Mark Williams presents the biggest financial hurdle, with a projected three-year, $42 million offer that would start around $13 million and rise to $15 million, placing pressure on Phoenix to prioritize the cheaper, potentially more impactful options. Williams, a restricted free agent, has an injury history and capped production despite a career-high 60 games in 2025-26. In contrast, Gillespie and Goodwin are expected to command more modest contracts.
The Suns may decide not to retain Williams, especially if emerging talents like Oso Ighodaro and Khaman Maluach continue to impress. Ighodaro posted the best net rating among regulars and played all 82 games, while Maluach, a No. 10 pick, is poised for a larger role as a rim protector. If the Suns feel Maluach is ready for meaningful minutes, they could prioritize continuity by keeping Gillespie and Goodwin and letting Williams walk.
Key takeaways:
– The Suns must balance roster depth with cap realities, potentially sacrificing Williams to preserve Gillespie and Goodwin.
– Williams’ restricted free-agent status and injury history complicate a long-term, expensive commitment.
– Emerging young players like Ighodaro and Maluach could shape the team’s decision on Williams and overall roster construction.
