Free agency and trade ideas: Which wings do we go after this summer?

[bwgood77]

I've questioned our training staff for awhile given our injuries. However, I think in part it could come down to players putting in the type of preventive work/stretching that they might ask them to. It seems our players over the last 3-4 years, for the most part, came into the season looking like they were not prepared...given that we've had multiple coaches, it may simply come down to work ethic.

In this day and age there are always going to be new cutting edge type guys. But I wouldn't be surprised if Sarver has scolded them or something either asking what the hell is up with all the injuries.

I just hope they can get quality staff.

As for Morant, I think if we don't get Zion we will try to trade up for him unless we know someone like Jrue or Conley can be had for the pick and we know they are interested in playing. But I still think they could potentially draft Morant regardless and still go for someone.

[BobbieL]

[[Marc Stein @TheSteinLine
Among the initial moves new GM David Griffin is attempting to make in New Orleans: League sources say he has secured permission to make a run at Aaron Nelson ... longtime point man of the Phoenix Suns' vaunted athletic training staff]]


Ugh, no, no, no!!! Hahaha

Is he even good anymore? Over the last 5 years we've had one of the worst injury records in the league, with the youngest team in the NBA. Perhaps he was among the best 10-15 years ago, but now it looks like the rest of the league has caught up.

It might be time for a change. 9 years without the playoffs and it will take a heckuva lot to not make that 10 years. So, if Griffin wants him and Nelson wants to go - let the man have a shot at a new team.

[BobbieL]

I've questioned our training staff for awhile given our injuries. However, I think in part it could come down to players putting in the type of preventive work/stretching that they might ask them to. It seems our players over the last 3-4 years, for the most part, came into the season looking like they were not prepared...given that we've had multiple coaches, it may simply come down to work ethic.

In this day and age there are always going to be new cutting edge type guys. But I wouldn't be surprised if Sarver has scolded them or something either asking what the hell is up with all the injuries.

I just hope they can get quality staff.

As for Morant, I think if we don't get Zion we will try to trade up for him unless we know someone like Jrue or Conley can be had for the pick and we know they are interested in playing. But I still think they could potentially draft Morant regardless and still go for someone.

It will be interesting, fascinating, maybe frustrating to see how they accomplish the goals of PF and PF -- what trades are made, draft picks, etc. As somebody on twitter said, maybe just try to take players from the Clippers and Pacers. Which is a good thought:

PG: Joseph, Beverley or Collison

PF: JaMychael Green or Thad Young (though still want Aminu)


But those are not bad options that might be in budget of the team.

[Ghost of Kleine]

[[Marc Stein @TheSteinLine
Among the initial moves new GM David Griffin is attempting to make in New Orleans: League sources say he has secured permission to make a run at Aaron Nelson ... longtime point man of the Phoenix Suns' vaunted athletic training staff]]


Ugh, no, no, no!!! Hahaha

Payback from him to us I guess. How dumb on our part if we let him go! But it is Sarver, so what else should we expect.

[bwgood77]

Good article....Cassell seems like another interesting assistant.

Read on Twitter

[Ghost of Kleine]

[[Marc Stein @TheSteinLine
Among the initial moves new GM David Griffin is attempting to make in New Orleans: League sources say he has secured permission to make a run at Aaron Nelson ... longtime point man of the Phoenix Suns' vaunted athletic training staff]]


Ugh, no, no, no!!! Hahaha

Is he even good anymore? Over the last 5 years we've had one of the worst injury records in the league, with the youngest team in the NBA. Perhaps he was among the best 10-15 years ago, but now it looks like the rest of the league has caught up.

It might be time for a change. 9 years without the playoffs and it will take a heckuva lot to not make that 10 years. So, if Griffin wants him and Nelson wants to go - let the man have a shot at a new team.

Sucks for us possibly, But there's still the consideration in that working with Griffin and fostering some goodwill, Along with hopefully being able to sign Williams.


