The Official 2024 Offseason Thread

[Ghost of Kleine]

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[Ghost of Kleine]

https://hoopshype.com/lists/aggregate-2024-nba-mock-draft-intel-on-knicks-suns-spurs-76ers-raptors-nuggets-wizards-more/

10. Utah: Ron Holland

Utah has a surplus of draft picks in this class that rival executives believe are readily available on the trade market as the Jazz attempt to upgrade the roster. 

There’s also a belief from rival executives who spoke with HoopsHype that guards Collin Sexton and Jordan Clarkson could become available on the trade market.

I mention Utah as a potential trade partner not so much for Clarkson or Sexton, even though I'd love Sexton as a backup guard consideration. But more as a trade partner for Walker Kessler and their 9th and 32nd picks in this draft! I get that Ainge is incredibly stingy in trades, But I'd push really hard for him to consider a Little/ PHX 2031 ( top 4 protected) 1st/ Boston 2nd for Kessler/ Potter/ 29th and 32nd picks.

I only say this because our 2031 1st is very likely to be considered a top 5 lottery pick that season and little is still a young, athletic upside swing for Ainge to consider. Ideally I'd prefer to trade Nurkic/ 2031 1st to the Flakers for the Woods/ Vincent and the 17th pick in this year's draft. And then flip that 17th pick along with Little/ to Utah for Kessler/ Potter and the 29th and 32nd picks.

That'd give Utah the 10th and 17th picks to move up even higher in this draft, or just take two higher tiered prospects they like which could be incredibly enticing to Ainge who loves the draft. And I also strongly believe that the Flakers would eagerly do the Nurkic deal because they'll be desperate to maximize Lebron's final years with them as well as to be able to move AD to the 4 so he won't have to bang against bigger 5s.

And Nurkic would offer better established impact than any rookie they'd add ( even Edey). For us, it'd suck to lose Nurkic, but we could honestly look to replace him with more switchable athletic options from the draft, or look to add very similar big options like Joel Soriano ( 6'11 walking double/ double 4/5) from the undrafted ranges. Or Goga Bidatze who's really just a more mobile/ bouncy version of Nurkic anyways. Or Andre Drummond on a vet min who's basically identical to Nurkic in a variety of ways.

But getting Utah's 29th and 32nd picks would allow us to have the 22nd, 29th, 32nd picks now to use on key additions like:
22- Kolek.
29- Holmes.
32- Dunn.
Then add one of those centers mentioned above. And one of Blake Hinson ( 42% from three on 11 attempts per game), or moses Wood ( 6'8 bouncy Luke Kennard) 42% from 3 on 4 attempts per game) from the undrafted pool.

[Ghost of Kleine]

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https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2024/06/pacific-notes-mcgee-redick-thompson-suns.html

Pacific Notes: McGee, Redick, Thompson, Suns

June 15th, 2024 at 10:01pm CST •
 By Arthur Hill

30. Gerald Bourguet of PHNX Sports examines opportunities the Suns might have to trade up or down in the draft. Bourguet notes that past deals have gutted the team’s supply of draft assets to the point that it only controls the 22nd pick this year and its first-rounder in 2031.

He identifies the Pacers, the Bucks, the Timberwolves, the Knicks, the Jazz and the Wizards as potential trading partners if Phoenix wants to move down, while the Spurs‘ pick at No. 8 and the Trail Blazers‘ selection at No. 14 could entice the Suns to trade up.

[Stix]

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https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2024/06/pacific-notes-mcgee-redick-thompson-suns.html

We don't have any + value assets besides Allen. So if we do move up, that means bye bye Grayson.

Spoiler:

Flex is trash.

[Fo-Real]

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https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2024/06/pacific-notes-mcgee-redick-thompson-suns.html

We don't have any + value assets besides Allen. So if we do move up, that means bye bye Grayson.

Spoiler:

Flex is trash.

