The Official 2025 Offseason Thread Part 1

[Slim Charless]

What about this three team deal:
Suns get -
Nicolas Claxton
Cam Johnson
Suns 2025 1st (9th pick)

Nets get -
Jalen Green
Reed Sheppard
Jock Landale

Rockets get -
Kevin Durant

Suns would have:
Booker
Beal
Dunn
Cam Jo
Claxton

Grayson Allen, Royce O'Neal, Nick Richards, Oso, Gil,

along with the 9th pick, 29th pick. Maybe Beal plays better as 2nd option, and overall Suns look a lot more balanced.

I still don't think Houston is giving up on Reed to get a 37yo KD, even though they could really use him. I'd prefer to get Reed if he was on the move though

We just need good luck in the lotto, and by that I mean we do NOT wanna jump up. If anything, I'll take #12 or #13. That, and whatever else.

Either Brooks or Jalen Green have to go out in the trade for salary purposes. I don't want either and hope we can spin that off to another team for a different player (Zion for Jalen???) As for the rest I imagine we can get Whitemore fairly easily as Ime doesn't play him. Plus other stuff depending on what happens with Jalen/Brooks.

[Saberestar]

What about this three team deal:
Suns get -
Nicolas Claxton
Cam Johnson
Suns 2025 1st (9th pick)

Nets get -
Jalen Green
Reed Sheppard
Jock Landale

Rockets get -
Kevin Durant

Suns would have:
Booker
Beal
Dunn
Cam Jo
Claxton

Grayson Allen, Royce O'Neal, Nick Richards, Oso, Gil,

along with the 9th pick, 29th pick. Maybe Beal plays better as 2nd option, and overall Suns look a lot more balanced.

But this trade doesn't makes sense for the Nets. Why are they changing Claxton and Cam Johnson for Sheppard and Jalen Green? I get that these two players are younger but it's not like Claxton and Cam J. are old or past their primes.

[Slim Charless]

What about this three team deal:
Suns get -
Nicolas Claxton
Cam Johnson
Suns 2025 1st (9th pick)

Nets get -
Jalen Green
Reed Sheppard
Jock Landale

Rockets get -
Kevin Durant

Suns would have:
Booker
Beal
Dunn
Cam Jo
Claxton

Grayson Allen, Royce O'Neal, Nick Richards, Oso, Gil,

along with the 9th pick, 29th pick. Maybe Beal plays better as 2nd option, and overall Suns look a lot more balanced.

But this trade doesn't makes sense for the Nets. Why are they changing Claxton and Cam Johnson for Sheppard and Jalen Green? I get that these two players are younger but it's not like Claxton and Cam J. are old or past their primes.

If we're getting Jalen from them, I do not want to keep him but I know who could use him.....Dallas.

They are in desparate mode and will be without Kyrie for awhile .They need scoring from the guard position. Badly. We can send him there and get Gafford, Klay and another pick I'm sure. Gafford is a fine stop-gap 5 for us.

[Saberestar]

GSW-Rockets was a great series, I loved the intensity.

The Rockets have some stuff that we could use in Phoenix.

First and foremost Royal Ivey. Hopefully we can interview him for the job pretty soon.

Then we can start talking about potential KD trades. And I want to talk realistic trades. I have seen some absurd lowball offers from KD haters and I get that everyone has an opinion but at some point they need to understand that is KD, he is great yet and they will get him for 1+2 years.

For example I saw on Reddit: Tobias Harris, Isiah Stewart and Holland for KD. No picks at all. You just can laugh about it.

IMO we are gonna get very good offers for KD and only with a very good offer + KD being OK with the destination we will make the trade.

I think that we will get that type of offers so I expect KD out this summer. And how is one very good offer from the Rockets?

Jalen Green
Reed Sheppard
Cam Whitmore
Aaron Holiday

#9 pick 2025
2029 unprotected FRP (Suns)
2031 unprotected FRP (Rockets)
2026 2nd (Rockets)

The Rockets basically change Jalen Green for KD. They can sign Adams back and they can retain Jabari Smith and Tari Eason.

They lose Sheppard and Whitmore who aren't part of their rotation. Aaron Holiday is a filler but we can really use him next year as a good backup PG.

We can use or reroute Jalen Green to another team. Both options could be good.

