Season Speculation, Trade Ideas & Discussion Pt. 3

[Mulhollanddrive]

If these 13 picks had been different: Thomas, Bird, Johnson, Jordan, Olajuwon, Duncan, Bryant, Wallace, Wade, Pierce, Nowitzki, James, Curry...the past 35 championships may have been different.

You need to get lucky to draft your Hall of Famer and that's what seperates teams.

[bwgood77]

If these 13 picks had been different: Thomas, Bird, Johnson, Jordan, Olajuwon, Duncan, Bryant, Wallace, Wade, Pierce, Nowitzki, James, Curry...the past 35 championships may have been different.

You need to get lucky to draft your Hall of Famer and that's what seperates teams.

Of course the Lakers traded Vlade to Charlotte for Kobe and the Mavs traded Robert "Tractor" Traylor to the Bucks for Dirk.

[NavLDO]

Hmm ... Houston and Boston went all in on the tank too ... or did they? :banghead:

Please try to use more than one example (76ers) when attempting to support your argument for tanking. The Sixers got extremely lucky in the lottery with two number one and two number three picks. Two of those picks look like they could be possible flops (Okafur and Fultz).

I see the Suns as more like the Warriors, Grizzlies and Thunder than say the Sixers. More like building through the draft - maybe not top picks like the Sixers but not 10 picks and building that way. The problem is the Suns were not getting t picks for many years as they were no mans land. But now, the Suns I think have the core - and with one more solid top 5 pick and the Heat pick -- not sure what to do with all those second rounders - the Suns just need to let this youth get experience and hope to use cap space wisely

I do think they need to get a PG for Booker and the rest of the team. If the Kings are taking Knight/Monroe - I do like that Koufos/Hill suggestion.

I agree ... but again we don't absolutely need a top 5 pick ... because really who do we have that is a "solid" top 5 pick?? Our "solid" players are Booker and Warren who are mid-round picks. The Suns really need quality veterans to put next to Booker and Warren. A veteran PG is what we desperately need. Even if that means giving up a couple of our picks to get one. Let Jackson, Chriss, and Bender grow. All these 2018, 2019 picks really will not make a difference for the team for 3-4 years and we need to show Booker we are ready to win now (or by this coming offseason).

I agree in principal, but shoot, Bledsoe pulled the rug out from under us. I was ALL about winning this season, but now? Unless we can swing some kind of amazing deal like

http://www.espn.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=y8qe7w3d +the Mia 2018 Pick, and our 2021 1st Rd pick.

:o How dare I even suggest such a thing...well, don't worry, they'd never trade away Lillard, but how awesome would a:

Lillard / Booker / Warren / Chriss / Nurkic -- Ulis / Turner / 2018 pick / Vonleh / Sauce lineup look?


But ok, let's get back to reality...this one, I think might actually be doable, and would work for both teams:

http://www.espn.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=y76p9wqu

Walker / Booker / JJ / Bender / Zeller -- Ulis / Daniels / 2018 pick / O'Bryant / Sauce

I know, we are still giving up quite the haul, yet this time it's Warren and Chriss, so I won't be accused of being a JJ hater.

And yet a 3rd...

http://www.espn.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=yacwm4vo

JJ, Chriss, and Monroe for Myles Turner and Oladipo. Oladipo is a polarizing player, so I'm sure a ton of posters will hate that trade, so I get it.


And one more...

http://www.espn.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=yafqafn4

Meh...

[LukasBMW]

We're gonna showcase Moose and then trade him for an asset

Then we're going to draft a center this summer, have Tyson mentor him, and ship Tyson out as an expiring for an asset next season at the deadline.

[Revived]

76ers started rebuilding same time as the Suns and yet look where their at vs where the Suns are. They haven’t gone through 3-4 coaches and they also haven’t had disgruntled players demanding trades and causing drama.

IMO, Ryan McDonough may need to be fired and replaced with Sam Hinkie.

Nerlens Noel did not back down from his stance that the Philadelphia 76ers' logjam at center is "silly" and "doesn't make any sense" on Monday at media day. While Sixers president Bryan Colangelo maintained that they aren't under any pressure to make moves in the short term, Noel made it clear that he's not happy that the front office failed to balance the roster in the summer.

From the Associated Press' Chuck Gormley:
"I don't see a way of it working," Noel said Monday, one day before the Sixers' first full workout in their new practice facility along the New Jersey riverfront across from Philadelphia. "It's just a logjam.

