Season speculation, free agency, and trade ideas: #ValleyBoyz rise up

[KLEON]

I tell you what, I knew Tobias Harris was good but I didn't know he was this good. Suns I know we probably won't get him but at least pull the Brinks truck at his doorstep in the summer.

[Saberestar]

I tell you what, I knew Tobias Harris was good but I didn't know he was this good. Suns I know we probably won't get him but at least pull the Brinks truck at his doorstep in the summer.

I do not think that we have a chance.

The Sixers have made a terrific job this season adquiring two All Stars for just a few meh picks and role players.

They just have too sign Butler and Harris offering them the max to both for the next four seasons, and with that they have a team that will be a perennial contender in the East.

They control Embiid and Simmons...and they can sign Redick going over the cap too.

In basketball better quality over quantity always.

[Ghost of Kleine]

FA happens after the draft so an AD trade probably won’t happen until July. It’s not like we can draft a player for New Orleans and trade his rights for Jrue (if they’re really tied together).

Wouldn’t it be easier for the Pelicans and I’d assume the Celtics to trade AD on draft day or even before the draft? That way the Pelicans get multiple picks and draft accordingly. And it would be easier to keep Kyrie around knowing the Celtics traded for AD.

To your point, Should the Pels decide to trade Davis, The Celts return offer would be by far the best cumulatively.

And wether or not Griffin stating that New Orleans is on good terms with Rich Paul, I personally just don't see the Pels choosing to deal Davis to the Lakers after the Fiasco Lebron and Rich Paul have caused them.

Aside from that, given their still decent core, along with the rich return they're likely to get from any team, Especially the Celts.

Their core would obviously be easily competitive enough to compete for the playoffs, even without Davis being on the team.

Remember, they're replacing one great player's production with multiple high end productive players, Multiple Lottery picks, and cap space.

So with the fact that Jrue is still an all star caliber player under contractual control for up to 3 more years, In keeping him, coupled with all of that return, they could easily avoid the painful rebuilding process for their fans.

and in doing so, They can also avoid losing more longterm money by being bad, and potentially further alienating their fanbase by not competing and as a result losing more revenue from ticket sales too.

From a business perspective, why again would they choose to trade Jrue, just to endure a long and painful rebuilding process, also in a new lottery system that no longer benefits the teams with the worst record anyways???

They still are in a much better position by keeping Holiday than if they traded him. So for my part, I don't see them trading Holiday, even If they still trade Davis.

I could actually even see them trade Davis to whomever gets the number one pick (cough...cough...New York) And then also getting back a return of Kevin Knox, Mitchell Robinson and a couple firsts, along with Zion.

And really , Wether it ends up being New York or Boston that they trade Davis to, They're not likely going to want to trade him to the Lakers, as they'll want to still compete ( with Jrue).

and so they will not be looking to strengthen any team they'll have to potentially compete against in the Western conference obviously.

So in keeping Jrue, They can then just take the best possible point guard prospect with their pick at around 8 or so. Perhaps Coby White or Darius Garland, or even Culver maybe(Whoever falls to them).

Then they just move Jrue to the shooting guard position (which he prefers anyways). They can easily compete for a playoff spot now , and then they can just use Jrue as a huge expiring in 2021 for another star player to add to their new roster and get even deeper.

There's just no logical reason for them to trade Jrue and force themselves into years of potential rebuilding mediocrity. And I just don't see a new g.m. like Griffin choosing that as his best option in his first year on the job for them.

[Crives]

FA happens after the draft so an AD trade probably won’t happen until July. It’s not like we can draft a player for New Orleans and trade his rights for Jrue (if they’re really tied together).

Wouldn’t it be easier for the Pelicans and I’d assume the Celtics to trade AD on draft day or even before the draft? That way the Pelicans get multiple picks and draft accordingly. And it would be easier to keep Kyrie around knowing the Celtics traded for AD.

To your point, Should the Pels decide to trade Davis, The Celts return offer would be by far the best cumulatively.

And wether or not Griffin stating that New Orleans is on good terms with Rich Paul, I personally just don't see the Pels choosing to deal Davis to the Lakers after the Fiasco Lebron and Rich Paul have caused them.

Aside from that, given their still decent core, along with the rich return they're likely to get from any team, Especially the Celts.

Their core would obviously be easily competitive enough to compete for the playoffs, even without Davis being on the team.

Remember, they're replacing one great player's production with multiple high end productive players, Multiple Lottery picks, and cap space.

