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

[Jdiddy701]

No way is Kelly Oubre asking not to play. It’s 100% his agent (if it’s not our medical staff). There is absolutely no reason why Kelly Oubre would not want to play. He’s all-in in Phoenix. Unfortunately for him, the Suns are doing well without him. Kelly Oubre has had a great season this year. He’s a legit starter in this league, but what I’ve seen from Cam and Mikal in the starting lineup is something I do not want to touch next season. It’s a good problem to have for Monty and he is the perfect guy to get Oubre to buy in to a bench role.


If Kelly is not okay coming off the bench, I’m okay moving on from him. I don’t see it being an issue next season though. Oubre is very happy in Phoenix. If you can’t tell that, you might not be following the team that well.


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[sunskerr]

Cam Johnson has been deadeye and an amazing fit in this lineup. His shooting has given the offense sooo much more breathing room that we can really start to take advantage of the passing games that Rubio and Booker possess. So I guess, in basketball theory, I do like the idea of Cam Johnson's game more than Oubre's because Cam is a better shooter and doesn't stop the ball as much.

But let's not forget Oubre still has favourable stats in the starting lineup as the Rubio/Booker/Bridges/Oubre/Ayton lineup has been often quoted as being one of the best in the league. If Johnson keeps this up it would be great next year to have Kelly in a bench role where he can get his shots, which will improve our depth which is something we still desperately need.

Either way, I'm glad the Bridges/Oubre and Bridges/Johnson lineup has put a damper on the "get a real PF" chatter. No need to worry about that in today's game. Just need shooting and switchability at that position, which both Oubre and Cam Johnson can do. Of course, it would be amazing if they gained a couple pounds to handle the Siakams or Giannis-types (and Zion, eventually).

But for the most part, every worrisome player at the forward spot is going to be hurting you from outside, either by driving or doing some form of creating or shooting, which means that being able to switch is simply a more important skill over being able to bang down low. There's so many wing forward threats in today's game like LeBron, Tatum, and Doncic, just to name a few more marquee guys.

Ayton (especially with another offseason) should be able to cover a lot of the size worries we'd be getting with Bridges/Oubre/Johnson. From there it's just looking for a bench player who can cover up for the scenarios where the size actually does become an issue.

So I'd be extremely, extremely hesitant to move on from Oubre. I think that the more long 6'8" guys who can shoot that we have, the better. I also want to avoid another TJ Warren situation where we let another talented guy go for nothing. He has his problems like not being a good passer, so if he's not fitting in next year then we'd have to move on. But Cam also has only had these 6 bubble games, so it's not like this is an amazing sample size. We should move into next year expecting Oubre to be a part of the team.

[alamin330]

Cam Johnson has been deadeye and an amazing fit in this lineup. His shooting has given the offense sooo much more breathing room that we can really start to take advantage of the passing games that Rubio and Booker possess. So I guess, in basketball theory, I do like the idea of Cam Johnson's game more than Oubre's because Cam is a better shooter and doesn't stop the ball as much.

But let's not forget Oubre still has favourable stats in the starting lineup as the Rubio/Booker/Bridges/Oubre/Ayton lineup has been often quoted as being one of the best in the league. If Johnson keeps this up it would be great next year to have Kelly in a bench role where he can get his shots, which will improve our depth which is something we still desperately need.

Either way, I'm glad the Bridges/Oubre and Bridges/Johnson lineup has put a damper on the "get a real PF" chatter. No need to worry about that in today's game. Just need shooting and switchability at that position, which both Oubre and Cam Johnson can do. Of course, it would be amazing if they gained a couple pounds to handle the Siakams or Giannis-types (and Zion, eventually).

But for the most part, every worrisome player at the forward spot is going to be hurting you from outside, either by driving or doing some form of creating or shooting, which means that being able to switch is simply a more important skill over being able to bang down low. There's so many wing forward threats in today's game like LeBron, Tatum, and Doncic, just to name a few more marquee guys.

Ayton (especially with another offseason) should be able to cover a lot of the size worries we'd be getting with Bridges/Oubre/Johnson. From there it's just looking for a bench player who can cover up for the scenarios where the size actually does become an issue.

