2018 Free Agency and Trade Discussion continued

[NavLDO]

I hear you Nav. Blowing the wad on Ariza just may be a tell tale of complacency... I don’t think he has much trade value come December, or rather more so much market. He’d have to go to a contender, who would be unlikely to give up decent talent for a hired gun. So he here for the duration. That FA signing baffles me other than he is hired to be more coach than competitor. Sound familiar? At least he is just on a chunky one yr, rather than the three Yr Retirement packages McDealOfTheCentury was passing out in the past. Ariza’s presence will not be negative expect if compared to a ‘what if’ scenario. I really think, in an effort to justify it, Ariza was added to benefit the coach. I’ll just look at it as he has replaced Chudley, whose contributions diminished to Watson-like twitter praise.

All said, I have no idea what the plans are here other than being set up for another FA attempt next year, as any trades will be tied to the improvements of our crew of underachievers and unknowns.
(Yawn, head shake)

Not happy at all with the offseason.

Every year McDonough says the same garbage.
He said that we wanted to change the roster and sign or trade for veteran good players to try to win for real.

We are close to the end of the summer and we have added three rookies and two role players. WOW....impressive.

And where is our starting PG?

The only good move of the summer was extending Booker. Period.

It's nice to know that Frank and I are not the lone soldiers on this front. You said everything I've been alluding to in a nice, concise manner; I just felt the need to expound and defend my points, so no one could say I was just spewing a lot of hot air...ok, well, they still say that, but that's not the point, gosh darn-it!!

I'm not going to continue to belabor the point; I just wanted to echo you comment, is all, and provide my disclaimer, again--I'll gladly 'eat crow' if McD has somehow outsmarted the entire league/media/fan-base with the Ariza signing, and we end up a playoff team. This isn't me being a hater--just look at my RealGM award (which likely needs to be taken away from me at this point)--I AM the Suns DPOY; I am NOT, however the McDropTheBallAgain DPOY (sorry, Frank, I just do not have your gift for McD-isms. )

[NavLDO]

McDeepEnd needs to make a splash

He hasn’t been able to pull anything off that had immediate impact. He filled our cupboards up with paper and prospects while preaching patience and potential. Can’t do that too much longer. Without results. McDownTheStretchHeComes’ future here may be riding on his next deal.

While I wholeheartedly agree, what possible splash could he make at this point? He's already blown his wad...$15M of it...on more mediocre talent--one we can't trade until January? Or were you think the ever-so-coveted talent/contracts of BK or Chandler?

Face it man, we've got $43M in wasted contract cap-space this season spent on mediocrity, at best.

I do not want him to make a trade because it will be a trade where we give up assets for a mediocre player on a big contract where McD is trying to save his job. I would rather us just not do anything but let Booker and others get a year older and wait for the Warriors to fall apart over the next two years. No reason to trade assets to get the 8 seed in the playoffs to lose to the Warriors then set us up in another downward spiral

Do you not see that this is what McD has just done, but via FA, rather than a Trade--signing a 'a mediocre player on a big contract', and by big contract, I mean an overpay for one year rental services? $15M for a slightly above average player on the downside of his career? As Frank like to asks, 'where have we seen this before'?

I agree with you, though. What's the point, at this point? McD has already screwed the pooch for this season. He's done nothing but set us up for next year's FA.

But 'riddle me this, Batman', how many QUALITY FAs are going to want to come to a Suns' team that has sucked again, and has made no head-way toward being a real contender? If Igor is smart, he'll do whatever it takes to get Bridges, Ayton, and/or JJ to be on the 'Booker' development-path--meaning, making sure all three, or at least two of them, look like legit up-and-coming star starters by the end of this season; that's his only hope in attaining FA interest next off-season. Starting Ariza for more than the 1st 20 games or so this season will be a major mistake, IMO, because all of these guys need to look like, again, on the Booker, or even Warren development sked, rather than the Chriss or Bender development plan.

