Trade & Free Agency Ideas & Discussion 2

[bigfoot]

I think we would have won 30 games if we didnt sit bledsoe and Tyson down the stretch. With improvement from our youth and the addition of JJ I could see close to 40 wins and a lotto pick in the 10-14 range.
Back to the middle, baby! This time we have room for growth.

I would actually trade Bledsoe to ensure we lose.

Add any of the top 4, but hopefully the top 3, prospects to this team and it will take off.

Doncic
Booker
Jackson
Warren
Chriss

with Bender backing up the 3-5 spots is a really good positionless type of team.

For a more traditional lineup size wise but with some untraditional skill you could add Ayton or Porter. That team rivals 76ers core.

Not a real fan when you say trade away Bledsoe so we lose ... that is messed up dude. Our young guys need to learn how to win. They need to win now not in two years.

[WeekapaugGroove]

Reports on general board of 4 or 5 team traded that was nixed last minute. From what everyone gathers due to the Denver/ Bledsoe rumors the Suns would have given Bledsoe/Warren/Miami pick next year. It's believed either the Suns pulled out because of Loves medical records or Indy because they realized they could do a extend and trade and get a better George deal.

Would love have been headed to Phoenix? If I'm happy that deal didn't go down.

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[Zelaznyrules]

This would be my minute distribution if we got someone like LMA.

PG: Bledsoe (28) Ulis (20)
SG: Booker (32) Jackson (16)
SF: Warren (28) Jackson (10) Bender (10)
PF: Aldridge (30) Chriss (18)
C: Chandler (24) Bender (14) Chriss (10)

I don't see the limited minutes at all with everyone getting ample time to play. The following year, Chandler would play less, and then the year after he wouldn't be here. Same with Aldridge. Meanwhile our guys are still developing and learning from quality veterans. Eventually, I assume Jackson will overtake Warren as the starting SF and I'm hoping Warren will be okay playing off the bench.

That's not a bad lineup if you want to finish 10th in the West but I see little advantage at aiming either that high or that low. Aldridge is more inconsistent each year now. Chandler can't give you 24 minutes a night any more, not if winning is your goal. I do like holding Eric to 28 minutes, if he'll accept it. He used to be such a ferocious defender but he's been a huge disappointment the past two seasons. I've always thought he'd be better off giving it all he has and calling it quits around the 25 to 28 minute mark. He's not Jason Kidd, Kidd go full bore for 44 minutes a game. Eric clearly gets tired even playing normal starter minutes.

[Puff]

I think McDo will be cautious with free agency, may be targeting Griffin. If no Blake then no big deal. Trades/adjustments can be made later after we see what we have. Who knows.... Our most successful lineup might be Booker/Jackson/Warren/Chris/Bender. There is enough to look forward too with our current roster. McDo can focus on players, but this will also be a year to take a hard look at the Fortune Cookie Coach we have. The young talent both proven and projected is there.

I reviewed the free agent list and I saw no one other than Blake Griffin that I would make an offer to. If we do in fact acquire Blake, I do not think minute distribution will be a problem with the possible exception of Warren. Hopefully we either trade Chandler, if we keep Len, or we keep Chandler and let Len go in free agency. If we do either, I could see Blake at center in some situations along with Chriss and Bender. It would give us tremendous flexibility and fresh legs on the court at all times.

I could see us try to find an additional PG to Bledsoe and Ulis via trade of free agency. Other than that we have a very complete roster, with lots of flexibility. I can't wait for the season to start. It has been a long time since I said that. I will be excited with or without Griffin.

[Mulhollanddrive]

Just looking from an organic strategy point of view at a 10 man rotation:

23 and Under (development): Ulis, Booker, Warren, Jackson, Chriss, Bender, Len

24 to 30 (prime): Bledsoe

31 and Over (vets): Barbosa, Chandler

I'm not sure any team has won much with that age profile, so either you change the balance to win more now, or you let them play for the future.

[Zelaznyrules]

Just looking from an organic strategy point of view at a 10 man rotation:

23 and Under (development): Ulis, Booker, Warren, Jackson, Chriss, Bender, Len

24 to 30 (prime): Bledsoe

31 and Over (vets): Barbosa, Chandler

I'm not sure any team has won much with that age profile, so either you change the balance to win more now, or you let them play for the future.

