Season Speculation, Trade Ideas & Discussion Pt. 3

[NavLDO]

Another quick note, and hopefully, I'm not off on my math.

This trade had to finalize yesterday, or today, whichever, for Monroe to be able to be traded again this season, right? Doesn't he have to wait 90 days or 3 months before he can be traded again? At least that what the "Trade Machine" tells me when I try to make trade options for other players that were traded.

Anyway, if this is indeed right, McD was forced to take the best deal he had yesterday, so he would still be able to trade whoever we acquired, on Feb 8, the Trade Deadline, since today is 8 November, 3 months before 8 Feb, right?

Am I wrong on this? This is why I'm thinking McD made a trade happen now, so he can make a better one at the Trade Deadline.

I asked the same thing yesterday because a Bucks user mentioned the same (90 days, Feb 8th) and then someone here posted a CBAFAQ that gave an answer of 60 days. 90 days makes more sense given the fact the trade went down early, but then again, it sounded like McD was still deciding on whether or not to even keep Monroe or just waive him (though that was just Gambo I think).

Thanks for the answer. I guess my theory is blown out of the water; I was hoping there was a reason McD took such a poor deal for Bledsoe. Where are all these "intriguing offers" McD said he received, and why didn't he go with one of those? I would actually be okay with it if McD was planning on keeping Monroe, but he's not even doing that, and planning a buyout. So essentially, we got a 2020 late 1st for Bledsoe...that's it.

Considering the Bucks have a top 3 MVP contender in Giannis, then add in Middleton, Snell, and possibly Parker at some point...oh, and then of course, Bledsoe, there is ZERO chance we get the pick in 2018 or 2019. This trade, to me, goes on record as one of McD's worst trades ever, if he doesn't get a real 'piece' for Monroe. For cryin' out loud, at least keep Monroe until the Trade Deadline to see if any team would be interested and give us SOMETHING, since we didn't get anything of value for Bledsoe.

[jcsunsfan]

I want to play a game:

Monroe for a bad contract you need to clear so you can have cap space this summer.

Best asset (young player or pick or both) wins.

If LAL wants a shot at PG13 and Lebron, then maybe they try to unload Deng on us.

And what would they give us? Randle, Ingram?

[nymets1]

General manager Ryan McDonough said he's "open to a number of different scenarios" on Greg Monroe moving forward.
McDonough said the team could play him this year, could look to trade him, or they could buy him out. The Suns are also expected to meet with Monroe to figure out what he wants, but chances are the Suns would try to trade him first. Plus, they only have four weeks to clear a roster spot to convert Mike James' two-way deal to a regular one. Obviously, the Suns made the Eric Bledsoe trade to get the draft pick, so keeping Monroe isn't a priority. Monroe isn't the best pickup in shallower leagues, especially because the Suns really want to play their younger guys in the near future. Nov 8 - 3:07 PM
Source: Suns on Twitter

www.rotoworld.com/player/nba/1708/greg-monroe

I might need a little clarification from you guys with the Mike James situation. Apparently the 2 way contracts if they really like a player like Mike James that they can convert his 2 way contract to a regular contract? Why are the suns required within 4 weeks to clear a roster spot? Is it because they are switching Mike James 2 way contract to a regular contract and that he would have to fit on the 15 man roster? Every team has their 15 man roster + 2 of the 2 way contract players to make 17 total players.

Let's say for example if my team wanted to switch Adrein Payne or Troy Caupein from their 2 way contract to a regular contract, does that mean also within 4 weeks we have to clear a roster spot from the 15 man roster to add Payne or Caupein to the 15 man roster? I think that's what it means. Before we learned about the 2 way contract players, They didn't mention anything about switching a 2 way contract player to a regular contract so I'm just learning about this today.

[bwgood77]

Another quick note, and hopefully, I'm not off on my math.

This trade had to finalize yesterday, or today, whichever, for Monroe to be able to be traded again this season, right? Doesn't he have to wait 90 days or 3 months before he can be traded again? At least that what the "Trade Machine" tells me when I try to make trade options for other players that were traded.

Anyway, if this is indeed right, McD was forced to take the best deal he had yesterday, so he would still be able to trade whoever we acquired, on Feb 8, the Trade Deadline, since today is 8 November, 3 months before 8 Feb, right?

Am I wrong on this? This is why I'm thinking McD made a trade happen now, so he can make a better one at the Trade Deadline.

I asked the same thing yesterday because a Bucks user mentioned the same (90 days, Feb 8th) and then someone here posted a CBAFAQ that gave an answer of 60 days. 90 days makes more sense given the fact the trade went down early, but then again, it sounded like McD was still deciding on whether or not to even keep Monroe or just waive him (though that was just Gambo I think).