So with the fact that Jrue is still an all star caliber player under contractual control for up to 3 more years, In keeping him, coupled with all of that return, they could easily avoid the painful rebuilding process for their fans.

and in doing so, They can also avoid losing more longterm money by being bad, and potentially further alienating their fanbase by not competing and as a result losing more revenue from ticket sales too.

From a business perspective, why again would they choose to trade Jrue, just to endure a long and painful rebuilding process, also in a new lottery system that no longer benefits the teams with the worst record anyways???

They still are in a much better position by keeping Holiday than if they traded him. So for my part, I don't see them trading Holiday, even If they still trade Davis.

I could actually even see them trade Davis to whomever gets the number one pick (cough...cough...New York) And then also getting back a return of Kevin Knox, Mitchell Robinson and a couple firsts, along with Zion.

And really , Wether it ends up being New York or Boston that they trade Davis to, They're not likely going to want to trade him to the Lakers, as they'll want to still compete ( with Jrue).

and so they will not be looking to strengthen any team they'll have to potentially compete against in the Western conference obviously.

So in keeping Jrue, They can then just take the best possible point guard prospect with their pick at around 8 or so. Perhaps Coby White or Darius Garland, or even Culver maybe(Whoever falls to them).

Then they just move Jrue to the shooting guard position (which he prefers anyways). They can easily compete for a playoff spot now , and then they can just use Jrue as a huge expiring in 2021 for another star player to add to their new roster and get even deeper.

There's just no logical reason for them to trade Jrue and force themselves into years of potential rebuilding mediocrity. And I just don't see a new g.m. like Griffin choosing that as his best option in his first year on the job for them.

I think Griffin realizes Jrues peak value will be this summer, he’s turning 30 next year.

[Qwigglez]

^that... and if we were to offer something for Jrue it would likely be our 2019 pick, which would give them the benefit if knowing what pick it is. As opposed to getting a future pick that is completely unknown in the value because of the uncertainty of where the pick will land. The Pelicans would have an immediate rebuild instead of a very slow one like the Suns or even the Sixers.

[DirtyDez]

FA happens after the draft so an AD trade probably won’t happen until July. It’s not like we can draft a player for New Orleans and trade his rights for Jrue (if they’re really tied together).

Wouldn’t it be easier for the Pelicans and I’d assume the Celtics to trade AD on draft day or even before the draft? That way the Pelicans get multiple picks and draft accordingly. And it would be easier to keep Kyrie around knowing the Celtics traded for AD.

Too much unknown to say right now. Kyrie is a loose canon that has a number of different options.

[King4Day]

Didn't see this posted yet.

The Phoenix Suns may prefer to draft Ja Morant over Zion Williamson, according to sources around the NBA.

James Jones is said to "be a fan" of the Murray State point guard, especially considering the Suns' need at that position, writes Sam Vecenie of The Athletic. Vecenie is, however, skeptical that the Suns would pass on Williamson over Morant.

The Suns have a 14 percent chance of landing the first pick in the draft.

The NBA Draft Lottery takes place on May 14th.

https://theathletic.com/864629/2019/04/19/suns-draft-fits-roster-analysis-cap-situation-and-team-specific-big-board/

It may be an unpopular decision but I think Morant has a better chance at stardom than Zion. Zion is similar to Blake. And Blake, as great as he is, isn't the guy you build a title contender around.

[Crives]

Didn't see this posted yet.

The Phoenix Suns may prefer to draft Ja Morant over Zion Williamson, according to sources around the NBA.

James Jones is said to "be a fan" of the Murray State point guard, especially considering the Suns' need at that position, writes Sam Vecenie of The Athletic. Vecenie is, however, skeptical that the Suns would pass on Williamson over Morant.

The Suns have a 14 percent chance of landing the first pick in the draft.

The NBA Draft Lottery takes place on May 14th.

https://theathletic.com/864629/2019/04/19/suns-draft-fits-roster-analysis-cap-situation-and-team-specific-big-board/

It may be an unpopular decision but I think Morant has a better chance at stardom than Zion. Zion is similar to Blake. And Blake, as great as he is, isn't the guy you build a title contender around.

Of course jones is a fan of Morant... I’m sure he’s a fan of Zion too

[Ghost of Kleine]

Wouldn’t it be easier for the Pelicans and I’d assume the Celtics to trade AD on draft day or even before the draft? That way the Pelicans get multiple picks and draft accordingly. And it would be easier to keep Kyrie around knowing the Celtics traded for AD.

To your point, Should the Pels decide to trade Davis, The Celts return offer would be by far the best cumulatively.

And wether or not Griffin stating that New Orleans is on good terms with Rich Paul, I personally just don't see the Pels choosing to deal Davis to the Lakers after the Fiasco Lebron and Rich Paul have caused them.

