The Phoenix Suns have gone through many changes so far this offseason. Owner Mat Ishbia wasn't pleased with the team failing to make the NBA Playoffs or even the NBA Play-In Tournament and finishing as the No. 11 seed in the Western Conference a year after being swept out of the NBA Playoffs.
As a result, Ishbia started making changes after having the most expensive payroll in the history of the NBA. Those changes started with head coach Mike Budenholzer, who was fired the day after the regular season ended. The next change came in the front office, where Ishbia moved James Jones into an advisory position to install Brian Gregory as the new general manager.
Phoenix Suns' Kevin Durant (35), Bradley Beal (3) and Devin Booker (1) against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Footprint Center.
Phoenix Suns' Kevin Durant (35), Bradley Beal (3) and Devin Booker (1) against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Footprint Center.
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Suns GM makes loud statement about young guard after recent free agency decision
Gregory's first significant order of business was likely to figure out a trade for Kevin Durant ahead of the NBA Draft. That's precisely what he did, as he executed a deal that sent Durant to the Houston Rockets for Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the No. 10 overall pick, and five second-round picks.
He used the draft to upgrade the center position, drafting Duke center Khaman Maluach 10th overall before trading the No. 29 pick and a 2029 first-round pick to the Charlotte Hornets for center Mark Williams.
In free agency, Gregory signed guard Collin Gillespie to a one-year deal worth $2.378 million. Gillesspie played on a two-way deal for the Suns last season, but this contract is a standard NBA deal. Following the signing, Gregory delivered a loud statement regarding Gillespie.
"Collin earned this opportunity with his work ethic, toughness, and the way he competes every single day," said Gregory. "He brings a gritty edge and a high-energy presence that lifts everyone around him. He plays with heart, battles on every possession, and is the kind of guy you want in your generation."
Gillespie appeared in nine games for Phoenix this season, averaging 5.9 points, 2.4 assists and 2.4 rebounds per game. During his 10 games for their G League affiliate, the Valley Suns, Gillespie averaged 21.2 points, 7.6 rebounds and 11.1 assists per game.
The Suns have an influx of guards, so crafting out minutes for him this season could be challenging, but having a player as beloved by the organization as Gillespie seems to be can never hurt.