2021-22 Season Discussion and Speculation

[oddity]

LOL so we're in agreement. It was a dirty cheap shot. Where we disagree is whether one is worse than the other.

Also, Jokic didn't have to do the full shoulder barge in the back. He had options, he could've fronted Morris first and then give him a shove. The option he took was to shoulder barge a guy who had his back turned.

To me, both are dirty plays which shouldn't be in the sport. I disagree with the idea that because someone did something dirty to you, the only response is to do something dirty back.

Bro Jokic felt like he was defending himself AND HE WAS. I cannot emphasize this enough: If Jokic did anything less than what he did, Morris would have tried the same dirty **** with him the next game. You can't remove the context that this POS continually starts and tests people, and that he is completely asking for an ass whooping. Jokic not only did nothing wrong, but he also showed the world exactly the right thing to do when someone tries to pick on you. Deserves a medal for this **** dude.

AND LET ME MAKE THIS ABUNDANTLY CLEAR: when someone does some underhanded below the belt crap to you, you SHOULD ABSOLUTELY low-blow back. I'm from New York bro, **** isn't a game out here. Like who tf do you think you are a superhero, for putting yourself at a disadvantage fighting clean while someone else is fighting dirty?! No, that's stupid, and life isn't a movie dawg. Holding Jokic to your delusional standards is literally victim blaming. Dude. Was. Defending. Himself.

+10000
Also, someone just pulled up a video on IG about an incident with Boogie and the same MoBro - the only thing different that he was on the other side of the play... He acted way worse than Jokic. Punk.a..dirtyb.tch. I would pop a bubbly if he got suspended for more than a game. If we are enforcing new rules which are more fair than the ones now, and we are using sideline replays these would be the easiest to clean up afterwards. Look at the tape after the game, and suspend his azz for 10 games, and Jokic for 1. Sends a pretty clear message, don't it?

I always said that outside of the playoffs, a 1 or 2 game suspension isn't even a punishment really. It's a vacation.

[suns12345]

Bro Jokic felt like he was defending himself AND HE WAS. I cannot emphasize this enough: If Jokic did anything less than what he did, Morris would have tried the same dirty **** with him the next game. You can't remove the context that this POS continually starts and tests people, and that he is completely asking for an ass whooping. Jokic not only did nothing wrong, but he also showed the world exactly the right thing to do when someone tries to pick on you. Deserves a medal for this **** dude.

AND LET ME MAKE THIS ABUNDANTLY CLEAR: when someone does some underhanded below the belt crap to you, you SHOULD ABSOLUTELY low-blow back. I'm from New York bro, **** isn't a game out here. Like who tf do you think you are a superhero, for putting yourself at a disadvantage fighting clean while someone else is fighting dirty?! No, that's stupid, and life isn't a movie dawg. Holding Jokic to your delusional standards is literally victim blaming. Dude. Was. Defending. Himself.

+10000
Also, someone just pulled up a video on IG about an incident with Boogie and the same MoBro - the only thing different that he was on the other side of the play... He acted way worse than Jokic. Punk.a..dirtyb.tch. I would pop a bubbly if he got suspended for more than a game. If we are enforcing new rules which are more fair than the ones now, and we are using sideline replays these would be the easiest to clean up afterwards. Look at the tape after the game, and suspend his azz for 10 games, and Jokic for 1. Sends a pretty clear message, don't it?

I always said that outside of the playoffs, a 1 or 2 game suspension isn't even a punishment really. It's a vacation.

Totally agree its frustrating that the retaliator constantly gets the harsher punishment. I mean, what behaviour are we trying to encourage?
Yes, Jokic's hit was perhaps worse/more forceful, but it certainly wouldn't have happened if Morris didn't play dirty first.

[Ghost of Kleine]

Anyone have any further ideas on possible trade deadline targets to keep an eye on/ consider?? Including any potential ideas on trades to maximize Smith's expiring or Nader who looks like he might need a change of scenery. Obviously not looking to make any major moves, But for the right piece to bolster our weakest positions ( backup 4/5), Or 3rd string 3/4 perhaps?

Frank has been very solid recently. But I'm a bit weary of this being a " fools gold" situation possibly. I still think we could use one more quality veteran big to solidify our frontcourt depth ( just in case). The usual suspects being:

- Thad Young? ( still a possibility)?