Thanks for the answer. I guess my theory is blown out of the water; I was hoping there was a reason McD took such a poor deal for Bledsoe. Where are all these "intriguing offers" McD said he received, and why didn't he go with one of those? I would actually be okay with it if McD was planning on keeping Monroe, but he's not even doing that, and planning a buyout. So essentially, we got a 2020 late 1st for Bledsoe...that's it.

Considering the Bucks have a top 3 MVP contender in Giannis, then add in Middleton, Snell, and possibly Parker at some point...oh, and then of course, Bledsoe, there is ZERO chance we get the pick in 2018 or 2019. This trade, to me, goes on record as one of McD's worst trades ever, if he doesn't get a real 'piece' for Monroe. For cryin' out loud, at least keep Monroe until the Trade Deadline to see if any team would be interested and give us SOMETHING, since we didn't get anything of value for Bledsoe.

Well right now Milwaukee would get the 7th pick http://www.tankathon.com/ so they would be too bad for us to get it. Hopefully they don't move up too far.

Obviously I expect them to make the playoffs, but the east is tougher than I thought with teams like Orlando, Detroit looking a lot better than I thought and even Indiana and NY playing competitively.

The Bucks best lineup outscoring opponents last year was when Giannis played with 4 floor spreaders who hit the 3 at a high rate (Brogdon, Middleton, Snell and Thon).

I'm not all that certain they will be better with Bledsoe. I won't be surprised if he isn't a part of their best lineups in pt differential. Giannis can't shoot from range and when things are wide open he is able to do his thing with great spacing. Bledsoe is not all that good of a shooter and can be ball dominant. Brogdon and Middleton get a lot of assists too from setting up Giannis (Middleton had 11 the other night). I won't be surprised if ball movement is worse with Bledsoe as well.

[AtheJ415]

Another quick note, and hopefully, I'm not off on my math.

This trade had to finalize yesterday, or today, whichever, for Monroe to be able to be traded again this season, right? Doesn't he have to wait 90 days or 3 months before he can be traded again? At least that what the "Trade Machine" tells me when I try to make trade options for other players that were traded.

Anyway, if this is indeed right, McD was forced to take the best deal he had yesterday, so he would still be able to trade whoever we acquired, on Feb 8, the Trade Deadline, since today is 8 November, 3 months before 8 Feb, right?

Am I wrong on this? This is why I'm thinking McD made a trade happen now, so he can make a better one at the Trade Deadline.

I asked the same thing yesterday because a Bucks user mentioned the same (90 days, Feb 8th) and then someone here posted a CBAFAQ that gave an answer of 60 days. 90 days makes more sense given the fact the trade went down early, but then again, it sounded like McD was still deciding on whether or not to even keep Monroe or just waive him (though that was just Gambo I think).

Thanks for the answer. I guess my theory is blown out of the water; I was hoping there was a reason McD took such a poor deal for Bledsoe. Where are all these "intriguing offers" McD said he received, and why didn't he go with one of those? I would actually be okay with it if McD was planning on keeping Monroe, but he's not even doing that, and planning a buyout. So essentially, we got a 2020 late 1st for Bledsoe...that's it.

Considering the Bucks have a top 3 MVP contender in Giannis, then add in Middleton, Snell, and possibly Parker at some point...oh, and then of course, Bledsoe, there is ZERO chance we get the pick in 2018 or 2019. This trade, to me, goes on record as one of McD's worst trades ever, if he doesn't get a real 'piece' for Monroe. For cryin' out loud, at least keep Monroe until the Trade Deadline to see if any team would be interested and give us SOMETHING, since we didn't get anything of value for Bledsoe.

Disagree. I think we get it this year personally, but even if it gets delayed that is good. Reverse protection is a good thing.

Also, what is McD supposed to say? "The offers I got suck so I doubt I'll get much". I mean, really? I think this board overall takes WAAAAAYYY too much from what is said publicly by Sarver, McD, really anybody. What are they supposed to say to the public when they are trying to sell tickets? That they aren't trying to make the playoffs?

[ImNotMcDiSwear]

That is $36 million in extra salary commitment for a first round pick. I'm not Sarver, but there is no way in the world I would pay that. It also messes up their 2019 free agency time line. I can't see this.

I don't think you're correct on any of this, actually. Asik has a team option beyond next season, which we would surely not exercise. So he, and Ajinca, would both be off the books by the summer of 2019, perfectly aligning with our timeline. It would cost us approximately $17 million to keep them on the books next season, while saving us approximately $4 million this season (est., as Monroe's contract is $5M more than their combined salary this season). So whatever we got back would cost us approximately $13 million. And even then, if we would not have reached the salary cap floor in 2018-19 after simply letting Monroe go, then to whatever extent that additional salary is below the floor, it is not an additional cost, except as it pertains to our ability to do other deals to absorb salary in exchange for assets!

https://www.basketball-reference.com/contracts/players.html

Edit: I accuse each of your +1'rs of this same error. I expect you to return those +1s to my column. Thank you.

