2021-22 Season/Offseason Speculation

[BobbieL]

Cp3 will probably opt in. 100% chance he stays and we run this back with better bigs.

I think he opts out but only to get more years from Phoenix. He just had a renaissance year and could probably get a 2-3 year contract on the market now. If he has a worse year next year or gets injured, his market value is going to take a huge hit.

I'd LOVE to get him at under $30m/season, but I doubt it happens. Though, you never know, maybe winning is important enough to him to take 3/$75m.

If that were the case, it would actually have the Suns start the year under the cap by about $7m, I believe. Which doesn't seem like a ton, but would allow us to sign someone for that, and then use the DPE and Cam Payne's Early Bird rights to go over the cap by no more than about $15m, which should keep us well clear of the luxury tax.

Hmm- 3/75 sounds low when you figure he will get 45m next year. But if he opted in and just took the 45 - would he truly be able to get 2/30 a year from now. Maybe, maybe not. I do think if the Suns could get him to say 3/88-90 - that might work though

But if Paul wants to help the Suns and take 3/75-80 - I would be for it

I don't want to make a rash decision on Payne based on the last few games of the Bucks series but if he truly can only get really paid with the MLE - James Jones has to look at other options around the league. Though, one thing in Paynes favor - he can get better.

[Barkley6]

Cp3 will probably opt in. 100% chance he stays and we run this back with better bigs.

I think he opts out but only to get more years from Phoenix. He just had a renaissance year and could probably get a 2-3 year contract on the market now. If he has a worse year next year or gets injured, his market value is going to take a huge hit.

I'd LOVE to get him at under $30m/season, but I doubt it happens. Though, you never know, maybe winning is important enough to him to take 3/$75m.

If that were the case, it would actually have the Suns start the year under the cap by about $7m, I believe. Which doesn't seem like a ton, but would allow us to sign someone for that, and then use the DPE and Cam Payne's Early Bird rights to go over the cap by no more than about $15m, which should keep us well clear of the luxury tax.

Hmm- 3/75 sounds low when you figure he will get 45m next year. But if he opted in and just took the 45 - would he truly be able to get 2/30 a year from now. Maybe, maybe not. I do think if the Suns could get him to say 3/88-90 - that might work though

But if Paul wants to help the Suns and take 3/75-80 - I would be for it

I don't want to make a rash decision on Payne based on the last few games of the Bucks series but if he truly can only get really paid with the MLE - James Jones has to look at other options around the league. Though, one thing in Paynes favor - he can get better.

We can go over the cap up to $10m to re-sign Payne, we don't need to use the MLE on him.

[King4Day]

Talking to a fellow Suns fan at work, he made a few suggestions

1. If Paul walks, make a run at Simmons (Bridges and picks likely the starting point).
2. Robin Lopez as backup C (this i never thought about but would be open to this). I'm thinking we can nab him for the BAE.

[Barkley6]

Talking to a fellow Suns fan at work, he made a few suggestions

1. If Paul walks, make a run at Simmons (Bridges and picks likely the starting point).
2. Robin Lopez as backup C (this i never thought about but would be open to this). I'm thinking we can nab him for the BAE.

1. If Paul walks, Lillard should be the first choice to replace him. But I dont really want to give up any of our pieces.

2. Lopez is a fine option. But I'd like to see if we could get him on the minimum.

[Saberestar]

A few names to upgrade Craig and/or Nader:

Jeff Green
Nicolas Batum
Otto Porter Jr
Andre Iguodala
PJ Tucker

There are many more like Carmelo, James Johnson, Millsap, Ojeleye...but I think those that I wrote above are particularly interesting because their two-way ability and experience.

Iguodala and Tucker are not factors on offense anymore. Nader and Craig are both better offensive players at this point in their careers (and younger).

Batum, Green and Porter Jr are very good names.

I don't see Batum leaving the LAC though, and I doubt Green leaves Brooklyn, though I'd love to have him on the Suns. Green and Batum would be guys that I might consider using the DPE on to pry them away from their respective teams.

Porter Jr is likely more expensive because he's younger (28).

