The Official 2025 Offseason Thread Part 1

[sunsbg]

At the moment, and I know that things are gonna change after the playoffs, I think that the Knicks will be our trade partner for KD.

Look...I think they are gonna struggle against the Pistons but they will survive to the first round but they will go down in the 2nd round.

KD wants to play in New York. I think he is gonna say to the Knicks that he is all-in and he will sign the 2-year extension with them.

And this is where our new identity comes...Ishbia said that we are gonna try to implement an identity from top to bottom (FO, coaches, players) with DEFENSE and GRIT as main concepts.

KD salary: $54.7M
Knicks package: $54.7M

Suns would get OG Anunoby, Mitchell Robinson, Tyler Kolek, 2030 unprotected FRP and three 2nds.

OG Anunoby under contract for the next three years. Top 10 defensive player in the league.

Tyler Kolek on a rookie contract for the next 3 years. We talked a lot about him at the draft, could be a nice backup PG for us since day one.

Mitchell Robinson on a expiring contract. Great shot blocker we can sign him again using Bird rights.

And draft capital with a premium unprotected pick.

We need to be under the 2nd apron to execute this trade. We would get depth, defense, a youngster and picks.

I still hope we get something better from a team like Mavs. I remember you wanted all their young players + picks to start talking, now you settle for a 28yo 4th option at best with a few 40 game seasons, always injured C, 2nd rounder who's similar to Gillespie, unprotected pick in 5 years from a team able to draw good FAs and stay relevant and some 2nd round picks. Looks like reality finally hit you and Ishbia.

The Mavs doesn't have a player as great as OG Anunoby, he is a difference maker on both sides of the floor. He is a borderline All-Star player to me, better than Mikal. Ask to Knicks fans.

And the Mavs doesn't have much better draft capital than the Knicks.

So an offer from the Mavs to be a decent one would need to have Lively, PJ Washington and every available pick from them (not too many).

Regarding the Knicks offer that I said...obviously I would try to get another FRP but they only can trade one more and has protections. It's 2026 FRP from the Pistons (Top 11 protected in 2026, Top 9 in 2027 or just a 2nd if not converted).

OG Anunoby
Mitchell Robinson
Tyler Kolek
2030 Unprotected FRP
2026 (from Pistons Top 11 protected) FRP.
Three 2nds.

That's a good offer? YES.

Ideal package for KD? It's not, but it's a realistic one and have too many things that we need on the team. I like it.

EDIT:
I have proposed this particular trade on the trade board to get a better general feeling about the offer.

I was wrong and the Knicks doesn’t hace any FRP available for a trade. They can't trade 20230 and they don't have the Pistons pick anymore.

To the next one lol.

Good. I'll easily take PJ Washington + Lively or even Gafford than Knicks broken down pair. Blows my mind people still propose trades for such players after Beal. Give me instead Mikal who's year older but an ironman. Not to mention cheaper which I have no clue why is not being taken into consideration when comparing players. It's not as simple as who's better player or who you like better if serious about building a championship team though that's how Ishbia operates making the stupid KD trade going after the name.

[BobbieL]

I actually like the Idea of Anunoby and Mitchell. Although concerned about what their overall durability might be for the cumulative cost. But love the defensive concept premise for a change.

Although if I'm being honest, in a one for one or swap with New York, I might lean more towards KAT, as I think we could flip him for significantly more pieces and value in return than even KD due to his only being 29, being under contract for another 4 yrs, and putting up double/ Double production on great efficiency as a star tier 1B type star player like Booker.

I believe there would be a number of teams willing to.pay up value for him too. And his contract length would give us a slightly longer window to trade him as needed. I'll post the teams and trade package ideas later this morning in a couple of hours.

I love Anunobys' defense and skillset abilities, but might prefer KAT for production and trade value potential. Or Bridges back for the chemistry, fan vibe and feel good situation.

