Frank Lee wrote:Knowing Jones, if he had to, he’d grab another tweener like Nance who can run both F spots… or a Milsapish vet who can also small ball C. Here comes The Plod Squad season II
But I think we’ll stand pat and let some things shake out. Ie… can Mr Anonymous make a name for himself.
So far Jones has built Monty a hockey line up team, which skates right into Monty’s ‘scheduled substitution scheme’ (or lack there of) CamJo IS the second line PF. I think Jones will keep the open roster spot to make adjustments later
BTW I’d take the bet that our second unit will have a better +/- than our starters. Payne, Shamet, the TermiNader, CamJo and McGee can get up and down the floor. Blend in Bridges for Shamet and that D ratchets up a notch. This will be the key to our season, more so than acquiring some old wanna-ring insurance policy.
Just hope we run more this year, and Shank doesn’t see an important minute.
Regular season you mean? Sure, and fully agrred. Much like last year where our bench "won" quite a few games for us. However, the chip is won by your top 7-8 guys. Have we improved that by anyone who is moving the needle in the WCF or the Finals?
Ghost of Kleine wrote:Evan Sidery (@esidery) Tweeted: The Suns were 34-7 last season when Mikal Bridges attempted at least 10 shots. Over an 82-game sample size, that’s a 68-14 record.
Truly feels like Bridges taking a leap offensively next season could unlock the Suns’ true potential as a dominant force.
I like the Alexander from Europe that we saw in the Summer League. He seems to have exactly what we could use for a back up big that is not just ring chasing or one that would cost us one of our youngsters (Nance). He seems to like rebounding and dunking. My kind of big.
I hope that Alexander is at the least part of our training camp.
Ghost of Kleine wrote:Evan Sidery (@esidery) Tweeted: The Suns were 34-7 last season when Mikal Bridges attempted at least 10 shots. Over an 82-game sample size, that’s a 68-14 record.
Truly feels like Bridges taking a leap offensively next season could unlock the Suns’ true potential as a dominant force.
This isn't a terribly hot take. If Bridges turns into a 16-18ppg scorer, we're going to be incredibly difficult to beat. Most teams have one premier perimeter defender, a handful have two. Having two perimeter scorers is a great formula for success because teams usually aren't equipped to focus defensive energy on more than one guy. We've already seen teams struggle to contain Paul and Book at the guards, if you add Bridges as a legit threat to go for 25, and hopefully Ayton rounds out his offensive game, we very much become a 'pick your poison' type team that only a handful of teams in the league can beat, i.e. the Clips with George and Kawhi healthy and the Nets if they can outscore us. That's about it.
Frank Lee wrote:Knowing Jones, if he had to, he’d grab another tweener like Nance who can run both F spots… or a Milsapish vet who can also small ball C. Here comes The Plod Squad season II
But I think we’ll stand pat and let some things shake out. Ie… can Mr Anonymous make a name for himself.
So far Jones has built Monty a hockey line up team, which skates right into Monty’s ‘scheduled substitution scheme’ (or lack there of) CamJo IS the second line PF. I think Jones will keep the open roster spot to make adjustments later
BTW I’d take the bet that our second unit will have a better +/- than our starters. Payne, Shamet, the TermiNader, CamJo and McGee can get up and down the floor. Blend in Bridges for Shamet and that D ratchets up a notch. This will be the key to our season, more so than acquiring some old wanna-ring insurance policy.
Just hope we run more this year, and Shank doesn’t see an important minute.
Regular season you mean? Sure, and fully agrred. Much like last year where our bench "won" quite a few games for us. However, the chip is won by your top 7-8 guys. Have we improved that by anyone who is moving the needle in the WCF or the Finals?
Our top 8 is: Paul Book Bridges Crowder Ayton Payne CamJo McGee
The only difference from last year is Saric where McGee is. We'll miss Saric for sure, but I think McGee is more the type of big we need behind Ayton. The guys on IV Point Play were discussing how you're basically set up to get 48 minutes of the same type of play from the 5 position. Obviously McGee isn't as good as Ayton, but the style is there. I'd like a little more flexibility to go small with a shooter like Saric, but I don't think McGee is a serious downgrade, he's just different.
BUT the other side of that, is your next 7: Shamet, Stix, Frank, Nader, Payton, Saric*, ?
vs last year Craig, Moore, Frank, Nader, Galloway, Stix, Carter
I think we are A LOT better there this year. Since 4 to 5 of those guys were unplayable in the playoffs, which hurt when we had injuries or guys like Saric were played off the floor. Now, I think it's only 2 or 3 that would be totally unplayable, and we still have one to add.