I'm not understanding!! Grayson can't ve traded til October!! Are your nba trade rules diffrent? Or, are you rubbing dry STIX together? (I FEEL LIKE FRANK!!! )

[Stix]

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https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2024/06/pacific-notes-mcgee-redick-thompson-suns.html

We don't have any + value assets besides Allen. So if we do move up, that means bye bye Grayson.

Spoiler:

Flex is trash.

I'm not understanding!! Grayson can't ve traded til October!! Are your nba trade rules diffrent? Or, are you rubbing dry STIX together? (I FEEL LIKE FRANK!!! )

Well, then we have no chance of moving up. Can't trade '31 1st until after the draft so WTF is Flex even talking about.

No one is moving down in this draft for a Nas Little or Jusef Nurkic.

I feel like maybe you can move Little for a 2nd to a team that feels like taking a chance on him over anyone prospect they can get there. Maybe to Charlotte for the 42nd? The only way I think that happens is if we really like someone, and they fall into the 2nd round or something. Indy also has 3 seconds they might want to burn.

[dremill24]

https://valleyofthesuns.com/posts/mock-3-team-bradley-beal-trade-would-be-dream-escape-for-suns

Phoenix Suns
RECEIVE

- Jerami Grant
- Matisse Thybulle
- 2024 Second Round Pick (Via CHA)

Portland Trail Blazers
recieve

- Bradley Beal
- Cole Anthony
- 2024 First Round Pick (PHX)
- 2025 First Round Pick (ORL)

Orlando Magic
RECEIVE

- Malcolm Brogdon

IF all teams were on board with this trade, would any of you guys do this? While I'm not fond of giving up our 22nd pick in this draft, I think that I would in fact do this trade because it accomplishes 3 big things for us:

1- We'd get off of Beals' huge contract/ no trade clause. and swap.it for a lower cost more reasonable one at around 30+ million but with NO trade clause attached though.

2- we'd balance out our roster much better with Grant defensively at SF whileeliminating further redundency. But would also get a lockdown jumbo perimeter wing defender in Thybulle that could bolster our bench defense next to Allen at the 3 in small ball lineups possibly.

3- We'd still be getting back the Charlotte 2nd from Portland, which at 34 would still put us in position for a power forward such as Holmes or Klintman or Comche ( if they fall slightly).or playmaking/ table setting combo guards like Jaylon Tyson, Ajay Mitchell, Cam Spencer, tristan Newton, Jamal Shead, AJ Johnson (intruiging Jalen Green 2.0 type combo guard project).


Then maybe see if we can pick up a decent center option from the undrafted ranges like Ariel Hukporti, Ryan Kalkbrenner, Joel Soriano,
Nfaly Dante, or even Jamarion Sharpe, etc.

For the record, I don't really think that this trade happens unless we are willing to include our 2031 1st instead of the 22nd pick. BUT I'd honestly prefer giving that one up more because then we'd still be able to take a decent powe forward, or guard (Kolek) at 22 allowing us to focus the 34th pick on further depth options.

And honestly, I think that I'd then move our 22nd pick and Little's salary to Charlotte for Richard's/ Bailey/ 42nd pick. And then take Ulrich Comche ( Horford/ Ibaka)for our backup 3 & D power forward. Again because despite being somewhat young and raw, he projects very similarly in skillset/ abilities to a young Al Horford ( offensively) and a young Ibaka (defensively). That's extracting maximum value from a percieved weak/ shallow draft.

Booker/ Allen/ Grant/ KD / Nurkic.
Lowry/ O' neale / Thybulle/ Muscala/ Richards.
Bailey/ D Lee / Okogie/ Bol Bol/ Bidatze.

G League ( Two ways)-3 allowed.
1- Zyon Pullin. Tyus Jones/ Nembhard.
2- Ulriche Comche. Horford/ Ibaka.
3- Blake Hinson ( Saddiq Bey) or Moses Wood ( Trey Murphy). 6'8 knockdown 3 point specialist/ shooting wing.

Free agency
- Lowry.
- Muscala.
- Bidatze.
** Maybe look at Joe Harris too if not D Lee?