I realize it doesn't change your point at all but I think Len just turned 24. And I want to see Jones get some minutes too. He's still very raw but he has some real gifts and he seems motivated so it's best to feed that motivation IMO.

We have 10 players that are 24 or under. Wow. In the 2012/2013 season I think we had just 4 guys that were 24 and under - the Morris twins, Kendall Marshall and Beasley.

[Damkac]

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[Durrrtysouth]

Long time Suns fan, but lost interest after moving to Miami and watching Sarver ruin the team. I since have become a big Miami Heat fan (Hard not to, the hype during the big 3 era was similar to the hype we had in 93 when Barkley came to the Suns).

That out of the way, here are my thoughts. Suns need to establish a winning culture now. Not trade away players to tank another year. But make some trades to get this young talented bunch some on the court help as well as solid locker room professionals. In order to get in the room with prized FA's you need to show promise. Also having a coach who can put these young players in a system to surprise the league will go a long way in recruitment of FA's.

A funny thing happened here in Miami last year. In a year where we expected to tank, starting the year 10-30 and finishing with one of the best records in the league after the All Star break, it has made other players around the league take notice. In Miami we have a young group surrounded by solid veteran and young coaches who can relate to them. Making a very attractive market for FA's.

During the Colangelo years the Suns had that. The Suns were a well respected organization and was always in the conversations when it came to FA's. It is time to establish winning again and get back into the conversations during free agency. Give the young ones as much playing time as possible with the ultimate goal of winning every game.

[Sonne]

Long time Suns fan, but lost interest after moving to Miami and watching Sarver ruin the team. I since have become a big Miami Heat fan (Hard not to, the hype during the big 3 era was similar to the hype we had in 93 when Barkley came to the Suns).

That out of the way, here are my thoughts. Suns need to establish a winning culture now. Not trade away players to tank another year. But make some trades to get this young talented bunch some on the court help as well as solid locker room professionals. In order to get in the room with prized FA's you need to show promise. Also having a coach who can put these young players in a system to surprise the league will go a long way in recruitment of FA's.

A funny thing happened here in Miami last year. In a year where we expected to tank, starting the year 10-30 and finishing with one of the best records in the league after the All Star break, it has made other players around the league take notice. In Miami we have a young group surrounded by solid veteran and young coaches who can relate to them. Making a very attractive market for FA's.

During the Colangelo years the Suns had that. The Suns were a well respected organization and was always in the conversations when it came to FA's. It is time to establish winning again and get back into the conversations during free agency. Give the young ones as much playing time as possible with the ultimate goal of winning every game.

you are not a real fan just a confused bandwagoner nobody here is interested in the miami cheats

[DaleyBlind]

Will Knight still be on the roster opening night?

[sunsbg]

Long time Suns fan, but lost interest after moving to Miami and watching Sarver ruin the team. I since have become a big Miami Heat fan (Hard not to, the hype during the big 3 era was similar to the hype we had in 93 when Barkley came to the Suns).

That out of the way, here are my thoughts. Suns need to establish a winning culture now. Not trade away players to tank another year. But make some trades to get this young talented bunch some on the court help as well as solid locker room professionals. In order to get in the room with prized FA's you need to show promise. Also having a coach who can put these young players in a system to surprise the league will go a long way in recruitment of FA's.

A funny thing happened here in Miami last year. In a year where we expected to tank, starting the year 10-30 and finishing with one of the best records in the league after the All Star break, it has made other players around the league take notice. In Miami we have a young group surrounded by solid veteran and young coaches who can relate to them. Making a very attractive market for FA's.

During the Colangelo years the Suns had that. The Suns were a well respected organization and was always in the conversations when it came to FA's. It is time to establish winning again and get back into the conversations during free agency. Give the young ones as much playing time as possible with the ultimate goal of winning every game.

you are not a real fan just a confused bandwagoner nobody here is interested in the miami cheats

I am The Suns will get Miami's pick in next draft. I would like it to be a lottery pick, but probably it will be in the 15-18 range. What are the realistic FA targets for the Heat ?