If McD can get Bridges to look like the 3&D player everyone thinks he can be, posting something in the 15/4/3 realm with outstanding defensive numbers; and get Ayton to be the 20/10 Starter he's capable of being, then maybe we have a shot at getting a star PG and/or PF in here next season.

[King4Day]

While I wholeheartedly agree, what possible splash could he make at this point? He's already blown his wad...$15M of it...on more mediocre talent--one we can't trade until January? Or were you think the ever-so-coveted talent/contracts of BK or Chandler?

Face it man, we've got $43M in wasted contract cap-space this season spent on mediocrity, at best.

I do not want him to make a trade because it will be a trade where we give up assets for a mediocre player on a big contract where McD is trying to save his job. I would rather us just not do anything but let Booker and others get a year older and wait for the Warriors to fall apart over the next two years. No reason to trade assets to get the 8 seed in the playoffs to lose to the Warriors then set us up in another downward spiral

Do you not see that this is what McD has just done, but via FA, rather than a Trade--signing a 'a mediocre player on a big contract', and by big contract, I mean an overpay for one year rental services? $15M for a slightly above average player on the downside of his career? As Frank like to asks, 'where have we seen this before'?

I agree with you, though. What's the point, at this point? McD has already screwed the pooch for this season. He's done nothing but set us up for next year's FA.

But 'riddle me this, Batman', how many QUALITY FAs are going to want to come to a Suns' team that has sucked again, and has made no head-way toward being a real contender? If Igor is smart, he'll do whatever it takes to get Bridges, Ayton, and/or JJ to be on the 'Booker' development-path--meaning, making sure all three, or at least two of them, look like legit up-and-coming star starters by the end of this season; that's his only hope in attaining FA interest next off-season. Starting Ariza for more than the 1st 20 games or so this season will be a major mistake, IMO, because all of these guys need to look like, again, on the Booker, or even Warren development sked, rather than the Chriss or Bender development plan.

If McD can get Bridges to look like the 3&D player everyone thinks he can be, posting something in the 15/4/3 realm with outstanding defensive numbers; and get Ayton to be the 20/10 Starter he's capable of being, then maybe we have a shot at getting a star PG and/or PF in here next season.

I know this is broken record but what would have made you content with this past offseason? Were there any FA's or players to trade for that would have made you consider this offseason a success (serious question)

I'm OK with where things stand. Going after Leonard would have been too risky.
Ariza has been a winning player nearly his whole career. He is still a really good player and will contribute on this team. He probably doesn't come to Phoenix on a deal for his true value.

I wanted Smart but we would have had to overpay for him and that would have strapped us.
I believe McD is still going after a powerplay. By the end of next year, unless we get the top pick, I expect us to push the chips in and make a big move for someone. If free agents don't want to come here next summer, it means Booker has regressed and that our rookies are garbage. In other words, we have bigger issues to worry about.

[ImNotMcDiSwear]

While I wholeheartedly agree, what possible splash could he make at this point? He's already blown his wad...$15M of it...on more mediocre talent--one we can't trade until January? Or were you think the ever-so-coveted talent/contracts of BK or Chandler?

Face it man, we've got $43M in wasted contract cap-space this season spent on mediocrity, at best.

I do not want him to make a trade because it will be a trade where we give up assets for a mediocre player on a big contract where McD is trying to save his job. I would rather us just not do anything but let Booker and others get a year older and wait for the Warriors to fall apart over the next two years. No reason to trade assets to get the 8 seed in the playoffs to lose to the Warriors then set us up in another downward spiral

Do you not see that this is what McD has just done, but via FA, rather than a Trade--signing a 'a mediocre player on a big contract', and by big contract, I mean an overpay for one year rental services? $15M for a slightly above average player on the downside of his career? As Frank like to asks, 'where have we seen this before'?

Reddick with the Sixers? Big one year deals aren't all that common historically. Surely you're not comparing this move to Dudley (3 years) or Chandler (4 years).

I agree with you, though. What's the point, at this point? McD has already screwed the pooch for this season. He's done nothing but set us up for next year's FA.