I also expect 5 of our top 8 to be better players than last year (Payne, Book, Bridges, CamJo, Ayton).
Ghost of Kleine wrote:When it comes to moving Sarics' contract, Has anyone considered Danny Green of the Philadelphia 76ers. I get that he's primarily a shooting guard. And we already have Shamet at that position. However He's still a plus transition defender, BUT most importantly, His 10 million contract is actually non guaranteed for ANY MONEY, IF waived by July 2022. Also Philly has still maintained interest in reacquiring Saric as a floor spacing big man for their bench. Now we'd likely have to include a 2nd as a sweetener or perhaps even a pick swap. But IF we're intending on being really good anyways, and Philly will likely be a comparable top team as well, I view that as a wash really? But to get off of Sarics' salary with a savings of 10 million, Would be a win in my estimation honestly?
UPDATE: Per Sanford, the second year of Green’s contract is non-guaranteed, meaning the Sixers can waive him before July 1, 2022 and bear no financial responsibility for the 2022-23 season.
Then we could use that 10 million in additional cap space towards absorbing another player for our playoff run. Or we could hold onto the cap flexibility for the right opportunity IF we choose. But either way, He'd be off our books before our core extensions come due. And he could contribute as a plus defender off our bench in particular lineups, As well as to add further veteran championship experience too.
There is extremely little chance we move Saric's contract this year. We are set to likely be just under the tax, would not want to continue to have that salary going into next year by taking on a guy with 2 years left, like a Nance, and a team will not want a player that is useless this season without getting a first or young player like Smith.
I think if we get rid of him we either trade him next offseason for another expiring OR stretch him if we feel set at backup C and PF.
Frank Lee wrote:Knowing Jones, if he had to, he’d grab another tweener like Nance who can run both F spots… or a Milsapish vet who can also small ball C. Here comes The Plod Squad season II
But I think we’ll stand pat and let some things shake out. Ie… can Mr Anonymous make a name for himself.
So far Jones has built Monty a hockey line up team, which skates right into Monty’s ‘scheduled substitution scheme’ (or lack there of) CamJo IS the second line PF. I think Jones will keep the open roster spot to make adjustments later
BTW I’d take the bet that our second unit will have a better +/- than our starters. Payne, Shamet, the TermiNader, CamJo and McGee can get up and down the floor. Blend in Bridges for Shamet and that D ratchets up a notch. This will be the key to our season, more so than acquiring some old wanna-ring insurance policy.
Just hope we run more this year, and Shank doesn’t see an important minute.
Regular season you mean? Sure, and fully agrred. Much like last year where our bench "won" quite a few games for us. However, the chip is won by your top 7-8 guys. Have we improved that by anyone who is moving the needle in the WCF or the Finals?
Our top 8 is: Paul Book Bridges Crowder Ayton Payne CamJo McGee
The only difference from last year is Saric where McGee is. We'll miss Saric for sure, but I think McGee is more the type of big we need behind Ayton. The guys on IV Point Play were discussing how you're basically set up to get 48 minutes of the same type of play from the 5 position. Obviously McGee isn't as good as Ayton, but the style is there. I'd like a little more flexibility to go small with a shooter like Saric, but I don't think McGee is a serious downgrade, he's just different.
BUT the other side of that, is your next 7: Shamet, Stix, Frank, Nader, Payton, Saric*, ?
vs last year Craig, Moore, Frank, Nader, Galloway, Stix, Carter
I think we are A LOT better there this year. Since 4 to 5 of those guys were unplayable in the playoffs, which hurt when we had injuries or guys like Saric were played off the floor. Now, I think it's only 2 or 3 that would be totally unplayable, and we still have one to add.
I also expect 5 of our top 8 to be better players than last year (Payne, Book, Bridges, CamJo, Ayton).
I'm happy with where we are.
I'd be pretty surprised if Shamet played fewer minutes than McGee, unless Ayton is hurt. Shamet started the majority of seasons on two playoff teams and many playoff teams. However, our 3 guard rotation can take up the majority of minutes if we stagger Paul and Booker and they both play a lot of minutes in addition to Payne playing more, but Monty will want to use Shamet a lot for sure. I think he will even employ a 3 guard lineup at times, like a Payne/Shamet/Book 1/2/3 sooner than he would Nader.
Ghost of Kleine wrote:Evan Sidery (@esidery) Tweeted: The Suns were 34-7 last season when Mikal Bridges attempted at least 10 shots. Over an 82-game sample size, that’s a 68-14 record.