Then we add much needed draft capital. #9 (or whatever position not 1-4 after lottery) + two unprotected FRPs+ 1 2nd. The Rockets have multiple picks and they can't continue to keep adding rookie players if they want to maximize their young core + FVV/Brooks/KD.

[Rebound Mound]

Tonight's game is gonna be FUN.

I don't remember waiting to a Game 7 without the Suns as much as I am looking forward to tonight's Rockets-GSW.

DEN LAC was a bit disappointing so hopefully this one is better. The youngins vs the oldies. Probably GSW experience will prevail, let's see.

Home teams usually wins Game 7, so with no injuries and coming back from 3-1 I would say that Rockets are the favorites.

With the way the refs are calling games and much more physicality is allowed in RS and even more in the playoffs teams with two bigs playing a good amount of minutes together.

3-4 years ago no one would have expected Randle+Gobert, Holgrem+Hartenstein, Sengun+Adams or Mobley+Allen being successful starting frontcourts.

The rules change everything and we need to adapt our roster to that rules. But we need to know if the league wants to keep it this way or they are gonna stop the high physicality next year.

SEngun+Adams have been a susprise, but all the rest of those couples are typical PF-C solutions for standard basketball. A different thing is a lack of quality big men, then the coaches prefer a small who can shoot and switch instead of a big who cannot to an array of tasks.
Allen-Mobley are together already like 4 years, I guess. OKC has been looking for some help inside for years, but the right situation had to arrive.
Denver and Bucks were champs playing with classical fives, even with really tall SFs. Celtics won with four small players, but their intensity and cleverness makes up for the lack of size, although they do play with two bigs at times. Horford-Porzingis-Kornet-Quetta.
Gobert has been playing with a PF for his entire career.
Playing KD at the PF spot is an anomality that has not worked well for us.

[Calvin Klein]

please stay away from Jalen Green. Low IQ chuckers are the worst.

[King4Day]

GSW-Rockets was a great series, I loved the intensity.

The Rockets have some stuff that we could use in Phoenix.

First and foremost Royal Ivey. Hopefully we can interview him for the job pretty soon.

Then we can start talking about potential KD trades. And I want to talk realistic trades. I have seen some absurd lowball offers from KD haters and I get that everyone has an opinion but at some point they need to understand that is KD, he is great yet and they will get him for 1+2 years.

For example I saw on Reddit: Tobias Harris, Isiah Stewart and Holland for KD. No picks at all. You just can laugh about it.

IMO we are gonna get very good offers for KD and only with a very good offer + KD being OK with the destination we will make the trade.

I think that we will get that type of offers so I expect KD out this summer. And how is one very good offer from the Rockets?

Jalen Green
Reed Sheppard
Cam Whitmore
Aaron Holiday

#9 pick 2025
2029 unprotected FRP (Suns)
2031 unprotected FRP (Rockets)
2026 2nd (Rockets)

The Rockets basically change Jalen Green for KD. They can sign Adams back and they can retain Jabari Smith and Tari Eason.

They lose Sheppard and Whitmore who aren't part of their rotation. Aaron Holiday is a filler but we can really use him next year as a good backup PG.

We can use or reroute Jalen Green to another team. Both options could be good.

Then we add much needed draft capital. #9 (or whatever position not 1-4 after lottery) + two unprotected FRPs+ 1 2nd. The Rockets have multiple picks and they can't continue to keep adding rookie players if they want to maximize their young core + FVV/Brooks/KD.

Nice as that'd be, there's no chance they're giving us all of that. That's the return Ishbia wants but he's not getting it. They can offer that for Giannis, but swap Green for Amen.

If the Spurs get in on the race for him too (I think they will) then I could see Houston maybe get a lil desperate.

[schnakenpopanz]

Rockets need to decide who they want to built around. Just like OKC did when they traded for Caruso.
Holmgren was not gonna do it. So they got role players who fit their stars. Just as the suns should have done it in the past.

[bwgood77]

Hey, I asked ChatGPT to post a typical Ghost of Kleine trade. It doesn't seem typical, but here was what I got:

Can you write a typical Ghost of Kleine realgm Phoenix Suns NBA trade idea?

ChatGPT said:
Sure! A typical "Ghost of Kleine" trade idea for the Phoenix Suns would likely focus on a move that addresses the team's needs while also staying realistic within the constraints of NBA salary cap rules, while possibly shaking things up a bit with an unconventional or bold angle. These types of trade ideas usually try to balance short-term improvement with long-term flexibility.