I mean, he could have chased Randle or Smart on long-term deals, but that would be eschewing our investment in Shaq or Chriss, realizing a loss on day one. Ariza won't be an impediment to anyone since he'll be a free agent in a year. And he was the first player Koko mentioned when asked who would improve the team's W/L total. He does a lot of the things now that we need our young wings to grow into. Ariza came into the league as a defensive athlete, not a shooter. The shooting he developed. We need Jackson and Warren to make similar developments, and we need Bridges to duplicate Ariza's skillset ASAP so he can grow from there. We only need two of those guys to really hit, but all three would make us a terror.

But 'riddle me this, Batman', how many QUALITY FAs are going to want to come to a Suns' team that has sucked again, and has made no head-way toward being a real contender? If Igor is smart, he'll do whatever it takes to get Bridges, Ayton, and/or JJ to be on the 'Booker' development-path--meaning, making sure all three, or at least two of them, look like legit up-and-coming star starters by the end of this season; that's his only hope in attaining FA interest next off-season. Starting Ariza for more than the 1st 20 games or so this season will be a major mistake, IMO, because all of these guys need to look like, again, on the Booker, or even Warren development sked, rather than the Chriss or Bender development plan.

You'll be disappointed, then, because Ariza will probably start the whole season. It's an open question who will end the year starting alongside him. I think it will be Warren throughout, but Jackson and Bender both have higher ceilings, so who knows. Free agents will want to come here if we win. But how many of those free agents will really be an upgrade if these play well?

The factor I think most are overlooking is Koko. I think we've already seen in SL how much better this team will play together with a solid coach at the helm. I think we'll see improvements across the board from all our players, much like you saw with Boston last year (I posted it earlier - if you compare Celtics' previous year 3FG%, almost all of them improved dramatically last season, and that's coaching).

If McD can get Bridges to look like the 3&D player everyone thinks he can be, posting something in the 15/4/3 realm with outstanding defensive numbers; and get Ayton to be the 20/10 Starter he's capable of being, then maybe we have a shot at getting a star PG and/or PF in here next season.

Bridges won't get the minutes to generate that kind of production. But I think we're more likely to see Knight have his best season in a Suns uni and Bender to shoot 40% from three than we are to find a great 1/4 in free agency. Long-term, I don't see the 4 as a problem at all with Bender, Warren and Chriss all being capable of stepping into that spot. At the 1, I think we have a solid backup in Shaq, Okobo has a lot of potential and we'll have to be patient, Knight still has promise, and we'll have at least one FRP to use next year (likely on a 1 but maybe a backup 5, depending on what we perceive to be our biggest weakness a year from now).

All this obsession with adding another star is not even short-sighted. It's looking backwards. Vets will suddenly drop off: happens all the time. And then young players explode. We have several young players who have the potential to take a big step - hopefully, one or two or more of our young guys will take that step this season. And then we won't need to give a "star" a huge contract, inviting the danger that they'll get injured or start to drop off, the way full-priced vets often do.

[Frank Lee]

I think the PG decision was made months ago when Knight became 100% healthy. Having a decent prospect in Okobo falling to us helped solidify it and made the PG spot 'covered for now'.... thus no FA/trade activity in a limited market anyways. I would not be surprised to see Shaq work himself into starter minutes as the season progresses. As many do, I still lack the confidence in BK to be anything but a chucker.

With no need to address PG, and having drafted the top C prospect, as well as a top wing, naturally the remaining fix was at PF. So lets sign an old SF.... Its hard to say what went on with the Ariza decision, but man they sure were convinced they we going to be unable (or unwilling?) to trade or sign anyone else. I get it, hes a solid player... but lets not pretend he is a PF, nor part of the future here. What does he bring? An extra 5 wins (?) and some vet schooling for Jackson and Bridges? (Randle went for a few mill more for a two yr deal he's a PF BTW. I'm sorry, you need to invest in guys who will invest in you.) I just look at Ariza as throw away money at a decent vet on the downside who will be taking minutes on the floor away from 3 or 4 guys who need it. We paid twice what he was going to get.... any wonders why he signed without hesitation to join a squad that lost almost as many games as he won last year ? This is a dash for cash pure and simple. All he has to do is stay healthy, keep quiet except for some 'wise old man' advice, take the LossLumps, and cash the paychecks. He gets through the season he knows he can sign onto a contender for his last 'last hurrah'. At least we won't be counting down the years like the last two veteran presences McDollarsForDoughnuts made rich(er)*. Unless there is a big trade brewing (KLove BFoot?) there is so little upside in that signing. Even if there is a deal, I don't see this team topping 15 wins by New Years, so it hardly makes sense to have a veteran leader who 'knows how to win'. Christ, Chandler has ring, how did that work out for him/us?