Truly feels like Bridges taking a leap offensively next season could unlock the Suns’ true potential as a dominant force.
This isn't a terribly hot take. If Bridges turns into a 16-18ppg scorer, we're going to be incredibly difficult to beat. Most teams have one premier perimeter defender, a handful have two. Having two perimeter scorers is a great formula for success because teams usually aren't equipped to focus defensive energy on more than one guy. We've already seen teams struggle to contain Paul and Book at the guards, if you add Bridges as a legit threat to go for 25, and hopefully Ayton rounds out his offensive game, we very much become a 'pick your poison' type team that only a handful of teams in the league can beat, i.e. the Clips with George and Kawhi healthy and the Nets if they can outscore us. That's about it.
He needs more shots, but I think people (or at least me and a number of others) also want Ayton to get more looks. This would essentially replace some Paul and Booker shots, probably mainly Paul's, and hopefully maybe Crowder's. Johnson needs more shots too. I don't know if we can really expect for 4 players to avg 15 or more if Book averages like 25 or more again.
Frank Lee wrote:Knowing Jones, if he had to, he’d grab another tweener like Nance who can run both F spots… or a Milsapish vet who can also small ball C. Here comes The Plod Squad season II
But I think we’ll stand pat and let some things shake out. Ie… can Mr Anonymous make a name for himself.
So far Jones has built Monty a hockey line up team, which skates right into Monty’s ‘scheduled substitution scheme’ (or lack there of) CamJo IS the second line PF. I think Jones will keep the open roster spot to make adjustments later
BTW I’d take the bet that our second unit will have a better +/- than our starters. Payne, Shamet, the TermiNader, CamJo and McGee can get up and down the floor. Blend in Bridges for Shamet and that D ratchets up a notch. This will be the key to our season, more so than acquiring some old wanna-ring insurance policy.
Just hope we run more this year, and Shank doesn’t see an important minute.
Regular season you mean? Sure, and fully agrred. Much like last year where our bench "won" quite a few games for us. However, the chip is won by your top 7-8 guys. Have we improved that by anyone who is moving the needle in the WCF or the Finals?
Our top 8 is: Paul Book Bridges Crowder Ayton Payne CamJo McGee
The only difference from last year is Saric where McGee is. We'll miss Saric for sure, but I think McGee is more the type of big we need behind Ayton. The guys on IV Point Play were discussing how you're basically set up to get 48 minutes of the same type of play from the 5 position. Obviously McGee isn't as good as Ayton, but the style is there. I'd like a little more flexibility to go small with a shooter like Saric, but I don't think McGee is a serious downgrade, he's just different.
BUT the other side of that, is your next 7: Shamet, Stix, Frank, Nader, Payton, Saric*, ?
vs last year Craig, Moore, Frank, Nader, Galloway, Stix, Carter
I think we are A LOT better there this year. Since 4 to 5 of those guys were unplayable in the playoffs, which hurt when we had injuries or guys like Saric were played off the floor. Now, I think it's only 2 or 3 that would be totally unplayable, and we still have one to add.
I also expect 5 of our top 8 to be better players than last year (Payne, Book, Bridges, CamJo, Ayton).
I'm happy with where we are.
Shamet is gonna play a bigger role than McGee on our team, no doubt in my mind.
McGee can only play one position and he usually plays less than 15 mpg. Look at his minutes per game for the last eight or nine years...
But Shamet averages 24.1 mpg since entering in the league three years ago and always on contenders. I think he will play around those minutes on the Suns...probably even more than that.
He can play next to Book and a PG or next to Book and an SF. He is gonna give us a lot of versatility in the perimeter.
Bogyo wrote: Regular season you mean? Sure, and fully agrred. Much like last year where our bench "won" quite a few games for us. However, the chip is won by your top 7-8 guys. Have we improved that by anyone who is moving the needle in the WCF or the Finals?
Our top 8 is: Paul Book Bridges Crowder Ayton Payne CamJo McGee
The only difference from last year is Saric where McGee is. We'll miss Saric for sure, but I think McGee is more the type of big we need behind Ayton. The guys on IV Point Play were discussing how you're basically set up to get 48 minutes of the same type of play from the 5 position. Obviously McGee isn't as good as Ayton, but the style is there. I'd like a little more flexibility to go small with a shooter like Saric, but I don't think McGee is a serious downgrade, he's just different.