So I'd be extremely, extremely hesitant to move on from Oubre. I think that the more long 6'8" guys who can shoot that we have, the better. I also want to avoid another TJ Warren situation where we let another talented guy go for nothing. He has his problems like not being a good passer, so if he's not fitting in next year then we'd have to move on. But Cam also has only had these 6 bubble games, so it's not like this is an amazing sample size. We should move into next year expecting Oubre to be a part of the team.

Cam J rebounding I think is the biggest surprise for me and should allow him to become the full time starter at the 4.
Kelly would kill as 6th man I agree. But I still think he’s a starter until mikal can hit that 3 consistently. Mikals defense has been great but Kelly plays almost the same way and can guard 1-4 as well but he gives more scoring. So either way I think the suns have a good problem

[ImNotMcDiSwear]

Cam Johnson has been deadeye and an amazing fit in this lineup. His shooting has given the offense sooo much more breathing room that we can really start to take advantage of the passing games that Rubio and Booker possess. So I guess, in basketball theory, I do like the idea of Cam Johnson's game more than Oubre's because Cam is a better shooter and doesn't stop the ball as much.

But let's not forget Oubre still has favourable stats in the starting lineup as the Rubio/Booker/Bridges/Oubre/Ayton lineup has been often quoted as being one of the best in the league. If Johnson keeps this up it would be great next year to have Kelly in a bench role where he can get his shots, which will improve our depth which is something we still desperately need.

Either way, I'm glad the Bridges/Oubre and Bridges/Johnson lineup has put a damper on the "get a real PF" chatter. No need to worry about that in today's game. Just need shooting and switchability at that position, which both Oubre and Cam Johnson can do. Of course, it would be amazing if they gained a couple pounds to handle the Siakams or Giannis-types (and Zion, eventually).

But for the most part, every worrisome player at the forward spot is going to be hurting you from outside, either by driving or doing some form of creating or shooting, which means that being able to switch is simply a more important skill over being able to bang down low. There's so many wing forward threats in today's game like LeBron, Tatum, and Doncic, just to name a few more marquee guys.

Ayton (especially with another offseason) should be able to cover a lot of the size worries we'd be getting with Bridges/Oubre/Johnson. From there it's just looking for a bench player who can cover up for the scenarios where the size actually does become an issue.

So I'd be extremely, extremely hesitant to move on from Oubre. I think that the more long 6'8" guys who can shoot that we have, the better. I also don't want to avoid another TJ Warren situation where we let another talented guy go for nothing. He has his problems like not being a good passer, so if he's not fitting in next year then we'd have to move on. But Cam also has only had these 6 bubble games, so it's not like this is an amazing sample size. We should move into next year expecting Oubre to be a part of the team.

One thing real quick. What's up with your flair?

Second thing, the bolded part of your statement. I sometimes make mistakes where I insert or neglect to put a "no" somewhere in my statement so I'm guessing the "don't" is unintentional, and you *do* want to avoid a TJ Warren situation. I agree with what I think you meant, at least in principal.

As you correctly point out, Kelly Oubre can still play with this team. But IMO, Cam has taken his spot in the starting lineup, and if Kelly wants it back he's going to have to earn it, because these results are no joke. Sure it's a small sample size, but it's a sample that consists of a lightning bolt slicing through the NBA's playoff teams. A front office mining the dirt finding a gold nugget.

Meanwhile, we're undefeated and nba.com has us at #19 in the strangely named "power rankings." Any respectable take would have us at least in the top 5 - especially if they dared to concede that the Raptors *tried to win* in our scrimmage. We're 9-0 if you include the scrimmages.

A friend of mine pointed this out early on... is it simply the case that the Suns cannot be defeated in the dead heat of summer? If so, that 1-8 matchup could be a doozy!

[Qwigglez]

Agreed. I read somewhere that Kelly is shooting 48% from 3 in clutch situations, whatever that means. I assume it’s being within 5 points and under 2 minutes to go. Regardless, Cam spreads the floor more than Oubre, Cam can shoot from 3 feet behind the 3 point line, where Oubre is right on the line.