"You've got three talented centers that can play 30-plus minutes a night and three centers can't play 30 minutes a night. That's that. Things need to be situated," Noel said. "Obviously, somebody's got to be moved around. It's a tough situation, but I can only say so much because I have no say and no power."
...
"Wait and see? I can't say I do understand that," Noel said. "I just don't think it makes too much sense to come into the season with such a heavy lineup at the center position, I don't know what there is to wait and see."

https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/nerlens-noel-says-sixers-must-make-a-trade-colangelo-says-they-can-wait/

Nerlens Noel Wants Out Of Philadelphia

http://www.slamonline.com/nba/report-nerlens-noel-wants-philly/#vEfDc8SxWwIHtSsS.97

Jahlil Okafor wants a speedy divorce from the 76ers and isn’t getting it.

The reserve center told team president of basketball operations Bryan Colangelo on Tuesday that he wanted to be bought out of his contract. That came after the Sixers declined to pick up Okafor’s contract for the 2018-19 season. The Sixers, however, appear unwilling to let the 21-year-old center, who has played only one game this season, just walk out the door.

http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/sixers/jahlil-okafor-bryan-colangelo-sixers-buyout-request-rejected-20171101.html

Hinkie created their mess of centers. No one seems to care much that these guys wanted out of there.

And on Wednesday, Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo broke the news that McDaniels, the 32nd pick of the 2014 draft, had taken the unusual step of declining a four-year contract in favor of a one-year deal carrying exactly $0 in guaranteed money. The Sixers offered McDaniels a four-year contract — the longest possible for a second-round rookie.

http://grantland.com/the-triangle/k-j-mcdaniels-sixers-non-guaranteed-contracts/

Philadelphia's K.J. McDaniels, the 32nd overall pick in the 2014 NBA draft, made a bold decision on his rookie contract, agreeing to a one-year, non-guaranteed tender that could make him a restricted free agent next July.

https://sports.yahoo.com/news/philadelphia-s-k-j--mcdaniels-takes-bold-approach-to-rookie-deal-143327281.html

Now Philly did luck out with a top 3 pick the year Embiid was in the draft and he probably would have gone first if healthy. If he remains healthy, they hit a gold mine. And then they of course lucked out in getting the #1 pick in Simmons as well.

Obviously the Suns haven't had such luck to get a top 3 pick.

But I guess you weren't paying attention to Philly closely enough to realize that Noel had been disgruntled and then Okafor was and is as well.

Yeah i stand corrected. However, Okafor, Noel and Daniels (first time ever hearing of him) aren’t quite the high profile players as Dragic, IT, Morris twins, and Bledsoe.

Non Suns fans in the nba all usually agree that the Suns are the second worst run franchise in the NBA after only the Bulls and tied with the Kings.

[bwgood77]

Yeah i stand corrected. However, Okafor, Noel and Daniels (first time ever hearing of him) aren’t quite the high profile players as Dragic, IT, Morris twins, and Bledsoe.

Non Suns fans in the nba all usually agree that the Suns are the second worst run franchise in the NBA after only the Bulls and tied with the Kings.

I could give a **** what non Suns fans think. Some people are too worried what other fans think. Most of them haven't a clue about all the details. I'm not saying we have been run particularly well, but who the hell cares what others think? I know some of you do and are concerned but that's not me.

Okafor and Noel were a hell of a lot higher profile players coming out of college than the twins, Dragic, Bledsoe or IT. Who knows where they'd be right now if not drafted by Philly and having to co-exist like our PGs did?

[Revived]

Yeah i stand corrected. However, Okafor, Noel and Daniels (first time ever hearing of him) aren’t quite the high profile players as Dragic, IT, Morris twins, and Bledsoe.

Non Suns fans in the nba all usually agree that the Suns are the second worst run franchise in the NBA after only the Bulls and tied with the Kings.

I could give a **** what non Suns fans think. Some people are too worried what other fans think. Most of them haven't a clue about all the details. I'm not saying we have been run particularly well, but who the hell cares what others think? I know some of you do but and are concerned but that's not me.

Okafor and Noel were a hell of a lot higher profile players coming out of college than the twins, Dragic, Bledsoe or IT. Who knows where they'd be right now if not drafted by Philly and having to co-exist like our PGs did?

