Season Speculation, Free Agency & Trade Ideas: Our Johnson is finally working

[Crives]

We very well could be looking at a roster with an over paid Booker, over paid Oubre, and an over paid Rozier.

Play ball!

I think the Suns need to be very careful with Oubre - last nights game notwithstanding. But he is a 7-8m guy, not 12m guy to me.

I think you are underestimating today's paydays. A productive role player gets 7-8... Oubre is banging for starter minutes and is getting 25+ a night. Does that continue when TJ returns ? IDK... but this team is not in any position to quibble over a few mil when it comes to a player like Oubre. He's bought in, is a team leader, and at times a game changer. plus a clear fan fav. just accept his price tag and move on. We cant continue to let talent walk... and he clearly wants to be here

I’d sign Oubre for 12 per without question. That’s a valuable contract we can flip depending on we we keep at the wings

[Crives]

Anyone else have a feeling that we will have a better record then the Lakers next year if we get our pg?

[hollywood6964]

I think the Suns need to be very careful with Oubre - last nights game notwithstanding. But he is a 7-8m guy, not 12m guy to me.

I think you are underestimating today's paydays. A productive role player gets 7-8... Oubre is banging for starter minutes and is getting 25+ a night. Does that continue when TJ returns ? IDK... but this team is not in any position to quibble over a few mil when it comes to a player like Oubre. He's bought in, is a team leader, and at times a game changer. plus a clear fan fav. just accept his price tag and move on. We cant continue to let talent walk... and he clearly wants to be here

I’d sign Oubre for 12 per without question. That’s a valuable contract we can flip depending on we we keep at the wings

That's what I've been thinking since we got him. 12, and if he keeps playing well, it'll be up to 14 mil. At 12 I'm good, but that's about the breaking point. 4 years in the league, guys don't get much better after that.

[Crives]

I think you are underestimating today's paydays. A productive role player gets 7-8... Oubre is banging for starter minutes and is getting 25+ a night. Does that continue when TJ returns ? IDK... but this team is not in any position to quibble over a few mil when it comes to a player like Oubre. He's bought in, is a team leader, and at times a game changer. plus a clear fan fav. just accept his price tag and move on. We cant continue to let talent walk... and he clearly wants to be here

I’d sign Oubre for 12 per without question. That’s a valuable contract we can flip depending on we we keep at the wings

That's what I've been thinking since we got him. 12, and if he keeps playing well, it'll be up to 14 mil. At 12 I'm good, but that's about the breaking point. 4 years in the league, guys don't get much better after that.

If he keeps rebounding like this he might be ok starting at the 4 in certain matchups

[WeekapaugGroove]

I think Johnson's effort level and professionalism are good for this team on and off the court. As far as him returning next year it all depends on what the alternative option would be. Like if you need to put his contract in a trade package for an impact player you obviously do it. As far as stretching him sure you free up around 12mil in space but you are paying 20 mil spread out over 3 years to not have him so if you do that it has to be for a very clear upgrade and long term piece. I wouldn't stretch him just to sign someone who's only marginally better.

If they end up keeping their pick and and drafting Ja or Garland then it probably increases the odds they keep him because he could serve as a 1 year bridge starter until those guys are ready to start. In that scenario it really wouldn't make sense to both eat his dead money and pay another PG for multiple years to be a head of those guys. Heck if you still don't feel the young guy is ready after 1 year then you can always find another stop gap PG in 2020 with the cap space Johnson coming off the books would create.

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[Crives]

So what’s the deal with Benders contract if we want to resign him? We cannot offer more yearly then the declined option, but we can add up to 4 years? Can other teams offer more then the declined option?

A three year deal at 4.6 is not looking bad.

[hollywood6964]

I’d sign Oubre for 12 per without question. That’s a valuable contract we can flip depending on we we keep at the wings

That's what I've been thinking since we got him. 12, and if he keeps playing well, it'll be up to 14 mil. At 12 I'm good, but that's about the breaking point. 4 years in the league, guys don't get much better after that.