It’s a nice problem to have though

[bwoolf2]

I like Oubre as the 6th man if you can get him to buy-in. You could sell him on the fact he will be the primary scorer for that second unit and with Cam Payne running point that 2nd unit is much stronger than before, saric, baynes, carter, payne, and Oubre thats a hell of a second unit, one of the best in the league in my opinion, if they can bring all those pieces back. He would get similar minutes as he would as a starter. And like the others have said if he is unwilling to buy into that role I would be ok with moving him although I would prefer not to.

[ImNotMcDiSwear]

I like Oubre as the 6th man if you can get him to buy-in. You could sell him on the fact he will be the primary scorer for that second unit and with Cam Payne running point that 2nd unit is much stronger than before, saric, baynes, carter, payne, and Oubre thats a hell of a second unit, one of the best in the league in my opinion, if they can bring all those pieces back. He would get similar minutes as he would as a starter. And like the others have said if he is unwilling to buy into that role I would be ok with moving him although I would prefer not to.

Just to be clear, this is what we're talking about with Oubre back in the mix, because I don't see any other way for all the players who've earned their spots to play a reasonable amount:

Rubio / Payne
Booker / Carter
Bridges / [Oubre] / **
Johnson / Oubre
Ayton / Dario / ???*

*We could obviously use a C/PF as a tenth man, but there's no way we'd be any worse off with Oubre taking all of Tank's minutes. We've assumed we want to bring Baynes back, but I don't see where his 18 minutes of playing time fit in with this plan.

**I'd want a wing (rookie?) at the eleventh spot. As far as I see things, Jerome and Lecque are locked into those 14/15 spots on the roster.

*** As I see it, our options at the 1 are Rubio, Payne and Booker; at the 2: Booker, Bridges, Carter, Rubio; at the 3: Bridges, Oubre, Johnson, Booker; at the 4: Oubre, Johnson, Dario;, at the 5: Ayton, Dario, Johnson, and see *. So for that 12th roster spot, we need to think about what characteristics we want for our team more than what position he plays. Versatility would be a big plus, since we never know what injury will be forcing this player into service. Experience preferred. Only high character players need apply.

[Ghost of Kleine]

No way is Kelly Oubre asking not to play. It’s 100% his agent (if it’s not our medical staff). There is absolutely no reason why Kelly Oubre would not want to play. He’s all-in in Phoenix. Unfortunately for him, the Suns are doing well without him. Kelly Oubre has had a great season this year. He’s a legit starter in this league, but what I’ve seen from Cam and Mikal in the starting lineup is something I do not want to touch next season. It’s a good problem to have for Monty and he is the perfect guy to get Oubre to buy in to a bench role.


If Kelly is not okay coming off the bench, I’m okay moving on from him. I don’t see it being an issue next season though. Oubre is very happy in Phoenix. If you can’t tell that, you might not be following the team that well.


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Hopefully you will be proven right. And it may absolutely be his agent or the training staff. And I'll agree for now that he SEEMS happy here. But you shouldn't discount or disregard the allure of big money for a young player like Oubre. Again, this is his first real chance at a big contract. And perhaps his agent has instructed him not to play and potentially risk another injury. But then again why would he ( agent) instruct him to not play, When he's here with us for the entire 2020 season anyways. That is unless the front office and Oubre and his agent know something that we don't??? And he doesn't want to risk reinjury prior to a immenent trade? I mean wasn't he basically medically cleared to play? Didn't they already report that he's been working out with the team? Again, As you yourself stated, IF he's all in, Then shouldn't he want to play and help us compete as a stronger, deeper team? Again, Maybe you're right! And it's all just directives from his agent! But why have him sit now ( if he's medically cleared), unless their predominantly concerned over maintaining his value for an immenent purpose? But again, IF he knows and the front office knows that he INTENDS to stay with us ( resign anyways), He'll have to play again next season prior to his free agency regardless. This is the closest we've gotten to the playoffs in how many years now! He should be out there playing! And his agent shouldn't dictate that option, Unless everyone is in agreement towards protecting his percieved market value. I guess we'll see how it plays out in the coming months.

[King4Day]

Regardless how this season ends, we'll have to have a conversation on whether it pays for us to skip free agency this summer (outside of keeping our own guys and one year deals) and let this team grow more together. Then go for broke next summer.

[King4Day]

I know it's a super long shot, but imagine this lineup?