Yeah, Iguodala and Tucker are older and they are not scoring threats, but Craig and Nader are not better than them on offense. Not even close on defense.

Craig and Nader do not have the savvy that these two guys have, only for that they can help your team on offense. You have seen how Tucker helped the Bucks even on offense crashing the offensive glass, staying in the corner and setting good screens.

The Heat have a team option for $15M over Iguodala, but it is very possible that they do not exercise it. His awareness, ball handling and passing ability could do wonders for our bench with Saric out.

[ImNotMcDiSwear]

I'm open to making some changes this offseason. I can't imagine we'd move on from Paul, but he got outplayed by both Reggie Jackson and Jrue Holiday when the stakes were highest: a surprising amount of unforced errors. Mikal was mostly invisible throughout the playoffs. Crowder committed lots of dumb fouls, didn't box out, didn't recover on shooters, provided no help on the glass, and wasn't a difference maker on defense.

Booker stepped up. Ayton had an uneven series but was so crucial that our whole game plan was designed around keeping him on the floor. Cam Johnson had a great playoffs, just made some foolish errors here and there. Cam Payne balled out and needs to be back as well.

I'm not even suggesting anything in particular. I'm just saying that if this FO does something unexpected to upgrade this roster, I'm not dead set against it. Booker and Ayton are the core, and if they're going to get a championship, they will likely need more help than our current roster provides. We're close, so you don't want to blow it up, but throwing out huge contracts to everyone just to run it back might not be the best way to proceed.

I'm looking at Mikal in particular. I don't know how you give $20 mil to a guy who does so little aside from playing solid positional defense and hitting open threes. He needs to spend time in the weight room if he's ever going to give us anything off the dribble or on the boards. The difference between him and Middleton is simply enormous. FWIW, I'd rather have one Middleton at $30 than two Bridgeses at $15 apiece.

[BobbieL]

I'm open to making some changes this offseason. I can't imagine we'd move on from Paul, but he got outplayed by both Reggie Jackson and Jrue Holiday when the stakes were highest: a surprising amount of unforced errors. Mikal was mostly invisible throughout the playoffs. Crowder committed lots of dumb fouls, didn't box out, didn't recover on shooters, provided no help on the glass, and wasn't a difference maker on defense.

Booker stepped up. Ayton had an uneven series but was so crucial that our whole game plan was designed around keeping him on the floor. Cam Johnson had a great playoffs, just made some foolish errors here and there. Cam Payne balled out and needs to be back as well.

I'm not even suggesting anything in particular. I'm just saying that if this FO does something unexpected to upgrade this roster, I'm not dead set against it. Booker and Ayton are the core, and if they're going to get a championship, they will likely need more help than our current roster provides. We're close, so you don't want to blow it up, but throwing out huge contracts to everyone just to run it back might not be the best way to proceed.

I'm looking at Mikal in particular. I don't know how you give $20 mil to a guy who does so little aside from playing solid positional defense and hitting open threes. He needs to spend time in the weight room if he's ever going to give us anything off the dribble or on the boards. The difference between him and Middleton is simply enormous. FWIW, I'd rather have one Middleton at $30 than two Bridgeses at $15 apiece.

Cam Johnson is the player that will give you Middleton type offense. Granted maybe not ballhandling that Middleton has but the ability to hit the mid range jumper.

Mikal is a good player. Would prefer to keep him as he is a solid guy on the roster.

[RaisingArizona]

I want no part of Simmons. A guy you can't play in the clutch because because can't shoot a FT. Let's hope he's not the new Kevin Love around here.

[King4Day]

I'm open to making some changes this offseason. I can't imagine we'd move on from Paul, but he got outplayed by both Reggie Jackson and Jrue Holiday when the stakes were highest: a surprising amount of unforced errors. Mikal was mostly invisible throughout the playoffs. Crowder committed lots of dumb fouls, didn't box out, didn't recover on shooters, provided no help on the glass, and wasn't a difference maker on defense.

Booker stepped up. Ayton had an uneven series but was so crucial that our whole game plan was designed around keeping him on the floor. Cam Johnson had a great playoffs, just made some foolish errors here and there. Cam Payne balled out and needs to be back as well.