Also in taking back Bridges, (the lower salary player) that'd mean we'd also get hack more pieces in the deal like a Mitchell and fillers, or Hart and fillers and picks. Sending other pieces to a 3rd team for more value. But Anunoby would of course be solid value for our defensive premise too.

Although I do honestly believe we could get much of that defensive versatility/ impact with a young prospect like Adou Thiero at a fraction of the cost but with a very similar defense, athletic and two way skillset ( just not yet as offensively efficient). And then still get other key pieces like KAT or Bridges/ Hart/ Kolek or maybe McBride?? and some picks (from 3rd team)??

But again, my top choice might be KAT for his production, connection with Booker and trade value to other teams, that could very likely set us up with multiple pieces and premium pick value??

I think Brunson and KAT are off the table for KD. I would prefer KAT too.

How does KAT make the Suns better? I don't like the fit with Booker. Thats more activity - "hey big name" over building the right roster

They mentioned toughness and grit - not sure that is KAT. Booker needs the right players around him. OG or Bridges I think work better than KAT. Towns would be more fantasy than winning games.

This is a multi-year process. Even keeping Booker - its two bad seasons Since they are keeping Booker, they need to do EVERYTHING they can to build for the summer of 2027. That means Beal - making sure he is not stretched, Allen and O"neale , trade for expirings in 2027 or earlier. Get some cap space for that summer.

[Rebound Mound]

If the Knicks are stupid enough to deal KAT for a 37 yo KD, then I would keep him. KAT is a really good center who can shoot and score inside, commands a double defense whenever he is on the post, can shoot from anywhere and is a decent shot blocker and rebounder.
He is also friends with Booker.

My overall idea about the situation is that the deals we are going to get for KD and Beal are not as good as some media and even the franshise are expecting. Cm'on, KD is 37 and Beal is 31, has played 50% of the games this season, has a no trade clause and believes he is better than he really is.
I would take Jabari and another ramdom player from the Rockets, plus a pick or two. That would be a dream.
For Beal, I do not know what to expect. Does he want to go to the Kings for Sabonis. Sabonis and Jabari would be a nice combo inside, as one lacks intimidation, but is a nice rebounded and great passer and Jabari offers intimidation, shooting ability and running the floor. Also other players should arrive. Maybe Green from the Rockets.
If dealing with the Grizzlies, then Aldama and Brooks and picks could be a nice package. We need players with some personality, work ethic and who can deal with the group and encourage teammates.

Oneale or Allen should get us some size in the form of a nice PF.

With these deals I am focusing on getting young, athletic players who can develop. Getting Jabari is like going to the draft and hitting on a good target that you know is going to be a mature, good player who is not going to fall on the bad side of the hill.

XXX-Jones/Morris
Booker-Allen
Brooks-Dunn
Jabari-Bol
Sabonis-Richards

[BobbieL]

I still hope we get something better from a team like Mavs. I remember you wanted all their young players + picks to start talking, now you settle for a 28yo 4th option at best with a few 40 game seasons, always injured C, 2nd rounder who's similar to Gillespie, unprotected pick in 5 years from a team able to draw good FAs and stay relevant and some 2nd round picks. Looks like reality finally hit you and Ishbia.

The Mavs doesn't have a player as great as OG Anunoby, he is a difference maker on both sides of the floor. He is a borderline All-Star player to me, better than Mikal. Ask to Knicks fans.

And the Mavs doesn't have much better draft capital than the Knicks.

So an offer from the Mavs to be a decent one would need to have Lively, PJ Washington and every available pick from them (not too many).

Regarding the Knicks offer that I said...obviously I would try to get another FRP but they only can trade one more and has protections. It's 2026 FRP from the Pistons (Top 11 protected in 2026, Top 9 in 2027 or just a 2nd if not converted).

OG Anunoby
Mitchell Robinson
Tyler Kolek
2030 Unprotected FRP
2026 (from Pistons Top 11 protected) FRP.
Three 2nds.

That's a good offer? YES.

Ideal package for KD? It's not, but it's a realistic one and have too many things that we need on the team. I like it.