Book
Giannis
Bridges
Cam
Ayton

Defense and offense. Rebounding, steals. Would be pretty tough to stop. Just a thought for another day/year. But if the team keeps growing, it's something that can be talked about in the future.

[matt131]

Pretty good Zach Lowe Podcast on the Suns today featuring Michael Schwartz

https://open.spotify.com/episode/76vYWNjvsfmKKxDHzB3k5n?si=JfOK39xoShq2-BCn-oDvQw

[WeekapaugGroove]

Agree with this post in its entirety!
Also, For whatever the reason, I still find it incredibly frustrating that neither Oubre nor Baynes are out there playing and helping our team compete better! We've been pretty good and lucky for sure! But we need all of the depth that we can get to make the playoffs hopefully! Regardless of whatever the reason may be for them both not to play and help contribute on this very important stretch run of games, I want them out there actually contributing, Not simply operating as cheerleaders from the sidelines.

Yeah I'm sure Baynes could replace Frank's production and play better defense. I'm not sure if Oubre wants to play

Yeah, Frank has just been so disappointing. And Baynes constant injuries are troubling as we could really use him right now for frontcourt depth. Not to beat a dead horse, But all those close losses really put us in a difficult situation.

As for Oubre, I know it's an unpopular opinion around here, But I think that he's choosing not to play and it's actually a mutually agreed upon decision, As they likely have trade non disclosed trade plans for him as a result of his anticipated immenent free agency and discussed anticipated market value. Again, I know that it's unpopular to say, But to me at least, it seems eerily similar to when Warren didn't come back from his injury to play more prior to being traded. Not at all identical, but nobody really anticipated that trade, And then it came out of nowhere. And with Oubre, IF he was really committed to being here, And the teams' success over his potential free agency value, Then wouldn't he actually be wanting to be out there helping his team compete? Again, I do hope that I'm wrong! I really do, But I get this really foreboding feeling that Oubre, his new agent, And the suns front office have already sat down to discuss what he expects to get in order to resign, As well as his anticipated market value in 2021 ( resulting from his agents inquiries to other potential bidders) and they come to the conclusion that he'll garner offers outside of their reasonable asking price. Thusly, They've agreed to sit him as to not tank his potential trade value further prior to the draft and free agency. And also this decision has pushed them to promote Bridges and Cam much more aggressively than originally planned.

I also think that Jones has a specific intent to utilize Oubre on draft night, in a deal to potentially move up in the draft, With specific targets in mind, Whilst creating more cap space for free agency as well. 10 days to see how it plays out.

It's possible Kelly's knee simply doesn't feel right, not all rehabs go exactly as planned. Meniscus injuries aren't to be **** around with because guys who hurt them often do have additional problems down the road.

Or maybe there is some conspiracy and the suns lined up a trade in June when they figured their season was done and don't want to chance it.

Only time will tell I guess.

Also that Warren deal didn't really come out of nowhere, it was pretty widely known he was available and there was even rumors Indiana and Phoenix were talking trade right before that went down but those rumors didn't specifically mention TJ.

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[BobbieL]

Regardless how this season ends, we'll have to have a conversation on whether it pays for us to skip free agency this summer (outside of keeping our own guys and one year deals) and let this team grow more together. Then go for broke next summer.

I am not against spending this summer in FA but I just don't want the Suns to spend stupidly. That being said, I am of the mindset to get Saric back on a one year deal; Baynes the same. Frank K - not sure his option needs to be picked up. I pick up Cameron Payne. Might have the MLE to use but I am not sure if that eats into 2021 cap so have to be smart!

The goal being with continuity, the group improves. And than, you can see what FA are available in 2021, hopefully Phoenix is a more attractive option at that point. Like you said, one year deals!

[Jarlaxle0204]

Pretty good Zach Lowe Podcast on the Suns today featuring Michael Schwartz

https://open.spotify.com/episode/76vYWNjvsfmKKxDHzB3k5n?si=JfOK39xoShq2-BCn-oDvQw

I love Zach Lowe. He's always great to listen to.

[Jarlaxle0204]

If Kelly would be willing to come off the bench we would really have something here next year.