- Derrick Favors? ( solid defender to compliment Kaminskys' recently surprising offense)? And help with rebounding.

- Chris Boucher? Jalen Smith and a 2nd swap? ( sign n' trade)? Or maybe Nader and Smith for Boucher ( for expiring his expiring contract)?

- Kelly Olynyk? ( Smith/ Nader/ Protected first)? Or could he be bought out perhaps?

- Daniel Theiss? Would the rockets buy him out as well? Otherwise maybe something along the lines of (Theiss for Smith/ Hutchinson or Nader/ 2nd)?

- LaMarcus Aldridge? ( Could the Nets look to Buy him out? Would we want him? Could he be intriguing off the bench at times ( at the 4 offensively) alongside of McGee defensively?

Don't really have too much interest in Love or Drummond. However, IF they were both to be bought out, of the two, I'd probably lean more towards Love on the minimum?

Did I miss anyone we should be looking at guys?

[Saberestar]

Pretty sure that Mavin Bagley will not be considered by James Jones in the trade market.

Read on Twitter

[King4Day]

Anyone have any further ideas on possible trade deadline targets to keep an eye on/ consider?? Including any potential ideas on trades to maximize Smith's expiring or Nader who looks like he might need a change of scenery. Obviously not looking to make any major moves, But for the right piece to bolster our weakest positions ( backup 4/5), Or 3rd string 3/4 perhaps?

Frank has been very solid recently. But I'm a bit weary of this being a " fools gold" situation possibly. I still think we could use one more quality veteran big to solidify our frontcourt depth ( just in case). The usual suspects being:

- Thad Young? ( still a possibility)?

- Derrick Favors? ( solid defender to compliment Kaminskys' recently surprising offense)? And help with rebounding.

- Chris Boucher? Jalen Smith and a 2nd swap? ( sign n' trade)? Or maybe Nader and Smith for Boucher ( for expiring his expiring contract)?

- Kelly Olynyk? ( Smith/ Nader/ Protected first)? Or could he be bought out perhaps?

- Daniel Theiss? Would the rockets buy him out as well? Otherwise maybe something along the lines of (Theiss for Smith/ Hutchinson or Nader/ 2nd)?

- LaMarcus Aldridge? ( Could the Nets look to Buy him out? Would we want him? Could he be intriguing off the bench at times ( at the 4 offensively) alongside of McGee defensively?

Don't really have too much interest in Love or Drummond. However, IF they were both to be bought out, of the two, I'd probably lean more towards Love on the minimum?

Did I miss anyone we should be looking at guys?

What about bringing Craig back?

He's making just under 5mil.
Smith and a 2nd for him?

[Barkley6]

Anyone have any further ideas on possible trade deadline targets to keep an eye on/ consider?? Including any potential ideas on trades to maximize Smith's expiring or Nader who looks like he might need a change of scenery. Obviously not looking to make any major moves, But for the right piece to bolster our weakest positions ( backup 4/5), Or 3rd string 3/4 perhaps?

Frank has been very solid recently. But I'm a bit weary of this being a " fools gold" situation possibly. I still think we could use one more quality veteran big to solidify our frontcourt depth ( just in case). The usual suspects being:

- Thad Young? ( still a possibility)?

- Derrick Favors? ( solid defender to compliment Kaminskys' recently surprising offense)? And help with rebounding.

- Chris Boucher? Jalen Smith and a 2nd swap? ( sign n' trade)? Or maybe Nader and Smith for Boucher ( for expiring his expiring contract)?

- Kelly Olynyk? ( Smith/ Nader/ Protected first)? Or could he be bought out perhaps?

- Daniel Theiss? Would the rockets buy him out as well? Otherwise maybe something along the lines of (Theiss for Smith/ Hutchinson or Nader/ 2nd)?

- LaMarcus Aldridge? ( Could the Nets look to Buy him out? Would we want him? Could he be intriguing off the bench at times ( at the 4 offensively) alongside of McGee defensively?

Don't really have too much interest in Love or Drummond. However, IF they were both to be bought out, of the two, I'd probably lean more towards Love on the minimum?