Its clear McDialingForDollars has already resolved himself to be player in next yrs Free Agency. Cap Room is good for trades too, but man, this year has all the makings of another snoozer accept to monitor the progress of a few youngsters and debate the future of McDazzleNot.... and fend off the Tankers.



*I think that tweet Chubley sent out about his $10,000,000 salary was the 'show him the door' moment in the FO. What a waste of $ and a welcomed departure. Im not a 'what have you done for me lately' guy, but you don't nose rub something so obvious.

[bigfoot]

I think the PG decision was made months ago when Knight became 100% healthy. Having a decent prospect in Okobo falling to us helped solidify it and made the PG spot 'covered for now'.... thus no FA/trade activity in a limited market anyways. I would not be surprised to see Shaq work himself into starter minutes as the season progresses. As many do, I still lack the confidence in BK to be anything but a chucker.

With no need to address PG, and having drafted the top C prospect, as well as a top wing, naturally the remaining fix was at PF. So lets sign an old SF.... Its hard to say what went on with the Ariza decision, but man they sure were convinced they we going to be unable (or unwilling?) to trade or sign anyone else. I get it, hes a solid player... but lets not pretend he is a PF, nor part of the future here. What does he bring? An extra 5 wins (?) and some vet schooling for Jackson and Bridges? (Randle went for a few mill more for a two yr deal he's a PF BTW. I'm sorry, you need to invest in guys who will invest in you.) I just look at Ariza as throw away money at a decent vet on the downside who will be taking minutes on the floor away from 3 or 4 guys who need it. We paid twice what he was going to get.... any wonders why he signed without hesitation to join a squad that lost almost as many games as he won last year ? This is a dash for cash pure and simple. All he has to do is stay healthy, keep quiet except for some 'wise old man' advice, take the LossLumps, and cash the paychecks. He gets through the season he knows he can sign onto a contender for his last 'last hurrah'. At least we won't be counting down the years like the last two veteran presences McDollarsForDoughnuts made rich(er)*. Unless there is a big trade brewing (KLove BFoot?) there is so little upside in that signing. Even if there is a deal, I don't see this team topping 15 wins by New Years, so it hardly makes sense to have a veteran leader who 'knows how to win'. Christ, Chandler has ring, how did that work out for him/us?

Its clear McDialingForDollars has already resolved himself to be player in next yrs Free Agency. Cap Room is good for trades too, but man, this year has all the makings of another snoozer accept to monitor the progress of a few youngsters and debate the future of McDazzleNot.... and fend off the Tankers.



*I think that tweet Chubley sent out about his $10,000,000 salary was the 'show him the door' moment in the FO. What a waste of $ and a welcomed departure. Im not a 'what have you done for me lately' guy, but you don't nose rub something so obvious.

It is funny that many are willing to throw Chandler, Dudley, Ariza, and even Bledsoe and Tucker under the bus. Say what you will but Chandler was the best center we had on the team over Len and Williams for the past two years. Statistically our team was better when he was on the floor. Similarly, when Dudley played the team was better. Tucker definitely was better and yet Warren still was able to develop as his backup. Sadly, the development of youth (or tanking in the guise ofdevelopment) became more important than winning. Personally I think that hurt the development of our players like Ulis, Chriss, Jackson, and Bender. For most people, failure kills confidence and success breeds confidence. Those four players played in over 70 games last year and played a lot of starting minutes. They also had the worst advanced stats on the team. Playing those four young players together was destined to fail against superior starters. It would be like pitting a novice MMA fighter against a champion MMA fighter over-and-over-and-over again. Chandler and Dudley can't be faulted for being forced to sit out significant minutes and/or games over the last two seasons. Bledsoe took it poorly while Duds and Tyson were at least professional about it. Regardless, we can't put the blame of 21 win seasons on our veterans if they don't play.

