Pat Spencer. Image via: Chris Coduto / Getty Images Pat Spencer agreed to a two-way NBA contract with the Phoenix Suns on July 2, 2026, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. The 6-foot-2 guard spent the past three seasons with the Golden State Warriors, where he grew from a fringe roster piece into a steady rotation option.The move gives Phoenix added guard depth as it builds around Devin Booker for the 2026-27 season, joining a backcourt that also includes Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks.
Free agent guard Pat Spencer joins Phoenix Suns
Spencer’s path to the NBA ran through college lacrosse, not basketball. The Davidsonville, Maryland, native starred at Boys’ Latin School of Maryland in Baltimore before playing four years of lacrosse at Loyola University Maryland, where he was good enough to get drafted first overall in the 2019 Premier Lacrosse League collegiate draft. Instead of turning pro in that sport, he used his final year of college eligibility to play basketball at Northwestern.CategoryDetailsPlayerPat SpencerNew TeamPhoenix SunsContractTwo-way NBA contractAgreement DateThursday, July 2, 2026Previous TeamGolden State Warriors (three seasons)2025–26 Stats7.2 PPG, 3.5 APG, 2.4 RPG in 18.6 MPGBackgroundFormer Loyola (Md.) lacrosse standout who played one season of college basketball at Northwestern before beginning his NBA career.After going undrafted in 2021, Spencer worked his way up through pro leagues in Germany and the G League, appearing for the Capital City Go-Go and the Santa Cruz Warriors before signing a two-way deal with Golden State in February 2024. He became a fan favorite there for his physical, high-energy style of play.Suns officials finalized the deal Thursday evening with agents Mark Bartelstein and Ross Aroyo of Priority Sports, according to Bright Side of the Sun. Spencer turns 30 on July 4, and the two-way structure limits Phoenix’s financial risk while it evaluates what he can add to the rotation.
Pat Spencer’s stats and current contract outlook
Spencer’s role in Golden State expanded every season he was there. He played in six games during the 2023-24 season, jumped to 39 games in 2024-25, and started 14 of his 66 appearances during a breakout 2025-26 campaign. Across the full season, he averaged 7.2 points, 3.5 assists and 2.4 rebounds in 18.6 minutes per game, shooting 42.7 percent from the field and 35.7 percent from three-point range.Category2025–26 Overall2025–26 as StarterPoints7.211.4Assists3.55.1Rebounds2.43.4Games/Starts66 games, 14 starts14 startsHis numbers jumped further in starting duty, where he produced 11.4 points, 5.1 assists and 3.4 rebounds per game on improved shooting splits. One of his signature performances came against Phoenix in February, when he scored a career-high 20 points and helped the Warriors erase a double-digit fourth-quarter deficit with Stephen Curry, Draymond Green and Jimmy Butler all sidelined.The signing comes after Phoenix re-signed guards Collin Gillespie and Jordan Goodwin, picked up a team option on Jamaree Bouyea, and added Spencer to round out a backcourt that also features CJ Huntley and Koby Brea on two-way deals. With the Suns’ roster now at 18 players between standard and two-way spots, Spencer’s clearest path to minutes may run through NBA Summer League play from July 3 through 19, where Phoenix will get an early look at how he fits alongside its returning guards before final rotation decisions take shape heading into training camp.