Did I miss anyone we should be looking at guys?

- Thad Young? Definitely still a possibility, but could also be a buyout candidate. The Spurs negotiating position hasn't gotten stronger by waiting because Thad isn't playing.

- Derrick Favors? Having 3 bigs who can't shoot in today's NBA isn't going to get you very far.

- Chris Boucher? Just signed a new deal with Toronto and has looked like garbage since he got paid. Unlikely to be a trade target for us.

- Kelly Olynyk? Just signed a 3 year $37m deal with Detroit. Why would they buy him out or trade him? Why would the Suns take on that salary?

- Daniel Theiss? Just signed a 4 year $36m deal with Houston. Why would they buy him out or trade him? Why would the Suns take on that salary?

- LaMarcus Aldridge? He's been pretty clear he only wants to play for the Nets.


As a rule, no one is going to buy out players with more than 2 years on their deal. Even with 2 years it's unlikely, the most common buy out candidates are guys who have expiring deals, like Thad Young. Additionally, teams that commit multiyear deals to players in the summer don't usually look to trade them in the winter unless it's a bad culture fit (i.e. Trevor Ariza, but he was only on a one year).

Of the players you listed literally only Thad Young is realistic.

[Barkley6]

Anyone have any further ideas on possible trade deadline targets to keep an eye on/ consider?? Including any potential ideas on trades to maximize Smith's expiring or Nader who looks like he might need a change of scenery. Obviously not looking to make any major moves, But for the right piece to bolster our weakest positions ( backup 4/5), Or 3rd string 3/4 perhaps?

Frank has been very solid recently. But I'm a bit weary of this being a " fools gold" situation possibly. I still think we could use one more quality veteran big to solidify our frontcourt depth ( just in case). The usual suspects being:

- Thad Young? ( still a possibility)?

- Derrick Favors? ( solid defender to compliment Kaminskys' recently surprising offense)? And help with rebounding.

- Chris Boucher? Jalen Smith and a 2nd swap? ( sign n' trade)? Or maybe Nader and Smith for Boucher ( for expiring his expiring contract)?

- Kelly Olynyk? ( Smith/ Nader/ Protected first)? Or could he be bought out perhaps?

- Daniel Theiss? Would the rockets buy him out as well? Otherwise maybe something along the lines of (Theiss for Smith/ Hutchinson or Nader/ 2nd)?

- LaMarcus Aldridge? ( Could the Nets look to Buy him out? Would we want him? Could he be intriguing off the bench at times ( at the 4 offensively) alongside of McGee defensively?

Don't really have too much interest in Love or Drummond. However, IF they were both to be bought out, of the two, I'd probably lean more towards Love on the minimum?

Did I miss anyone we should be looking at guys?

What about bringing Craig back?

He's making just under 5mil.
Smith and a 2nd for him?

If the Suns were willing to pay Craig $5m a season, he'd be here. Yes I realize in this scenario we'd be swapping Smith's salary for Craig's as opposed to having them both, but if the Suns really believed Craig was worth that deal, they'd have made it work and dumped Smith later.

[King4Day]

Anyone have any further ideas on possible trade deadline targets to keep an eye on/ consider?? Including any potential ideas on trades to maximize Smith's expiring or Nader who looks like he might need a change of scenery. Obviously not looking to make any major moves, But for the right piece to bolster our weakest positions ( backup 4/5), Or 3rd string 3/4 perhaps?

Frank has been very solid recently. But I'm a bit weary of this being a " fools gold" situation possibly. I still think we could use one more quality veteran big to solidify our frontcourt depth ( just in case). The usual suspects being:

- Thad Young? ( still a possibility)?

- Derrick Favors? ( solid defender to compliment Kaminskys' recently surprising offense)? And help with rebounding.

- Chris Boucher? Jalen Smith and a 2nd swap? ( sign n' trade)? Or maybe Nader and Smith for Boucher ( for expiring his expiring contract)?

- Kelly Olynyk? ( Smith/ Nader/ Protected first)? Or could he be bought out perhaps?

- Daniel Theiss? Would the rockets buy him out as well? Otherwise maybe something along the lines of (Theiss for Smith/ Hutchinson or Nader/ 2nd)?