Now in terms of the type of season we have next year, that is still a major question mark based on how the front office manages the season. The big question come mid season will be to tank or not to tank? In 2017/18 we were 14-24 on Jan 1st. In 2016/17 we were 10-24 on Jan 1st. If this team has 15 wins by New Years it will be a major victory. Why you ask? Because in 38 games we will be halfway to the 30+ win threshold most think would be a successful season. That is, we have 44 games left to win 15. Will we continue to play Knight, Ariza, Chandler, Booker, and Warren significant minutes or alternatively do we sit them and/or string out the length of minor injuries to ensure losses and a high draft pick? If they play then 30+ wins is easily in reach. If Ariza and Knight together can add five wins to the pathetic mess we had last year then we should have 17 by New Years and 34 by the end of season. Think about it ... the glass is half full ... until at least Jan 1st.

[ryanball]

But 'riddle me this, Batman', how many QUALITY FAs are going to want to come to a Suns' team that has sucked again, and has made no head-way toward being a real contender? If Igor is smart, he'll do whatever it takes to get Bridges, Ayton, and/or JJ to be on the 'Booker' development-path--meaning, making sure all three, or at least two of them, look like legit up-and-coming star starters by the end of this season; that's his only hope in attaining FA interest next off-season. Starting Ariza for more than the 1st 20 games or so this season will be a major mistake, IMO, because all of these guys need to look like, again, on the Booker, or even Warren development sked, rather than the Chriss or Bender development plan.

I tend to think Bender and Chriss have looked bad because they are bad. Or at least they have been bad. Likewise, Booker looks like an up and coming star because he is. In all cases its nothing the Suns did, because the Suns did very little for any of them. They draft players and hope for the best. If you are not a phenom like Booker, you're screwed. Because there was no coaching, no expectation to win, no system.

The way to make guys like Chriss and Bender look better (and ideally actually get better) is have them slot in to a more organized and competitive team structure, which entails Ariza starting.

[BobbieL]

I do not want him to make a trade because it will be a trade where we give up assets for a mediocre player on a big contract where McD is trying to save his job. I would rather us just not do anything but let Booker and others get a year older and wait for the Warriors to fall apart over the next two years. No reason to trade assets to get the 8 seed in the playoffs to lose to the Warriors then set us up in another downward spiral

Do you not see that this is what McD has just done, but via FA, rather than a Trade--signing a 'a mediocre player on a big contract', and by big contract, I mean an overpay for one year rental services? $15M for a slightly above average player on the downside of his career? As Frank like to asks, 'where have we seen this before'?

I agree with you, though. What's the point, at this point? McD has already screwed the pooch for this season. He's done nothing but set us up for next year's FA.

But 'riddle me this, Batman', how many QUALITY FAs are going to want to come to a Suns' team that has sucked again, and has made no head-way toward being a real contender? If Igor is smart, he'll do whatever it takes to get Bridges, Ayton, and/or JJ to be on the 'Booker' development-path--meaning, making sure all three, or at least two of them, look like legit up-and-coming star starters by the end of this season; that's his only hope in attaining FA interest next off-season. Starting Ariza for more than the 1st 20 games or so this season will be a major mistake, IMO, because all of these guys need to look like, again, on the Booker, or even Warren development sked, rather than the Chriss or Bender development plan.

If McD can get Bridges to look like the 3&D player everyone thinks he can be, posting something in the 15/4/3 realm with outstanding defensive numbers; and get Ayton to be the 20/10 Starter he's capable of being, then maybe we have a shot at getting a star PG and/or PF in here next season.

