2020 Season/Offseason (FA/Trade) Speculation - the Season Resumes

[Ghost of Kleine]

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[jsierra1985]

The suns should be in win now mode...if the pick of this years draft is a must to get cp3 to phx then do it and dont think twice. The chances of that rookie making an impact this year and next are way WAY less than cp3 getting the suns into the playoffs....we have our core in place and under contract....its time to go all in and bring in a player that we know can get us over the hump...i could careless about draft picks or what he is owed the next two years....get him here and take the risk of seeing what a cp3/booker backcourt can look like

I disgree about the pick. I think you need players on the roster on rookie deals. In the trade Kerrsed proposed, Suns drop from 10 to 18 - I can live with that. But I want a FRP . The Suns are taking on that contract, that should count for something!

But if CP3 can make Booker, Ayton, Cam and Mikal better - look what he did in OKC - maybe he can do the same in Phoenix. If CP3 can get the Suns the playoffs the next two years - thats the goal right there. And improving the young core.

If Paul is better equipped to take Ayton to another level - that has to be a part of the process. Though I was very comfortable running back the team from the Summer but adding a 2G and maybe a new 4 too. I like Rubio.

I just think booker would be very happy to have cp3 on the team. Devin is literally what the suns have to plan around. I am not a big fan of ayton because i personally think hes just soft and its annoying to watch him play with no type of aggression but he is talented enough for a 20/10 season....cp3 will make everyone even better...i like rubio but im not gonna be fooled by the undefeated bubble run we had....

[WeekapaugGroove]

Are there Jrue trade rumors? Why not go after him instead? Lets get the best defensive PG in the league, not the most expensive one.

Because he isnt a PG.

He refuses to play PG and run the offense.

Seriously, its on record, he absolutely refuses.

Not to mention that the same package won't net us Jrue. If we're prepared to offer Bridges and the 10 too, then NO will be listening.

Then there's issue of Jrue planning to opt out after next season which would lead to him either leaving for nothing or you having to pay him $25+ Mil per year for 4 years for a guy who will be 31 at the time and hasn't exactly been the most healthy player in his career.

I love Holliday but Paul is an easier move and one that won't financially impact you in 2 years when Ayton and Bridges extensions would kick in. Plus he's probably a better basketball fit.

In some ways the guys like Holliday who are really good but not quite max guys are the hardest to trade for because their agents know the team just gave up a bunch for them so you have to pay them a bunch. We can call the the Tobias Harris.

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[BobbieL]

Because he isnt a PG.

He refuses to play PG and run the offense.

Seriously, its on record, he absolutely refuses.

Not to mention that the same package won't net us Jrue. If we're prepared to offer Bridges and the 10 too, then NO will be listening.

Then there's issue of Jrue planning to opt out after next season which would lead to him either leaving for nothing or you having to pay him $25+ Mil per year for 4 years for a guy who will be 31 at the time and hasn't exactly been the most healthy player in his career.

I love Holliday but Paul is an easier move and one that won't financially impact you in 2 years when Ayton and Bridges extensions would kick in. Plus he's probably a better basketball fit.

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Look at what Jimmy Butler brought to the Heat. And I get they have culture in place with Riley; a top notch coach in Spoelstra - but he brought something to that team and locker room

Nothing against Rubio - we all know I was pushing for Rubio for two years. But I also saw what CP3 did in OKC and can he bring that to Phoenix and have a positive impact on Booker, Ayton and Bridges. Thats what the next two years need to be about - -getting these young players better. Playoffs would be a pretty damn big deal.

Granted, if you tell me the CP3 trade falls through but they sign Grant and get Dinwiddie or keep Oubre and get a 2 guard - I was okay with that too.

[BobbieL]

From Flex on Twitter:

Getting DMs asking who I am. So I'll make this clear for the Lazy crowd:
•Im Not Ray Ray
•I'm not Gambo's burner account
•I don't read or need Real GM!
I'm a real person Felix Cruz aka Flex! I've done radio, podcast, and more. Been around the team and league for years. Stop!