- LaMarcus Aldridge? ( Could the Nets look to Buy him out? Would we want him? Could he be intriguing off the bench at times ( at the 4 offensively) alongside of McGee defensively?

Don't really have too much interest in Love or Drummond. However, IF they were both to be bought out, of the two, I'd probably lean more towards Love on the minimum?

Did I miss anyone we should be looking at guys?

What about bringing Craig back?

He's making just under 5mil.
Smith and a 2nd for him?

If the Suns were willing to pay Craig $5m a season, he'd be here. Yes I realize in this scenario we'd be swapping Smith's salary for Craig's as opposed to having them both, but if the Suns really believed Craig was worth that deal, they'd have made it work and dumped Smith later.

While true, I think they expected Smith to be a big part of the team. Now that we know he's not, we can maybe visit this.
This is also assuming Indy falls back down to earth and is willing to deal. If they are doing well, they prob won't consider it. But Smith gets them off Craigs deal, gives them a free look, and a 2nd for their trouble.

[Barkley6]

+10000
Also, someone just pulled up a video on IG about an incident with Boogie and the same MoBro - the only thing different that he was on the other side of the play... He acted way worse than Jokic. Punk.a..dirtyb.tch. I would pop a bubbly if he got suspended for more than a game. If we are enforcing new rules which are more fair than the ones now, and we are using sideline replays these would be the easiest to clean up afterwards. Look at the tape after the game, and suspend his azz for 10 games, and Jokic for 1. Sends a pretty clear message, don't it?

I always said that outside of the playoffs, a 1 or 2 game suspension isn't even a punishment really. It's a vacation.

Totally agree its frustrating that the retaliator constantly gets the harsher punishment. I mean, what behaviour are we trying to encourage?
Yes, Jokic's hit was perhaps worse/more forceful, but it certainly wouldn't have happened if Morris didn't play dirty first.

Yeah, it's insane the way the league tends to adjudicate these situations. Goes back to the Horry shove on Nash a deliberate dirty play, not an NBA play in ANY way and instead of the Spurs being punished for the play, they are rewarded for it.

But part of the problem is the media. The media goes crazy for guys like Pat Bev who have made a living doing dirty crap like this and calls them 'hard nosed' or talking about how they 'get under your skin' or whatever. The media loves seeing bust ups and altercations because it gets them views and clicks and it turns unimportant weekday games into multi-day stories. So they go out of their way to praise dirty players to encourage stuff like this to happen.

If you play back the commentary in the WCF on just Pat Bev you'd be amazed to hear how complimentary and down right adoring it is. Why? Because it's good ratings. It sure as hell isn't good basketball.

I'll take 10 Jae Crowders or PJ Tuckers, guys who play hard, play physical, give nothing easy, talk trash, and will be the first to square up for a teammate over an instigator like the Morrii or Pat Bev.

[Barkley6]

What about bringing Craig back?

He's making just under 5mil.
Smith and a 2nd for him?

If the Suns were willing to pay Craig $5m a season, he'd be here. Yes I realize in this scenario we'd be swapping Smith's salary for Craig's as opposed to having them both, but if the Suns really believed Craig was worth that deal, they'd have made it work and dumped Smith later.

While true, I think they expected Smith to be a big part of the team. Now that we know he's not, we can maybe visit this.
This is also assuming Indy falls back down to earth and is willing to deal. If they are doing well, they prob won't consider it. But Smith gets them off Craigs deal, gives them a free look, and a 2nd for their trouble.

I loved Craig and thought he was a huge pick up for us last season. Genuinely became one of my favorite Suns down the stretch. But I don't think this is going to happen. If he ended up as a FA for some reason, I could see a return to Phoenix, but I don't think the Suns are going to trade a player and a pick for someone they didn't think was worth $2.5m more a season than we are paying Nader.

[King4Day]

Anyone watch/listen to the Suns JAM pod session last night?
Them talking about rumors of DA for Simmons.
Note: Nothing legit but apparently it was making the rounds and I never heard anything about this. Have a listen here:

https://youtu.be/HV35dKgCspc?t=1214

[King4Day]

Any reason we shouldn't take a flier on Bagley if he's bought out? I know he's got issues but maybe under Monty and with Paul and our vets, maybe we could tap into his potential. He'd obviously be a 3rd stringer for now but perhaps he can work his way into something the following year.