Rubio/Cam Payne
Booker/Jevon Carter
Bridges/Oubre
Cam Johnson/Saric
Ayton/Baynes

That would be a great bench that could legit beat some starting units. Add in a PF or G draft pick and save cap space for the next year when bigger name free agents are available. Let the group grow more together.

[darmani]

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[matt131]

Apparently the NBA will name a "Bubble" MVP and an All-Bubble team.

if we go 8-0, I think Booker has a shot at MVP, but I have a feeling it might go to Lillard if he pulls them into the 8 spot.

[Ghost of Kleine]

Yeah I'm sure Baynes could replace Frank's production and play better defense. I'm not sure if Oubre wants to play

Yeah, Frank has just been so disappointing. And Baynes constant injuries are troubling as we could really use him right now for frontcourt depth. Not to beat a dead horse, But all those close losses really put us in a difficult situation.

As for Oubre, I know it's an unpopular opinion around here, But I think that he's choosing not to play and it's actually a mutually agreed upon decision, As they likely have trade non disclosed trade plans for him as a result of his anticipated immenent free agency and discussed anticipated market value. Again, I know that it's unpopular to say, But to me at least, it seems eerily similar to when Warren didn't come back from his injury to play more prior to being traded. Not at all identical, but nobody really anticipated that trade, And then it came out of nowhere. And with Oubre, IF he was really committed to being here, And the teams' success over his potential free agency value, Then wouldn't he actually be wanting to be out there helping his team compete? Again, I do hope that I'm wrong! I really do, But I get this really foreboding feeling that Oubre, his new agent, And the suns front office have already sat down to discuss what he expects to get in order to resign, As well as his anticipated market value in 2021 ( resulting from his agents inquiries to other potential bidders) and they come to the conclusion that he'll garner offers outside of their reasonable asking price. Thusly, They've agreed to sit him as to not tank his potential trade value further prior to the draft and free agency. And also this decision has pushed them to promote Bridges and Cam much more aggressively than originally planned.

I also think that Jones has a specific intent to utilize Oubre on draft night, in a deal to potentially move up in the draft, With specific targets in mind, Whilst creating more cap space for free agency as well. 10 days to see how it plays out.

It's possible Kelly's knee simply doesn't feel right, not all rehabs go exactly as planned. Meniscus injuries aren't to be **** around with because guys who hurt them often do have additional problems down the road.

Or maybe there is some conspiracy and the suns lined up a trade in June when they figured their season was done and don't want to chance it.

Only time will tell I guess.

Also that Warren deal didn't really come out of nowhere, it was pretty widely known he was available and there was even rumors Indiana and Phoenix were talking trade right before that went down but those rumors didn't specifically mention TJ.

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You could be right on all of your points man. Obviously, no one really knows what actually the core of these situations aside from Oubre himself and the front office. Maybe I'm just ansty and somewhat neurotic due to our so many years of bad luck, worst case scenario situations playing out as feared. I'm also somewhat worried that not having our team at full strength ( No Baynes/ No Oubre) will somehow come back to bite us, Although we've admittedly been very lucky so far! Still I'd much rather have them out there playing if they can! As for Warren, At least to me, He( in the beginning) as well as the front office was pretty cryptic about their intentions up until the end. Such as no public disclosure as to why Warren wasn't in the promotional team advertisements for the " Valley Boys" and later cited injuries for the reason that he was not playing much if at all, Up to the point he was traded. And I do of course understand that it's just part of the business to keep these matters private until they are fully negotiated, agreed upon and ready to be completed. But for my part, I just see subtle parallels to Warren's situation and Oubres' in terms of being held out of play post injury, When similar to Warren, There has been talk of contractual implications as well as positional fit, And the ensuing trade rumors of potential availability shortly after. Again, I hope that I'm wrong, And that this is just a harmless peculiar situation, But the one thing that we can both agree on is that only time will tell ? First indicator will be on draft night.

[King4Day]

Apparently the NBA will name a "Bubble" MVP and an All-Bubble team.

if we go 8-0, I think Booker has a shot at MVP, but I have a feeling it might go to Lillard if he pulls them into the 8 spot.

If we don't get in, it's hard not seeing Luka getting it. Maybe even Warren if he rebounds from last night.

[WeekapaugGroove]

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McD gives a breakdown of how the Bridges deal went down on draft night at around the 12 minute mark.

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