I thought it was funny he brought up Ray Ray so I responded "are you Traxxe or Dirty Bird?!!?"

[matt131]

Flex' podcast made him sound legit. I don't think there's any chance this deal doesn't happen.
For those upset about it, it may be time to start coming to peace with it.

I'm just listening to it now. He mentions that he was calling his source in New York at the league office. So it sounds like it's not even a source within the Suns.I'm not sure how preliminary trade talks go, but it doesn't seem like the NBA league office would have to be involved.

He does sound more legit than someone random on twitter. He mentioned he knows 11 guys around the league. The cohost of the podcast said he can verify the sources/verify that Flex is in contact with 11 people at least.

Lol so it's either an elaborate scheme for popularity, or this guy actually knows a bit.

He said that if the trade goes down, it will be like this: "the Phoenix Suns did not acquire Chris Paul. Chris Paul acquired the Phoenix Suns." This whole thing started by CP3 reaching out to us, not the other way around. I mean, we all knew he had interest (from Windhorst), but it's fascinating that he supposedly reached out to us first.

Flex also seemed to think that there is definitely a possibility our 10th pick is not in the deal.

Mentioned that the Suns want to get Kelly somewhere he feels comfortable resigning with next year.

He also alluded to the fact that the Suns are looking for a PF in free agency but wouldn't name names. He then said something that sounded very weird. All these moves could be made (trade, FAs) while also retaining....Frank Kaminsky. So uhhh yeah, credibility out the window haha

[BobbieL]

Flex' podcast made him sound legit. I don't think there's any chance this deal doesn't happen.
For those upset about it, it may be time to start coming to peace with it.

I'm just listening to it now. He mentions that he was calling his source in New York at the league office. So it sounds like it's not even a source within the Suns.I'm not sure how preliminary trade talks go, but it doesn't seem like the NBA league office would have to be involved.

He does sound more legit than someone random on twitter. He mentioned he knows 11 guys around the league. The cohost of the podcast said he can verify the sources/verify that Flex is in contact with 11 people at least.

Lol so it's either an elaborate scheme for popularity, or this guy actually knows a bit.

He said that if the trade goes down, it will be like this: "the Phoenix Suns did not acquire Chris Paul. Chris Paul acquired the Phoenix Suns." This whole thing started by CP3 reaching out to us, not the other way around. I mean, we all knew he had interest (from Windhorst), but it's fascinating that he supposedly reached out to us first.

Flex also seemed to think that there is definitely a possibility our 10th pick is not in the deal.

Mentioned that the Suns want to get Kelly somewhere he feels comfortable resigning with next year.

He also alluded to the fact that the Suns are looking for a PF in free agency but wouldn't name names. He then said something that sounded very weird. All these moves could be made (trade, FAs) while also retaining....Frank Kaminsky. So uhhh yeah, credibility out the window haha

I hope if the deal does go down they do right by Oubre and Rubio

Mavs for Oubre and Rubio to the Clippers would be good landing spots for both players.

REtaining Frank - that seems odd because that is 5m that can be used on getting a better player and than circling back with the Vet minimum for a back up role player.

So, PF in Free Agency
Gallo
Grant
Millsap
Wood

who would work best with the Suns?

[WeekapaugGroove]

I'd say the odds of keeping Frank would come down to his willingness to play on the vet minimum. I would be absolutely shocked if they picked up his option regardless of any other moves but if he can't find a new contract I don't mind him back as an end of the bench big.

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[WeekapaugGroove]

There are not that many key free agents that we could afford...or would move the needle a ton. We simply don't have that much money. We will either have the MLE or maybe a little more if we renounce everyone.

4pointplay brought up something I hadn't thought of where the suns could sign FAs with their cap space THEN execute the paul trade afterwards. In that scenario they would have the $17M or so to use.

I could absolutely see Paul recruiting Galo to join him. Now maybe the suns would prefer a younger target like Grant or Wood.

I still think there's a chance they go the over the cap route, keep Saric and Carter and then use the MLE.