[Ghost of Kleine]

Any reason we shouldn't take a flier on Bagley if he's bought out? I know he's got issues but maybe under Monty and with Paul and our vets, maybe we could tap into his potential. He'd obviously be a 3rd stringer for now but perhaps he can work his way into something the following year.

I've definitely wondered at times if he could be an intriguing option due to his still unrealized potential, And the possibility that he might find greater motivation and focus here, As he's actually from Arizona. The only apparent issues or conflicts that I see potentially being his being adamant about having a starting role without having established it yet, and his fragility in terms of injury.

But if he's willing to compromise on working his way towards that from a backup role, Then I'd say why not? ( especially if he's bought out)?
At worst we ( even though we've sucked at it lately)could look to build up his value and flip him for an asset of greater need? I will say that if he is to prove his value he'll most likely be successful in proving it more ( if focused) on the defensive end with his length, mobility, rebounding potential and motor. I realize that he's been a relative disappointment in relation to his draft position so far. But I honestly think his untapped potential actually begins on the defensive end in a similar role as what Aaron Gordon plays. ( IF motivated).

[Ghost of Kleine]

Anyone watch/listen to the Suns JAM pod session last night?
Them talking about rumors of DA for Simmons.
Note: Nothing legit but apparently it was making the rounds and I never heard anything about this. Have a listen here:

https://youtu.be/HV35dKgCspc?t=1214

Haven't listened yet? But it definitely would be intriguing, For me personally, As I'd be curious as to who the 3rd team that receives Ayton would be??

[King4Day]

Anyone watch/listen to the Suns JAM pod session last night?
Them talking about rumors of DA for Simmons.
Note: Nothing legit but apparently it was making the rounds and I never heard anything about this. Have a listen here:

https://youtu.be/HV35dKgCspc?t=1214

Haven't listened yet? But it definitely would be intriguing, For me personally, As I'd be curious as to who the 3rd team that receives Ayton would be??

And I'm not saying we should pursue it. Just that it was brought up and I hadn't heard it yet.
I linked where the conversation starts so you won't have to search for it.

Anyway, IF we were to do it, I am not giving them anything else. You want DA for Ben, that's it. If you want to flip DA elsewhere and take those assets for Ben, that's fine too.

But I'm really not looking at any of this (or any DA trade ideas) until I see how this season plays out.

[NapoleonII]

I hate to say it, but I could see D.A. thinking about pulling his "I don't want to be here" card with all the smoke of the Sarver story + how Ben Simmons has handled his multi-year max contract.

I really hope not.

But the kid has improved his game tremendously, done 95% of everything we've asked, and at the end of the day it's costing him tens of millions of dollars. This organization BETTED on him not getting a max from other teams. Because of HOW we played him.

[King4Day]

I hate to say it, but I could see D.A. thinking about pulling his "I don't want to be here" card with all the smoke of the Sarver story + how Ben Simmons has handled his multi-year max contract.

I really hope not.

But the kid has improved his game tremendously, done 95% of everything we've asked for him, and at the end of the day it's costing him tens of millions of dollars. This organization BETTED on him not getting a max from other teams. Because of HOW we played him.

I don't think he'd do it during the season. Not while his guys rely on him. In the summer however, that could be another story.
But knowing he'd seriously be letting his teammates down is just not like him.

He did come back for that one game which makes me feel better about the idea he's just not 100% yet. Otherwise he wouldn't have returned at all

[bwgood77]

I hate to say it, but I could see D.A. thinking about pulling his "I don't want to be here" card with all the smoke of the Sarver story + how Ben Simmons has handled his multi-year max contract.

I really hope not.

But the kid has improved his game tremendously, done 95% of everything we've asked for him, and at the end of the day it's costing him tens of millions of dollars. This organization BETTED on him not getting a max from other teams. Because of HOW we played him.

Nah, I don't think so. Doesn't seem like him. Anything is possible, and if he gets courted by Pop or whoever who make him feel really valued and like he would be a big part, etc....then it's more possible...other teams are really going to sweet talk him if we don't come to terms with him quickly.