If he keeps rebounding like this he might be ok starting at the 4 in certain matchups

I've been saying he should be at the four since we got him. Booker, bridges, Jackson, oubre n ayton to start. Best chance to win with tj instant O off the bench.

Since we got Johnson, if he plays decent you can do that too, but most of the time he's not good enough, but it's still better than Melton or okobo, which is what we were doing. Igor just isn't a good coach, he'll be gone soon n will never have a long, successful coaching career.

[BobbieL]

I think Johnson's effort level and professionalism are good for this team on and off the court. As far as him returning next year it all depends on what the alternative option would be. Like if you need to put his contract in a trade package for an impact player you obviously do it. As far as stretching him sure you free up around 12mil in space but you are paying 20 mil spread out over 3 years to not have him so if you do that it has to be for a very clear upgrade and long term piece. I wouldn't stretch him just to sign someone who's only marginally better.

If they end up keeping their pick and and drafting Ja or Garland then it probably increases the odds they keep him because he could serve as a 1 year bridge starter until those guys are ready to start. In that scenario it really wouldn't make sense to both eat his dead money and pay another PG for multiple years to be a head of those guys. Heck if you still don't feel the young guy is ready after 1 year then you can always find another stop gap PG in 2020 with the cap space Johnson coming off the books would create.

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I would agree with this about Johnson - don't stretch unless you have too. I still wonder if he would be willing to opt out - -or what 4 year contract would it be worth it for him to opt out. Probably way more than I would want to pay him. But both he and Oubre are right in that age range of the players they need. Guys that are off their first deal going into the second one.

I see at times the Suns making progress and if they can get a 1 and 4 - how much better they will be next year

I also do think Igor deserves a second year. This has been the year to suck it up, reach rock rock bottom and grow. Finish the season strong - no resting Booker, bring back Warren - win some damn games

[BobbieL]

I think the Suns need to be very careful with Oubre - last nights game notwithstanding. But he is a 7-8m guy, not 12m guy to me.

I think you are underestimating today's paydays. A productive role player gets 7-8... Oubre is banging for starter minutes and is getting 25+ a night. Does that continue when TJ returns ? IDK... but this team is not in any position to quibble over a few mil when it comes to a player like Oubre. He's bought in, is a team leader, and at times a game changer. plus a clear fan fav. just accept his price tag and move on. We cant continue to let talent walk... and he clearly wants to be here

I’d sign Oubre for 12 per without question. That’s a valuable contract we can flip depending on we we keep at the wings

I just think you have to be very careful spending the money before assessing the entire roster. Sure, it looks good to pay Oubre $12m but have you solved your long term PG and PF issues yet.

The Suns do not have much cap space if you count: the cap holds for Holmes, Oubre, a top 3 and Tyler Johnson opting in - I think its around 6m. So, things will need to be done smartly this offseason.

[WeekapaugGroove]

I think Johnson's effort level and professionalism are good for this team on and off the court. As far as him returning next year it all depends on what the alternative option would be. Like if you need to put his contract in a trade package for an impact player you obviously do it. As far as stretching him sure you free up around 12mil in space but you are paying 20 mil spread out over 3 years to not have him so if you do that it has to be for a very clear upgrade and long term piece. I wouldn't stretch him just to sign someone who's only marginally better.

If they end up keeping their pick and and drafting Ja or Garland then it probably increases the odds they keep him because he could serve as a 1 year bridge starter until those guys are ready to start. In that scenario it really wouldn't make sense to both eat his dead money and pay another PG for multiple years to be a head of those guys. Heck if you still don't feel the young guy is ready after 1 year then you can always find another stop gap PG in 2020 with the cap space Johnson coming off the books would create.

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I would agree with this about Johnson - don't stretch unless you have too. I still wonder if he would be willing to opt out - -or what 4 year contract would it be worth it for him to opt out. Probably way more than I would want to pay him. But both he and Oubre are right in that age range of the players they need. Guys that are off their first deal going into the second one.