Here’s a trade idea that would be in line with the kind of moves you'd expect from a "Ghost of Kleine" scenario for the Suns:

Trade Idea:

Phoenix Suns Receive:

Jaren Jackson Jr. (MEM) – Defensive anchor, stretch-5 potential, rising star.

Steven Adams (MEM) – Rebounder and tough interior presence, low-maintenance veteran.

Memphis Grizzlies Receive:

Devin Booker (PHX) – Elite scorer, franchise centerpiece, and team leader.

Damion Lee (PHX) – Solid 3&D contributor on a reasonable contract.

Rationale:

Suns: This is a bold move to retool their team around a defensively dominant core. Jaren Jackson Jr. gives them an elite shot-blocker and versatile defender at both the 4 and 5 spots. Adams adds depth to the center position with his rebounding and physicality. The Suns would lean on their remaining star (likely Kevin Durant, assuming Booker is dealt), while building a more balanced roster that can contend in a defensive-minded way. Additionally, adding Jackson gives them someone who could grow into a top-tier 3rd option alongside KD.

Grizzlies: Memphis is in "win-now" mode, especially with Ja Morant's window opening. Adding Booker to pair with Ja gives them a dynamic backcourt and an elite scorer to complement Morant. In exchange for Jackson and Adams, they get a 3rd superstar that can carry them through the post-season. Booker also adds the perimeter shooting and offensive reliability Memphis needs. The draft pick and Lee make the trade work financially, while also offering Memphis some future flexibility.

Why it Works:
For Phoenix: The Suns are taking a chance by trading Booker, but they would do so to build a roster that could ultimately thrive in a more balanced, defensive-oriented structure. With Durant and Jackson anchoring the team, plus Adams bringing toughness, the Suns might lean into a slower, more physical playstyle to make a push in the West.

For Memphis: Adding Booker is an instant upgrade, giving them another go-to scorer alongside Morant. With the young duo, Memphis could quickly ascend to the upper echelons of the Western Conference, having found their offensive leader to complement their strong defensive system.

Of course, this is one of those trades that would be debated heavily online—some people would argue the Suns are giving up too much in terms of future assets, while others might say it's time to pivot and let the older Durant lead the charge while they develop a more well-rounded team.

What do you think, does this look like the kind of trade you'd see from "Ghost of Kleine" on RealGM?

[bwgood77]

Twolves in 6, OKC in 5, Cavs in 7 & Celtics in 5 is my prediction. What are your predictions for next round of playoffs?

That sounds pretty reasonable to me.

[bwgood77]

What about this three team deal:
Suns get -
Nicolas Claxton
Cam Johnson
Suns 2025 1st (9th pick)

Nets get -
Jalen Green
Reed Sheppard
Jock Landale

Rockets get -
Kevin Durant

Suns would have:
Booker
Beal
Dunn
Cam Jo
Claxton

Grayson Allen, Royce O'Neal, Nick Richards, Oso, Gil,

along with the 9th pick, 29th pick. Maybe Beal plays better as 2nd option, and overall Suns look a lot more balanced.

I like that.

[KdoubleDees23]

What about this three team deal:
Suns get -
Nicolas Claxton
Cam Johnson
Suns 2025 1st (9th pick)

Nets get -
Jalen Green
Reed Sheppard
Jock Landale

Rockets get -
Kevin Durant

Suns would have:
Booker
Beal
Dunn
Cam Jo
Claxton

Grayson Allen, Royce O'Neal, Nick Richards, Oso, Gil,

along with the 9th pick, 29th pick. Maybe Beal plays better as 2nd option, and overall Suns look a lot more balanced.

I like that.

I dont like that at all. Cam Jo is overated and not worth this.

Give me Eason or Whitmore, Claxton, Reed Shepard. Give Houston KD and CamJo

[BobbieL]

What about this three team deal:
Suns get -
Nicolas Claxton
Cam Johnson
Suns 2025 1st (9th pick)

Nets get -
Jalen Green
Reed Sheppard
Jock Landale

Rockets get -
Kevin Durant

Suns would have:
Booker
Beal
Dunn
Cam Jo
Claxton

Grayson Allen, Royce O'Neal, Nick Richards, Oso, Gil,

along with the 9th pick, 29th pick. Maybe Beal plays better as 2nd option, and overall Suns look a lot more balanced.

I like that.