To most, the comfort of your coach, teammates, city, family, etc, FAR outweighs other stuff, and unless he has a big problem with any of those things, I don't really see it unless we simply let him visit with other teams.

He would then have to ask us not to match. At that point we would still match rather than lose him for nothing unless we could work out a S&T which is improbable. I don't think anyone would have enough or the type of stuff to make something like that worthwhile.

I think some may see a few games from Frank and feel "We don't need Ayton" but I think the playoffs showed just how important he is.

It mainly depends on what is important to us. Saving money on certain contracts or a chance for a title.

[Barkley6]

I hate to say it, but I could see D.A. thinking about pulling his "I don't want to be here" card with all the smoke of the Sarver story + how Ben Simmons has handled his multi-year max contract.

I really hope not.

But the kid has improved his game tremendously, done 95% of everything we've asked for him, and at the end of the day it's costing him tens of millions of dollars. This organization BETTED on him not getting a max from other teams. Because of HOW we played him.

Nah, I don't think so. Doesn't seem like him. Anything is possible, and if he gets courted by Pop or whoever who make him feel really valued and like he would be a big part, etc....then it's more possible...other teams are really going to sweet talk him if we don't come to terms with him quickly.

To most, the comfort of your coach, teammates, city, family, etc, FAR outweighs other stuff, and unless he has a big problem with any of those things, I don't really see it unless we simply let him visit with other teams.

He would then have to ask us not to match. At that point we would still match rather than lose him for nothing unless we could work out a S&T which is improbable. I don't think anyone would have enough or the type of stuff to make something like that worthwhile.

I think some may see a few games from Frank and feel "We don't need Ayton" but I think the playoffs showed just how important he is.

It mainly depends on what is important to us. Saving money on certain contracts or a chance for a title.

Believe this is all even more relevant with Ayton, he loves Monty, loves the team, and this is a city and state he's been living in for I think close to 6 or 7 years at this point. He's WELL established here and simply wants to get paid what he deserves. I think there is absolutely a scenario in which we have a new owner by the offseason and they sit down with DA and say "I don't care what Sarver said, you're our guy and here's your contract."

I THINK IIRC that no matter Ayton what contract Ayton signs in the upcoming offseason it will not count as a max rookie extension, so we could still target a player on one. So we kind of get the best of both worlds here.

[Ghost of Kleine]

Spoiler:

Anyone have any further ideas on possible trade deadline targets to keep an eye on/ consider?? Including any potential ideas on trades to maximize Smith's expiring or Nader who looks like he might need a change of scenery. Obviously not looking to make any major moves, But for the right piece to bolster our weakest positions ( backup 4/5), Or 3rd string 3/4 perhaps?

Frank has been very solid recently. But I'm a bit weary of this being a " fools gold" situation possibly. I still think we could use one more quality veteran big to solidify our frontcourt depth ( just in case). The usual suspects being:

- Thad Young? ( still a possibility)?

- Derrick Favors? ( solid defender to compliment Kaminskys' recently surprising offense)? And help with rebounding.

- Chris Boucher? Jalen Smith and a 2nd swap? ( sign n' trade)? Or maybe Nader and Smith for Boucher ( for expiring his expiring contract)?

- Kelly Olynyk? ( Smith/ Nader/ Protected first)? Or could he be bought out perhaps?

- Daniel Theiss? Would the rockets buy him out as well? Otherwise maybe something along the lines of (Theiss for Smith/ Hutchinson or Nader/ 2nd)?

- LaMarcus Aldridge? ( Could the Nets look to Buy him out? Would we want him? Could he be intriguing off the bench at times ( at the 4 offensively) alongside of McGee defensively?

Don't really have too much interest in Love or Drummond. However, IF they were both to be bought out, of the two, I'd probably lean more towards Love on the minimum?

Did I miss anyone we should be looking at guys?

First off, Thank you for your insight man! It's greatly appreciated.
My thinking on this ( sorry if mistaken) basically was:

- Thad Young? Definitely still a possibility, but could also be a buyout candidate. The Spurs negotiating position hasn't gotten stronger by waiting because Thad isn't playing.

Since we're giving up on Smith anyways, and could use the additional savings from Young's expiring deal, We should go ahead on this deal as long as the picks protected. And more so IF he's actually bought out.