I know this is broken record but what would have made you content with this past offseason? Were there any FA's or players to trade for that would have made you consider this offseason a success (serious question)

I'm OK with where things stand. Going after Leonard would have been too risky.
Ariza has been a winning player nearly his whole career. He is still a really good player and will contribute on this team. He probably doesn't come to Phoenix on a deal for his true value.

I wanted Smart but we would have had to overpay for him and that would have strapped us.
I believe McD is still going after a powerplay. By the end of next year, unless we get the top pick, I expect us to push the chips in and make a big move for someone. If free agents don't want to come here next summer, it means Booker has regressed and that our rookies are garbage. In other words, we have bigger issues to worry about.

I think that McD is lucky to have a job. The knight move hasnt worked; Dudley and Chandler - mehhh at best

But this offseason - i was fine with the moves to keep cap space for next summer. Lets face it - free agency isnt the key to this team - its the growth of the Core 4 and Igor coaching. I guess Knight too. But you can't have your cake and eat it too

you can't want Ryan to be active but also say "well we don't want to overpay for Smart or overpay for Leonard " or or or

you can't say signing Ariza was stupid without having a realistic plan instead

[Frank Lee]

I don’t get this love affair with next years cap space. If you have a chance to get a good player at a position need then buck up and do it. Smart would have been a quality addition with a welcomed and infectious demeanor. Going up against the guards in the West game after game will be a defensive challenge. Much rather have a tenacious defender than a .... what we have. Smart was there for the taking. As it is, we’ll likely be looking for a PG soon anyways.

McD is setting himself up to be a sister kisser again in FAgency.

[bwgood77]

I don't think Smart would have signed with us considering we had only a little more cap space than Boston ended up signing him to. Surely they would have matched a little bigger contract. I didn't really like him as an option anyway since we are the worst 3 pt shooting team in the league and he is among the worst as well.

There really were not many options of signing difference makers and guys like Gordon or Capela were likely to be matched anyway. We didn't need Capela after drafting Ayton. Gordon would have been matched and got more than we could offer.

And I don't think our trade assets are all that valuable anymore unless we want to start trading our own first round picks, since we traded the unprotected Miami pick to move up six spots. I think it would be unwise to trade our own draft picks at this point and I didn't see anyone out there that was available and a difference maker that our assets could have netted us.

While I'm not too happy with McD's track record overall, I liked the players he selected in the draft. I really liked Doncic, and other guys like JJJ and Carter but I'm not sure I would have taken either of the latter two at #1. I may have traded down if a good offer was on the table but I don't know that it was. I think Bridges will be solid, I really like the Okobo pick, and Ayton has all the tools to dominate. Hopefully he brings it on defense but he should help our scoring efficiency (as should Bridges and Ariza) and rebounding shouldn't be anything to be concerned about for the foreseeable future.

[AtheJ415]

Marcus Smart is a one way player who is all around below average at best, and people here wanted to outbid his already horrific contract? Wow. PG is a problem for us but mediocre, long-term, overpaid players are not the solution. Just be patient and let Okobo develop or get a true difference maker in 1 year when a few are likely to become available at that position.

[denial]

The impact of coaching is extremely undervalued among NBA fans.

[denial]

Smart would have been a quality addition with a welcomed and infectious demeanor. Going up against the guards in the West game after game will be a defensive challenge. Much rather have a tenacious defender than a .... what we have. Smart was there for the taking. As it is, we’ll likely be looking for a PG soon anyways.

McD is setting himself up to be a sister kisser again in FAgency.

I'd like to know what the defensive scheme is first. Defense is a team effort. If the goal is to stay-home and stop guards beyond the 3 point line, that's one thing. If the goal is to funnel drivers to a certain big-man playing a pseudo zone, that is another thing. If we switch on everything, it changes everything.

A player's defense cannot be judged in a vacuum.
Same as offense. Some players thrive in 2-man PnR but will be awful in a 5 out motion.

Players are tools in a coach's belt. ALL NBA players are absolute basketball studs in some way or another, or they would not be in the NBA.