I mean its not bad for the Suns but seems really nonsensical for the Blazers. They are terrible and this just clogs up their salary sheet more, and their backcourt too. Theres just no reason a team in their position should be taking on a guy like Beal short of getting a crazy asset that nobody would be willing to give up. Two late 1sts isnt close to that. And they're giving up a good 2nd here to boot. Just totally wrong for them IMO.

[Ghost of Kleine]

Read on Twitter

https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2024/06/pacific-notes-mcgee-redick-thompson-suns.html

We don't have any + value assets besides Allen. So if we do move up, that means bye bye Grayson.

Spoiler:

Flex is trash.

I'm not understanding!! Grayson can't ve traded til October!! Are your nba trade rules diffrent? Or, are you rubbing dry STIX together? (I FEEL LIKE FRANK!!! )

https://valleyofthesuns.com/posts/should-the-phoenix-suns-trade-both-of-their-first-round-draft-picks
By Matt Escobar | Jun 12, 2024

When the NBA Draft takes place on June 26th, the Phoenix Suns will gain the ability to trade this year’s first rounder and one in 2031. Those picks have been off limits due to rules that prevent trading first rounders in back-to-back years as well as more than seven years into the future.
4 days ago

https://phnxnewsletter.ck.page/posts/suns-trade-2024-nba-draft

The only picks they control over the next seven years are their No. 22 pick this year and their 2031 first-rounder, both of which become tradable on June 26.

https://www.si.com/nba/suns/news/analyst-highlights-phoenix-suns-poor-future-draft-assets

As the 2024 NBA Draft approaches, the Suns will be able to trade the No. 22 pick on draft night. They'll also be able to utilize their 2031 first-round pick as trade bait, too.

So apparently the consensus from nba pundits and media is that the Suns will actually be able to trade BOTH their 22nd pick AND their 2031 st on June 26th (once the draft happens) but not before- per Stepian rule of course). Because on draft night, once it's official and the pick is still in on our posession on that night, it doesn't trigger that rule ( as long as we make the pick ourselves). Then it can be moved right after the selection. BUT post draft, then our picks become frozen for 2032 going forward 7 years or something. And yes, you're right about Allen not being able to b3 traded until like October or around a week right before the season opens.

[Ghost of Kleine]

https://valleyofthesuns.com/posts/mock-3-team-bradley-beal-trade-would-be-dream-escape-for-suns

Phoenix Suns
RECEIVE

- Jerami Grant
- Matisse Thybulle
- 2024 Second Round Pick (Via CHA)

Portland Trail Blazers
recieve

- Bradley Beal
- Cole Anthony
- 2024 First Round Pick (PHX)
- 2025 First Round Pick (ORL)

Orlando Magic
RECEIVE

- Malcolm Brogdon

IF all teams were on board with this trade, would any of you guys do this? While I'm not fond of giving up our 22nd pick in this draft, I think that I would in fact do this trade because it accomplishes 3 big things for us:

1- We'd get off of Beals' huge contract/ no trade clause. and swap.it for a lower cost more reasonable one at around 30+ million but with NO trade clause attached though.

2- we'd balance out our roster much better with Grant defensively at SF whileeliminating further redundency. But would also get a lockdown jumbo perimeter wing defender in Thybulle that could bolster our bench defense next to Allen at the 3 in small ball lineups possibly.

3- We'd still be getting back the Charlotte 2nd from Portland, which at 34 would still put us in position for a power forward such as Holmes or Klintman or Comche ( if they fall slightly).or playmaking/ table setting combo guards like Jaylon Tyson, Ajay Mitchell, Cam Spencer, tristan Newton, Jamal Shead, AJ Johnson (intruiging Jalen Green 2.0 type combo guard project).


Then maybe see if we can pick up a decent center option from the undrafted ranges like Ariel Hukporti, Ryan Kalkbrenner, Joel Soriano,
Nfaly Dante, or even Jamarion Sharpe, etc.

For the record, I don't really think that this trade happens unless we are willing to include our 2031 1st instead of the 22nd pick. BUT I'd honestly prefer giving that one up more because then we'd still be able to take a decent powe forward, or guard (Kolek) at 22 allowing us to focus the 34th pick on further depth options.

