2021-22 Season Discussion and Speculation

[Ghost of Kleine]

Eric Gordon would be another good addition. I don't believe his contract is guaranteed for 2023.

Love Eric Gordon but he's too undersized. Maybe if we didn't have Payne or Shamet he'd be perfect in our system. But sadly we need a stretch 4 which was Craig it's a shame we lost him.

The difference is like only an inch ( if I read it correctly) with Shamet at 6'4 and Gordon at 6'3. So the size disparity might not be too bad. Also I believe that the trade premise I suggested was a trade of Saric and Shamet outgoing for Gordon. ( Gordon's 2023 salary is unguaranteed IF he doesn't play 750+ minutes / make all star team that season). So he likely could be a 20 million expiring as well.

But IF we did that trade, would you rather have Payne or Shamet going out in the deal. And could Gordon be an upgrade to Payne in a backup guard role? Or would he be an upgrade to Shamet at the backup SG spot?
Undersized or not though, he's percieved as an elite defender still, a very good ISO creator, and is shooting close to 44% from three in contrast to Shamets' 37% ?? I like Shamets' potential. But he's been somewhat inconsistent so far. My thinking with Gordon would be that perhaps he can TEMPORARILY fill a kind of Lowry ballhandling role alongside Booker once Paul leaves. And at 32, Be a solid stopgap possibility till we find our PGOTF option. Or else package his 20 million expiring + another asset in a trade for a more fitting guard upgrade???

[BobbieL]

All these trade ideas are great, but I really don't want to mess this team up until we see how the season plays out. If we don't win it all and learn what our weaknesses are that cost us this season, then I'm OK making a big move.

Agreed. The only trade scenarios I'm okay with are trading Jalen Smith and Dario Saric since both are currently not playing. The idea of getting Sabonis long-term is intriguing, but I'd actually be interested in doing a smaller deal with the Pacers and possibly trading for Craig and Justin Holiday to really solidify the bench.

You and I wrote the same thing - why trading Smith (and Saric) makes sense as they are not playing

As yes, Craig or Holiday, for Smith and maybe a 2RP would be solid small moves. Suns are a good team. Just adding more depth with the injuries would be nice.

[WeekapaugGroove]

I think some of you underestimate what Crowder brings to this team both on and off the court. Luckily I don't think Jones or Monty underestimate it.

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[King4Day]

All these trade ideas are great, but I really don't want to mess this team up until we see how the season plays out. If we don't win it all and learn what our weaknesses are that cost us this season, then I'm OK making a big move.

I think the reason I am okay trading Saric and Smith now - is because they aren't going to play this year. Or add very much. So if you can get a player that contributes this year - that might be beneficial.

For young though, I still am not sure the Spurs take Saric when they can just be free of Young with a buyout.

Right, I'm OK with Smith, Saric, Shamet and/or picks. Just not Crowder (or CamJo/Payne) right now. We can re-evaluate in the offseason depending on how the season plays out, but not yet. When healthy, this team is a legit title contender. Chemistry is important and it shows.

[BobbieL]

All these trade ideas are great, but I really don't want to mess this team up until we see how the season plays out. If we don't win it all and learn what our weaknesses are that cost us this season, then I'm OK making a big move.

I think the reason I am okay trading Saric and Smith now - is because they aren't going to play this year. Or add very much. So if you can get a player that contributes this year - that might be beneficial.

For young though, I still am not sure the Spurs take Saric when they can just be free of Young with a buyout.

Right, I'm OK with Smith, Saric, Shamet and/or picks. Just not Crowder (or CamJo/Payne) right now. We can re-evaluate in the offseason depending on how the season plays out, but not yet. When healthy, this team is a legit title contender. Chemistry is important and it shows.

Shamet is tricky to trade now

He is a base year player so I think the team needs to take back 10m and only send out Shamets current 4.8m or vice versa.
I am not sure Shamet is getting traded anytime too

But a smaller move - keep this group together - just more depth and if you can use two guys not playing, I am good with that. Especially a guy like Craig who would know his role.

[Ghost of Kleine]

I think some of you underestimate what Crowder brings to this team both on and off the court. Luckily I don't think Jones or Monty underestimate it.

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I'm admittedly not Crowders' biggest fan because of how streaky he is. But regardless, I personally would not look to include him in any trade currently. I'm primarily looking as t POSSIBLY moving a package of Saric and Shamet for Gordon? With the hope of then using Smith and a first or 2nds ( if necessary) to also add a Covington ( 1st choice) Nance (2nd choice), Craig ( 3rd choice), Thompson (4th choice) or Young (preferably through buyout)?? A combination of Gordon and any of those frontcourt options would be super solid for our bench inconsistencies/ tangible depth.