I'm not even suggesting anything in particular. I'm just saying that if this FO does something unexpected to upgrade this roster, I'm not dead set against it. Booker and Ayton are the core, and if they're going to get a championship, they will likely need more help than our current roster provides. We're close, so you don't want to blow it up, but throwing out huge contracts to everyone just to run it back might not be the best way to proceed.

I'm looking at Mikal in particular. I don't know how you give $20 mil to a guy who does so little aside from playing solid positional defense and hitting open threes. He needs to spend time in the weight room if he's ever going to give us anything off the dribble or on the boards. The difference between him and Middleton is simply enormous. FWIW, I'd rather have one Middleton at $30 than two Bridgeses at $15 apiece.

While I believe Bridges can still develop and is our best defensive player (or top 2), I would say we should see what may be out there in trades. Unless we can keep him for around 5 @ 80, it may be beneficial to not extend him yet and see if he improves drastically enough that we can commit, knowing it won't bite us in the ass.

[Barkley6]

A few names to upgrade Craig and/or Nader:

Jeff Green
Nicolas Batum
Otto Porter Jr
Andre Iguodala
PJ Tucker

There are many more like Carmelo, James Johnson, Millsap, Ojeleye...but I think those that I wrote above are particularly interesting because their two-way ability and experience.

Iguodala and Tucker are not factors on offense anymore. Nader and Craig are both better offensive players at this point in their careers (and younger).

Batum, Green and Porter Jr are very good names.

I don't see Batum leaving the LAC though, and I doubt Green leaves Brooklyn, though I'd love to have him on the Suns. Green and Batum would be guys that I might consider using the DPE on to pry them away from their respective teams.

Porter Jr is likely more expensive because he's younger (28).

Yeah, Iguodala and Tucker are older and they are not scoring threats, but Craig and Nader are not better than them on offense. Not even close on defense.

Craig and Nader do not have the savvy that these two guys have, only for that they can help your team on offense. You have seen how Tucker helped the Bucks even on offense crashing the offensive glass, staying in the corner and setting good screens.

The Heat have a team option for $15M over Iguodala, but it is very possible that they do not exercise it. His awareness, ball handling and passing ability could do wonders for our bench with Saric out.

Iggy averaged 4.4 points in 21 minutes.
Tucker averaged 2.5 points in 19 minutes.
Craig averaged 7.2 points in 18 minutes
Nader averaged 6.7 in 15 minutes.

How can you tell me that they aren't better offensive players? Nader more than DOUBLED Tuckers production in less minutes.

Iggy and Tucker make us slower, less athletic and give us less bench scoring. That's a bad recipe for getting better, regardless of what they bring on defense.

[BobbieL]

I'm open to making some changes this offseason. I can't imagine we'd move on from Paul, but he got outplayed by both Reggie Jackson and Jrue Holiday when the stakes were highest: a surprising amount of unforced errors. Mikal was mostly invisible throughout the playoffs. Crowder committed lots of dumb fouls, didn't box out, didn't recover on shooters, provided no help on the glass, and wasn't a difference maker on defense.

Booker stepped up. Ayton had an uneven series but was so crucial that our whole game plan was designed around keeping him on the floor. Cam Johnson had a great playoffs, just made some foolish errors here and there. Cam Payne balled out and needs to be back as well.

I'm not even suggesting anything in particular. I'm just saying that if this FO does something unexpected to upgrade this roster, I'm not dead set against it. Booker and Ayton are the core, and if they're going to get a championship, they will likely need more help than our current roster provides. We're close, so you don't want to blow it up, but throwing out huge contracts to everyone just to run it back might not be the best way to proceed.

I'm looking at Mikal in particular. I don't know how you give $20 mil to a guy who does so little aside from playing solid positional defense and hitting open threes. He needs to spend time in the weight room if he's ever going to give us anything off the dribble or on the boards. The difference between him and Middleton is simply enormous. FWIW, I'd rather have one Middleton at $30 than two Bridgeses at $15 apiece.

