Season Speculation, Trade Ideas & Discussion 3: About Last Knight

[lilfishi22]

I dont understand how people can just flat out reject the idea of Drummond. Obviously theres a value line with what to give up, but to just say we'd rather have Len regardless is way out of left field for me.

I wouldn't mind him depending on costs, but I am not sure I'd want to give up major assets for him. I would probably prefer him if we didn't have to give up major assets than gutting our team with one of these more major stars that likely won't be trading anyway.

I'd probably have to dive into his #s a bit more though and look at his rim protection and defense. I know he's a monster rebounder.

I agree. Have to look more into his impact than just his rebounding stats. To me, he's a super role player but the kind of package required to get him would seem like we're trading for a franchise level star. I also think his game is a little old school for the new NBA.
Also his career .388FT%

[lilfishi22]

I'd give up Len and our 2017 1st for him easily. Especially if we arent moving Bledsoe which I dont think we are. None of the bigs coming out are in Drummonds league.

There are very few players I would move that 2017 1st for. He's not one of them.

[Qwigglez]

I dont understand how people can just flat out reject the idea of Drummond. Obviously theres a value line with what to give up, but to just say we'd rather have Len regardless is way out of left field for me.

I wouldn't mind him depending on costs, but I am not sure I'd want to give up major assets for him. I would probably prefer him if we didn't have to give up major assets than gutting our team with one of these more major stars that likely won't be trading anyway.

I'd probably have to dive into his #s a bit more though and look at his rim protection and defense. I know he's a monster rebounder.

I agree. Have to look more into his impact than just his rebounding stats. To me, he's a super role player but the kind of package required to get him would seem like we're trading for a franchise level star. I also think his game is a little old school for the new NBA.
Also his career .388FT%

I would do Knight/Chandler and 2018 Miami 1st for him and that's about my limit.

[Stix]

Whats the price for Jared Dudley?

Wouldn't you much rather have Brandon Knight? Can be had for a spare washing machine and a bag o' chips.

[Zelaznyrules]

I'd give up Len and our 2017 1st for him easily. Especially if we arent moving Bledsoe which I dont think we are. None of the bigs coming out are in Drummonds league.

There are very few players I would move that 2017 1st for. He's not one of them.

You say that now but what if we don't make any moves other than trading or benching Knight? If that happens we could very well drop to the bottom 3rd of the lottery, would you still consider that pick nearly untouchable?

[Zelaznyrules]

I wouldn't mind him depending on costs, but I am not sure I'd want to give up major assets for him. I would probably prefer him if we didn't have to give up major assets than gutting our team with one of these more major stars that likely won't be trading anyway.

I'd probably have to dive into his #s a bit more though and look at his rim protection and defense. I know he's a monster rebounder.

I agree. Have to look more into his impact than just his rebounding stats. To me, he's a super role player but the kind of package required to get him would seem like we're trading for a franchise level star. I also think his game is a little old school for the new NBA.
Also his career .388FT%

I would do Knight/Chandler and 2018 Miami 1st for him and that's about my limit.

That's not too far removed from "no, I won't trade for him". Chandler has no long term value, Knight has no value at all so that leaves a very questionable draft pick. That's not much even for an average starter and Drummond should have more value than that.

I don't watch Detroit play much, can't stand to watch SVG coach so I don't know the answer to this question - why has Drummond's 2 point percentage dropped so much under SVG and can it be reversed? If you can get him shooting .600 and above again from 2 point range, he's well worth the kind of star package we've talked about for Cousins IMO, especially given his age.

[Qwigglez]

I agree. Have to look more into his impact than just his rebounding stats. To me, he's a super role player but the kind of package required to get him would seem like we're trading for a franchise level star. I also think his game is a little old school for the new NBA.
Also his career .388FT%

I would do Knight/Chandler and 2018 Miami 1st for him and that's about my limit.

That's not too far removed from "no, I won't trade for him". Chandler has no long term value, Knight has no value at all so that leaves a very questionable draft pick. That's not much even for an average starter and Drummond should have more value than that.