[WeekapaugGroove]

I think the reason I am okay trading Saric and Smith now - is because they aren't going to play this year. Or add very much. So if you can get a player that contributes this year - that might be beneficial.

For young though, I still am not sure the Spurs take Saric when they can just be free of Young with a buyout.

Right, I'm OK with Smith, Saric, Shamet and/or picks. Just not Crowder (or CamJo/Payne) right now. We can re-evaluate in the offseason depending on how the season plays out, but not yet. When healthy, this team is a legit title contender. Chemistry is important and it shows.

Shamet is tricky to trade now

He is a base year player so I think the team needs to take back 10m and only send out Shamets current 4.8m or vice versa.
I am not sure Shamet is getting traded anytime too

But a smaller move - keep this group together - just more depth and if you can use two guys not playing, I am good with that. Especially a guy like Craig who would know his role.

Yeah it's very unlikely Shamet gets traded this year.

To answer BWs question about 'easy to move' I'd say that gets thrown out there because only next season is guaranteed so starting this summer his contract will basically year to year. I'd also add that he makes about the average NBA salary so the number matches what you need to send out in a lot of deals.

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[Saberestar]

I think some of you underestimate what Crowder brings to this team both on and off the court. Luckily I don't think Jones or Monty underestimate it.

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Yeah, to me he is basically untouchable and I think James Jones and Monty think probably about the same.

McDonough made a TERRIBLE mistake trading PJ Tucker for two low second round picks. He would have been great for us for a good amount of years.

Crowder is probably even better than Tucker as a player. He can be great for us for the next 3-4 years.

[BobbieL]

I think some of you underestimate what Crowder brings to this team both on and off the court. Luckily I don't think Jones or Monty underestimate it.

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I'm admittedly not Crowders' biggest fan because of how streaky he is. But regardless, I personally would not look to include him in any trade currently. I'm primarily looking as t POSSIBLY moving a package of Saric and Shamet for Gordon? With the hope of then using Smith and a first or 2nds ( if necessary) to also add a Covington ( 1st choice) Nance (2nd choice), Craig ( 3rd choice), Thompson (4th choice) or Young (preferably through buyout)?? A combination of Gordon and any of those frontcourt options would be super solid for our bench inconsistencies/ tangible depth.

Actually Shamets money doesn't kick in until next year - as he is still on his rookie base year contract. But yes, his first two years are $9.5m and $10.25m - so pretty cheap. Years 3 and 4 are not guaranteed. So when talking about trading Shamet - he is only worth 3.8m of cap space.

I just do not see him traded this year. Small moves

Saric and Smith for something
maybe the buyout market

One thing a Smith/Saric potential trade does - it opens up the chance for the team to also be in the buyout market. I think they have one roster spot open now - so 2 for 1 trade3 plus buyout could increase the depth. But smart depth.

[Ghost of Kleine]

I think some of you underestimate what Crowder brings to this team both on and off the court. Luckily I don't think Jones or Monty underestimate it.

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I'm admittedly not Crowders' biggest fan because of how streaky he is. But regardless, I personally would not look to include him in any trade currently. I'm primarily looking as t POSSIBLY moving a package of Saric and Shamet for Gordon? With the hope of then using Smith and a first or 2nds ( if necessary) to also add a Covington ( 1st choice) Nance (2nd choice), Craig ( 3rd choice), Thompson (4th choice) or Young (preferably through buyout)?? A combination of Gordon and any of those frontcourt options would be super solid for our bench inconsistencies/ tangible depth.

Actually Shamets money doesn't kick in until next year - as he is still on his rookie base year contract. But yes, his first two years are $9.5m and $10.25m - so pretty cheap. Years 3 and 4 are not guaranteed. So when talking about trading Shamet - he is only worth 3.8m of cap space.

I just do not see him traded this year. Small moves

Saric and Smith for something
maybe the buyout market

One thing a Smith/Saric potential trade does - it opens up the chance for the team to also be in the buyout market. I think they have one roster spot open now - so 2 for 1 trade3 plus buyout could increase the depth. But smart depth.