I see at times the Suns making progress and if they can get a 1 and 4 - how much better they will be next year

I also do think Igor deserves a second year. This has been the year to suck it up, reach rock rock bottom and grow. Finish the season strong - no resting Booker, bring back Warren - win some damn games

I guess the extension route could be an option at the right price but I kind of find it hard to think of a number that works for both sides. Johnson will probably just want his $20mil now and then hit FA in 2020 so to get him to not do that you will need to over pay him and I'm not sure it's a good idea to make that kind of long term commitment.

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[BobbieL]

I think Johnson's effort level and professionalism are good for this team on and off the court. As far as him returning next year it all depends on what the alternative option would be. Like if you need to put his contract in a trade package for an impact player you obviously do it. As far as stretching him sure you free up around 12mil in space but you are paying 20 mil spread out over 3 years to not have him so if you do that it has to be for a very clear upgrade and long term piece. I wouldn't stretch him just to sign someone who's only marginally better.

If they end up keeping their pick and and drafting Ja or Garland then it probably increases the odds they keep him because he could serve as a 1 year bridge starter until those guys are ready to start. In that scenario it really wouldn't make sense to both eat his dead money and pay another PG for multiple years to be a head of those guys. Heck if you still don't feel the young guy is ready after 1 year then you can always find another stop gap PG in 2020 with the cap space Johnson coming off the books would create.

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I would agree with this about Johnson - don't stretch unless you have too. I still wonder if he would be willing to opt out - -or what 4 year contract would it be worth it for him to opt out. Probably way more than I would want to pay him. But both he and Oubre are right in that age range of the players they need. Guys that are off their first deal going into the second one.

I see at times the Suns making progress and if they can get a 1 and 4 - how much better they will be next year

I also do think Igor deserves a second year. This has been the year to suck it up, reach rock rock bottom and grow. Finish the season strong - no resting Booker, bring back Warren - win some damn games

I guess the extension route could be an option at the right price but I kind of find it hard to think of a number that works for both sides. Johnson will probably just want his $20mil now and then hit FA in 2020 so to get him to not do that you will need to over pay him and I'm not sure it's a good idea to make that kind of long term commitment.

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Yep - that will be the problem. He would be smart to opt in and try in 2020 for the money

For a team this bad to have so many cap issues -- its NY Knick like under Isiah Thomas.

[Crives]

I think Johnson's effort level and professionalism are good for this team on and off the court. As far as him returning next year it all depends on what the alternative option would be. Like if you need to put his contract in a trade package for an impact player you obviously do it. As far as stretching him sure you free up around 12mil in space but you are paying 20 mil spread out over 3 years to not have him so if you do that it has to be for a very clear upgrade and long term piece. I wouldn't stretch him just to sign someone who's only marginally better.

If they end up keeping their pick and and drafting Ja or Garland then it probably increases the odds they keep him because he could serve as a 1 year bridge starter until those guys are ready to start. In that scenario it really wouldn't make sense to both eat his dead money and pay another PG for multiple years to be a head of those guys. Heck if you still don't feel the young guy is ready after 1 year then you can always find another stop gap PG in 2020 with the cap space Johnson coming off the books would create.

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I would agree with this about Johnson - don't stretch unless you have too. I still wonder if he would be willing to opt out - -or what 4 year contract would it be worth it for him to opt out. Probably way more than I would want to pay him. But both he and Oubre are right in that age range of the players they need. Guys that are off their first deal going into the second one.

I see at times the Suns making progress and if they can get a 1 and 4 - how much better they will be next year

I also do think Igor deserves a second year. This has been the year to suck it up, reach rock rock bottom and grow. Finish the season strong - no resting Booker, bring back Warren - win some damn games

I guess the extension route could be an option at the right price but I kind of find it hard to think of a number that works for both sides. Johnson will probably just want his $20mil now and then hit FA in 2020 so to get him to not do that you will need to over pay him and I'm not sure it's a good idea to make that kind of long term commitment.