I don't watch Detroit play much, can't stand to watch SVG coach so I don't know the answer to this question - why has Drummond's 2 point percentage dropped so much under SVG and can it be reversed? If you can get him shooting .600 and above again from 2 point range, he's well worth the kind of star package we've talked about for Cousins IMO, especially given his age.

I just don't see Drummond being very motivated when I watch the Pistons. SVG seemed like he was trying to recreate the Magic team that made it to the Finals, but Drummond is obviously not nearly as unique as Dwight Howard. The other pieces are pretty similar just off the top of my head...
Anyway how is Drummond this big and he has a career low in blocks? His FT% is a slight improvement but the rest of his numbers dipped from last year. Again, is it just lack of motivation? Does he need veteran leadership?

And I take it back, I'd probably package Warren/Len, but I wouldn't give up our 2017 1st or Booker/Bender/Chriss.

[Saberestar]

I would do Knight/Chandler and 2018 Miami 1st for him and that's about my limit.

That's not too far removed from "no, I won't trade for him". Chandler has no long term value, Knight has no value at all so that leaves a very questionable draft pick. That's not much even for an average starter and Drummond should have more value than that.

I don't watch Detroit play much, can't stand to watch SVG coach so I don't know the answer to this question - why has Drummond's 2 point percentage dropped so much under SVG and can it be reversed? If you can get him shooting .600 and above again from 2 point range, he's well worth the kind of star package we've talked about for Cousins IMO, especially given his age.

I just don't see Drummond being very motivated when I watch the Pistons. SVG seemed like he was trying to recreate the Magic team that made it to the Finals, but Drummond is obviously not nearly as unique as Dwight Howard. The other pieces are pretty similar just off the top of my head...
Anyway how is Drummond this big and he has a career low in blocks? His FT% is a slight improvement but the rest of his numbers dipped from last year. Again, is it just lack of motivation? Does he need veteran leadership?

And I take it back, I'd probably package Warren/Len, but I wouldn't give up our 2017 1st or Booker/Bender/Chriss.

IMO that is because the Pistons feed him in the post too much and he is not an effective post up player. He has a decent hook shot, but that is all...he does not have good footwork.

I imagine the same lower percentage for DeAndre Jordan if they would ask him to take more responsabilities on offense.

But I like him a lot and I think he would be great on our team. I would offer Len (or Chandler if they value him more), Knight (filler) and our 2017 pick (just Top #1 protected because I think Fultz is gonna be the only franchise changer in the draft).

Len (or Chandler)
Knight
2017 Suns pick (Top #1 protected)

for

Drummond
2017 Pistons pick (Top #12 protected).

With that trade we have another rookie in the teens , where Booker and Warren were selected, and a great young C that is under contract for the next 4 years.

[bwgood77]

Read on Twitter

[King4Day]

Read on Twitter

Because he has to say it. But it makes sense. Bledsoe is a big part of the team. I don't expect us to trade him unless the return is significant.

[sunsbum]

I feel like putting your eggs in Bledsoes knee basket is a giant mistake. We have a chance to draft a PG that will most likely be an actual PG with some hot ass joints, I hope this is just GM speak.

[BobbieL]

Keeping Bledsoe

Call Portland - well I am sure they have but get that Ezeli contract for a pick
Tucker, Knight, Chandler -
maybe Barbosa in the right deal if he wants to play for a winner

[bhawk]

Read on Twitter

Because he has to say it. But it makes sense. Bledsoe is a big part of the team. I don't expect us to trade him unless the return is significant.

Agreed. Bled is McD's signature guy and his good play validates McD as a GM.

The better Bled plays the more we win and you don't trade players who help you win. We are all happy fans when we win. But we haven't been winning... for a long time. I'm really torn after a showing like we had vs. the Lakers. It gave me hope that our current roster can be GOOD and can WIN as a team.

Then I go look at the Draft and the talent at PG - Fultz, Ball, Smith - and think that their potential and their play will be better for the Suns than Bledsoe and Knight.

We are the second worst team in the league. We need to commit to a strategy that revolves around our best player. Our choices are:

1) Trade Bled by the deadline and preserve the tank for Fultz, Ball or Smith.
2) Build around Bledsoe. We win more games this year and need to be satisfied with a pick outside of the top 6.