- Derrick Favors? Having 3 bigs who can't shoot in today's NBA isn't going to get you very far.

Given Kaminskys' resurgent and perhaps anomalous ( hopefully not though) offensive surge as well as Cam offense oriented game, I'mnot as worried about Favors' offensive struggles, As I'm more interrupted in him for his solid defense and rebounding. In a complimentary role at center alongside either Johnson or Kaminsky ( when/ If) McGee is in foul trouble or in case of injury. Again being predicated upon being bought out of course. I view him as a solid complimentary defensive depth option that we could add cheaply on a 1 yr deal.

- Chris Boucher? Just signed a new deal with Toronto and has looked like garbage since he got paid. Unlikely to be a trade target for us.

I agree that he's struggled this season. But he'll be an unrestricted free agent in 2022, And whether an outlier situation or not last season, He's shown the ability to be an elite perimeter ( 3 pt defender/ weakside defender) and considering his recent struggles,
Could come pretty cheaply via trade. I look at this as an opportunity to take a flier on a low risk, high reward opportunity, in flipping Smith and possibly attaching Nader ( if possible) to address our perimeter ( 3 pt defense), whilst not having to invest financially beyond the season. Basically swapping out Smithwhom we're apparently not keeping anyways for another expiring player that is somewhat more proven already, and can help a prominent issue for us in regards to 3 pt defense, etc.

- Kelly Olynyk? Just signed a 3 year $37m deal with Detroit. Why would they buy him out or trade him? Why would the Suns take on that salary?

My thinking on this was in that they're obviously not seriously competing as is, and they just might look to embrace their youth movement more fully if not competitive around the deadline, in order to more aggressively pursue their tank to find a sidekick for Cunningham? And build more properly along their timeline given the youth on their roster. Now with Olynyk making 12 million per year, A simple trade of Smiths' salary plus maybe Nader and a protected first gets that pretty close. That would get them out of the longer deal, And free up more money to resign Grant, IF they might look to him as a priority ( connection to Weaver). Or to pursue other options. The first could be an additional asset towards their youth rebuild too.

- Daniel Theiss? Just signed a 4 year $36m deal with Houston. Why would they buy him out or trade him? Why would the Suns take on that salary?
Similar to the premise above ( for Houston) in pursuing their tank and finding players that better align with their timeline. And for Phoenix, in that we have a very small window in which to compete,
And Theiss would be a much better vet option for a 3 and D role off the bench, providing quality depth at the backup 4/5 and for injury insurance For Ayton/ McGee missing time. I'd look for a deal of Smith/ Nader/ protected first or something that is close in salary should fit him in, AND THEN he could simply replace Crowder when he and Saric come off the books??

- LaMarcus Aldridge? He's been pretty clear he only wants to play for the Nets.
That's awesome that he may want that, But if he gets bought out ( in interest of cap space or towards another option, he might not have say in this decision.
They ( the Nets may simply Buy him out in interested of exploring alternative options.
Ghe premise is only based upon buyout. If it doesn't happen, No big deal either way really.


As a rule, no one is going to buy out players with more than 2 years on their deal. Even with 2 years it's unlikely, the most common buy out candidates are guys who have expiring deals, like Thad Young. Additionally, teams that commit multiyear deals to players in the summer don't usually look to trade them in the winter unless it's a bad culture fit (i.e. Trevor Ariza, but he was only on a one year).

whilst I agree that buying out players with more than two years on their contract isn the norm. And in this currently restrictive financial climate, it's perhaps even less likely, it's not an absolute impossibility either. I mean it has obviously happened over the years with various teams, creating dead cap situations. Players like Griffin, Noah, Aldridge, Anderson, Deng, Mozgov, etc. come to mind in terms of teams buying out/ waiving players wherein teams have dead salary on the books. I also think that it's probable in the context of team's that change direction ( upon not being as competitive as originally expected upon signing those vet contracts) and thusly choosing to more fully embrace their youth movement properly. Detroit and Houston both fitting that context reasonably.

Of the players you listed literally only Thad Young is realistic.

Respectfully disagree. Depending upon the situation, and what we end up prioritizing. As well as other teams' interestsbeing potentially fluid as well.