But they have options.

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[BobbieL]

There are not that many key free agents that we could afford...or would move the needle a ton. We simply don't have that much money. We will either have the MLE or maybe a little more if we renounce everyone.

4pointplay brought up something I hadn't thought of where the suns could sign FAs with their cap space THEN execute the paul trade afterwards. In that scenario they would have the $17M or so to use.

I could absolutely see Paul recruiting Galo to join him. Now maybe the suns would prefer a younger target like Grant or Wood.

I still think there's a chance they go the over the cap route, keep Saric and Carter and then use the MLE.

But they have options.

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If you are going in for Paul - -don't you have to also have to , well not all in, but again, try to get even better to maximize Paul on the team. I agree, there are options as David (4PtPlay) says.

[darmani]

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[Sugarless]

I've been a fan of Rubio since he was 14 and first debuted professionally in Spain. I've also been a huge fan of CP3 (his game, not his personality or flagrant flopping) since he came into the league, and consider him one of the 2-3 best PGs to come out in the last 30 years. I love Ricky's situation in Phoenix, I was a big proponent of this union when his time in Utah came to an end, but I couldn't be mad if the Suns tried to get Chris Paul for the next couple of years (which isn't nearly the same as getting rid of Rubio, but tell that to many on the GB). That being said:

- While Paul is still a magnificent floor general (though I currently prefer Rubio in that regard) and a much, much better scorer, his defense has diminished quite a bit, and that's an area where the Suns absolutely need to improve, not go backwards. The change from a longer, laterally faster, hard-working Rubio to a smaller, slower and less energetic Paul is nothing to sniff at.

- Team chemistry and relationships on and off the court are extremely important, especially when you're continuing to build around two guys like Devin and DeAndre who still need to be held accountable but most likely won't react well to certain critics. Paul may have calmed down a bit during his stint in OKC but it could also be just the fact that they surpassed most people's expectations (and maybe his own). You have to consider the fact that it's likely he could clash with DB and / or DA over the season if things go wrong at some point, and he's not great at handling those situations. A calmer, more well-liked and understanding veteran in Rubio is a much better option on that regard (he's also always willing to help young guys, whether they play his position or a different one. That's not one of CP's best traits).

- The trade wouldn't be Rubio for Paul. It wouldn't even be Rubio + Oubre, regardless of what you think of his free agent status at the end of the season. It would be Rubio + Oubre + 10 more millions to throw at another guy. The Suns might be able to attract one or two veterans on minimum contracts by bringing in Paul, but they also might not (it's not like guys are dying to play with him), and even if they do you'll probably not get the top veterans that are going to places like LAL, BK or maybe the Clippers and Milwaukee. If you end up with a starting 5 of Paul - Booker - Bridges - Cam - Ayton but absolutely no bench, things won't be looking THAT good next season.

- Injuries are definitely a concern with Paul, and no, it's not the same as with Rubio. Ricky has had two major injuries in his career and both were freak accidents, but other than that he's been pretty reliable. Paul on the other hand hasn't suffered severe injuries in a while, but usually misses 15-20 games per season (this year was on par for 80 games, but still over the last 4 seasons he would have only averaged 64 games a year, against Ricky's 74 over the same span).

All in all I get the excitement of a big name like Paul, he's still a superb PG and you can't blame anyone for wanting him on his team, but there are quite a few things to consider and there's a clear risk in a move like that.

[irish22022]

The fact is, we don't have a PG problem right now. Addressing a position of need (power forward) would make a lot more sense. Getting Gallo here would make this team better than getting a 36 year old PG with an extensive injury history who costs 40 mil a year.

[matt131]

Flex also said on the podcast that he "knows" CP3 is "working the phones" to see who else wants to join him in Phoenix.

He brought up the point that if the cap stays flat for the next two years, that long term deals might not be as common. He brought up players even signing the minimum to come play here with Paul

I mean, everything with a grain of salt, but it's interesting.