My mistake if so. I was sure that I read somewhere that he has a poison pill provision in his deal that would require us to take back
Around $ 9.2 million in the deal.
https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2021/12/11-players-affected-by-poison-pill-provision-in-2021-22.html

Player/ Team/ Outgoing Trade Value/ Incoming Trade Value:

- Luka Doncic
DAL- $10,174,391 / $36,205,732

- Trae Young
ATL- $8,326,471 / $30,137,745

- Shai Gilgeous Alexander
OKC- $5,495,532 / $29,665,922

- Michael Porter Jr.
DEN-$5,258,735 / $29,626,456

- Jaren JacksonJr.
MEM- $9,180,560 / $22,780,112

- Mikal Bridges
PHX- $5,557,725 / $19,111,545

Kevin Huerter
ATL-$4,253,357 / $13,850,671

- Wendell Carter Jr.
ORL- $6,920,027/ $11,384,005

- Robert Williams
BOS- $3,661,976/ $10,332,395

- Landry Shamet
PHX-$3,768,342/ $9,253,668

- Grayson Allen
MIL- $4,054,695/ $7,018,232

Meaning theoretically, It would be possible to combine him with another 9+ million salary to reach equitable exchange salary or Gordon's 19 million. However, You're right that he likely won't be traded this year as he's got an aggregate trade clause in his contract preventing him from being traded before July 1st of 2022. So unfortunately a Shamet for Gordon trade is only wishful thinking currently.

[ImNotMcDiSwear]

I think some of you underestimate what Crowder brings to this team both on and off the court. Luckily I don't think Jones or Monty underestimate it.

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I'm admittedly not Crowders' biggest fan because of how streaky he is. But regardless, I personally would not look to include him in any trade currently. I'm primarily looking as t POSSIBLY moving a package of Saric and Shamet for Gordon? With the hope of then using Smith and a first or 2nds ( if necessary) to also add a Covington ( 1st choice) Nance (2nd choice), Craig ( 3rd choice), Thompson (4th choice) or Young (preferably through buyout)?? A combination of Gordon and any of those frontcourt options would be super solid for our bench inconsistencies/ tangible depth.

Actually Shamets money doesn't kick in until next year - as he is still on his rookie base year contract. But yes, his first two years are $9.5m and $10.25m - so pretty cheap. Years 3 and 4 are not guaranteed. So when talking about trading Shamet - he is only worth 3.8m of cap space.

I just do not see him traded this year. Small moves

Saric and Smith for something
maybe the buyout market

One thing a Smith/Saric potential trade does - it opens up the chance for the team to also be in the buyout market. I think they have one roster spot open now - so 2 for 1 trade3 plus buyout could increase the depth. But smart depth.

I actually thought Shamet couldn't realistically be trade due to the extension, but I guess I overestimated the power of the poison pill, as the trade checker lets me trade him for equal salary returning.

I'd deal him with Dario and Smith for Gordon, no question. If they want a 1st - which of course they would - I'd try to extract something extra. I like Armoni Brooks and KJ Martin. Augustin sucks, but not more than Elf. House isn't great, but he's a clear upgrade over Ish and Hutch.

Because of CP3's history with Gordon, I think something like this has a chance. Who else would be willing to give up a first for Gordon? He carried the Rockets to their recent 7 game winning streak, and when he was taken out of the lineup, they promptly dropped back to the floor. So I could see other suitors, but if Gordon's lobbying for a particular destination and we're willing to surrender draft compensation - this isn't unrealistic.

The real problem with Gordon is durability - he has none. Played 30 games each of the last two seasons. Which is why I'd want some additional bench guys like the names I mention, and no way am I including Nader, who has at least shown flashes of being able to make threes (certainly more than our other backup wings, Shamet excluded). If healthy, Gordon's a major upgrade over Shamet and gives us that additional playmaker we've discussed.

[BobbieL]

I'm admittedly not Crowders' biggest fan because of how streaky he is. But regardless, I personally would not look to include him in any trade currently. I'm primarily looking as t POSSIBLY moving a package of Saric and Shamet for Gordon? With the hope of then using Smith and a first or 2nds ( if necessary) to also add a Covington ( 1st choice) Nance (2nd choice), Craig ( 3rd choice), Thompson (4th choice) or Young (preferably through buyout)?? A combination of Gordon and any of those frontcourt options would be super solid for our bench inconsistencies/ tangible depth.

Actually Shamets money doesn't kick in until next year - as he is still on his rookie base year contract. But yes, his first two years are $9.5m and $10.25m - so pretty cheap. Years 3 and 4 are not guaranteed. So when talking about trading Shamet - he is only worth 3.8m of cap space.