[thamadkant]

Long time Suns fan, but lost interest after moving to Miami and watching Sarver ruin the team. I since have become a big Miami Heat fan (Hard not to, the hype during the big 3 era was similar to the hype we had in 93 when Barkley came to the Suns).

That out of the way, here are my thoughts. Suns need to establish a winning culture now. Not trade away players to tank another year. But make some trades to get this young talented bunch some on the court help as well as solid locker room professionals. In order to get in the room with prized FA's you need to show promise. Also having a coach who can put these young players in a system to surprise the league will go a long way in recruitment of FA's.

A funny thing happened here in Miami last year. In a year where we expected to tank, starting the year 10-30 and finishing with one of the best records in the league after the All Star break, it has made other players around the league take notice. In Miami we have a young group surrounded by solid veteran and young coaches who can relate to them. Making a very attractive market for FA's.

During the Colangelo years the Suns had that. The Suns were a well respected organization and was always in the conversations when it came to FA's. It is time to establish winning again and get back into the conversations during free agency. Give the young ones as much playing time as possible with the ultimate goal of winning every game.

you are not a real fan just a confused bandwagoner nobody here is interested in the miami cheats

Its a free world... anyone can choose their sports team. If someone decides to switch teams but still likes another, they are allowed to. There are true blue fans, casual fans and just fans of basketball in general... we're all allowed to choose which ones we want to be to suit our life style and situations.

[Hesh]

I happen to agree with him though. I'm done with tanking. We have to establish a winning culture. Even if it's with the roster we have now, whether they crack 40 wins or not. Can't keep demoralizing their growth like the Sixer's did, and for a fierce competitor like JJ we can't let his grind lose traction.

[AtheJ415]

I think we would have won 30 games if we didnt sit bledsoe and Tyson down the stretch. With improvement from our youth and the addition of JJ I could see close to 40 wins and a lotto pick in the 10-14 range.
Back to the middle, baby! This time we have room for growth.

I would actually trade Bledsoe to ensure we lose.

Add any of the top 4, but hopefully the top 3, prospects to this team and it will take off.

Doncic
Booker
Jackson
Warren
Chriss

with Bender backing up the 3-5 spots is a really good positionless type of team.

For a more traditional lineup size wise but with some untraditional skill you could add Ayton or Porter. That team rivals 76ers core.

Not a real fan when you say trade away Bledsoe so we lose ... that is messed up dude. Our young guys need to learn how to win. They need to win now not in two years.

Glad to know you're the one entitled to judge who is a fan or not. Our young guys are going to lose, and it will happen now--not in 2 years.

[thamadkant]

I seriously think Suns should consider Bledsoe for Rubio + Asset(s).


Suns need a defensive play maker who is creative in getting the ball to Booker, Chriss, Warren, Jackson etc.

Scoring and shooting is important, Bledsoe is the better shooter but he's far from being an efficient shooter himself, but Rubio's willingness to give the ball up and focus on play making could form better synergy with the slashers and scorers on the Suns lineup.

Scoring
Bledsoe 21 ppg
Rubio 11 ppg

Rebounding
Bledsoe 5 rpg
Rubio 4 rpg

Assisting
Rubio 9 apg
Bledsoe 6 apg

Steals
Rubio 1.7 spg (worst average for Rubio in his career)
Bledsoe 1.4 spg

3PT shooting
Bledsoe 34%
Rubio 30%

2PT shooting
Bledsoe 43%
Rubio 40%



Suns can also pick up another asset, maybe a future pick from Wolves this way. And Rubio can be re-signed way less than Bledsoe.


Just an idea... I think a creative play maker could dramatically help the Suns young scorers be more efficient and in general better offensively.

[AtheJ415]

Long time Suns fan, but lost interest after moving to Miami and watching Sarver ruin the team. I since have become a big Miami Heat fan (Hard not to, the hype during the big 3 era was similar to the hype we had in 93 when Barkley came to the Suns).

That out of the way, here are my thoughts. Suns need to establish a winning culture now. Not trade away players to tank another year. But make some trades to get this young talented bunch some on the court help as well as solid locker room professionals. In order to get in the room with prized FA's you need to show promise. Also having a coach who can put these young players in a system to surprise the league will go a long way in recruitment of FA's.