And honestly, I think that I'd then move our 22nd pick and Little's salary to Charlotte for Richard's/ Bailey/ 42nd pick. And then take Ulrich Comche ( Horford/ Ibaka)for our backup 3 & D power forward. Again because despite being somewhat young and raw, he projects very similarly in skillset/ abilities to a young Al Horford ( offensively) and a young Ibaka (defensively). That's extracting maximum value from a percieved weak/ shallow draft.

Booker/ Allen/ Grant/ KD / Nurkic.
Lowry/ O' neale / Thybulle/ Muscala/ Richards.
Bailey/ D Lee / Okogie/ Bol Bol/ Bidatze.

G League ( Two ways)-3 allowed.
1- Zyon Pullin. Tyus Jones/ Nembhard.
2- Ulriche Comche. Horford/ Ibaka.
3- Blake Hinson ( Saddiq Bey) or Moses Wood ( Trey Murphy). 6'8 knockdown 3 point specialist/ shooting wing.

Free agency
- Lowry.
- Muscala.
- Bidatze.
** Maybe look at Joe Harris too if not D Lee?

I mean its not bad for the Suns but seems really nonsensical for the Blazers. They are terrible and this just clogs up their salary sheet more, and their backcourt too. Theres just no reason a team in their position should be taking on a guy like Beal short of getting a crazy asset that nobody would be willing to give up. Two late 1sts isnt close to that. And they're giving up a good 2nd here to boot. Just totally wrong for them IMO.

Yeah! Great point man! I believe the premise they discussed on PHNX that Gerald mentioned was in that the trailblazers would be in accumulation mode collecting some redundant assets combo guards allowing them to move those other lesser salaried guards for further assets. Beal would theoretically be a long term piece due to his salary and of course his no trade clause. And then they would trade Brogdon and Simons for more assets with Henderson being the other long term piece alongside of Beal in the backcourt.

But I agree with you that it's more than a little bit nonsensical for the blazers.

[Ghost of Kleine]

We don't have any + value assets besides Allen. So if we do move up, that means bye bye Grayson.

Spoiler:

Flex is trash.

I'm not understanding!! Grayson can't ve traded til October!! Are your nba trade rules diffrent? Or, are you rubbing dry STIX together? (I FEEL LIKE FRANK!!! )

Well, then we have no chance of moving up. Can't trade '31 1st until after the draft so WTF is Flex even talking about.

No one is moving down in this draft for a Nas Little or Jusef Nurkic.

I feel like maybe you can move Little for a 2nd to a team that feels like taking a chance on him over anyone prospect they can get there. Maybe to Charlotte for the 42nd? The only way I think that happens is if we really like someone, and they fall into the 2nd round or something. Indy also has 3 seconds they might want to burn.

Nah man! We can ( not saying we should) trade our picks the 22nd AND the 2031 1st round pick too on draft night as long as those picks are retained in our possession officially on draft night and we make the pick ourselves for the 22nd pick and then move that pick elsewhere, then it still counts as us making our pick and won't trigger the Stepian rule. Our 2031 1st can he traded on draft night under the pretense that we make the selection for our 22nd pick ( even if being made for another team) but just not before. The framework can already be in place for the 2031 1st. But would only be finalized/ made official once we submit the pick ourselves, which would then get moved to the recieving team in the trade.

But once the 2031 1st is officially traded, then all of our picks 7 years out will become frozen and inaccessible for trades (while a 2nd apron team).

[Ghost of Kleine]

https://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/phoenix_suns_targeting_point_guard_with_intriguing_link_to_franchise/s1_17382_40491385

Point guard linked to the Phoenix Suns ahead of 2024 NBA Draft

One item on the Suns’ checklist is finding a point guard unless they want to keep riding on the shoulders of Booker for PG duties. A name that is being linked to the Suns through their No. 22 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft to address their point guard need is Marquette Golden Eagles star Tyler Kolek.