EDIT: Rosterbating -- who says No

Kings: Beal (if he waives his NTC) and a FRP from the Suns

Suns: Sabonis and Valuciunas

Kings get a boat load of cap space for the Summer of 2027 when Lavine, Demar and Beal would come off the books as Sabonis is owed 140m

Suns get a decent option for Beal
I have proposed this particular trade on the trade board to get a better general feeling about the offer.

I was wrong and the Knicks doesn’t hace any FRP available for a trade. They can't trade 20230 and they don't have the Pistons pick anymore.

To the next one lol.

Good. I'll easily take PJ Washington + Lively or even Gafford than Knicks broken down pair. Blows my mind people still propose trades for such players after Beal. Give me instead Mikal who's year older but an ironman. Not to mention cheaper which I have no clue why is not being taken into consideration when comparing players. It's not as simple as who's better player or who you like better if serious about building a championship team though that's how Ishbia operates making the stupid KD trade going after the name.

Agree -- Ishbia is just playing fantasy rosterbating when he does his move. Doesn't take into account the dynamics of team building
Enough with the style - look at what worked when building around Booker. I am not sure how you get the mat with Mikal and the lack of picks from the Knicks but maybe if they get below the apron levels -- part of the trade is sending off a bad contract like Allen or O'Neale so they can help the cap in the summer of 2027

So step 1: waive Micic and not pick up the Martin option
Step 2: buy out Beal - even if its just enough to get below the apron level -- $5m per year, give him $100m
Step 3: trade Durant and Allen or O"Neale to a team like the Knicks
Step 4: The player left of Allen and O'Neale , trade them for an expiring by the summer of 2027

Start building that way

[King4Day]

I missed the last bunch of pages so apologies if this was discussed.

If we dealt with Houston, would you rather a deal that brings us back:

Guys like:

Smith
Whitmore
Green

With few, if any, high picks

OR

Pick centered deal (2 or 3 of our firsts back, including this year assuming they don't move into the top 4)
and FVV/fillers

-----------

I think I'd take the picks and trust we can pick the right players. Thoughts?

[BobbieL]

I missed the last bunch of pages so apologies if this was discussed.

If we dealt with Houston, would you rather a deal that brings us back:

Guys like:

Smith
Whitmore
Green

With few, if any, high picks

OR

Pick centered deal (2 or 3 of our firsts back, including this year assuming they don't move into the top 4)
and FVV/fillers

-----------

I think I'd take the picks and trust we can pick the right players. Thoughts?

Picks... so the latter option. Granted that means a couple years of real patience and planning for the summer of 2027

Granted, did read that the Kings way want to move Sabonis and thought of Sabonis/Jonas V for Beal. Gets the Kings a lot of cap space in the summer of 2027

[Revived]

Isn’t Anonuby always injured? Sabestar really is Matt Ishbia 2.0….he likes either old players or injury prone players.

[BobbieL]

Isn’t Anonuby always injured? Sabestar really is Matt Ishbia 2.0….he likes either old players or injury prone players.

If Ishbia is going to build around Booker - he needs to patient and not think a quick fix
Needs to get under the second apron to make real trades
Its going to be more than "oohh, I know that name and he makes a lot of money so I am going to trade for him!!!"

[sunsbg]

Isn’t Anonuby always injured? Sabestar really is Matt Ishbia 2.0….he likes either old players or injury prone players.

Hey that's my discovery. If Saber likes a deal than get prepared for it. Both have great intentions for the franchise though for what it's worth.

[BobbieL]

Isn’t Anonuby always injured? Sabestar really is Matt Ishbia 2.0….he likes either old players or injury prone players.

Hey that's my discovery. If Saber likes a deal than get prepared for it.

Where are the following to confirm what is going on with the Suns :
Traxxe
Dirty Bird
Ray Ray

[Saberestar]

Isn’t Anonuby always injured? Sabestar really is Matt Ishbia 2.0….he likes either old players or injury prone players.

