishbia and general manager Brian Gregory might have to make some tough moves.
Phoenix Mercury and Suns owner Mat Ishbia (left) talks with new Suns general manager Brian Gregory during the second quarter between the Phoenix Mercury and the Minnesota Lynx at PHX Arena on July 9, 2025. © Michael Chow/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Marks’ Suns projection following Goodwin signing:
Marks included the team accepting Jamaree Bouyea team option and bringing back Haywood Highsmith on a partially guaranteed deal. If both happen, Phoenix would be at 13 players, with the 47th pick making 14 out of the mandated 15 rosters spots. The final spot is up for debate, as the best option is re-signing starting center Mark Williams to his qualifying offer (QO).
However, the problem is Williams’ QO is $9.6 million and would put the team over the first apron. That move would be the death sentence for any future roster building moves. Gregory could trade a player making $10+ million to create the necessary space. That move seems unlikely, as Gregory and Ishbia seemed lasered in on maintain the core of the team. And despite being the starting center, Oso Ighodaro and Khaman Maluach being behind Williams makes him expendable.
Jun 10, 2025; Scottsdale, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns head coach Jordan Ott (left) poses for a photo with general manager Brian Gregory during an introductory press conference at the Verizon 5g Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
If Williams is gone, how does the franchise replace him? Outside of Ighodaro and Maluach, Gregory already has eyes on moving up in the second round of Tuesday’s NBA Draft. Moving up into the mid 30s could give Phoenix an opportunity to snag a prospect that fell out of the first round with high upside. An option could be former ASU center Jayden Quaintance has immense upside at just 18 years old, but his injury history could scare team to target the seven-footer.
Jun 10, 2025; Scottsdale, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns general manager Brian Gregory (left) with ceo Josh Bartelstein during an introductory press conference at the Verizon 5g Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
If the front office drafts a center during the draft, Williams is likely gone. The Suns could go in a different direction and draft another wing, which is a position of need, leaving the door open for the 24-year-old big man. A Williams departure could still happen, but the franchise could sign a veteran big man to act as a veteran for the young center rotation. Former Suns center Mason Plumlee and Bismack Biyombo hit the market and see themselves back in Phoenix.
A third-string center is a need for the roster, and while head coach Jordan Ott could experiment with some small ball lineups, Gregory will get that done whether it’s Williams or not.