Via HoopsHype:

There’s a growing belief from rival NBA executives who spoke with HoopsHype that Phoenix will target Marquette point guard Tyler Kolek with the 22nd overall pick. 

Kolek led the NCAA in assists this season and would be a potential fit for the Suns, who want to add a traditional point guard this offseason. 

It’s also worth noting Kolek is a Priority Sports client and is represented by agent Mark Bartelstein, whose son, Josh, is the CEO of the Suns.

I have to say that I wouldn't at all be upset with Kolek at 22 as he does perfectly address our team's needs for playmaking, ball security and a poised table setting floor general for the future. I'd still wonder however, what would our plans be for an athletic rim protecting backup center and an athletic lockdown defensive connector wing?

[sunsbg]

If we draft Kolek I want to see Nurk traded on draft night for defensive players. While he looked very important in Vogel's stagnant ISO offense I hope that's not the case under coach Bud. Talking about draft and defense I'd like to see an ex-Sun lottery pick as 3rd string C on min contract in Alex Len. He had good moments with Kings outplaying McGee in some games.

[Ghost of Kleine]

If we draft Kolek I want to see Nurk traded on draft night for defensive players. While he looked very important in Vogel's stagnant ISO offense I hope that's not the case under coach Bud. Talking about draft and defense I'd like to see an ex-Sun lottery pick as 3rd string C on min contract in Alex Len. He had good moments with Kings outplaying McGee in some games.

Yeah! There's a lot of conjecture around what the suns might do in the draft as far as trading up or back for additional picks/ assets. And for the record, I don't think that they'll trade Nurkic,
But if I'm wrong and we actually are looking at trading Nurkic, I'd prefer something around the trades that I suggested with the Flakers for Woods, Vincent and the 17th pick, Hachimura and the 17th pick, or the Knicks with Robinson and some combination of their picks coming back.

But one other trade I'd possibly consider would be Washington with a Nurkic/ 2031 1st for Holmes or Bagley ( probably Bagley) and the Wizards' 26th , 51st picks, PHX 25' 2nd, and GS 27' 2nd. I'd have Bagley coming back for his size, length, mobility, switchability and have him play at the 4 as a switchable long defender/rebounder that can also hit the three. And KD move to the 3. And then I'd look to trade the 26th pick to Charlotte for Nik Richards/ Amari Bailey/ 42nd pick.

Richards could be our athletic rim running switchable center option, and Bailey could become our 6'5 versatile, athletic backup combo guard option. In the draft, we'd target:
22- Kolek.
42- Ulriche Comche.
51- Keshad Johnson.

Free agency
- Goga Bidatze or Andre Drummond.
- Nik Batum or Robert Covington.
- James Wiseman ( cheap 7 athletic 7 fter upside swing)???

Beal/ Booker/ KD/ Bagley/ Bidatze.
Bailey/ Allen/ O' neale / Batum/ Richards.
Kolek/ D Lee/ Keshad Johnson/ Bol/ Wiseman

G League development (two ways) from undrafted ranges:

- Ulrich Comche.
- Keshad Johnson.
- Blake Hinson or Moses Wood.

IF we just keep the 22nd, 26th and 51st picks instead, then I'd go with:
22- Kolek.
26- Holmes or Comche.
51- Keshad Johnson or Jalen Bridges.

[bwgood77]

Honestly, if you want a solid high iq floor general who can shoot, and a defensive C, I think it's a lot easier to draft a guy like Kolek and find the C in trade, sign for cheap, than the other way around. And although I really like Missi, I think there is a much higher bust factor with bigs. Especially against a guy who you know is high iq, can handle, can lead guys, makes everyone on the court better, and can shoot.

Kolek is undersized and unathletic, but he has defied expectations in college, finding his way to get to the rim no matter what with that left hand. Obviously the NBA is even tougher in those regards, but I think his high iq will help him. We have experience with some of the best undersized pgs in history in CP3 and Nash and neither were regarded as "athletic". CP3 was more athletic but it was often written in some of those series where Westbrook played CP3 h2h how Westbrook overpowered him with his athleticism, but Paul has always been the far better PG, even against prime Westbrook. Paul never really utilized the athleticism he did have a ton either.