While I believe Bridges can still develop and is our best defensive player (or top 2), I would say we should see what may be out there in trades. Unless we can keep him for around 5 @ 80, it may be beneficial to not extend him yet and see if he improves drastically enough that we can commit, knowing it won't bite us in the ass.

He is 24 years old, maybe 25. Plays good defense, has a good 3 ball game. Can get better in putting on floor and creating a mid range game a bit. But when you say - see whats out there - will be hard to find similar age with potential as Mikal. Its not my money but I am good with 95-100/5 or thereabouts.

[kennydorglas]

I wouldnt be surprised if Cam Payne is our starting PG in the next season.

I would be shocked lol

We played better with a faster pace. I don't think JJ will make some crazy moves to keep cp3.

[bwgood77]

The Bucks can be beaten and the Nets showed that. They had to go 7 games against a Nets team w/o Kyrie and Harden not at 100%. If KD wore a 16 instead of an 18 the Bucks would have lost in the second round and Rick Carlisle would be their head coach right now. The Nets will be the team to beat next season despite the Bucks being the champs.

I have been hearing this Nets are scary bull for two seasons. I agree that the SUNS played little to no defense against the Bucks after the first two games but trying to devalue how they clowned CP3/Book is just ridiculous.

The Bucks can beat any team right now and that includes a full strength Warriors team.

The Nets will be the favorite next year until they have bad injuries and then everyone will say "well they would have beaten________ if the were healthy.

Believe me, we know Nash has bad luck when it comes to advancing in the playoffs.

[BobbieL]

The Bucks can be beaten and the Nets showed that. They had to go 7 games against a Nets team w/o Kyrie and Harden not at 100%. If KD wore a 16 instead of an 18 the Bucks would have lost in the second round and Rick Carlisle would be their head coach right now. The Nets will be the team to beat next season despite the Bucks being the champs.

I have been hearing this Nets are scary bull for two seasons. I agree that the SUNS played little to no defense against the Bucks after the first two games but trying to devalue how they clowned CP3/Book is just ridiculous.

The Bucks can beat any team right now and that includes a full strength Warriors team.

The Nets will be the favorite next year until they have bad injuries and then everyone will say "well they would have beaten________ if the were healthy.

Thats the truth about the Nets.

In years past - there would be 8-10 weeks from the end of the season until the draft and free agency. This year its 8-10 days - I like this program better. More playoff games!

Should be interesting to see what happens with Lillard, Simmons. Not sure there are many great free agents like many thought the summer of 21 was going to be. Maybe Kawhi opts out

Like the Celtics already traded Kemba - what move will be next for them - if any.

[Barkley6]

I have been hearing this Nets are scary bull for two seasons. I agree that the SUNS played little to no defense against the Bucks after the first two games but trying to devalue how they clowned CP3/Book is just ridiculous.

The Bucks can beat any team right now and that includes a full strength Warriors team.

The Nets will be the favorite next year until they have bad injuries and then everyone will say "well they would have beaten________ if the were healthy.

Thats the truth about the Nets.

In years past - there would be 8-10 weeks from the end of the season until the draft and free agency. This year its 8-10 days - I like this program better. More playoff games!

Should be interesting to see what happens with Lillard, Simmons. Not sure there are many great free agents like many thought the summer of 21 was going to be. Maybe Kawhi opts out

Like the Celtics already traded Kemba - what move will be next for them - if any.

Not a chance. He's likely out for most if not all of this next season with his knee injury, who would sign him and not get the chance to see him play this year and no guarantee he comes back the same? He'll opt in.

[SSOL]

I want no part of Simmons. A guy you can't play in the clutch because because can't shoot a FT. Let's hope he's not the new Kevin Love around here.

No chance the Suns go near Simmons with Booker here. IYKYK.

[SSOL]

The Nets will be the favorite next year until they have bad injuries and then everyone will say "well they would have beaten________ if the were healthy.

Thats the truth about the Nets.

In years past - there would be 8-10 weeks from the end of the season until the draft and free agency. This year its 8-10 days - I like this program better. More playoff games!