I think if this were a real possibility - -Cam, Clax and the Suns pick would be a pretty strong deal. Doubt it happens. I still expect Ishbia to trade for an overrated overpriced player on the downside of their career that doesn't complement Booker. But since Ishbia has heard of the player that player makes a lot of money... he will trade for them.

[Frank Lee]

Hey, I asked ChatGPT to post a typical Ghost of Kleine trade. It doesn't seem typical, but here was what I got:

Can you write a typical Ghost of Kleine realgm Phoenix Suns NBA trade idea?

ChatGPT said:
Sure! A typical "Ghost of Kleine" trade idea for the Phoenix Suns would likely focus on a move that addresses the team's needs while also staying realistic within the constraints of NBA salary cap rules, while possibly shaking things up a bit with an unconventional or bold angle. These types of trade ideas usually try to balance short-term improvement with long-term flexibility.

Here’s a trade idea that would be in line with the kind of moves you'd expect from a "Ghost of Kleine" scenario for the Suns:

Trade Idea:

Phoenix Suns Receive:

Jaren Jackson Jr. (MEM) – Defensive anchor, stretch-5 potential, rising star.

Steven Adams (MEM) – Rebounder and tough interior presence, low-maintenance veteran.

Memphis Grizzlies Receive:

Devin Booker (PHX) – Elite scorer, franchise centerpiece, and team leader.

Damion Lee (PHX) – Solid 3&D contributor on a reasonable contract.

Rationale:

Suns: This is a bold move to retool their team around a defensively dominant core. Jaren Jackson Jr. gives them an elite shot-blocker and versatile defender at both the 4 and 5 spots. Adams adds depth to the center position with his rebounding and physicality. The Suns would lean on their remaining star (likely Kevin Durant, assuming Booker is dealt), while building a more balanced roster that can contend in a defensive-minded way. Additionally, adding Jackson gives them someone who could grow into a top-tier 3rd option alongside KD.

Grizzlies: Memphis is in "win-now" mode, especially with Ja Morant's window opening. Adding Booker to pair with Ja gives them a dynamic backcourt and an elite scorer to complement Morant. In exchange for Jackson and Adams, they get a 3rd superstar that can carry them through the post-season. Booker also adds the perimeter shooting and offensive reliability Memphis needs. The draft pick and Lee make the trade work financially, while also offering Memphis some future flexibility.

Why it Works:
For Phoenix: The Suns are taking a chance by trading Booker, but they would do so to build a roster that could ultimately thrive in a more balanced, defensive-oriented structure. With Durant and Jackson anchoring the team, plus Adams bringing toughness, the Suns might lean into a slower, more physical playstyle to make a push in the West.

For Memphis: Adding Booker is an instant upgrade, giving them another go-to scorer alongside Morant. With the young duo, Memphis could quickly ascend to the upper echelons of the Western Conference, having found their offensive leader to complement their strong defensive system.

Of course, this is one of those trades that would be debated heavily online—some people would argue the Suns are giving up too much in terms of future assets, while others might say it's time to pivot and let the older Durant lead the charge while they develop a more well-rounded team.

What do you think, does this look like the kind of trade you'd see from "Ghost of Kleine" on RealGM?

Not nearly long enough.. but certainly does ignore the ‘Suns not trading Booker mantra’… so there is that.

This AI shttt will eventually infect this site. (I suspect already has) I would express caution in its usage

[bwgood77]

So let’s not act like Jones was some type of brilliant GM. He always …..ALWAYS lost trades and assets. He only lucked out with CP because at the time no team wanted CP and his contract was deemed untradeable at the time.

Bottom line, Jones is top 3 worst GMs in Suns history. Everyone here took big fat dumps on Ryan Mcdough but it was Ryan who set this team up for the Run to the finals…..NOT Jones!

All this may be true but guess what? James Jones is still a far better GM than Ishbia.

Or Ryan McD. Or Kerr who promptly got rid of D'Antoni for Porter, traded Marion for Shaq and then let Amare go to replace him with Warrick, Childress and Hedo before bolting soon after. Philly and Raps fans would argue Bryan Colangelo is worse than Jones too. And lets not forget maybe the worst, Lance Blanks. All I remember from then is Michael Beasley, Kendall Marshall and Shannon Brown.