I don't think Kolek will measure up to those guys, given they are a couple of the best ever, but I think he has similar strengths to that, and stuff like IQ, shooting and passing do translate.

[King4Day]

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https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2024/06/pacific-notes-mcgee-redick-thompson-suns.html

Pacific Notes: McGee, Redick, Thompson, Suns

June 15th, 2024 at 10:01pm CST •
 By Arthur Hill

30. Gerald Bourguet of PHNX Sports examines opportunities the Suns might have to trade up or down in the draft. Bourguet notes that past deals have gutted the team’s supply of draft assets to the point that it only controls the 22nd pick this year and its first-rounder in 2031.

He identifies the Pacers, the Bucks, the Timberwolves, the Knicks, the Jazz and the Wizards as potential trading partners if Phoenix wants to move down, while the Spurs‘ pick at No. 8 and the Trail Blazers‘ selection at No. 14 could entice the Suns to trade up.

Gross

[Ghost of Kleine]

Read on Twitter

https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2024/06/pacific-notes-mcgee-redick-thompson-suns.html

Pacific Notes: McGee, Redick, Thompson, Suns

June 15th, 2024 at 10:01pm CST •
 By Arthur Hill

30. Gerald Bourguet of PHNX Sports examines opportunities the Suns might have to trade up or down in the draft. Bourguet notes that past deals have gutted the team’s supply of draft assets to the point that it only controls the 22nd pick this year and its first-rounder in 2031.

He identifies the Pacers, the Bucks, the Timberwolves, the Knicks, the Jazz and the Wizards as potential trading partners if Phoenix wants to move down, while the Spurs‘ pick at No. 8 and the Trail Blazers‘ selection at No. 14 could entice the Suns to trade up.

Gross

Sorry for my confusion man! What's "gross" about this premise that I'm missing here?

[King4Day]

Sorry for my confusion man! What's "gross" about this premise that I'm missing here?

Not towards you of course. I don't like the thought of moving up in this draft. I don't think we have any assets (outside of the 2031 1st) to make it happen and that's worth far far more than moving up 10-12 spots in a weak draft.

[Frank Lee]

Its becoming somewhat comical with these clickbaiting content desperados trying to present legit options for deals and such. In Ghost-like fashion, they shop first then try to figure out how to make it work. (Sorry G, you are trying too hard)

I get it… very boring to only have ragtaggers Little, Roddy, Lee, etc, the 23rd and a pick 7 yrs from now to peddle.

Facts is facts.
Cant walk back the grand give-away’s and the corner painting this impulsive Wishbea led front office has forged. Just hopes he quits ransacking the future for a futile now

[Ghost of Kleine]

Its becoming somewhat comical with these clickbaiting content desperados trying to present legit options for deals and such. In Ghost-like fashion, they shop first then try to figure out how to make it work. (Sorry G, you are trying too hard)

I get it… very boring to only have ragtaggers Little, Roddy, Lee, etc, the 23rd and a pick 7 yrs from now to peddle.

Facts is facts.
Cant walk back the grand give-away’s and the corner painting this impulsive Wishbea led front office has forged. Just hopes he quits ransacking the future for a futile now

Very true man!
This is the sad state of grasping at nothingness that our front office has left us in. And surprisingly to know one really, I'm predictably playing my habitual role of overly convoluted fanciful contingency solutions. The reality being as you've cleverly described that we're in a very limited situation playing hide and seek with the abject reality waiting for us. The last remaining comedic relief coming soon from the disappointing offseason outcome spin jobbing by our front office cheer squad media pep rally. either way, we're all along for the ride! In typical Suns fashion too it'll feel like going hardcore offroading in a car without 4x4 capabilities being driven by a drunk blind man on PCP (Wishbea) and sitting on cactus seats. At least we'll all enjoy this crazy ride together.

[Crives]

I really like Kolek, one of my favorite prospects in our range…. I just think we need more size, defense and athleticism next to book/beal/allen/Oneal in the backcourt