Always willing to be corrected with facts. I misread the salary line on ESPN. Ajinca will be off the books based upon the timeline. Hoopshype says that the option that Asik has is a PLAYER option. So that would need to be cleared up (as far as which representation is correct). He no doubt would exercise that if it is indeed a player option.

http://hoopshype.com/salaries/new_orleans_pelicans/

If all you say is true. It still would be paying $18 million for a first round pick.

Looks like hoopshype is wrong:

https://www.thebirdwrites.com/2015/7/13/8956485/2015-nba-free-agency-omer-asik-even-less-expensive-than-expected-new-orleans-pelicans
https://hoopshabit.com/2015/07/16/new-orleans-pelicans-will-pels-regret-omer-asik-deal/

I wasn't strictly correct either: $3 million of the 2019-20 contract is guaranteed. Asik could also opt-out (but of course would not).

In any case, the question is much closer if the cost is $16 million. I agree, though, that it is not enough for just a first round pick.

... Which essentially means that the deal we got for Bledsoe is clearly better than the DET-NOP-PHX three-way we discussed a few days ago.

[jcsunsfan]

I asked the same thing yesterday because a Bucks user mentioned the same (90 days, Feb 8th) and then someone here posted a CBAFAQ that gave an answer of 60 days. 90 days makes more sense given the fact the trade went down early, but then again, it sounded like McD was still deciding on whether or not to even keep Monroe or just waive him (though that was just Gambo I think).

Thanks for the answer. I guess my theory is blown out of the water; I was hoping there was a reason McD took such a poor deal for Bledsoe. Where are all these "intriguing offers" McD said he received, and why didn't he go with one of those? I would actually be okay with it if McD was planning on keeping Monroe, but he's not even doing that, and planning a buyout. So essentially, we got a 2020 late 1st for Bledsoe...that's it.

Considering the Bucks have a top 3 MVP contender in Giannis, then add in Middleton, Snell, and possibly Parker at some point...oh, and then of course, Bledsoe, there is ZERO chance we get the pick in 2018 or 2019. This trade, to me, goes on record as one of McD's worst trades ever, if he doesn't get a real 'piece' for Monroe. For cryin' out loud, at least keep Monroe until the Trade Deadline to see if any team would be interested and give us SOMETHING, since we didn't get anything of value for Bledsoe.

Well right now Milwaukee would get the 7th pick http://www.tankathon.com/ so they would be too bad for us to get it. Hopefully they don't move up too far.

Obviously I expect them to make the playoffs, but the east is tougher than I thought with teams like Orlando, Detroit looking a lot better than I thought and even Indiana and NY playing competitively.

The Bucks best lineup outscoring opponents last year was when Giannis played with 4 floor spreaders who hit the 3 at a high rate (Brogdon, Middleton, Snell and Thon).

I'm not all that certain they will be better with Bledsoe. I won't be surprised if he isn't a part of their best lineups in pt differential. Giannis can't shoot from range and when things are wide open he is able to do his thing with great spacing. Bledsoe is not all that good of a shooter and can be ball dominant. Brogdon and Middleton get a lot of assists too from setting up Giannis (Middleton had 11 the other night). I won't be surprised if ball movement is worse with Bledsoe as well.

Watching Milwaukee will be one of the interesting things to do this season. Bledsoe will probably step up his game ala Kyrie. He is capable of playing very good defense. He has not forgotten how. It has been about effort. So, I would expect Milwaukee will start doing a little better. But the Freak plays with such abandon--legs and arms flying everywhere. To me, he is an injury waiting to happen. So is Bledsoe. I think the chances are about 50-50 one of those two will be out for an extended period of time with an injury this year.

Here is hoping for 1, 8, and 11.

[lilfishi22]

He did not ask for a trade in the off season. He asked for a trade in October, which is a horrible month to try to make trades. It’s fine to make a point, but don’t make it on false facts.


Sent from my iPhone using RealGM mobile app

All we know is he made his trade request public when he tweeted. He made his request public at a terrible time to make a trade but we don't know when he made his trade request in private. And when I say offseason, I mean some time between the end of our season and the start of the next season. Sorry if my definition is not the same as yours.

It was actually reported that he came asking for a max extension in early October and when McD said they would not do that now, but would consider it next summer, he then asked to be traded. That was in early October.

I stand corrected

[RaisingArizona]

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[ImNotMcDiSwear]

Read on Twitter

Easy enough. We have Chandler and Williams on the books.

