Season Speculation, Trade Ideas and Discussion

[blacksun]

So many garbage teams this year. Too much tank competition.

Maybe we can give teams like WAS, DAL, MIA, NOP Tucker or Knight and they can win a little more. I really think Knight can be a net positive in another environment, like the Mavs with Carlisle, Wiz with Brooks, or Magic with Vogel.

[bwgood77]

So many garbage teams this year. Too much tank competition.

Maybe we can give teams like WAS, DAL, MIA, NOP Tucker or Knight and they can win a little more. I really think Knight can be a net positive in another environment, like the Mavs with Carlisle, Wiz with Brooks, or Magic with Vogel.

I think the Wiz will make a big play for Cousins...Beal, Oubre, a pick or two maybe. I'm sure he's want to play with Wall and get out of the west too.

[OnceUponADime]

So many garbage teams this year. Too much tank competition.

Can we trade you giys demarre carroll for pj tucker + filler? If youre looking to tank, hes your man! Ideally Id like dudley but we cant always get nice things

We already have the best tank commander in the league in Brandon Knight if we so choose to go in that direction.

All we'd have to do is give Knight the ball and just tell him to be himself and we'd land the best odds at the #1 overall pick next season.

[blacksun]

Maybe we can give teams like WAS, DAL, MIA, NOP Tucker or Knight and they can win a little more. I really think Knight can be a net positive in another environment, like the Mavs with Carlisle, Wiz with Brooks, or Magic with Vogel.

I think the Wiz will make a big play for Cousins...Beal, Oubre, a pick or two maybe. I'm sure he's want to play with Wall and good out of the west too.

Wall and Boogie sort of deserved the chance to play with each other. And better the Wizards than us tbh. Im all in tanking for Fultz/Smith/Jackson this year and Ayton/Bamba next year

Im genuinely curious though, how much of Suns fans would prefer to cash in on Cousins as opposed to continuing the tank?

[bwgood77]

Maybe we can give teams like WAS, DAL, MIA, NOP Tucker or Knight and they can win a little more. I really think Knight can be a net positive in another environment, like the Mavs with Carlisle, Wiz with Brooks, or Magic with Vogel.

I think the Wiz will make a big play for Cousins...Beal, Oubre, a pick or two maybe. I'm sure he's want to play with Wall and good out of the west too.

Wall and Boogie sort of deserved the chance to play with each other. And better the Wizards than us tbh. Im all in tanking for Fultz/Smith/Jackson this year and Ayton/Bamba next year

Im genuinely curious though, how much of Suns fans would prefer to cash in on Cousins as opposed to continuing the tank?

It's probably split quite a bit. Maybe more for Cousins, but I simply don't think it's going to happen. It would deplete our young guys showing promise, our picks, and after the twins, I don't think they want to screw up what I feel they have, which is a good thing going on. I also think they like to spread the floor and don't think they would want a C like Chandler or Len and think we are committed to Chandler for sure, and probably Len (who they would want anyway with Koufos, the Greek, Skal, etc.

Clearly 1UPZ, Qwigglez, Frank and quite a few others want him though. Kerrsed I think.

Wall, Porter, and Cousins in East would be interesting. Porter really balling lately.

[Zelaznyrules]

Wall and Boogie sort of deserved the chance to play with each other. And better the Wizards than us tbh. Im all in tanking for Fultz/Smith/Jackson this year and Ayton/Bamba next year

Im genuinely curious though, how much of Suns fans would prefer to cash in on Cousins as opposed to continuing the tank?

I'd rather not go after Cousins but with just a little bit of luck I think we can end the tank after this season. I know it's considered a PG draft class but I really love the idea of a front line that includes Bender plus Markkanen and Lauri should be within our reach even if we don't get lucky in the lottery. If Chriss develops (upstairs mostly) - a Chriss, Bender, Markkanen front court would be incredibly flexible. I'd even consider trading Knight and one or more of the Miami picks to put us in position to grab one of the top point guards too.

[OnceUponADime]

Can't believe you'd trade Bledsoe for those guys, none of who may be guys that can even get any playing time on a playoff caliber team.