A 3rd possibility is trade other pieces outside of Bledsoe to get better now. We could trade this years draft pick for someone.

My vote... man. It is tough. I say #1 trade Bled by the deadline IF we think the top 3 guards are generational all-star talent. Fultz, Ball, Smith are not going to be better than Bled in year one. But I think all 3 project as potential all-stars and will have better NBA careers than Bledsoe.

Would you rather build around the devil you know or the devil you don't?

[bwgood77]

Read on Twitter

Because he has to say it. But it makes sense. Bledsoe is a big part of the team. I don't expect us to trade him unless the return is significant.

Agreed. Bled is McD's signature guy and his good play validates McD as a GM.

The better Bled plays the more we win and you don't trade players who help you win. We are all happy fans when we win. But we haven't been winning... for a long time. I'm really torn after a showing like we had vs. the Lakers. It gave me hope that our current roster can be GOOD and can WIN as a team.

Then I go look at the Draft and the talent at PG - Fultz, Ball, Smith - and think that their potential and their play will be better for the Suns than Bledsoe and Knight.

We are the second worst team in the league. We need to commit to a strategy that revolves around our best player. Our choices are:

1) Trade Bled by the deadline and preserve the tank for Fultz, Ball or Smith.
2) Build around Bledsoe. We win more games this year and need to be satisfied with a pick outside of the top 6.

A 3rd possibility is trade other pieces outside of Bledsoe to get better now. We could trade this years draft pick for someone.

My vote... man. It is tough. I say #1 trade Bled by the deadline IF we think the top 3 guards are generational all-star talent. Fultz, Ball, Smith are not going to be better than Bled in year one. But I think all 3 project as potential all-stars and will have better NBA careers than Bledsoe.

Would you rather build around the devil you know or the devil you don't?

I say hang onto Bledsoe for now. Hopefully we draft a top PG. If not, a defensive wing. If we get a PG, we try and trade Knight for anything, and let the rookie learn behind Bledsoe/Booker for awhile until he is ready for major minutes, then run a 3 guard rotation. IF, he looks like a better long term solution than Bledsoe, possibly trade Bledsoe at next trade deadline, but it's not easy to find better guards than Bledsoe.

I know he's still middle of the pack for PGs, and maybe top 10 or 12 as of late, but still, none of the guys ahead of him would be traded. Any PG we draft could bust.

[bigfoot]

Draft talent ... bah. How's ingram doing? And Len? There are so many busts in top of draft that trading Bledsoe, our best player, for a chance at one is crazy. What this team needs to do is mature together. Keep Bledsoe, Dudley, Chandler, Tucker and continue to have them mentor Booker, Warren, Chriss, Bender, Len, Uliss, Jones, Williams, and next years 2017 first. Honestly folks start thinking about the stability factor. The need for a team to learn to play together is so important and it can not happen in one season. I have grown weary of revolving coaches and players. The only move that makes any sense is getting rid of Knight which is highly unlikely.

[LukasBMW]

Detroit isn't dumb. They've figured our Andre isn't a superstar, but yet if they can get superstar trade value for him....it makes sense.

With the way Bledsoe has been playing, I'd at least call Indy and offer Bledsoe and Len for Myles.

Trading too much of our youth to add a star to put next to Bledsoe kinda seems like Miami going "all in" on Dragic to put next to Bosh. We all know how that turned out.

Speaking of Bosh, I'd still make him an offer if we keep our pick and strike out on Boogie. The youngsters will respect him.

[ImNotMcDiSwear]

Because he has to say it. But it makes sense. Bledsoe is a big part of the team. I don't expect us to trade him unless the return is significant.

Agreed. Bled is McD's signature guy and his good play validates McD as a GM.

The better Bled plays the more we win and you don't trade players who help you win. We are all happy fans when we win. But we haven't been winning... for a long time. I'm really torn after a showing like we had vs. the Lakers. It gave me hope that our current roster can be GOOD and can WIN as a team.