It’s not about caring what they think, it’s also our reputation as a FA destination which is something we should all care about. When this Bledsoe stuff came up, various people including guys like Woj, Simmons, Windhorst, Elhassan, heck even Rachel Nichols was ripping the Suns as a team that nobody really wants to play for.

I know even you were upset that with us having a disgruntled player every season under McDonough. Suns need to at least think about going in a different direction here.

[bwgood77]

Yeah i stand corrected. However, Okafor, Noel and Daniels (first time ever hearing of him) aren’t quite the high profile players as Dragic, IT, Morris twins, and Bledsoe.

Non Suns fans in the nba all usually agree that the Suns are the second worst run franchise in the NBA after only the Bulls and tied with the Kings.

I could give a **** what non Suns fans think. Some people are too worried what other fans think. Most of them haven't a clue about all the details. I'm not saying we have been run particularly well, but who the hell cares what others think? I know some of you do but and are concerned but that's not me.

Okafor and Noel were a hell of a lot higher profile players coming out of college than the twins, Dragic, Bledsoe or IT. Who knows where they'd be right now if not drafted by Philly and having to co-exist like our PGs did?

It’s not about caring what they think, it’s also our reputation as a FA destination which is something we should all care about. When this Bledsoe stuff came up, various people including guys like Woj, Simmons, Windhorst, Elhassan, heck even Rachel Nichols was ripping the Suns as a team that nobody really wants to play for.

I know even you were upset that with us having a disgruntled player every season under McDonough. Suns need to at least think about going in a different direction here.

I think people are blowing the FA destination thing out of proportion, but no need to argue about it. And Elhassan has never had anything positive to say and Windhorst is a LeBron/Rich Paul mouthpiece. Simmons is a hack. Woj didn't say much and Rachel Nichols I could give two **** about as well.

We are mostly building from within though which is what I always wanted...build through the draft, perhaps go after role playing free agents when you are competitive. Maybe trade for a star if an opportunity presents itself. Before the past year or so that's fairly rare though anyway.

[lilfishi22]

I'm officially for keeping Monroe. Our PG rotation sucks but I really don't know if we can get a significant upgrade with Monroe's expiring

[sunsbum]

We need to trade monroe for a pick eventually and go all in on ayton or whoever next draft.

[RaisingArizona]

Please get us a pg and cut James. Make me happy for Christmas, McD. These games are just unwatchable.

[jredsaz]

Wow. Just checked the score after a night of drinking. First game I have missed this season. Was it as bad as it looks?!

Sent from my SM-N920V using RealGM mobile app

[jredsaz]

Apparently Monroe can develop into a trade chip

Sent from my SM-N920V using RealGM mobile app

[JMac1]

We have Booker, the hope of Jackdon’s growth, a top pick coming this year, and those Miami picks...and an inconsistent Dragon. It’s all good in 2020!

[RaisingArizona]

Apparently Monroe can develop into a trade chip

Sent from my SM-N920V using RealGM mobile app

Would like to keep him.

[Fo-Real]

Apparently Monroe can develop into a trade chip

Sent from my SM-N920V using RealGM mobile app

Would like to keep him.

Well, either or is beneficial to the franchise. Either keep him and pay him (be isn't old and is a post force), or trade him for benefit (he is worth something TWO FOLD, he is a huge expiring for savings and he can actually play and help in a playoff setting). I say keep him and see what he wants, if it's too high then I believe we still have the ability of sign and trade right? But above all, BUYOUT IS STUPID, please do not just pay him to go help someone else for free. #Nobuyout

[Mulhollanddrive]

I'm not convinced about our draft prospects.

It looks like (without lotto luck) that we'll be picking 5-8 and statistics suggest in that range 75% of the time you won't draft an All-Star.

I'm ready to find a no.2 and no.3 for Devin Booker through whatever means (We have 7 lottery picks on our roster and 7 firsts through 2021).

[BobbieL]

I could give a **** what non Suns fans think. Some people are too worried what other fans think. Most of them haven't a clue about all the details. I'm not saying we have been run particularly well, but who the hell cares what others think? I know some of you do but and are concerned but that's not me.

Okafor and Noel were a hell of a lot higher profile players coming out of college than the twins, Dragic, Bledsoe or IT. Who knows where they'd be right now if not drafted by Philly and having to co-exist like our PGs did?