Times starting to run out for Bledsoe and i dont think he necessarily fits our window anymore. If we could get a top 10 pick for him, that would be great in my book, specially in a draft stocked with PG's. Of course i dont believe we will be a good team with or without Bledsoe this season, but this would possibly give us 2 lotto picks. Afflalo would be used as a 3&D guy coming off the bench behind Booker, but could also be valuable to a contending team due to the size and short length of his contract. Skal gives us another youngster to play around with, one i was high on as well as the FO was. Another Wildcat and friend of Ulis as well.

I'd consider a Bledsoe trade too if we can sell high. I like Bledsoe and I think he's a complete PG that affects every phase of the game when he's on the court.

Thing is, I don't trust him to be on the court and neither should you. He's had major knee surgeries on both his knees and there's just nothing out there that assures us that he won't go down again. Once Bledsoe suffers another big knee injury, his contract will become untradable and nobody will ever want him and he becomes Derrick Rose 2.0...we'd be lucky to get rid him on his last expiring season like the Bulls did.

I'd rather trade him and get something for him now before he suffers that next knee injury. I hate it because I think he's the perfect PG to have next to Booker due to his defense and tenacity but durability concerns aren't a joke.

If Minnesota wants him then I'd offer them him for Lavine and Jordan Hill or Cole Aldrich (good backup Cs signed for cheap long term in case Len leaves or Tyson ever gets traded).

Don't get me wrong, I like Bledsoe the player a lot. I wouldn't want to trade him if there weren't these injury concerns.

[AtheJ415]

You can't really decide on Cousins without knowing the price. It all depends on what we would have to give up.

We are doing well as far as tanking goes, and are positioned to help ourselves at the 1, 5, or 3 in the draft with guys who are versatile enough to play a 2nd position.

If we finish at the very top I think we'll go PG. If we're in the 5-10 range probably the forward who slips. I actually like Lauri as well if we are in that range. He can play the 4 and 5, and if you pair him with Len you have 4 really long bigs b/w Bender, Chriss, Lauri, and Len who can all shoot and fit our up-tempo style (and before somebody jumps on me about Len's shooting, imo he is capable/has the form and touch to consistently shoot, but just has not translated it to game scenarios on a consistent basis).

[thamadkant]

If Suns trade for Cousins... it doesnt mean they should go ALL out this season for the ring.

They have the off-season to properly put a team together for next season... and have Cousins' input on who to target too.


But thats if they do trade for Cousins.

[bwgood77]

Can't believe you'd trade Bledsoe for those guys, none of who may be guys that can even get any playing time on a playoff caliber team.

Times starting to run out for Bledsoe and i dont think he necessarily fits our window anymore. If we could get a top 10 pick for him, that would be great in my book, specially in a draft stocked with PG's. Of course i dont believe we will be a good team with or without Bledsoe this season, but this would possibly give us 2 lotto picks. Afflalo would be used as a 3&D guy coming off the bench behind Booker, but could also be valuable to a contending team due to the size and short length of his contract. Skal gives us another youngster to play around with, one i was high on as well as the FO was. Another Wildcat and friend of Ulis as well.

I'd consider a Bledsoe trade too if we can sell high. I like Bledsoe and I think he's a complete PG that affects every phase of the game when he's on the court.

Thing is, I don't trust him to be on the court and neither should you. He's had major knee surgeries on both his knees and there's just nothing out there that assures us that he won't go down again. Once Bledsoe suffers another big knee injury, his contract will become untradable and nobody will ever want him and he becomes Derrick Rose 2.0...we'd be lucky to get rid him on his last expiring season like the Bulls did.

I'd rather trade him and get something for him now before he suffers that next knee injury. I hate it because I think he's the perfect PG to have next to Booker due to his defense and tenacity but durability concerns aren't a joke.

If Minnesota wants him then I'd offer them him for Lavine and Jordan Hill or Cole Aldrich (good backup Cs signed for cheap long term in case Len leaves or Tyson ever gets traded).

Don't get me wrong, I like Bledsoe the player a lot. I wouldn't want to trade him if there weren't these injury concerns.

There was a thread on the general board a while back and with two knee surgeries..or I guess three, they thought he was worth barely anything at all because eventually, probably soon, he will go down again...no team would even risk a first or something for him...I wasn't sure I agreed...I can't remember what they thought for sure...but I said well in that case he's far more worth it to us to keep if this is true. PG pretty abundant in league and big class coming in. Only 2-4 teams really need them and some teams, like Minnesota have 2-3 good ones, and someone like Rubio who isn't quite a good, is still younger I think with far less risk. They want to keep him for now and will probably trade Jrue Holiday.