BUT the other side of that, is your next 7: Shamet, Stix, Frank, Nader, Payton, Saric*, ?
vs last year Craig, Moore, Frank, Nader, Galloway, Stix, Carter
I think we are A LOT better there this year. Since 4 to 5 of those guys were unplayable in the playoffs, which hurt when we had injuries or guys like Saric were played off the floor. Now, I think it's only 2 or 3 that would be totally unplayable, and we still have one to add.
I also expect 5 of our top 8 to be better players than last year (Payne, Book, Bridges, CamJo, Ayton).
I'm happy with where we are.
I'd be pretty surprised if Shamet played fewer minutes than McGee, unless Ayton is hurt. Shamet started the majority of seasons on two playoff teams and many playoff teams. However, our 3 guard rotation can take up the majority of minutes if we stagger Paul and Booker and they both play a lot of minutes in addition to Payne playing more, but Monty will want to use Shamet a lot for sure. I think he will even employ a 3 guard lineup at times, like a Payne/Shamet/Book 1/2/3 sooner than he would Nader.
Book has shown more ability to guard 3s.
I dont disagree with you, but when looking at the playoff rotation crunch, Shamet would fall out of the rotation before McGee. So McGee, despite having a smaller role, is part of the top 8 for me, whereas Shamet is not. Shamet is #9 in my eyes.
Frank Lee wrote:Knowing Jones, if he had to, he’d grab another tweener like Nance who can run both F spots… or a Milsapish vet who can also small ball C. Here comes The Plod Squad season II
But I think we’ll stand pat and let some things shake out. Ie… can Mr Anonymous make a name for himself.
So far Jones has built Monty a hockey line up team, which skates right into Monty’s ‘scheduled substitution scheme’ (or lack there of) CamJo IS the second line PF. I think Jones will keep the open roster spot to make adjustments later
BTW I’d take the bet that our second unit will have a better +/- than our starters. Payne, Shamet, the TermiNader, CamJo and McGee can get up and down the floor. Blend in Bridges for Shamet and that D ratchets up a notch. This will be the key to our season, more so than acquiring some old wanna-ring insurance policy.
Just hope we run more this year, and Shank doesn’t see an important minute.
Regular season you mean? Sure, and fully agrred. Much like last year where our bench "won" quite a few games for us. However, the chip is won by your top 7-8 guys. Have we improved that by anyone who is moving the needle in the WCF or the Finals?
Our top 8 is: Paul Book Bridges Crowder Ayton Payne CamJo McGee
The only difference from last year is Saric where McGee is. We'll miss Saric for sure, but I think McGee is more the type of big we need behind Ayton. The guys on IV Point Play were discussing how you're basically set up to get 48 minutes of the same type of play from the 5 position. Obviously McGee isn't as good as Ayton, but the style is there. I'd like a little more flexibility to go small with a shooter like Saric, but I don't think McGee is a serious downgrade, he's just different.
BUT the other side of that, is your next 7: Shamet, Stix, Frank, Nader, Payton, Saric*, ?
vs last year Craig, Moore, Frank, Nader, Galloway, Stix, Carter
I think we are A LOT better there this year. Since 4 to 5 of those guys were unplayable in the playoffs, which hurt when we had injuries or guys like Saric were played off the floor. Now, I think it's only 2 or 3 that would be totally unplayable, and we still have one to add.
I also expect 5 of our top 8 to be better players than last year (Payne, Book, Bridges, CamJo, Ayton).
I'm happy with where we are.
So basically we are banking on our young guys developement to get back to the finals and win it this time.
Barkley6 wrote: Our top 8 is: Paul Book Bridges Crowder Ayton Payne CamJo McGee
The only difference from last year is Saric where McGee is. We'll miss Saric for sure, but I think McGee is more the type of big we need behind Ayton. The guys on IV Point Play were discussing how you're basically set up to get 48 minutes of the same type of play from the 5 position. Obviously McGee isn't as good as Ayton, but the style is there. I'd like a little more flexibility to go small with a shooter like Saric, but I don't think McGee is a serious downgrade, he's just different.
BUT the other side of that, is your next 7: Shamet, Stix, Frank, Nader, Payton, Saric*, ?
vs last year Craig, Moore, Frank, Nader, Galloway, Stix, Carter
I think we are A LOT better there this year. Since 4 to 5 of those guys were unplayable in the playoffs, which hurt when we had injuries or guys like Saric were played off the floor. Now, I think it's only 2 or 3 that would be totally unplayable, and we still have one to add.