Aside from that, given their still decent core, along with the rich return they're likely to get from any team, Especially the Celts.

Their core would obviously be easily competitive enough to compete for the playoffs, even without Davis being on the team.

Remember, they're replacing one great player's production with multiple high end productive players, Multiple Lottery picks, and cap space.

So with the fact that Jrue is still an all star caliber player under contractual control for up to 3 more years, In keeping him, coupled with all of that return, they could easily avoid the painful rebuilding process for their fans.

and in doing so, They can also avoid losing more longterm money by being bad, and potentially further alienating their fanbase by not competing and as a result losing more revenue from ticket sales too.

From a business perspective, why again would they choose to trade Jrue, just to endure a long and painful rebuilding process, also in a new lottery system that no longer benefits the teams with the worst record anyways???

They still are in a much better position by keeping Holiday than if they traded him. So for my part, I don't see them trading Holiday, even If they still trade Davis.

I could actually even see them trade Davis to whomever gets the number one pick (cough...cough...New York) And then also getting back a return of Kevin Knox, Mitchell Robinson and a couple firsts, along with Zion.

And really , Wether it ends up being New York or Boston that they trade Davis to, They're not likely going to want to trade him to the Lakers, as they'll want to still compete ( with Jrue).

and so they will not be looking to strengthen any team they'll have to potentially compete against in the Western conference obviously.

So in keeping Jrue, They can then just take the best possible point guard prospect with their pick at around 8 or so. Perhaps Coby White or Darius Garland, or even Culver maybe(Whoever falls to them).

Then they just move Jrue to the shooting guard position (which he prefers anyways). They can easily compete for a playoff spot now , and then they can just use Jrue as a huge expiring in 2021 for another star player to add to their new roster and get even deeper.

There's just no logical reason for them to trade Jrue and force themselves into years of potential rebuilding mediocrity. And I just don't see a new g.m. like Griffin choosing that as his best option in his first year on the job for them.

I think Griffin realizes Jrues peak value will be this summer, he’s turning 30 next year.

Possibly, I just in my humble opinion think that he carries more value to them as a franchise by helping them compete and stay relevant, as they are still a small market team.

And of course his value as a huge expiring trade chip for a max player in 2021, while helping them to maintain their ability to be competitive which also will help increase their odds to be able to land a marquee player than if they're a rebuilding team.

[darmani]

Didn't see this posted yet.

The Phoenix Suns may prefer to draft Ja Morant over Zion Williamson, according to sources around the NBA.

James Jones is said to "be a fan" of the Murray State point guard, especially considering the Suns' need at that position, writes Sam Vecenie of The Athletic. Vecenie is, however, skeptical that the Suns would pass on Williamson over Morant.

The Suns have a 14 percent chance of landing the first pick in the draft.

The NBA Draft Lottery takes place on May 14th.

https://theathletic.com/864629/2019/04/19/suns-draft-fits-roster-analysis-cap-situation-and-team-specific-big-board/

It may be an unpopular decision but I think Morant has a better chance at stardom than Zion. Zion is similar to Blake. And Blake, as great as he is, isn't the guy you build a title contender around.

The draft thread. BTW there's absolutely nothing about the Suns DRAFTING Morant over Zion in Vecenie's article.

[King4Day]

Didn't see this posted yet.

The Phoenix Suns may prefer to draft Ja Morant over Zion Williamson, according to sources around the NBA.

James Jones is said to "be a fan" of the Murray State point guard, especially considering the Suns' need at that position, writes Sam Vecenie of The Athletic. Vecenie is, however, skeptical that the Suns would pass on Williamson over Morant.

The Suns have a 14 percent chance of landing the first pick in the draft.

The NBA Draft Lottery takes place on May 14th.

https://theathletic.com/864629/2019/04/19/suns-draft-fits-roster-analysis-cap-situation-and-team-specific-big-board/

It may be an unpopular decision but I think Morant has a better chance at stardom than Zion. Zion is similar to Blake. And Blake, as great as he is, isn't the guy you build a title contender around.

The draft thread. BTW there's absolutely nothing about the Suns DRAFTING Morant over Zion in Vecenie's article.

Thanks. For some reason I thought the 2 threads were combined.

[Crives]

Read on Twitter

?s=21

[Ghost of Kleine]

FA happens after the draft so an AD trade probably won’t happen until July. It’s not like we can draft a player for New Orleans and trade his rights for Jrue (if they’re really tied together).