[BobbieL]

Flex also said on the podcast that he "knows" CP3 is "working the phones" to see who else wants to join him in Phoenix.

He brought up the point that if the cap stays flat for the next two years, that long term deals might not be as common. He brought up players even signing the minimum to come play here with Paul

I mean, everything with a grain of salt, but it's interesting.

Week mentioned a guy like Carmelo Anthony. He did decent in Portland. And again, sometimes you just need that player off the bench to get you over the hump a game here or there.

[darmani]

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[WeekapaugGroove]

Flex also said on the podcast that he "knows" CP3 is "working the phones" to see who else wants to join him in Phoenix.

He brought up the point that if the cap stays flat for the next two years, that long term deals might not be as common. He brought up players even signing the minimum to come play here with Paul

I mean, everything with a grain of salt, but it's interesting.

Week mentioned a guy like Carmelo Anthony. He did decent in Portland. And again, sometimes you just need that player off the bench to get you over the hump a game here or there.

Hey now I would never recommend Melo

But I do think Paul will be trying to recruit guys to play with him. Becoming a 'destination' would be a major win for the suns and one that if they play well the next couple years will have an impact after he's gone.

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[BobbieL]

Flex also said on the podcast that he "knows" CP3 is "working the phones" to see who else wants to join him in Phoenix.

He brought up the point that if the cap stays flat for the next two years, that long term deals might not be as common. He brought up players even signing the minimum to come play here with Paul

I mean, everything with a grain of salt, but it's interesting.

Week mentioned a guy like Carmelo Anthony. He did decent in Portland. And again, sometimes you just need that player off the bench to get you over the hump a game here or there.

Hey now I would never recommend Melo

But I do think Paul will be trying to recruit guys to play with him. Becoming a 'destination' would be a major win for the suns and one that if they play well the next couple years will have an impact after he's gone.

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My bad. But the same holds true. He might attract a veteran that you are not counting on to play a lot of games or a lot of minutes but when they do play, they will be ready. And have a good game every now and again when you need it.

[King4Day]

Flex' podcast made him sound legit. I don't think there's any chance this deal doesn't happen.
For those upset about it, it may be time to start coming to peace with it.

I'm just listening to it now. He mentions that he was calling his source in New York at the league office. So it sounds like it's not even a source within the Suns.I'm not sure how preliminary trade talks go, but it doesn't seem like the NBA league office would have to be involved.

He does sound more legit than someone random on twitter. He mentioned he knows 11 guys around the league. The cohost of the podcast said he can verify the sources/verify that Flex is in contact with 11 people at least.

Lol so it's either an elaborate scheme for popularity, or this guy actually knows a bit.

He said that if the trade goes down, it will be like this: "the Phoenix Suns did not acquire Chris Paul. Chris Paul acquired the Phoenix Suns." This whole thing started by CP3 reaching out to us, not the other way around. I mean, we all knew he had interest (from Windhorst), but it's fascinating that he supposedly reached out to us first.

Flex also seemed to think that there is definitely a possibility our 10th pick is not in the deal.

Mentioned that the Suns want to get Kelly somewhere he feels comfortable resigning with next year.

He also alluded to the fact that the Suns are looking for a PF in free agency but wouldn't name names. He then said something that sounded very weird. All these moves could be made (trade, FAs) while also retaining....Frank Kaminsky. So uhhh yeah, credibility out the window haha

I'm OK keeping Frank. We can get him back at minimum probably. He won't be relied on too much.
I do wonder if Saric is going to stay though. I feel he and Paul's court awareness would mesh really well

[King4Day]

From Flex on Twitter:

Getting DMs asking who I am. So I'll make this clear for the Lazy crowd:
•Im Not Ray Ray
•I'm not Gambo's burner account
•I don't read or need Real GM!
I'm a real person Felix Cruz aka Flex! I've done radio, podcast, and more. Been around the team and league for years. Stop!


I thought it was funny he brought up Ray Ray so I responded "are you Traxxe or Dirty Bird?!!?"

lol he probably brought up Ray Ray because I mentioned it to him

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