[jcsunsfan]

I don’t get this love affair with next years cap space. If you have a chance to get a good player at a position need then buck up and do it. Smart would have been a quality addition with a welcomed and infectious demeanor. Going up against the guards in the West game after game will be a defensive challenge. Much rather have a tenacious defender than a .... what we have. Smart was there for the taking. As it is, we’ll likely be looking for a PG soon anyways.

McD is setting himself up to be a sister kisser again in FAgency.

The issue here is not the love affair with next year's cap space, or the willingness of McD to pursue a player, it is whether Marcus Smart is a player worthy of pursuing or not. The answer to that is a simple "no." He is a defensive specialist that will struggle to be effective in any other part of his game. We already have a layer like that for much less cost.

[Saberestar]

The impact of coaching is extremely undervalued among NBA fans.

It is true.

That is why it would have been awesome to sign Budenholzer this summer.

It is so difficult to see a coach like him available, and he gave us the opportunity with a two-day interview.

Hopefully Kokoskov is good.

[Frank Lee]

I don’t get this love affair with next years cap space. If you have a chance to get a good player at a position need then buck up and do it. Smart would have been a quality addition with a welcomed and infectious demeanor. Going up against the guards in the West game after game will be a defensive challenge. Much rather have a tenacious defender than a .... what we have. Smart was there for the taking. As it is, we’ll likely be looking for a PG soon anyways.

McD is setting himself up to be a sister kisser again in FAgency.

The issue here is not the love affair with next year's cap space, or the willingness of McD to pursue a player, it is whether Marcus Smart is a player worthy of pursuing or not. The answer to that is a simple "no." He is a defensive specialist that will struggle to be effective in any other part of his game. We already have a layer like that for much less cost.

The issue IS cap space. We go the rent a player route and pin our PG hopes on Bermuda. We pass on Smart, Evans, VanVleet, Exum, etc. Sure, most were matchable restricted deals , but you still need to get better. So what do we do???? we over-overpay Ariza ? All to have that cap space next year. BTW, Smart's deal is in line with the league. It will blend right in in a few years. Sure he is limited, but it wouldn't hurt to have perhaps the toughest hard-nosed G in the league, going up against the barrage of western talent softies Knight and Booker will be facing nightly.

I just think 15 mill could of been spent much differently as this is a weirdly constructed team. There were some good players available on 1-2-3 year deals. Guys who are better than what we have. There were some good values to be had, especially later. Also, It wouldn't hurt to have cap space this year to trade. But this FO seems afraid to win. They have gotten disgustingly comfortable with their future schemes and seem to be placing all hope on signing another 'max' deal guy by preserving future cap space. Meanwhile they keep fingers crossed hoping one of this slew of kids can emerge be a solid enough player to warrant a second contract. Signing Ariza clearly indicated this season is bagged and tagged, ready to 'wait till next year'

McDangerThinICE bought himself one more year with his masterful tank job. Im betting he'll try to parlay another one, convincing Server were not but one superstar away and we are strategically positioned to buy one. If history displays anything, McDismal's
success in the FA market is mediocre at best and arguably, the root of our demise. Yet thats what we are banking on ?
Oh Brother.

[nevetsov]

I don't think it's all about cap space to sign next year's free agents, though. I reckon it's a combination of that, PLUS:

- Expiring contract that can be used in trade in conjunction with young players/ picks to match Salary
- Expiring contract will hold more value than multiyear deal
- Player must still be able to contribute
- Player must be aa respected professional/ good locker room guy happy with any role

These are what I think the parameters of any signing would have been. Whether they were instilled by Sarver or McD himself I won't speculate. But taking that into account, is there anyone else that would have met all those criteria?

Sure, I would have loved a pure PF version of Ariza, who could start and make both Bender and Chriss battle for those backup minutes, but I just can't see anyone that would have taken that same type of expiring deal.

[MrMiyagi]

I don’t get this love affair with next years cap space. If you have a chance to get a good player at a position need then buck up and do it. Smart would have been a quality addition with a welcomed and infectious demeanor. Going up against the guards in the West game after game will be a defensive challenge. Much rather have a tenacious defender than a .... what we have. Smart was there for the taking. As it is, we’ll likely be looking for a PG soon anyways.