[Saberestar]

On an interview today, McDonough answered some questions from Gambo about Brandon Knight and for what he said I really think that we are shopping Knight and he is not gonna be a Sun after the trade deadline. Just my impression after hearing his answers, nothing specific.

http://arizonasports.com/category/podcast_player/?a=327039&sid=1005&n=Burns+%26+Gambo

[bwgood77]

Can't believe you'd trade Bledsoe for those guys, none of who may be guys that can even get any playing time on a playoff caliber team.

Times starting to run out for Bledsoe and i dont think he necessarily fits our window anymore. If we could get a top 10 pick for him, that would be great in my book, specially in a draft stocked with PG's. Of course i dont believe we will be a good team with or without Bledsoe this season, but this would possibly give us 2 lotto picks. Afflalo would be used as a 3&D guy coming off the bench behind Booker, but could also be valuable to a contending team due to the size and short length of his contract. Skal gives us another youngster to play around with, one i was high on as well as the FO was. Another Wildcat and friend of Ulis as well.

I'd consider a Bledsoe trade too if we can sell high. I like Bledsoe and I think he's a complete PG that affects every phase of the game when he's on the court.

Thing is, I don't trust him to be on the court and neither should you. He's had major knee surgeries on both his knees and there's just nothing out there that assures us that he won't go down again. Once Bledsoe suffers another big knee injury, his contract will become untradable and nobody will ever want him and he becomes Derrick Rose 2.0...we'd be lucky to get rid him on his last expiring season like the Bulls did.

I'd rather trade him and get something for him now before he suffers that next knee injury. I hate it because I think he's the perfect PG to have next to Booker due to his defense and tenacity but durability concerns aren't a joke.

If Minnesota wants him then I'd offer them him for Lavine and Jordan Hill or Cole Aldrich (good backup Cs signed for cheap long term in case Len leaves or Tyson ever gets traded).

Don't get me wrong, I like Bledsoe the player a lot. I wouldn't want to trade him if there weren't these injury concerns.

Yeah, I don't trust him to stay healthy. If we trade for Cousins, Bledsoe would probably have a major injury and Cousins would probably for sure bolt in Summer 2018. He'd probably bolt anyway since he will be heavily courted by a ton of teams. Definitely don't want to trade away a bunch of youth and picks we could control for years.

[lilfishi22]

Can't believe you'd trade Bledsoe for those guys, none of who may be guys that can even get any playing time on a playoff caliber team.

Times starting to run out for Bledsoe and i dont think he necessarily fits our window anymore. If we could get a top 10 pick for him, that would be great in my book, specially in a draft stocked with PG's. Of course i dont believe we will be a good team with or without Bledsoe this season, but this would possibly give us 2 lotto picks. Afflalo would be used as a 3&D guy coming off the bench behind Booker, but could also be valuable to a contending team due to the size and short length of his contract. Skal gives us another youngster to play around with, one i was high on as well as the FO was. Another Wildcat and friend of Ulis as well.

I'd consider a Bledsoe trade too if we can sell high. I like Bledsoe and I think he's a complete PG that affects every phase of the game when he's on the court.

Thing is, I don't trust him to be on the court and neither should you. He's had major knee surgeries on both his knees and there's just nothing out there that assures us that he won't go down again. Once Bledsoe suffers another big knee injury, his contract will become untradable and nobody will ever want him and he becomes Derrick Rose 2.0...we'd be lucky to get rid him on his last expiring season like the Bulls did.

I'd rather trade him and get something for him now before he suffers that next knee injury. I hate it because I think he's the perfect PG to have next to Booker due to his defense and tenacity but durability concerns aren't a joke.

If Minnesota wants him then I'd offer them him for Lavine and Jordan Hill or Cole Aldrich (good backup Cs signed for cheap long term in case Len leaves or Tyson ever gets traded).

Don't get me wrong, I like Bledsoe the player a lot. I wouldn't want to trade him if there weren't these injury concerns.