Wouldn’t it be easier for the Pelicans and I’d assume the Celtics to trade AD on draft day or even before the draft? That way the Pelicans get multiple picks and draft accordingly. And it would be easier to keep Kyrie around knowing the Celtics traded for AD.

Yes, But I believe that the Celtics are waiting on Irvings' prohibitive " Rose Rule " to expire in July. As due to the Rose rule, They can't trade for another max player while Irving is still under contract, Or until it expires.

Also, I believe that the Celtics offer is what the Pels are waiting for. They currently would have the best stable of talented players ( ****with playoff experience) coming back, along with multiple picks as well.

I mean obviously, a starting 5 of possibly Smart/Holiday/ Jason Tatum/ Randle/ and Okafor is pretty solid and very potentially a playoff team.

Add in their Cap space and the ability to trade off those picks for veteran pieces, etc. And they won't need to rebuild. Also, consider that with Durant leaving the Warriors, And heading out East, what west coast team would that starting 5 not be able to compete against??

So with that being said, I don't believe that theyll entertain trading Davis until July. Moreover, again, it's just my opinion, But I don't see them trading Holiday even after trading Davis.

But I guess we'll just have to wait and see how it plays out come draft night and then in free agency.

[jredsaz]

Read on Twitter

?s=21

Really didn't think I would be saying this but I would like to keep TJ if we cant swing a trade for Jrue or Beal. Extend him by a year, cut down his cap hit for 2019-2020, and let him either run the point or come off the bench as the leader of the second unit.

He got significantly more comfortable on the ball as the season progressed, he is a vet with winning experience, and he is a valley boy who seems like he wants to be here/gets along well with the core.

Sent from my SM-G965U using RealGM mobile app

[LukasBMW]

I'd be happy with pick 1 or 2. I like Zion and Morant.

But...to take Morant over Zion @1 would be incredibly stupid. Zion changes the game. He's everywhere! And I absolutely think we can make him work next to Ayton. Actually...having him on the team may motivate Ayton. Zion's work ethic and intensity WILL rub off.

[timetoshinebaby]

Sun's just saying we're open for business if you want to blow us away.

[Walt_Uoob]

Yeah I don't hear anyone advocating for actually drafting Ja #1 over Zion but that's why a trade is intriguing if we get #1: Zion is considered so head and shoulders above everyone else that there's a good chance even the team with #2 would give up a lot to move up for Zion, which then might be worth it. I think it was in the draft thread someone imagined an offer from the Hawks of Ja, Collins, their other FRP this year from Dallas, and a future FRP. No one knows they'd actually offer that much but that's a hell of a tempting package if so.

Sent from my moto x4 using RealGM mobile app

[Qwigglez]

FA happens after the draft so an AD trade probably won’t happen until July. It’s not like we can draft a player for New Orleans and trade his rights for Jrue (if they’re really tied together).

Wouldn’t it be easier for the Pelicans and I’d assume the Celtics to trade AD on draft day or even before the draft? That way the Pelicans get multiple picks and draft accordingly. And it would be easier to keep Kyrie around knowing the Celtics traded for AD.

Yes, But I believe that the Celtics are waiting on Irvings' prohibitive " Rose Rule " to expire in July. As due to the Rose rule, They can't trade for another max player while Irving is still under contract, Or until it expires.

Also, I believe that the Celtics offer is what the Pels are waiting for. They currently would have the best stable of talented players ( ****with playoff experience) coming back, along with multiple picks as well.

I mean obviously, a starting 5 of possibly Smart/Holiday/ Jason Tatum/ Randle/ and Okafor is pretty solid and very potentially a playoff team.

Add in their Cap space and the ability to trade off those picks for veteran pieces, etc. And they won't need to rebuild. Also, consider that with Durant leaving the Warriors, And heading out East, what west coast team would that starting 5 not be able to compete against??

So with that being said, I don't believe that theyll entertain trading Davis until July. Moreover, again, it's just my opinion, But I don't see them trading Holiday even after trading Davis.

But I guess we'll just have to wait and see how it plays out come draft night and then in free agency.

Oh completely forgot about that Rose rule actually. Are you sure it expires in July or as soon as the season ends? Regardless I believe the Celtics approached the Pelicans at the trade deadline and mentioned they have a package that blows the Lakers one out of the water. The Pelicans could just easily assume AD is all but gone already, and take the dive and not look back so to speak. Trade Jrue on draft day while his value is the highest, and then trade AD over the summer. As strange as Irving is, I believe if he knew AD was going to the Celtics he would take that opportunity along with the extra money as incentive to stay with Boston over going to the Knicks/Nets.