I just do not see him traded this year. Small moves

Saric and Smith for something
maybe the buyout market

One thing a Smith/Saric potential trade does - it opens up the chance for the team to also be in the buyout market. I think they have one roster spot open now - so 2 for 1 trade3 plus buyout could increase the depth. But smart depth.

I actually thought Shamet couldn't realistically be trade due to the extension, but I guess I overestimated the power of the poison pill, as the trade checker lets me trade him for equal salary returning.

I'd deal him with Dario and Smith for Gordon, no question. If they want a 1st - which of course they would - I'd try to extract something extra. I like Armoni Brooks and KJ Martin. Augustin sucks, but not more than Elf. House isn't great, but he's a clear upgrade over Ish and Hutch.

Because of CP3's history with Gordon, I think something like this has a chance. Who else would be willing to give up a first for Gordon? He carried the Rockets to their recent 7 game winning streak, and when he was taken out of the lineup, they promptly dropped back to the floor. So I could see other suitors, but if Gordon's lobbying for a particular destination and we're willing to surrender draft compensation - this isn't unrealistic.

The real problem with Gordon is durability - he has none. Played 30 games each of the last two seasons. Which is why I'd want some additional bench guys like the names I mention, and no way am I including Nader, who has at least shown flashes of being able to make threes (certainly more than our other backup wings, Shamet excluded). If healthy, Gordon's a major upgrade over Shamet and gives us that additional playmaker we've discussed.

I just remember David IV Point Play writing when they signed the extensions that Bridges and Shamet could be traded - but highly unlikely because they were base year players with extensions. So I am not sure how it works with the cap - but thats what I recall

I don't see Gordon - I still think if there is a trade - its the Smith/2RP for Craig or Holiday type move

[Ghost of Kleine]

I'm admittedly not Crowders' biggest fan because of how streaky he is. But regardless, I personally would not look to include him in any trade currently. I'm primarily looking as t POSSIBLY moving a package of Saric and Shamet for Gordon? With the hope of then using Smith and a first or 2nds ( if necessary) to also add a Covington ( 1st choice) Nance (2nd choice), Craig ( 3rd choice), Thompson (4th choice) or Young (preferably through buyout)?? A combination of Gordon and any of those frontcourt options would be super solid for our bench inconsistencies/ tangible depth.

Actually Shamets money doesn't kick in until next year - as he is still on his rookie base year contract. But yes, his first two years are $9.5m and $10.25m - so pretty cheap. Years 3 and 4 are not guaranteed. So when talking about trading Shamet - he is only worth 3.8m of cap space.

I just do not see him traded this year. Small moves

Saric and Smith for something
maybe the buyout market

One thing a Smith/Saric potential trade does - it opens up the chance for the team to also be in the buyout market. I think they have one roster spot open now - so 2 for 1 trade3 plus buyout could increase the depth. But smart depth.

I actually thought Shamet couldn't realistically be trade due to the extension, but I guess I overestimated the power of the poison pill, as the trade checker lets me trade him for equal salary returning.

I'd deal him with Dario and Smith for Gordon, no question. If they want a 1st - which of course they would - I'd try to extract something extra. I like Armoni Brooks and KJ Martin. Augustin sucks, but not more than Elf. House isn't great, but he's a clear upgrade over Ish and Hutch.

I love this proposal. Martin or perhaps Tate for me personally as I think Tate has a bit of Dort/ THT to him?

Because of CP3's history with Gordon, I think something like this has a chance. Who else would be willing to give up a first for Gordon? He carried the Rockets to their recent 7 game winning streak, and when he was taken out of the lineup, they promptly dropped back to the floor. So I could see other suitors, but if Gordon's lobbying for a particular destination and we're willing to surrender draft compensation - this isn't unrealistic.

The real problem with Gordon is durability - he has none. Played 30 games each of the last two seasons. Which is why I'd want some additional bench guys like the names I mention, and no way am I including Nader, who has at least shown flashes of being able to make threes (certainly more than our other backup wings, Shamet excluded). If healthy, Gordon's a major upgrade over Shamet and gives us that additional playmaker we've discussed.

My hope with this is in that he could work with Paul ( maybe get on his diet/ training regimen for more sustainable durability. Also perhaps with playing less minutes in a lesser role, He might sustain himself better. As for me personally, Nader wouldn'tat all be off the table due to his repetitive knee injuries negating a consistent contribution from him. If we could include him in a trade for a KJ Martin , Kenrich Williams or a Ben McLemore even, I think you have to at least consider it..