Should be interesting to see what happens with Lillard, Simmons. Not sure there are many great free agents like many thought the summer of 21 was going to be. Maybe Kawhi opts out

Like the Celtics already traded Kemba - what move will be next for them - if any.

Not a chance. He's likely out for most if not all of this next season with his knee injury, who would sign him and not get the chance to see him play this year and no guarantee he comes back the same? He'll opt in.

LOL. Do you remember what the Nets did?

[bwgood77]

I'm open to making some changes this offseason. I can't imagine we'd move on from Paul, but he got outplayed by both Reggie Jackson and Jrue Holiday when the stakes were highest: a surprising amount of unforced errors. Mikal was mostly invisible throughout the playoffs. Crowder committed lots of dumb fouls, didn't box out, didn't recover on shooters, provided no help on the glass, and wasn't a difference maker on defense.

Booker stepped up. Ayton had an uneven series but was so crucial that our whole game plan was designed around keeping him on the floor. Cam Johnson had a great playoffs, just made some foolish errors here and there. Cam Payne balled out and needs to be back as well.

I'm not even suggesting anything in particular. I'm just saying that if this FO does something unexpected to upgrade this roster, I'm not dead set against it. Booker and Ayton are the core, and if they're going to get a championship, they will likely need more help than our current roster provides. We're close, so you don't want to blow it up, but throwing out huge contracts to everyone just to run it back might not be the best way to proceed.

I'm looking at Mikal in particular. I don't know how you give $20 mil to a guy who does so little aside from playing solid positional defense and hitting open threes. He needs to spend time in the weight room if he's ever going to give us anything off the dribble or on the boards. The difference between him and Middleton is simply enormous. FWIW, I'd rather have one Middleton at $30 than two Bridgeses at $15 apiece.

Cam Johnson is the player that will give you Middleton type offense. Granted maybe not ballhandling that Middleton has but the ability to hit the mid range jumper.

Mikal is a good player. Would prefer to keep him as he is a solid guy on the roster.

Mikal was hitting mid range jumpers last night.

[WeekapaugGroove]

I'm open to making some changes this offseason. I can't imagine we'd move on from Paul, but he got outplayed by both Reggie Jackson and Jrue Holiday when the stakes were highest: a surprising amount of unforced errors. Mikal was mostly invisible throughout the playoffs. Crowder committed lots of dumb fouls, didn't box out, didn't recover on shooters, provided no help on the glass, and wasn't a difference maker on defense.

Booker stepped up. Ayton had an uneven series but was so crucial that our whole game plan was designed around keeping him on the floor. Cam Johnson had a great playoffs, just made some foolish errors here and there. Cam Payne balled out and needs to be back as well.

I'm not even suggesting anything in particular. I'm just saying that if this FO does something unexpected to upgrade this roster, I'm not dead set against it. Booker and Ayton are the core, and if they're going to get a championship, they will likely need more help than our current roster provides. We're close, so you don't want to blow it up, but throwing out huge contracts to everyone just to run it back might not be the best way to proceed.

I'm looking at Mikal in particular. I don't know how you give $20 mil to a guy who does so little aside from playing solid positional defense and hitting open threes. He needs to spend time in the weight room if he's ever going to give us anything off the dribble or on the boards. The difference between him and Middleton is simply enormous. FWIW, I'd rather have one Middleton at $30 than two Bridgeses at $15 apiece.

Cam Johnson is the player that will give you Middleton type offense. Granted maybe not ballhandling that Middleton has but the ability to hit the mid range jumper.

Mikal is a good player. Would prefer to keep him as he is a solid guy on the roster.

Mikal was hitting mid range jumpers last night.

The number from last night that bothers me with Bridges is 1 3pt attempt. Now some of this is on the guards and coaches but still Mikal is a good 3pt shooter and needs to take it upon himself to get more shots up from 3.

I should note my critism of him is because I really believe in his skill set and have high expectations. But to reach those he needs to force his will on games more.

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[saintEscaton]

Simmons would really thrive here with the ideal spacing being surrounded by 3d guys and perimeter shooters. I'm all in for him and would also consider a package for Dame. Higher on Simmons though due to his plus plus defense