OG Anunoby is 27 yo and has played 36.6 mpg on 74 games this season.

Is not that enough to say that he is healthy?

[dremill24]

I missed the last bunch of pages so apologies if this was discussed.

If we dealt with Houston, would you rather a deal that brings us back:

Guys like:

Smith
Whitmore
Green

With few, if any, high picks

OR

Pick centered deal (2 or 3 of our firsts back, including this year assuming they don't move into the top 4)
and FVV/fillers

-----------

I think I'd take the picks and trust we can pick the right players. Thoughts?

Picks... so the latter option. Granted that means a couple years of real patience and planning for the summer of 2027

Granted, did read that the Kings way want to move Sabonis and thought of Sabonis/Jonas V for Beal. Gets the Kings a lot of cap space in the summer of 2027

Goin out on a limb here but dont think you're getting Sabonis in a deal for Beal.

[Ghost of Kleine]

I actually like the Idea of Anunoby and Mitchell. Although concerned about what their overall durability might be for the cumulative cost. But love the defensive concept premise for a change.

Although if I'm being honest, in a one for one or swap with New York, I might lean more towards KAT, as I think we could flip him for significantly more pieces and value in return than even KD due to his only being 29, being under contract for another 4 yrs, and putting up double/ Double production on great efficiency as a star tier 1B type star player like Booker.

I believe there would be a number of teams willing to.pay up value for him too. And his contract length would give us a slightly longer window to trade him as needed. I'll post the teams and trade package ideas later this morning in a couple of hours.

I love Anunobys' defense and skillset abilities, but might prefer KAT for production and trade value potential. Or Bridges back for the chemistry, fan vibe and feel good situation.

Also in taking back Bridges, (the lower salary player) that'd mean we'd also get hack more pieces in the deal like a Mitchell and fillers, or Hart and fillers and picks. Sending other pieces to a 3rd team for more value. But Anunoby would of course be solid value for our defensive premise too.

Although I do honestly believe we could get much of that defensive versatility/ impact with a young prospect like Adou Thiero at a fraction of the cost but with a very similar defense, athletic and two way skillset ( just not yet as offensively efficient). And then still get other key pieces like KAT or Bridges/ Hart/ Kolek or maybe McBride?? and some picks (from 3rd team)??

But again, my top choice might be KAT for his production, connection with Booker and trade value to other teams, that could very likely set us up with multiple pieces and premium pick value??

I think Brunson and KAT are off the table for KD. I would prefer KAT too.

How does KAT make the Suns better? I don't like the fit with Booker. Thats more activity - "hey big name" over building the right roster

They mentioned toughness and grit - not sure that is KAT. Booker needs the right players around him. OG or Bridges I think work better than KAT. Towns would be more fantasy than winning games.

This is a multi-year process. Even keeping Booker - its two bad seasons Since they are keeping Booker, they need to do EVERYTHING they can to build for the summer of 2027. That means Beal - making sure he is not stretched, Allen and O"neale , trade for expirings in 2027 or earlier. Get some cap space for that summer.

Again man, it's important to remember what I mentioned about KAT and my interests in him previously. I'm not acquiring him because I necessarily want him on the team with Booker, but because I would intend to flip him elsewhere for the other pieces that I do want!

Like in contrast to KD (due to him being 37 yrs old and on an expiring argument) could he obviously get us more/ better assets from a Houston, or a Detroit, or an Orlando, etc? Because he's younger, on a longer deal and still puts up double/ double production on very good efficiency force 7 fter.

The idea would be to remove the value argument of he's old and injury prone or only has one year left so we're giving less value for him. To me, KATs' biggest value would be as a trade piece for pieces we'd really want in place of not getting a better package from New York because they don't really have picks and exciting young players to offer.

** You get him to flip him man.

[BobbieL]

I missed the last bunch of pages so apologies if this was discussed.