At least James Jones completely changed the culture, brought in Monty, was there for the CP3 trade, traded our pick for Cam and Saric (good trade), traded for Oubre after trying to get Dillon Brooks but confusion was going to get us Marshon Brooks. He had his bad stuff too though taking Jalen Williams over Haliburton, and trading TJ Warren for nothing except us giving away picks with Indy wondering if we were serious.

So results were mixed, but we DID reach the finals AND broke a record for games won in a season. Sometimes expectations when someone has done a really good job and exceeded original expectations get so high thinking we should suddenly win it all, then they get unfairly blamed when they don't or get upset in the playoffs like Dallas....which results in overreactions like gutting our entire team except Book the very next year after winning 64 games and giving away our young core (Bridges, Cam, Ayton, Camara) along with Jae Crowder, 4 unprotected picks and an unprotected swap for an old and injury prone KD and Nurkic. Of course this was all Ishbia.

[BobbieL]

So let’s not act like Jones was some type of brilliant GM. He always …..ALWAYS lost trades and assets. He only lucked out with CP because at the time no team wanted CP and his contract was deemed untradeable at the time.

Bottom line, Jones is top 3 worst GMs in Suns history. Everyone here took big fat dumps on Ryan Mcdough but it was Ryan who set this team up for the Run to the finals…..NOT Jones!

All this may be true but guess what? James Jones is still a far better GM than Ishbia.

Or Ryan McD. Or Kerr who promptly got rid of D'Antoni for Porter, traded Marion for Shaq and then let Amare go to replace him with Warrick, Childress and Hedo before bolting soon after. Philly and Raps fans would argue Bryan Colangelo is worse than Jones too. And lets not forget maybe the worst, Lance Blanks. All I remember from then is Michael Beasley, Kendall Marshall and Shannon Brown.

At least James Jones completely changed the culture, brought in Monty, was there for the CP3 trade, traded our pick for Cam and Saric (good trade), traded for Oubre after trying to get Dillon Brooks but confusion was going to get us Marshon Brooks. He had his bad stuff too though taking Jalen Williams over Haliburton, and trading TJ Warren for nothing except us giving away picks with Indy wondering if we were serious.

So results were mixed, but we DID reach the finals AND broke a record for games won in a season. Sometimes expectations when someone has done a really good job and exceeded original expectations get so high thinking we should suddenly win it all, then they get unfairly blamed when they don't or get upset in the playoffs like Dallas....which results in overreactions like gutting our entire team except Book the very next year after winning 64 games and giving away our young core (Bridges, Cam, Ayton, Camara) along with Jae Crowder, 4 unprotected picks and an unprotected swap for an old and injury prone KD and Nurkic. Of course this was all Ishbia.

To be fair, Kerrs contract expired on June 30 and it was Sarver and Gentry who played GM letting Amare leave but replacing with the names you mentioned.

But you bring up good points about the team Jones had built. It is going to take patience and a vision. Neither of which Ishbia seems to have. Prove us wrong Matty Ish!

[King4Day]

I don't think we could have asked for a better way to lose for Houston.

First, this doesn't mean they are def going to go after KD, and it doesn't mean they will suddenly overpay.
But it proves their current shortcomings.
I still think they should go after the biggest fish in Giannis, but don't think he fixes what happened here.

At minimum, Houston should realize KD can plug a lot of the holes they have offensively.

[King4Day]

I believe the Spurs are going to heavily pursue KD. They will want to take advantage of a cheap Wemby while they can. Adding KD to Fox and Wemby will likely put them in title contention, assuming Wemby takes the next step and they can add the correct pieces around their big 3.

[King4Day]

Beyond the above 2, I'm not sure who else will really want to go after Durant that feel he's the game changing difference, and where KD would want to go.

Knicks maybe
Boston if they flame out before the finals
Wolves maybe (unless they win it all or at least get to the finals).
OKC I just don't see it. They should stay away from KD and stay the course. Win or lose. Or go after Giannis.

[Slim Charless]

I don't think we could have asked for a better way to lose for Houston.

First, this doesn't mean they are def going to go after KD, and it doesn't mean they will suddenly overpay.
But it proves their current shortcomings.
I still think they should go after the biggest fish in Giannis, but don't think he fixes what happened here.

At minimum, Houston should realize KD can plug a lot of the holes they have offensively.

Yup.

Giannis doesn't fix their shooting issues from outside. Which is and was the real reason they lost that game.

Durant will cost less and allow them to keep more stuff player wise.