The Phoenix Suns’ season has been a wild ride, but it is almost coming to an end. That being said, the team is currently fighting for its life to give the fans some hope. The Suns are 4-1 in their last five games. They are also the 11th seed in the Western Conference and just a half-game out of the play-in tournament. Knowing that the team has made some changes to string along some wins, making key rotational changes.
One of those key additions has been Collin Gillespie. He was recently inserted into the starting lineup following Bradley Beal’s injury and has brought a spark to the team. The only problem is he is on a two-way contract, which makes him ineligible to play in the playoffs. The Suns’ roster is also complete, so someone would have to be waived. This opens up the possibility of the Suns waiving a player.
3 Suns Who Could be Waived if Collin Gillespie’s Contract is Converted
Why is this Necessary
Once again, not only has Gillespie been able to fit into this lineup and post solid numbers but he adds another factor as an off-ball threat and gritty guard. In this recent stretch, he has proven not only that he can play a role in the NBA, but also that he can be someone who should be part of the Suns’ future. It is clear he is not a two-way player, and another team can scoop him up for nothing since he is a restricted free agent this season.
Converting him to a standard deal would help the team statistically, and it would also benefit them financially. If they sign Gillespie, they acquire his bird rights; this would allow the Suns to have an easier path to retaining Gillespie and working out a longer-term deal, a win for everyone involved.
Who to Look for as a Possibility
Since Gillespie is another guard and the Suns have an abundance of them, it is the most likely position to be axed. Let’s examine the potential players on the roster who fit that criteria. Given that the Suns are a second-apron team, this is also a question. Does Mat Ishbia buy out the cheapest contract, or does he value the roles these guys can play? Let’s dive in and discuss the potential players who could be waived.
3. Monte Morris
Monte Morris was signed as a free agent to serve as a backup point guard. He was one of the Suns’ first signings and seemed to have a role. In previous destinations, Morris had been a solid backup point guard. Coming to Phoenix, he would hope to see something similar but was met with the Suns making another move before the season started. That was bringing in another point guard, Tyus Jones, and announcing he would start when they signed him. This led to a more minor role for Morris to start the season, and Jones’ failure to thrive in the starting lineup has eliminated his role. Since his numbers have fallen with no role, he has only played five games since February 1st.
Yes, he has dealt with some injuries through that time. One thing, though, is that Morris was impactful on a cheap deal. His removal from this rotation is something Suns fans are familiar with this season. This team has had many players get benched and brought back, only to make an immediate impact. Morris brings the hustle and energy for a bench unit. This is necessary for a team who lacks in that regard. He is the least likely in my eyes, as he could still add an element the Suns need come playoff time, but I still wouldn’t be shocked if he was let go.
2. Damion Lee
Damion Lee returned to the Valley this year in free agency and has yet to make an impact in his two seasons. However, that is not Lee’s fault. Lee signed a one-year deal in 2023 as the Suns filled their roster with as many veteran minimum contracts as possible due to their salary restrictions. He did not get to suit up for Phoenix last year, as he injured himself before the season started. This left Lee with one real destination: Phoenix. However, this time, the expectation of Lee playing was not as high due to the better roster this season. That has proven true, as Lee has only suited up in garbage-time minutes, mainly for the Suns, this year.
Since he is one of those players who rarely plays, it would make sense that he is waived. Nevertheless, the Suns value Lee as a veteran presence. They also want to do right by Lee, the ex-NBA champ with the Golden State Warriors. He gave it his all to try and compete for them last year, but it was stripped away due to a detrimental injury, both mentally and physically, for Lee. Keeping him on this roster shows the Suns care about their own and are being supportive in the journey to compete once again. The Suns could cut that story short to help and win, but I see one more person being a more likely candidate.
1. Vasilije Micic
Vasilije Micic was brought into Phoenix alongside Cody Martin in the Jusuf Nurkic trade this deadline. Like Martin, when they arrived in the Valley, both players were dealing with injuries. That being said, both are healthy and have made only a positive impact so far in this rotation. Micic, unfortunately, has not, and it has left him on the edges of this team. This has led fans to pin him as the person to be waived for Gillespie. The only issue is that Micic is under a team contract. He is earning just under $8 million this year. Next year he is set to make slightly more.
Not to mention, Micic has interest from the Euroleague as he was once a dominant professional there before being drafted into the NBA. If the Suns want to win, cutting a player with a fairly high contract may help them again, as he does not fill a key role. The Suns could also wait if they feel that they can move off Micic’s contract in the offseason to help them shed salary. I lean more toward the first instance, as Micic will likely return to Europe and become untradeable. Waiving Micic is the best direction for Phoenix to bring up Gillespie.
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