[Saberestar]

I'm admittedly not Crowders' biggest fan because of how streaky he is. But regardless, I personally would not look to include him in any trade currently. I'm primarily looking as t POSSIBLY moving a package of Saric and Shamet for Gordon? With the hope of then using Smith and a first or 2nds ( if necessary) to also add a Covington ( 1st choice) Nance (2nd choice), Craig ( 3rd choice), Thompson (4th choice) or Young (preferably through buyout)?? A combination of Gordon and any of those frontcourt options would be super solid for our bench inconsistencies/ tangible depth.

Actually Shamets money doesn't kick in until next year - as he is still on his rookie base year contract. But yes, his first two years are $9.5m and $10.25m - so pretty cheap. Years 3 and 4 are not guaranteed. So when talking about trading Shamet - he is only worth 3.8m of cap space.

I just do not see him traded this year. Small moves

Saric and Smith for something
maybe the buyout market

One thing a Smith/Saric potential trade does - it opens up the chance for the team to also be in the buyout market. I think they have one roster spot open now - so 2 for 1 trade3 plus buyout could increase the depth. But smart depth.

I actually thought Shamet couldn't realistically be trade due to the extension, but I guess I overestimated the power of the poison pill, as the trade checker lets me trade him for equal salary returning.

I'd deal him with Dario and Smith for Gordon, no question. If they want a 1st - which of course they would - I'd try to extract something extra. I like Armoni Brooks and KJ Martin. Augustin sucks, but not more than Elf. House isn't great, but he's a clear upgrade over Ish and Hutch.

Because of CP3's history with Gordon, I think something like this has a chance. Who else would be willing to give up a first for Gordon? He carried the Rockets to their recent 7 game winning streak, and when he was taken out of the lineup, they promptly dropped back to the floor. So I could see other suitors, but if Gordon's lobbying for a particular destination and we're willing to surrender draft compensation - this isn't unrealistic.

The real problem with Gordon is durability - he has none. Played 30 games each of the last two seasons. Which is why I'd want some additional bench guys like the names I mention, and no way am I including Nader, who has at least shown flashes of being able to make threes (certainly more than our other backup wings, Shamet excluded). If healthy, Gordon's a major upgrade over Shamet and gives us that additional playmaker we've discussed.

Eric Gordon is a very good player but we don't need him. He would hate to just play 15 mpg, he wants to play and sign a nice contract next summer. And he usually isn't healthy, so trading for him would be a big risk.

I think that our backcourt is PERFECT. Fit, talent and chemistry are off the charts.

CP3/Payne
Book/Shamet

And Elfrid Payton as a 5th backcourt player with Mikal playing some minutes as a SG if needed.

Payne and Shamet are playing their roles pretty well. They get criticized too much IMO.

We have been playing without Book for the last 6 games and they have had a bigger role so sometimes they are over matched, but they are doing a decent job and helping to win games.

[bwgood77]

Landry Shamet has been disappointing on both ends. I applauded James Jones for getting a contract done, but man was I wrong. I think we pulled the trigger too soon. Good news is that I think it’s an easy contract to trade if we need to.

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I don't know why you think it would be easy to move. Surprised you think so if you think it's an overpay.

Everything I saw showed people pretty shocked at the deal he got. I thought he might get like 3/$20.

I don't think that will be a particularly easy contract to move unless we are taking on big long lasting salary or an equal quality player in return.

538 valued him at a little less than $7 million a year.

Yup, Landry Shamet was a steal for us so I'm pretty certain a majority of Suns fans are happy. We're only a third of the season in and once Shamet gets acclimated to our system he should flourish on the court. Just need to be patient with him. I'd rather Shamet launches bricks until he figures it out over one dimensional guys like Carter, Galloways etc..

Sure I prefer him to those guys, but not at $11 million a year. He is a solid 3 pt shooter and can't really score inside the arc, consistently shooting around the same inside the arc, which of course will include shots at the rim. He tries on defense, like Booker, but isn't good...though the effort is there. I want him to improve his passing a bit and hopefully his inside game unless he can start to hit in the mid 40s, but there are only a handful of guys in the entire NBA each year that hit that on high volume and it doesn't usually last over multiple seasons.

[Frank Lee]

Gordon = Shiny new object

[WeekapaugGroove]

Gordon = Shiny new object

For me he's like the shiny object I loved but then forgot about for years. Back when I thought point booker was the best route forward I liked the idea of Gordon paired with him.