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I know what you mean, but I would like to see us address pg/pf with our pick and possibly a wing in a trade. Oubre is to good to let walk for free. I posted here a little while back saying we should be open to trading Bridges even though he is our favorite wing. Bridges has the most trade value, will allow us to keep Oubre and can possible bring back a high value pf/pg like JJJ,Collins,Lauri it Jrue depending on who wins Zion.

[KLEON]

What do you guys think will happen with Tyler Johnson in the off-season?

Try and trade him.

This has to be the priority. Even if you like his fit on the team, freeing up $20 mil can get you a much better quality starter or 2 equally qualified role players.

I won't lie, I really like Johnson on this team

[Frank Lee]

Spoiler:

I would agree with this about Johnson - don't stretch unless you have too. I still wonder if he would be willing to opt out - -or what 4 year contract would it be worth it for him to opt out. Probably way more than I would want to pay him. But both he and Oubre are right in that age range of the players they need. Guys that are off their first deal going into the second one.

I see at times the Suns making progress and if they can get a 1 and 4 - how much better they will be next year

I also do think Igor deserves a second year. This has been the year to suck it up, reach rock rock bottom and grow. Finish the season strong - no resting Booker, bring back Warren - win some damn games

I guess the extension route could be an option at the right price but I kind of find it hard to think of a number that works for both sides. Johnson will probably just want his $20mil now and then hit FA in 2020 so to get him to not do that you will need to over pay him and I'm not sure it's a good idea to make that kind of long term commitment.

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I

know what you mean, but I would like to see us address pg/pf with our pick and possibly a wing in a trade. Oubre is to good to let walk for free. I posted here a little while back saying we should be open to trading Bridges even though he is our favorite wing. Bridges has the most trade value, will allow us to keep Oubre and can possible bring back a high value pf/pg like JJJ,Collins,Lauri it Jrue depending on who wins Zion.

Yer nuts dude.... There are but 4 or 5 rookies per draft that are worth their deals. Its too good of a value to have one, especially at the 10 and below paygrade. Bridges is going nowhere. Dont make a hole to plug another. Just as with Markky, JJJ and the rest you may covet, those guys are keepers unless, at very greatest longshot, you are dealing for a tier one soop. Oubre wants to be here and we'll work a deal for him after everyone else is inked. He is our ticket over the cap.

[denial]

For years we would never play any young guys. They’d rot on the bench and when they did play they would not be confident and would be looking over their shoulder to be yanked.
Then we trade them to another team and they play great and become the players everyone expected them to.
That is no longer the case with Koko. look at the production and minutes of bridges, for example.
In years past, he would have never gotten any run.

We are developing our youth and foing a cohesive team with the right culture. We play team basketball. And we have shown an ability to take defense seriously.
Also, for the first time since Marion left, we are not a terrible rebounding team.

I am as excited now as I was for our opening game.
We finally have direction and potential.
I don’t understand the Igor hate. He is doing fantastic.

I think smart FA stars are probably willing to seriously look at PHX. We will be much better next season, even if we make no changes. If we add a FA vet star, we will be pretty good.
We are so young, and Igor is doing a great job.

We are building a new culture from the ground up. The fact that guys are still competing and haven’t given up, despite having only won 12 games, says a lot about our coaching. The koko hate is spewed from a place of ignorance about basketball and leadership, imo.

[BobbieL]

Try and trade him.

This has to be the priority. Even if you like his fit on the team, freeing up $20 mil can get you a much better quality starter or 2 equally qualified role players.

I won't lie, I really like Johnson on this team

trying to figure out how you keep Johnson on the team still trying to improve PG and PF and the only way I can see is if you move Jackson for sure and possibly the top draft pick and move that for a player somehow

Jackson and top pick are worth about 15m'; Suns have about 6m if they do not renounce Oubre and Holmes

Corey Joseph and Aminu

I am just not sure I see a path

[WeekapaugGroove]

When looking at how they will fit in some vets in the salary structure I'd say one obvious way is into either Jackson or Warrens salary slot. Regardless of what they do with Oubre I don't see any reason to have both Jackson and Warren on this roster next season and if you bring oubre back both should probably go.