If we dealt with Houston, would you rather a deal that brings us back:

Guys like:

Smith
Whitmore
Green

With few, if any, high picks

OR

Pick centered deal (2 or 3 of our firsts back, including this year assuming they don't move into the top 4)
and FVV/fillers

-----------

I think I'd take the picks and trust we can pick the right players. Thoughts?

Picks... so the latter option. Granted that means a couple years of real patience and planning for the summer of 2027

Granted, did read that the Kings way want to move Sabonis and thought of Sabonis/Jonas V for Beal. Gets the Kings a lot of cap space in the summer of 2027

Goin out on a limb here but dont think you're getting Sabonis in a deal for Beal.

I know - it was the ultimate in rosterbating fantasy

[BobbieL]

I think Brunson and KAT are off the table for KD. I would prefer KAT too.

How does KAT make the Suns better? I don't like the fit with Booker. Thats more activity - "hey big name" over building the right roster

They mentioned toughness and grit - not sure that is KAT. Booker needs the right players around him. OG or Bridges I think work better than KAT. Towns would be more fantasy than winning games.

This is a multi-year process. Even keeping Booker - its two bad seasons Since they are keeping Booker, they need to do EVERYTHING they can to build for the summer of 2027. That means Beal - making sure he is not stretched, Allen and O"neale , trade for expirings in 2027 or earlier. Get some cap space for that summer.

Again man, it's important to remember what I mentioned about KAT and my interests in him previously. I'm not acquiring him because I necessarily want him on the team with Booker, but because I would intend to flip him elsewhere for the other pieces that I do want!

Like in contrast to KD (due to him being 37 yrs old and on an expiring argument) could he obviously get us more/ better assets from a Houston, or a Detroit, or an Orlando, etc? Because he's younger, on a longer deal and still puts up double/ double production on very good efficiency force 7 fter.

The idea would be to remove the value argument of he's old and injury prone or only has one year left so we're giving less value for him. To me, KATs' biggest value would be as a trade piece for pieces we'd really want in place of not getting a better package from New York because they don't really have picks and exciting young players to offer.

** You get him to flip him man.

Well thats fine - still just prefer Mikal Bridges and picks somehow

[sunsbg]

Isn’t Anonuby always injured? Sabestar really is Matt Ishbia 2.0….he likes either old players or injury prone players.

OG Anunoby is 27 yo and has played 36.6 mpg on 74 games this season.

Is not that enough to say that he is healthy?

He's basically 28 as I said in previous post and has played less than Beal in 3 of his last 5 seasons and is on expensive contract. You cry about getting rid of Beal all the time. Man, your logic is so broken.

[Ghost of Kleine]

Read on Twitter

[bullsaficianado]

Goin out on a limb here but dont think you're getting Sabonis in a deal for Beal.

I think I would start break dancing if we turned Beal into Sabonis. Which means pipe dream trade.

[Frank Lee]

Isn’t Anonuby always injured? Sabestar really is Matt Ishbia 2.0….he likes either old players or injury prone players.

OG Anunoby is 27 yo and has played 36.6 mpg on 74 games this season.

Is not that enough to say that he is healthy?

He's basically 28 as I said in previous post and has played less than Beal in 3 of his last 5 seasons and is on expensive contract. You cry about getting rid of Beal all the time. Man, your logic is so broken.

OG has played more games than Durant in the last 5 years. Safe bet he’ll play more over the next three.

Who gives a F about Beal. Other than a few fantasylanders who keep trading him.

[sunsbg]

OG Anunoby is 27 yo and has played 36.6 mpg on 74 games this season.

Is not that enough to say that he is healthy?

He's basically 28 as I said in previous post and has played less than Beal in 3 of his last 5 seasons and is on expensive contract. You cry about getting rid of Beal all the time. Man, your logic is so broken.

OG has played more games than Durant in the last 5 years. Safe bet he’ll play more over the next three.

Who gives a F about Beal. Other than a few fantasylanders who keep trading him.

He's never played more games than 36yo KD...His 74 games this season look more like luck than anything.