Now I still like Gordon but I think the suns current 4 guard group is fine. My priority would be another big wing 3/4 type for depth.

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[spanishninja]

heh, one good game in the G-league and the Lakers signed IT.

[BobbieL]

Gordon = Shiny new object

For me he's like the shiny object I loved but then forgot about for years. Back when I thought point booker was the best route forward I liked the idea of Gordon paired with him.

Now I still like Gordon but I think the suns current 4 guard group is fine. My priority would be another big wing 3/4 type for depth.

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I agree. Front court depth seems like a much higher priority for the team than Eric Gordon. As it doesn't seem like Kaminsky will be back anytime soon and have no clue about Nader.

Probably still a bit early for trades - unless its Simmons - around the league. Same with buyouts. Suns just have to grind out wins until Booker is back. Get back in the flow and get to the All Star Break, trade deadline and see what happens.

[Ghost of Kleine]

Actually Shamets money doesn't kick in until next year - as he is still on his rookie base year contract. But yes, his first two years are $9.5m and $10.25m - so pretty cheap. Years 3 and 4 are not guaranteed. So when talking about trading Shamet - he is only worth 3.8m of cap space.

I just do not see him traded this year. Small moves

Saric and Smith for something
maybe the buyout market

One thing a Smith/Saric potential trade does - it opens up the chance for the team to also be in the buyout market. I think they have one roster spot open now - so 2 for 1 trade3 plus buyout could increase the depth. But smart depth.

I actually thought Shamet couldn't realistically be trade due to the extension, but I guess I overestimated the power of the poison pill, as the trade checker lets me trade him for equal salary returning.

I'd deal him with Dario and Smith for Gordon, no question. If they want a 1st - which of course they would - I'd try to extract something extra. I like Armoni Brooks and KJ Martin. Augustin sucks, but not more than Elf. House isn't great, but he's a clear upgrade over Ish and Hutch.

Because of CP3's history with Gordon, I think something like this has a chance. Who else would be willing to give up a first for Gordon? He carried the Rockets to their recent 7 game winning streak, and when he was taken out of the lineup, they promptly dropped back to the floor. So I could see other suitors, but if Gordon's lobbying for a particular destination and we're willing to surrender draft compensation - this isn't unrealistic.

The real problem with Gordon is durability - he has none. Played 30 games each of the last two seasons. Which is why I'd want some additional bench guys like the names I mention, and no way am I including Nader, who has at least shown flashes of being able to make threes (certainly more than our other backup wings, Shamet excluded). If healthy, Gordon's a major upgrade over Shamet and gives us that additional playmaker we've discussed.

Eric Gordon is a very good player but we don't need him. He would hate to just play 15 mpg, he wants to play and sign a nice contract next summer. And he usually isn't healthy, so trading for him would be a big risk.
I thought he was signed through 2023-2024? With his 23-24 ( $20 million salary being unguaranteed).
https://www.spotrac.com/nba/houston-rockets/eric-gordon-6116/

2023 non-guaranteed, fully guaranteed for All-Star team or 500 min (reg)/750 (reg/playoffs) + HOU Championship (@Wojnarowski

) (@BobbyMarks)

as for him hating playing a backup role, I think the difference in being able to play for an actual contender and compete for a championship as well as playing with Paul and under Monty again would satiate him fine in an obviously much better situation/ environment.

I think that our backcourt is PERFECT. Fit, talent and chemistry are off the charts.

CP3/Payne
Book/Shamet

And Elfrid Payton as a 5th backcourt player with Mikal playing some minutes as a SG if needed.

Not a fan of the Payton signing personally due to his inability to space the floor. And occasional tunnel vision. Aside from that he's a stable ball handler at least and decent playmaker. Intrigued by the proposition of Bridges at the two. But only if he gets more aggressive consistently and seeks a greater offensive role. No more complacency please.

Payne and Shamet are playing their roles pretty well. They get criticized too much IMO.
They're pretty good sometimes, But have been fairly inconsistent here and there when it counts. Now they may pull out of their struggles, or they may not. But they're likely only getting criticized due to expectations being so high. I like both of them. But wouldn't shunt an upgrade at their positions if available? Since our window is small.

We have been playing without Book for the last 6 games and they have had a bigger role so sometimes they are over matched, but they are doing a decent job and helping to win games.

I do agree here! They have done a decent job albeit having struggled at times which is to be expected. But what we're populating here is a more immediate potential upgrade for an "all in" win the title this season or bust mentality. Looking towards more significant immediate impacts and statistical consistency.