A funny thing happened here in Miami last year. In a year where we expected to tank, starting the year 10-30 and finishing with one of the best records in the league after the All Star break, it has made other players around the league take notice. In Miami we have a young group surrounded by solid veteran and young coaches who can relate to them. Making a very attractive market for FA's.

During the Colangelo years the Suns had that. The Suns were a well respected organization and was always in the conversations when it came to FA's. It is time to establish winning again and get back into the conversations during free agency. Give the young ones as much playing time as possible with the ultimate goal of winning every game.

The idea that the Suns can't establish a winning culture next year and must do everything possible to win this year is baffling to me. As if no team has ever lost for 3 years while being too young to win and managed to improve. I guess the magic number is 2 years. If your team can't manage to win by then with a bunch of 20 year olds they will be mired in a losing culture and never want to win again.

You all should publish the data behind this 2 year cultural phenomenon. Teams need to know.

[Frank Lee]

Seems like the priority will be winning.... last years priority of losing didn't exactly yield the desired result (#4?)

[PHXDraft0358]

I've always been 'play as hard as you can to win regardless' or when rebuilding with a younger team 'win or lose, play the youngsters' guy knowing young teams struggle or even surprise, but play to win/improve. Being a no name athlete in H.S. (90's) I could also never understand playing to lose though?? Ayton or Doncic definitely could be worth it if the Suns were to struggle again, and I'd understand Trading Bledsoe for younger PG knowing that next contract or scary health issues, but I hope the Suns never go INTO Season already expecting to lose. Even that Scola/Gortat led team I expected to win! lol Heading to Free Agency (aging in life) while I've learned not to put all your bread in one basket but if the Suns could swap Chandler, Knight, Barbosa, and/or Dudley for older PF (2-3 year contract) while only sending out a 1st Rounder (Miami) maybe two - the Suns would keep nucleus and just transfer minutes from Traded player(s) to ___ PF.

The youngsters: Booker, Chriss, Bender, Warren, Jackson, Ulis, Len, Williams, Jones, Reed, and possibly Peters could be a solid start to Playoff Contender in future and w/ so many interchangeable positional pieces playing time shouldn't be too much of worry, yet. Wouldn't rule out upgrading veterans because I Love the young core and want to see what Suns have in them!!!

[thamadkant]

Suns have the young talent so even if they try their best some veteran teams will simply get over them through experience and knowledge of the NBA game.

The veterans in the other hand dont mesh well. Bledsoe is an All Star talent but just doesnt fit with this team... Its also Watson's fault...


I think the Suns are still constructed of good players with talent and potential... But dont mesh well due to play style and mental approach... Outside of McD's drafted players who somehow actually fit together due to their different specialities... The veterans dont fit.

Suns still dont have an identity... Terrible offensive efficiency and defense... Bottom rung ball movement... Yet dont have elite Isolation players in the lineup... Its a car wreck of a system to be honest and thats a coaching issue.

[BobbieL]

Its my thought - the tank needs to be over. It really does. Its time to start building a foster of winning. And yes, if Tucker had not been traded and Bledsoe, Knight and Chandler played the rest of the year - this would have been a much better team. But I didn't disagree with it

Now, trading Bledsoe may not be about tanking it may be about long term strategic thinking since he has two years left on his deal

Chandler or Len - its time to decide - who you keeping as I think Sauce has proved he can be a serviceable backup. And there will always be "Za Za Pachulia" out there - big you can get for cheap that service 10-15minute per game purpose

I have no problem identifying the right veteran presence on a two year deal (as that is when Chandler and Dudley currently expire before the big deals kick in) to help. Bordow nixed Millsap; Bordow didn't say Blake but Griffin probably is a pipe dream and I have zero idea how they would get the cap space (well, renounce Len, and not bring back LB would help) - possibly than move a guy like Dudley or Chandler for nothing, so its do-able. HIs injury concerns bother me too.

But I do think the team has enough young talent to grow and build with. Time to start winning games. That's how you succeed in the NBA, win games, get beat and learn from it