Then I go look at the Draft and the talent at PG - Fultz, Ball, Smith - and think that their potential and their play will be better for the Suns than Bledsoe and Knight.

We are the second worst team in the league. We need to commit to a strategy that revolves around our best player. Our choices are:

1) Trade Bled by the deadline and preserve the tank for Fultz, Ball or Smith.
2) Build around Bledsoe. We win more games this year and need to be satisfied with a pick outside of the top 6.

A 3rd possibility is trade other pieces outside of Bledsoe to get better now. We could trade this years draft pick for someone.

My vote... man. It is tough. I say #1 trade Bled by the deadline IF we think the top 3 guards are generational all-star talent. Fultz, Ball, Smith are not going to be better than Bled in year one. But I think all 3 project as potential all-stars and will have better NBA careers than Bledsoe.

Would you rather build around the devil you know or the devil you don't?

I say hang onto Bledsoe for now. Hopefully we draft a top PG. If not, a defensive wing. If we get a PG, we try and trade Knight for anything, and let the rookie learn behind Bledsoe/Booker for awhile until he is ready for major minutes, then run a 3 guard rotation. IF, he looks like a better long term solution than Bledsoe, possibly trade Bledsoe at next trade deadline, but it's not easy to find better guards than Bledsoe.

I know he's still middle of the pack for PGs, and maybe top 10 or 12 as of late, but still, none of the guys ahead of him would be traded. Any PG we draft could bust.

I think there's a solid chance we deal our draft pick this summer for a star caliber player. And based on where we are as a franchise, that would actually make some sense from my perspective.

Look, the draft is risky. The prospects are at PG and SF. We have a high quality PG in his prime already, as well as a good young backup behind him. At SF, things are shakier, but there's potential there, and whomever you draft might not actually work out, either. At center, the option seems to be Robert Williams, who would be a reach at the top. We still have lots of potential there, too, with Bender and Len.

As a result, I take a close look at Butler, George and Cousins as options. We can still hope to swing for the fences with one of the MIA picks.

[bwgood77]

I think there's a solid chance we deal our draft pick this summer for a star caliber player. And based on where we are as a franchise, that would actually make some sense from my perspective.

Look, the draft is risky. The prospects are at PG and SF. We have a high quality PG in his prime already, as well as a good young backup behind him. At SF, things are shakier, but there's potential there, and whomever you draft might not actually work out, either. At center, the option seems to be Robert Williams, who would be a reach at the top. We still have lots of potential there, too, with Bender and Len.

As a result, I take a close look at Butler, George and Cousins as options. We can still hope to swing for the fences with one of the MIA picks.

I'm sure McD will try to get a star player like every summer but he hasn't had much luck. Sacramento doesn't want more draft picks and will offer Cousins a mega deal.

But he could leave as a FA too, so he may do that and we wouldn't have to trade anything for him. Butler might be on the table but I can't see him wanting to play for Watson. Not sure why the Pacers would deal George either.

[No-Man]

What about Nicholson, Satoransky and WAS 1st in 2017, lotto protected, but it's gonna go so who cares, for Knight
You eat up Nicholson's deal but who cares while you rebuild and Sato is interesting, plus a 1st never hurts.

I think that's top-end value for Knight sadly.

[darealjuice]

I'd be surprised if Chris Bosh ever played in the NBA again, no GM in their right mind would take a home run swing on a 33-year old at the risk of someone dying/being seriously hurt on the court due to blood clots.

This Bledsoe situation is a tough one, especially when he's playing so well and seems to have taken on a more methodical approach to the game as opposed to just barreling into the lane at every chance he gets like before. It's easy to say trade him and build around a young guard in the draft, but there are no guarantees in the draft. If a lot of people here had it their way this Summer, we'd have dumped him and drafted Kris Dunn, who has looked like hot garbage this year after being billed as "DWade-like" and "the most NBA-ready player in the draft."

Not that I think Fultz, Ball, or DSJ will end up disappointing, but unless we're getting a really nice trade package in return for this draft I'm not sure I'd be happy to give up Bled considering the development he's shown in his game this year and his newfound leadership skills.