[Ghost of Kleine]

Wouldn’t it be easier for the Pelicans and I’d assume the Celtics to trade AD on draft day or even before the draft? That way the Pelicans get multiple picks and draft accordingly. And it would be easier to keep Kyrie around knowing the Celtics traded for AD.

Yes, But I believe that the Celtics are waiting on Irvings' prohibitive " Rose Rule " to expire in July. As due to the Rose rule, They can't trade for another max player while Irving is still under contract, Or until it expires.

Also, I believe that the Celtics offer is what the Pels are waiting for. They currently would have the best stable of talented players ( ****with playoff experience) coming back, along with multiple picks as well.

I mean obviously, a starting 5 of possibly Smart/Holiday/ Jason Tatum/ Randle/ and Okafor is pretty solid and very potentially a playoff team.

Add in their Cap space and the ability to trade off those picks for veteran pieces, etc. And they won't need to rebuild. Also, consider that with Durant leaving the Warriors, And heading out East, what west coast team would that starting 5 not be able to compete against??

So with that being said, I don't believe that theyll entertain trading Davis until July. Moreover, again, it's just my opinion, But I don't see them trading Holiday even after trading Davis.

But I guess we'll just have to wait and see how it plays out come draft night and then in free agency.

Oh completely forgot about that Rose rule actually. Are you sure it expires in July or as soon as the season ends? Regardless I believe the Celtics approached the Pelicans at the trade deadline and mentioned they have a package that blows the Lakers one out of the water. The Pelicans could just easily assume AD is all but gone already, and take the dive and not look back so to speak. Trade Jrue on draft day while his value is the highest, and then trade AD over the summer. As strange as Irving is, I believe if he knew AD was going to the Celtics he would take that opportunity along with the extra money as incentive to stay with Boston over going to the Knicks/Nets.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/syndication.bleacherreport.com/amp/2817997-how-kyrie-irvings-contract-rose-rule-impacts-celtics-trading-for-anthony-davis.amp.html .

As ESPN's Tim Bontemps noted, the NBA's collective bargaining agreement prevents teams from having two players on their roster who signed designated player extensions, colloquially known as the "Derrick Rose Rule." Irving signed a DPE during his time with the Cleveland Cavaliers, and Davis' contract with the New Orleans Pelicans is also a Rose Rule extension.

The Celtics cannot have both Irving and Davis on their roster until July when Kyrie becomes an unrestricted free agent. Boston could then re-sign Irving and trade for Davis without breaking any NBA rules.

[Ghost of Kleine]

Wouldn’t it be easier for the Pelicans and I’d assume the Celtics to trade AD on draft day or even before the draft? That way the Pelicans get multiple picks and draft accordingly. And it would be easier to keep Kyrie around knowing the Celtics traded for AD.

Yes, But I believe that the Celtics are waiting on Irvings' prohibitive " Rose Rule " to expire in July. As due to the Rose rule, They can't trade for another max player while Irving is still under contract, Or until it expires.

Also, I believe that the Celtics offer is what the Pels are waiting for. They currently would have the best stable of talented players ( ****with playoff experience) coming back, along with multiple picks as well.

I mean obviously, a starting 5 of possibly Smart/Holiday/ Jason Tatum/ Randle/ and Okafor is pretty solid and very potentially a playoff team.

Add in their Cap space and the ability to trade off those picks for veteran pieces, etc. And they won't need to rebuild. Also, consider that with Durant leaving the Warriors, And heading out East, what west coast team would that starting 5 not be able to compete against??

So with that being said, I don't believe that theyll entertain trading Davis until July. Moreover, again, it's just my opinion, But I don't see them trading Holiday even after trading Davis.

But I guess we'll just have to wait and see how it plays out come draft night and then in free agency.

Oh completely forgot about that Rose rule actually. Are you sure it expires in July or as soon as the season ends? Regardless I believe the Celtics approached the Pelicans at the trade deadline and mentioned they have a package that blows the Lakers one out of the water. The Pelicans could just easily assume AD is all but gone already, and take the dive and not look back so to speak. Trade Jrue on draft day while his value is the highest, and then trade AD over the summer. As strange as Irving is, I believe if he knew AD was going to the Celtics he would take that opportunity along with the extra money as incentive to stay with Boston over going to the Knicks/Nets.

Maybe, But I believe that Irving prefers to go to New York regardless of Davis, As he is from New Jersey.

Also, His conversations with Durant, and the fact that Durant has centralized his business ventures to New York is also going to be a determining factor in them teaming up in New York.

The bad part in the rose rule for Boston is in that Irving will be an unrestricted free agent once it expires, and will most likely be gone anyways, regardless of Davis coming to Boston or not.