I've been on the sell high on Bledsoe bandwagon for a while now. I feel he's peaking as a player, especially from developing as a floor leader and playmaker goes. His knees are and will always be a concern moving forward and that, with consideration of his play style, is my primary concern. I don't mind him as a player, he's still productive, likely will continue to be effective and the only thing that will slow him down is an injury. If another injury does hit, as you mentioned, I don't think his trade value will ever return. Our medical staff is the best in the league and is absolutely world class but for me, that injury scenario is more of a when rather than an if.

As much as Knight has been the odd man out, I wouldn't blink twice if we moved Bledsoe for a decent return before trading Knight for scraps.

[bwgood77]

I'd consider a Bledsoe trade too if we can sell high. I like Bledsoe and I think he's a complete PG that affects every phase of the game when he's on the court.

Thing is, I don't trust him to be on the court and neither should you. He's had major knee surgeries on both his knees and there's just nothing out there that assures us that he won't go down again. Once Bledsoe suffers another big knee injury, his contract will become untradable and nobody will ever want him and he becomes Derrick Rose 2.0...we'd be lucky to get rid him on his last expiring season like the Bulls did.

I'd rather trade him and get something for him now before he suffers that next knee injury. I hate it because I think he's the perfect PG to have next to Booker due to his defense and tenacity but durability concerns aren't a joke.

If Minnesota wants him then I'd offer them him for Lavine and Jordan Hill or Cole Aldrich (good backup Cs signed for cheap long term in case Len leaves or Tyson ever gets traded).

Don't get me wrong, I like Bledsoe the player a lot. I wouldn't want to trade him if there weren't these injury concerns.

I've been on the sell high on Bledsoe bandwagon for a while now. I feel he's peaking as a player, especially from developing as a floor leader and playmaker goes. His knees are and will always be a concern moving forward and that, with consideration of his play style, is my primary concern. I don't mind him as a player, he's still productive, likely will continue to be effective and the only thing that will slow him down is an injury. If another injury does hit, as you mentioned, I don't think his trade value will ever return. Our medical staff is the best in the league and is absolutely world class but for me, that injury scenario is more of a when rather than an if.

As much as Knight has been the odd man out, I wouldn't blink twice if we moved Bledsoe for a decent return before trading Knight for scraps.[/quote]

I don't think Bledsoe has near the trade value some think he has. Most outside this board think he has very little because of all the injuries. I don't think there is any plan for Bledsoe to go anywhere though considering Watson just said him, Booker and Warren will be Curry, Thompson and Durant in 5 years. Yes, he did say that.

[dremill24]

Can we forget Boogie and just get AD instead

[bwgood77]

Can we forget Boogie and just get AD instead

We can forget about Boogie, but we can probably also forget about AD. What's he got, like 4-5 years left on contract?

[lilfishi22]

I don't think Bledsoe has near the trade value some think he has. Most outside this board think he has very little because of all the injuries. I don't think there is any plan for Bledsoe to go anywhere though considering Watson just said him, Booker and Warren will be Curry, Thompson and Durant in 5 years. Yes, he did say that.

I heard that and it scares me. I know it's talking up our own players but Bledsoe will be 32 by that time and who knows how his knees would've fared by then.

[NTB]

http://arizonasports.com/story/906276/suns-dragan-bender-ultimately-power-forward-center/

[Kerrsed]

“We’re certainly not looking to move Brandon, we haven’t been close to trading Brandon,” he said. “I think he’d love to be starting, we understand that. He’s accepted the role very well. I think you guys will see him go on a run here. As you know, watching him play the last couple years, he has the ability to get hot and put up a lot of points in a hurry and take over stretches of games — he hasn’t done that yet for us consistently but I think it’s coming.”

AKA we will be giving him more of an opportunity and told Brandon if you want to be traded, now is your chance to quit sulking and build your value so other teams will want you.

Or at least thats how i read that.

[AtheJ415]

Maybe wishful thinking, but I have a feeling we'll end up with some trade involving Knight and something (Miami pick, Tucker) for Okafor. We have too many guards. They have too many bigs. Colangelo hates the "trust the process" mentality, and Knight has good raw numbers as a starter and is a young vet. Tucker is the type he would like.

Imagine if we kept our pick this year and lucked into Fultz:

Bledsoe/Fultz
Booker/Fultz
Warren/Bender
Chriss/Bender
Okafor/Len

Plus Dudley somewhere in there. Chandler probably gets moved elsewhere in this scenario.