Could perhaps lead to us being a stronger consideration for Griffin to possibly trade Davis or Jrue to us eventually. As the saying goes, "You scratch my back, and I'll scratch yours".

I know that is a somewhat crazy and far fetched notion perhaps, But why not explore the possibility.

1- Sign New Orleans G.M. at time Monty Williams was there, knowing that Anthony Davis may be fond or at least comfortable with one or both.

2- Sign Monty Williams, The coach that helped him develop and perhaps nurtured him, creating a connection or at least comfortability of sorts.

3- Work on the framework of potential trades behind the scenes, involving Warren and or Jackson ie: Conley or Lowry to help create a max cap space position to offer to Davis by the time he becomes a free agent.

Also hoping that the veteran presence and leadership will help guide the youngsters to that next step of becoming competitive.

Which of course would finally make us more of an enticing destination for max players and higher caliber free agents finally.

Or through the same path, and the fostering of goodwill by working together with Griffin, etc.

Phoenix becomes a more enticing trade partner for Griffin to deal with as a first choice and more importantly, a more realistic and viable alternative for Davis, On the basis of the familiarity he has with their new coach, G.M. etc.

So the main selling point becomes-

Come play with Devin Booker/ De Andre Ayton/ Ja Morant? Plus a great surrounding cast of Oubre/ Bridges/ etc.

In addition to a coach and GM that you're already comfortable with. And there also wouldn't be the overwhelming and immediate pressure that he'd have in L.A.

Selling him on the fact that they're not that far from competing WITH him.

And with the Flakers being in disarray on all levels, and the landscape in the Western conference becoming more open once Durant leaves and signs with the Knicks. They should have a fairly open path to the Western conference finals even???

He may not buy it, but you make the pitch anyways.

And if he doesn't take it, you're still an improved and more competitive (possibly playoff team now) and your still heading into 2021 free agency as that competitive up and coming playoff team with $30 Million+ in cap space to offer one of these other franchise players.

That's really not a bad position to be in either way honestly.

I doubt that our front office is truly that creative and resourceful, But again, You never know right?

[jcsunsfan]

Good article....Cassell seems like another interesting assistant.

Read on Twitter

Man, I would always mention Shamet, Shake, and Shai before last year's draft. I liked all three of these a lot. I would have been very happy with Shamet.

[BobbieL]

Good article....Cassell seems like another interesting assistant.

Read on Twitter

Man, I would always mention Shamet, Shake, and Shai before last year's draft. I liked all three of these a lot. I would have been very happy with Shamet.

If the Monty Williams things fall through today and the Suns are looking to interview and wide array of candidates - VAnterpool, Tibbetts - I would hope Cassell is on the list to talk too. I still think Vanterpool is tops for me after Monty but worth talking too. He can teach Booker the Sam "big B**ls Dance" Cassell after making a big shot!

good read.

[toucansma]

[[Marc Stein @TheSteinLine
Among the initial moves new GM David Griffin is attempting to make in New Orleans: League sources say he has secured permission to make a run at Aaron Nelson ... longtime point man of the Phoenix Suns' vaunted athletic training staff]]


Ugh, no, no, no!!! Hahaha

Is he even good anymore? Over the last 5 years we've had one of the worst injury records in the league, with the youngest team in the NBA. Perhaps he was among the best 10-15 years ago, but now it looks like the rest of the league has caught up.

It might be time for a change. 9 years without the playoffs and it will take a heckuva lot to not make that 10 years. So, if Griffin wants him and Nelson wants to go - let the man have a shot at a new team.

I agree with what many of you are saying. If he wants to go, let him go, I am just concerned it's more that Sarver is saying eh, we don't value you anymore so do what you want. Part of it might not be admin/coaches syncing on philosophy with Aaron and his staff, but it just seems like Sarver might be too easily trying to let one of our bright spots go.