It’s not about caring what they think, it’s also our reputation as a FA destination which is something we should all care about. When this Bledsoe stuff came up, various people including guys like Woj, Simmons, Windhorst, Elhassan, heck even Rachel Nichols was ripping the Suns as a team that nobody really wants to play for.

I know even you were upset that with us having a disgruntled player every season under McDonough. Suns need to at least think about going in a different direction here.

I think people are blowing the FA destination thing out of proportion, but no need to argue about it. And Elhassan has never had anything positive to say and Windhorst is a LeBron/Rich Paul mouthpiece. Simmons is a hack. Woj didn't say much and Rachel Nichols I could give two **** about as well.

We are mostly building from within though which is what I always wanted...build through the draft, perhaps go after role playing free agents when you are competitive. Maybe trade for a star if an opportunity presents itself. Before the past year or so that's fairly rare though anyway.

I agree: Elhassan hates Sarver; Windhorst is a Windbag; Bill Simmons just likes the Celtics; Woj is a reporter and who cares about Rachel Nicoles

The Suns started this rebuild way too late. 2010 is when it should have started but for some reason Sarver allowed Kerr to walk away RIGHT When Free Agency started - set this team back years. Brought in McD - he tried with the Bledsoe trade, the Thomas signing to get on track, swung and miss at LMA with Chandler. But right now is the way to go.

Free agents will come to the Suns - its all about dollars.

I do think the team needs a point guard - Ulis/James is not going to cut it. These players with good coaching will get better. That's why - if Triano isn't the long term coach - the next hire is crucial. Some of these players already have only had coaching for a month. They need good coaching for a few years.

[Qwigglez]

We have all these trade assets but they expire as soon as we make our picks. I really don't want to add 3-5 rookies to our roster this off-season. Kevin Love was traded after six seasons with the Wolves, he was 26 years old. Boogie Cousins was traded in his 7th season with the Kings. Devin Booker is already in his 3rd season. We keep saying we will be fighting for the playoffs by 2020, but what if we draft busts along the way and aren't any closer? Are we going to follow the same path as the Kings/Wolves? Sure, the Wolves are looking solid now, but they were fortunate enough to trade Kevin Love for the No 1 overall pick Andrew Wiggins because Lebron wanted Love. Wiggins hasn't been the most remarkable No 1 pick, but he's definitely a key piece to the T-Wolves considering they just gave him a max extension.
I'm not so certain we won't follow the same trajectory as those two teams. We need pieces now. I could give two craps about any of our players beside Booker/Bender.

The Clippers have lost 6 straight, the Jazz aren't very exciting, the Bobcats have lost 5 straight. I'm sure there is a deal to be made somewhere. We end up whiffing on the draft for the next couple of years and and we are bound to lose Booker eventually.

[bwgood77]

We have all these trade assets but they expire as soon as we make our picks. I really don't want to add 3-5 rookies to our roster this off-season. Kevin Love was traded after six seasons with the Wolves, he was 26 years old. Boogie Cousins was traded in his 7th season with the Kings. Devin Booker is already in his 3rd season. We keep saying we will be fighting for the playoffs by 2020, but what if we draft busts along the way and aren't any closer? Are we going to follow the same path as the Kings/Wolves? Sure, the Wolves are looking solid now, but they were fortunate enough to trade Kevin Love for the No 1 overall pick Andrew Wiggins because Lebron wanted Love. Wiggins hasn't been the most remarkable No 1 pick, but he's definitely a key piece to the T-Wolves considering they just gave him a max extension.
I'm not so certain we won't follow the same trajectory as those two teams. We need pieces now. I could give two craps about any of our players beside Booker/Bender.

The Clippers have lost 6 straight, the Jazz aren't very exciting, the Bobcats have lost 5 straight. I'm sure there is a deal to be made somewhere. We end up whiffing on the draft for the next couple of years and and we are bound to lose Booker eventually.

You talk about all these other teams playing poorly, and I'm guessing because you think they may want to trade stars because of it. That would be equivalent of them saying it about the Suns and Booker, especially since we are playing more poorly.

It normally only happens if a player has a year and half on his deal or less and it appears they are likely to leave...sometimes 2 years...Irving, Love, George, Butler, Cousins (he was likely not to leave but that team was a mess), etc.

So you could probably start with the 2011 draft for now and starting this summer, maybe the 2012 draft. Like a Kemba Walker, though from what I know, he's happy.