Wonder if Alex would prefer a trade. The only way he would okay it is if he doesn't think he will need his bird rights. The only way his bird rights would be relevant is if we were to S&T him.

[NTB]

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[Mulhollanddrive]

Is a 5 year Max for Booker the expectation?

A couple of percent off wouldn't hurt like Durant is doing to build a GOAT team.

[jcsunsfan]

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This is the point with not picking up Len's deal. All we are doing is giving him minutes to go somewhere else. Same with Monroe though.

[jcsunsfan]

Is a 5 year Max for Booker the expectation?

A couple of percent off wouldn't hurt like Durant is doing to build a GOAT team.

Don't even think about it. The last thing this team needs to do is try to nickel and dime Booker. Just pay him his money. Veterans give teams a discount when they are trying to keep a championship caliber team going. Paying Bledsoe the max should be the easiest decision of McD's career.

The best way for this front office to rebuild its rep is to keep Devin Booker very happy and recruiting help.

And winning.

[thamadkant]

Len and his agent must want 10+ million a year and Suns not willing to do so... he doesn't provide elite rim protection and he's OK as a rebounder, but horrific offensive player. He should be stuffing players down there, instead he bricks 2 footers one on one... Alex "stone hands" Len.

But on a team where the coach set him up down low for open dunks... he'd be good. Like the Spurs... I can see him being Dedmon like... someone has to literally set him up easy looks and shots. Suns dont have the X/Os and the PG to do that.

[TeamTragic]

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That draft was **** awful. TOTAL BUST

[bwgood77]

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This is obvious. Who has decided to play for the QO for their team because they team won't give them a contract they are satisfied with, and then they stayed with the team?

Answer: Nobody

That's why when people continue to say "See what we have in Len" I think "we have a guy playing on the QO who will try and find a contract somewhere else".

That being said, the market is not good for centers, so good luck to him. There are not many teams with cap space (6-8 maybe?) and you have Boogie, Brook Lopez, Monroe, Noel, Okafor, Zaza Pachulia, Javale McGee, and restricted: Capela, Noguiera,

[NavLDO]

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Oh, I hope so, or ya know, we could always TRADE Chandler and keep Monroe. Somebody please tell me what a 35 YO Chandler has over a 27 YO Monroe?

http://bkref.com/tiny/xVJwo

And before anyone mentions anything about offense, Monroe an actually shoot the ball beyond 3 feet. He also has a better DRtg (105 vs 109), more Stls, Blks, and Assts (per36) than Chandler. He has a higher FT%, lower PFs, and higher PTS. Yes, he avgs 25% less TRBs, and more TOs, but his Asst/TOV ratio vs Chandler is better (3.7/2.8...vs...0.8/1.8); which would you rather have?

Then add in Monroe's advantage in PER, WS, DBPM/OBPM, etc. and to me, it's an easy choice. Plus, $17+M for one year beats $13M over 2 for Chandler.

I swear, Chandler has pics, recorded audio/video, or some evidence of McD doing something shady, because this dude gets more opportunities than Len does, even though Len is clearly the better player at this point.

[AtheJ415]

I want to play a game:

Monroe for a bad contract you need to clear so you can have cap space this summer.

Best asset (young player or pick or both) wins.

If LAL wants a shot at PG13 and Lebron, then maybe they try to unload Deng on us.

And what would they give us? Randle, Ingram?

Randle is nowhere near worth taking that contract, and neither would future picks assuming they actually do get Lebron and PG.

The only guys worth maybe eating that deal is Ingram, or maybe Kuzma and Zubac together? Either way, I'm not sure if they would do that. Who knows. I never thought they would dump Russell, who was by far their best young asset at the time.

No way they'd move Ball. But it wouldn't surprise me if we asked for him. He would fit our most immediate need, despite sucking so far.

[NTB]

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Oh, I hope so, or ya know, we could always TRADE Chandler and keep Monroe. Somebody please tell me what a 35 YO Chandler has over a 27 YO Monroe?

http://bkref.com/tiny/xVJwo

And before anyone mentions anything about offense, Monroe an actually shoot the ball beyond 3 feet. He also has a better DRtg (105 vs 109), more Stls, Blks, and Assts (per36) than Chandler. He has a higher FT%, lower PFs, and higher PTS. Yes, he avgs 25% less TRBs, and more TOs, but his Asst/TOV ratio vs Chandler is better (3.7/2.8...vs...0.8/1.8); which would you rather have?

Then add in Monroe's advantage in PER, WS, DBPM/OBPM, etc. and to me, it's an easy choice. Plus, $17+M for one year beats $13M over 2 for Chandler.

I swear, Chandler has pics, recorded audio/video, or some evidence of McD doing something shady, because this dude gets more opportunities than Len does, even though Len is clearly the better player at this point.

But the veteran leadership