I also expect 5 of our top 8 to be better players than last year (Payne, Book, Bridges, CamJo, Ayton).
I'm happy with where we are.
I'd be pretty surprised if Shamet played fewer minutes than McGee, unless Ayton is hurt. Shamet started the majority of seasons on two playoff teams and many playoff teams. However, our 3 guard rotation can take up the majority of minutes if we stagger Paul and Booker and they both play a lot of minutes in addition to Payne playing more, but Monty will want to use Shamet a lot for sure. I think he will even employ a 3 guard lineup at times, like a Payne/Shamet/Book 1/2/3 sooner than he would Nader.
Book has shown more ability to guard 3s.
I dont disagree with you, but when looking at the playoff rotation crunch, Shamet would fall out of the rotation before McGee. So McGee, despite having a smaller role, is part of the top 8 for me, whereas Shamet is not. Shamet is #9 in my eyes.
It largely depend on what we see during the season and our matchups in the playoffs as well, but I do expect a 9 man rotation in the playoffs based on what I know now, but given the injuries we had in the playoffs this past year which were fewer than most or many teams, we may very well need all 9 regardless.
Bogyo wrote: Regular season you mean? Sure, and fully agrred. Much like last year where our bench "won" quite a few games for us. However, the chip is won by your top 7-8 guys. Have we improved that by anyone who is moving the needle in the WCF or the Finals?
Our top 8 is: Paul Book Bridges Crowder Ayton Payne CamJo McGee
The only difference from last year is Saric where McGee is. We'll miss Saric for sure, but I think McGee is more the type of big we need behind Ayton. The guys on IV Point Play were discussing how you're basically set up to get 48 minutes of the same type of play from the 5 position. Obviously McGee isn't as good as Ayton, but the style is there. I'd like a little more flexibility to go small with a shooter like Saric, but I don't think McGee is a serious downgrade, he's just different.
BUT the other side of that, is your next 7: Shamet, Stix, Frank, Nader, Payton, Saric*, ?
vs last year Craig, Moore, Frank, Nader, Galloway, Stix, Carter
I think we are A LOT better there this year. Since 4 to 5 of those guys were unplayable in the playoffs, which hurt when we had injuries or guys like Saric were played off the floor. Now, I think it's only 2 or 3 that would be totally unplayable, and we still have one to add.
I also expect 5 of our top 8 to be better players than last year (Payne, Book, Bridges, CamJo, Ayton).
I'm happy with where we are.
So basically we are banking on our young guys developement to get back to the finals and win it this time.
I think that makes the most sense for us. It's not like there were major upgrades available at many positions for us. We got probably the best backup big man we could reasonably afford without committing long term salary, and got two solid guards who played big minutes on playoff teams last year.
I don't think we are quite done yet, but I don't really see what else was out there for us to do that was demonstrably better than what we did. MAYBE getting Malik Monk on a minimum instead of Payton, but I have no idea if Monk wanted to come here.
It won't happen, but I'd personally let Ayton and Bridges play for their pay day this season, neither are signing cheap anyway, and it seems we've leveraged our title hopes on their improvement.
I'm surprised we haven't heard about extensions at all yet. So many extensions reached so far, though mostly the max ones...I guess just maybe Luka and Trae.
Mulhollanddrive wrote:So rookie extension season is coming up soon.
It won't happen, but I'd personally let Ayton and Bridges play for their pay day this season, neither are signing cheap anyway, and it seems we've leveraged our title hopes on their improvement.
I totally agree with this. While I don’t think both are max players, I understand Ayton will get one and Mikal deserves a good pay but I do like the idea of seeing another year for both players. I think I’m gonna lay money on both players winning most improved next year.
bwgood77 wrote:I'm surprised we haven't heard about extensions at all yet. So many extensions reached so far, though mostly the max ones...I guess just maybe Luka and Trae.
SGA also signed a max extension with OKC. I'm guessing teams will be talking extension with less than max guys starting after Labor Day. Apparently the Hawks will also try to extend Huerter next month (at least that's what I recently read on the wiretap).
bwgood77 wrote:I'm surprised we haven't heard about extensions at all yet. So many extensions reached so far, though mostly the max ones...I guess just maybe Luka and Trae.
SGA also signed a max extension with OKC. I'm guessing teams will be talking extension with less than max guys starting after Labor Day. Apparently the Hawks will also try to extend Huerter next month (at least that's what I recently read on the wiretap).
I almost mentioned him but couldn't remember and it had been rumored he was on the table for trade so I wasn't sure.