McD is setting himself up to be a sister kisser again in FAgency.

The issue here is not the love affair with next year's cap space, or the willingness of McD to pursue a player, it is whether Marcus Smart is a player worthy of pursuing or not. The answer to that is a simple "no." He is a defensive specialist that will struggle to be effective in any other part of his game. We already have a layer like that for much less cost.

The issue IS cap space. We go the rent a player route and pin our PG hopes on Bermuda. We pass on Smart, Evans, VanVleet, Exum, etc. Sure, most were matchable restricted deals , but you still need to get better. So what do we do???? we over-overpay Ariza ? All to have that cap space next year. BTW, Smart's deal is in line with the league. It will blend right in in a few years. Sure he is limited, but it wouldn't hurt to have perhaps the toughest hard-nosed G in the league, going up against the barrage of western talent softies Knight and Booker will be facing nightly.

I just think 15 mill could of been spent much differently as this is a weirdly constructed team. There were some good players available on 1-2-3 year deals. Guys who are better than what we have. There were some good values to be had, especially later. Also, It wouldn't hurt to have cap space this year to trade. But this FO seems afraid to win. They have gotten disgustingly comfortable with their future schemes and seem to be placing all hope on signing another 'max' deal guy by preserving future cap space. Meanwhile they keep fingers crossed hoping one of this slew of kids can emerge be a solid enough player to warrant a second contract. Signing Ariza clearly indicated this season is bagged and tagged, ready to 'wait till next year'

McDangerThinICE bought himself one more year with his masterful tank job. Im betting he'll try to parlay another one, convincing Server were not but one superstar away and we are strategically positioned to buy one. If history displays anything, McDismal's
success in the FA market is mediocre at best and arguably, the root of our demise. Yet thats what we are banking on ?
Oh Brother.

You're upset over us not signing some incredibly middling players there, Frank. Might I suggest you just pretend our roster is another team's? You might just start to fall in love with it.

[Frank Lee]

Yeah Miyag, I'm guess Im just in the cranky phase as I realize this team is still extra mediocre, and that those Incredibly middling players would be improvements at PG and PF, and that we are already playing for next year....Again.
I feel you have never met the 'Happy Frank"

Here is a breakdown of Free Agents next yr...... https://www.sbnation.com/nba/2018/7/30/17616436/nba-free-agency-2019-list-kevin-durant-kyrie-irving. This is what you are holding out for ?

next yr when several teams will have max space, some teams enough cap room to sign almost a big three straight out... LA, NY, and build your own colluded team in Brooklyn..... certainly destination cities.

and McDumbo flying in with his less than stellar reputation to snag 'the finalizing piece' to add to his tear down/melt down/break down Rebuild. Trying to convince 'stars' to join his circus, rather than run off to the big cities. I don't have a lot of hope in that scenario. We'll be left sweeping the stalls once again... staring down the inevitable over pay, unless of course, some big turnarounds occur.



Yeah Nevets, I thought about that... trade value.... and as always, when you are dealing an expiring deal for an aspiring one, you have to put some make up on it.... May be there is a deal out there, just waiting until the untradable clause to drop off new signees. But that is going to upset the CapSpaceCart. And who are these players ? DLo ? Love ? And who are our offerings ? Chandler, Ariza ? Bender? Chris ? Warren? Jackson ? Wouldn't Julius Randal been more tradable / valuable? Tyreke ? What value does Warren/Chandler/first round Pick have ? Or Warren/Bender/Pick ? I expect a deal, as McDwindle's time here directly tied to the immediate improvement of this team. But yet again, outside of TJ, we have little to offer other than picks and flailing prospects. Grumble grumble grumble



So, sorry about the sourness.... I should be used to this off season three ring routine and the ongoing 20 clowns in a car roster shuffle. Just better get some cotton candy and enjoy the Phnx version of cirque du soleil. At least we have some new acts.



May be one starring McDareDevil himself....

[Wilber85]

Suns are signing OJ Mayo