[ImNotMcDiSwear]

Good article....Cassell seems like another interesting assistant.

Read on Twitter

Man, I would always mention Shamet, Shake, and Shai before last year's draft. I liked all three of these a lot. I would have been very happy with Shamet.

I think of you every time I watch Shamet. You were screaming from the rooftops about that kid. Good eye, jc.

[SideSwipe]

Good article....Cassell seems like another interesting assistant.

Read on Twitter

Man, I would always mention Shamet, Shake, and Shai before last year's draft. I liked all three of these a lot. I would have been very happy with Shamet.

If the Monty Williams things fall through today and the Suns are looking to interview and wide array of candidates - VAnterpool, Tibbetts - I would hope Cassell is on the list to talk too. I still think Vanterpool is tops for me after Monty but worth talking too. He can teach Booker the Sam "big B**ls Dance" Cassell after making a big shot!

good read.

Having Bower on board and Williams in the offing, one can only hope they can figure out how to put together a deal for both Jrue and Davis. Bowers drafted AD and Monty coached him. Jones is in tight with the Klutch Krew. The only problem with that scenario is that LBJ might get jealous. The question also begs, is Monty prepared to handle that many personalities and is Booker willing to share the "My Team" spotlight.

[Crives]

So we can give Oubre 5 years with 8% decline per year

Would Oubre jump at 14 per over 5 years with 8% decline?

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?s=21

[grumpysaddle]

So we can give Oubre 5 years with 8% decline per year

Would Oubre jump at 14 per over 5 years with 8% decline?

Read on Twitter

?s=21

That averages out to 15 for the full 5 though. 15 is too high IMO. I mean, he'd definitely take it, I just think 13 per average would be the top I'd give, team option with small guarantee on the 5th year.

[LukasBMW]

This KD and Kyrie to NY I think is a lot of hype and talk.

This happens every year. Ever single year the players and coaches, and GM's, and talking heads say that XYZ superstar is heading to a certain team and then it usually doesn't go down that way.

KD and Kyrie to NYK is FRAGILE. Is Boston keeps playing well and ends up in the finals, Kyrie will think twice about leaving.

Same with KD. If the Warriors win it all OR if Kyrie decides to stay in Boston, I don't see KD bolting to NY alone.

I think this summer will be very interesting. Lots of moving parts.

[Saberestar]

So we can give Oubre 5 years with 8% decline per year

Would Oubre jump at 14 per over 5 years with 8% decline?

Read on Twitter

?s=21

That averages out to 15 for the full 5 though. 15 is too high IMO. I mean, he'd definitely take it, I just think 13 per average would be the top I'd give, team option with small guarantee on the 5th year.

That salary is too much.

Oubre has been in the league four full years and he only played really well for the last 20 games of that fourth season. He needs to show more than that to deserve a contract around 15M per year.

I think he is gonna be way cheaper. I bet that he signs with us a contract around $40M / 4 years. There are a lot of FAs and RFAs this season.

[bwgood77]

So we can give Oubre 5 years with 8% decline per year

Would Oubre jump at 14 per over 5 years with 8% decline?

Read on Twitter

?s=21

That averages out to 15 for the full 5 though. 15 is too high IMO. I mean, he'd definitely take it, I just think 13 per average would be the top I'd give, team option with small guarantee on the 5th year.

That salary is too much.

Oubre has been in the league four full years and he only played really well for the last 20 games of that fourth season. He needs to show more than that to deserve a contract around 15M per year.

I think he is gonna be way cheaper. I bet that he signs with us a contract around $40M / 4 years. There are a lot of FAs and RFAs this season.

Yeah, seems like way too much. Seems so weird we were set to have max cap space with likely waiving/stretching Anderson (or Knight) and having Ariza expire. Now that max cap space has turned into one year of Tyler Johnson (who I like ok given our thin backcourt), Oubre, and enough for a mid level guy basically. I know there are other ways to create it but it's kind of disappointing given what our cap space has turned into. I think Kelly's popularity among our fanbase is in large part a result of our team having SO few NBA non rookie NBA caliber players this year that Oubre looked a lot better than he is being on our team. At least he provides energy and is good for the locker room, but it's a lot to pay for that, given he's not really a shooter, playmaker or premier defender.