Jackson is the most obvious guy to go because if your going to bring in vets for the rotation then some guys are going to be squeezed out and him and Crawford are the rotation guys who hurt them the most so would be the most obvious to be replaced.

Warren could go because he would actually fetch you something in a trade. Sure they need his shooting but if you can replace that in his trade or other moves then you make the move.

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[bwgood77]

When looking at how they will fit in some vets in the salary structure I'd say one obvious way is into either Jackson or Warrens salary slot. Regardless of what they do with Oubre I don't see any reason to have both Jackson and Warren on this roster next season and if you bring oubre back both should probably go.

Jackson is the most obvious guy to go because if your going to bring in vets for the rotation then some guys are going to be squeezed out and him and Crawford are the rotation guys who hurt them the most so would be the most obvious to be replaced.

Warren could go because he would actually fetch you something in a trade. Sure they need his shooting but if you can replace that in his trade or other moves then you make the move.

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Ideally we keep as much shooting as we can and add as much as we can. Our defense won us that game, but it won't be that often that a team like the Bucks (or many teams) shoot that poorly from 3. Middleton was 1-7, Lopez 2-9, Bledsoe 0-6 and Mirotic 3-10. That's 6-32, or without Mirotic, 3-22.

[BobbieL]

When looking at how they will fit in some vets in the salary structure I'd say one obvious way is into either Jackson or Warrens salary slot. Regardless of what they do with Oubre I don't see any reason to have both Jackson and Warren on this roster next season and if you bring oubre back both should probably go.

Jackson is the most obvious guy to go because if your going to bring in vets for the rotation then some guys are going to be squeezed out and him and Crawford are the rotation guys who hurt them the most so would be the most obvious to be replaced.

Warren could go because he would actually fetch you something in a trade. Sure they need his shooting but if you can replace that in his trade or other moves then you make the move.

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Since I like Tylers game -- and its not realistic to extend - if he is kept, Holmes and Oubre have cap holds, and counting the Suns top 3 pick, the Suns have about 6m of cap space

1) Jackson moved somehow - removes 7m, if the draft pick is attached, not sure how that works, but maybe 15 going out
2) Warren traded - gain 10.8m

I guess the Suns could make two moves above and still have a very small 6m of cap space to round out the roster keeping Johnson, Oubre and Holmes.

[WeekapaugGroove]

When looking at how they will fit in some vets in the salary structure I'd say one obvious way is into either Jackson or Warrens salary slot. Regardless of what they do with Oubre I don't see any reason to have both Jackson and Warren on this roster next season and if you bring oubre back both should probably go.

Jackson is the most obvious guy to go because if your going to bring in vets for the rotation then some guys are going to be squeezed out and him and Crawford are the rotation guys who hurt them the most so would be the most obvious to be replaced.

Warren could go because he would actually fetch you something in a trade. Sure they need his shooting but if you can replace that in his trade or other moves then you make the move.

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Ideally we keep as much shooting as we can and add as much as we can. Our defense won us that game, but it won't be that often that a team like the Bucks (or many teams) shoot that poorly from 3. Middleton was 1-7, Lopez 2-9, Bledsoe 0-6 and Mirotic 3-10. That's 6-32, or without Mirotic, 3-22.

Oh I'm all for having as much shooting as possible on this team. Everyone they bring in this summer should be at the bare minimum a league average 3pt shooter. I'm not suggesting they give Warren away for free or not replace the shooting he provides if they do move him. Warren has value so might be needed as part of a package that brings in a PF or PG who can provide shooting and also fill a position of need.

On the shooting side I actually think their most clear path to be a better shooting team is Booker and Bridges shooting a higher percentage next year. Booker is having a bad year from deep but if he gets healthy and gets more good looks with better players around him it's reasonable to think he can shoot better. Bridges should shoot better next year by simply being more comfortable with NBA distance. Both those guys have the chops to shoot better and will be playing a ton of minutes.