Ghost of Kleine wrote:When it comes to moving Sarics' contract, Has anyone considered Danny Green of the Philadelphia 76ers. I get that he's primarily a shooting guard. And we already have Shamet at that position. However He's still a plus transition defender, BUT most importantly, His 10 million contract is actually non guaranteed for ANY MONEY, IF waived by July 2022. Also Philly has still maintained interest in reacquiring Saric as a floor spacing big man for their bench. Now we'd likely have to include a 2nd as a sweetener or perhaps even a pick swap. But IF we're intending on being really good anyways, and Philly will likely be a comparable top team as well, I view that as a wash really? But to get off of Sarics' salary with a savings of 10 million, Would be a win in my estimation honestly?
UPDATE: Per Sanford, the second year of Green’s contract is non-guaranteed, meaning the Sixers can waive him before July 1, 2022 and bear no financial responsibility for the 2022-23 season.
Then we could use that 10 million in additional cap space towards absorbing another player for our playoff run. Or we could hold onto the cap flexibility for the right opportunity IF we choose. But either way, He'd be off our books before our core extensions come due. And he could contribute as a plus defender off our bench in particular lineups, As well as to add further veteran championship experience too.
There is extremely little chance we move Saric's contract this year. We are set to likely be just under the tax, would not want to continue to have that salary going into next year by taking on a guy with 2 years left, like a Nance, and a team will not want a player that is useless this season without getting a first or young player like Smith.
I think if we get rid of him we either trade him next offseason for another expiring OR stretch him if we feel set at backup C and PF.
I get the not wanting to trade for a guy with two yrs left of course. But the reason that I specifically mentioned Danny Green is because of the reason that I highlighted. His 2nd yr IS NOT GUARANTEED for any money if waived before July 1st of next season. So if I'm understanding this premise correctly, He's available for trade on/ after Dec. 15th of this yr. So IF we traded for him at the trade deadline, we can either flip him for another expiring maybe in a three team deal? Or just waive him right away for the savings, And he can go join whatever contender he prefers, Whilst we clear 10 million from our books right after the teade??
Again, I like the idea of waiving him for no guaranteed salary because it gives us at least a little cushion towards our commitments for Bridges, OR to at least be able to offer a bit more ( if necessary) to retain Shamet in restricted free agency, IF some unforeseen team decides they covet his shooting and offers a larger than expected bid??
a team will not want a player that is useless this season without getting a first or young player like Smith.
I get this and agree. However, I whether in the minority or not would be willing to attach a protected first or a pick swap or a 2nd if they'd take it, to get completely clear of Sarics' 3rd yr salary. The fact that Green could be waived this very next season only makes the concept of this proposal more intriguing. I just view getting the full 10 million in cap flexibility as being worth more than what'll likely be a late first again too. Bet you'd never thought you'd hear me say something like that huh?...lol
I also only mention Philly as a trade partner because in discussing potential Saric trades with them, They ( mods/ etc) expressed repeated interest in bringing him back to Philly as a potential floor spacer/ backup 5?? I realize that Sarics' injury changes the dynamic of a trade a bit. Which is why I'm ok with the idea of adding a 2nd, All the way up to a protected first or a pick swap for the deal to be amenable. I also realize that they wouldn't have interest in Smith, As they already have Reed, Whom they're seemingly very optimistic about at the same position. So again, for my part, I'd be willing to swap Saric with a protected first or a ( future) pick swap IF it brings us that additional 10 million in cap space as early as next season!
By the way, This is a good example of why acquiring a prospect like Merrill for maybe a 2nd would be optimal, Since Philly covers shooting currently. Merrill could provide that for them really well. And as recently as yesterday, ESVL ( my PM) reiterated that Merrill could very likely be had for free even! ( cap relief, As they're coveting cap flexibility for 2022 free agency.
So in theory, We could acquire Merrill for nothing more than a 2nd possibly, and then flip him along with Sarics' contract to Philly along with maybe a protected first or a pick swap for 10 million in cap flexibility next season. And this is from a guy who considers Merrill to have more potential than Kennard ( due to absence of injury history).
I realize that Sarics' injury changes the dynamic of a trade a bit. Which is why I'm ok with the idea of adding a 2nd, All the way up to a protected first or a pick swap for the deal to be amenable. I also realize that they wouldn't have interest in Smith, As they already have Reed, Whom they're seemingly very optimistic about at the same position. So again, for my part, I'd be willing to swap Saric with a protected first or a ( future) pick swap IF it brings us that additional 10 million in cap space as early as next season! 