[Frank Lee]

Honestly can’t sfford not to pay him

Too important for the internal faith of the organization. Far worse things than over paying KO a couple mill

[bwgood77]

I agree they have to. And his cap hold is likely less than he will get paid, so ultimately, for our cap space this year, it doesn't matter how much he is paid. It may just matter later if/when we are more competitive but can't add another FA because we are stuck with his contract and it turns out to be a big overpay based on production.

We'd also have a good $20 more million in cap space this year if Booker would have waited to extend like Brooklyn is doing with Russell, though Russell has a much bigger cap hold than Booker would have....which is why we would have had so much cap space.

I know it somewhat sounds like crying over spilled milk but it just seems like we always operate without a long term plan. We easily have almost two max spots this summer with a couple of differences.

Of course that doesn't mean we could have signed anyone but it would have been nice to know we had the space to do so and could try.

[Blonde]

I agree they have to. And his cap hold is likely less than he will get paid, so ultimately, for our cap space this year, it doesn't matter how much he is paid. It may just matter later if/when we are more competitive but can't add another FA because we are stuck with his contract and it turns out to be a big overpay based on production.

We'd also have a good $20 more million in cap space this year if Booker would have waited to extend like Brooklyn is doing with Russell, though Russell has a much bigger cap hold than Booker would have....which is why we would have had so much cap space.

I know it somewhat sounds like crying over spilled milk but it just seems like we always operate without a long term plan. We easily have almost two max spots this summer with a couple of differences.

Of course that doesn't mean we could have signed anyone but it would have been nice to know we had the space to do so and could try.

Booker waiting to sign wouldn’t have opened up that much. He makes 27 next year and his cap hold would have been in the low teens so around 15 million in extra space probably. From a pure financial standpoint everyone knew we were limiting ourselves with the extension but I’d still go back and do that every time without regret. Booker is the long term plan. Everything else is secondary. We as fans have overrated the value of cap space for a team in our position quite a bit over the last few years. If a max player wants to sign here we will make the space for it one way or another.

[bwgood77]

I agree they have to. And his cap hold is likely less than he will get paid, so ultimately, for our cap space this year, it doesn't matter how much he is paid. It may just matter later if/when we are more competitive but can't add another FA because we are stuck with his contract and it turns out to be a big overpay based on production.

We'd also have a good $20 more million in cap space this year if Booker would have waited to extend like Brooklyn is doing with Russell, though Russell has a much bigger cap hold than Booker would have....which is why we would have had so much cap space.

I know it somewhat sounds like crying over spilled milk but it just seems like we always operate without a long term plan. We easily have almost two max spots this summer with a couple of differences.

Of course that doesn't mean we could have signed anyone but it would have been nice to know we had the space to do so and could try.

Booker waiting to sign wouldn’t have opened up that much. He makes 27 next year and his cap hold would have been in the low teens so around 15 million in extra space probably. From a pure financial standpoint everyone knew we were limiting ourselves with the extension but I’d still go back and do that every time without regret. Booker is the long term plan. Everything else is secondary. We as fans have overrated the value of cap space for a team in our position quite a bit over the last few years. If a max player wants to sign here we will make the space for it one way or another.

I thought his cap hold was like $8 million, but I guess it would have been a little higher than Oubre's, so not as much as I was thinking. I don't think there is any way at all he turns down the max deal from us this offseason either so for me I would have waited. If we are not good when he is up for extension next time or a year or two prior, he would probably ask for a trade anyway if he cares about winning.

I agree cap space could be overrated but when you could easily have it vs not have it with more options, I'd take it.