2013 Free Agent Thread

[bigfoot]

With a draft and trade thread working overtime I figured it would be nice to have a free agent thread. So we don't have to sort through crazy trade scenarios or the lather-rinse-repeat of McLemore/Noel/Oladipo/Porter/etc/etc/etc.

So a few areas of discussion

1) Will Phoenix FO be able to attract any quality free agents?

2) Do we try to improve through FA and risk disrupting the rebuild?

3) Who would we want?

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1) I still think Phoenix is a great destination for FAs. Good weather, nightlife can't be too bad since Sir Charles stuck around after retiring, lots of golfing opportunities, and historically a franchise with a winning culture.

2) 2014 Playoffs or bust. As usual, I support the win now mode over tanking for the possibility of a top draft pick. Clips, Kings, Wolves, and other historical cellar dwellers are there for a reason. Those teams promote a losing culture.

3) I've always felt Dudley and Scola on the court at the same time really hurts our defense because neither of them are particular fast/athletic. They are both tricky on offense but hurt the team defensively. I think it is important to land a quality PF this summer. I'm betting Frye will not be back and so far Kieff has not shown he is starter material. Shooting around .400 for a PF is really bad. There are a few good PFs available, David West, Paul Millsap, and JJ Hickson. Eliminate West since he is too old. Hickson (24) and Millsap (28) would be good additions. Problem with Hickson is he doesn't have much range on his shot. Millsap can extend the defense with his quality outside shot and give Dragic more room to operate.

[DirtyDez]

For the love of God don't overpay for Josh Smith or OJ Mayo. I'd rather be a bottom 3 team with cap space over a bottom 6-7 in cap hell. We'll have money to spend in a couple years when Frye/Beasley are off the books. Be patient you must.

[lilfishi22]

For the love of God don't overpay for Josh Smith or OJ Mayo. I'd rather be a bottom 3 team with cap space over a bottom 6-7 in cap hell. We'll have money to spend in a couple years when Frye/Beasley are off the books. Be patient you must.

Agreed.

There is no one worth going all out for this off season. I'd rather see us take the patient approach than have another season seeing a crap player being force fed minutes because they are being paid to be on the court. I'd like to see us bring in more energy and more youth. If we don't luck out on talented youth in FA, I'd love to see us go for guys who bring in energy and hustle. They are normally cheap and they contribute a lot to morale.

[scooper1030]

Nobody worth giving a max contract. I would explore the possibility of signing Mayo or Ellis if we don't draft a SG, but I would only do it for a reasonable price and definitely not a max contract. I'm opening up to the idea of Markieff being a starting PF, so I'm not sure we need someone like Millsap, but again, we can at least look into it.

This sounds a little strange, but what about going after Greg Oden? There were reports of him getting back into shape in order to try and play again next season, and we could use a center. I think we may trade Gortat, I love Jermaine but he is only getting older, and even if we drafted someone like Nerlens Noel he would sit out with that torn ACL for much of his rookie season.

So, we could lure Oden to Phoenix on a reasonable, one-year deal by using our training staff as a bargaining chip, and give him the chance to be a starter. If he gets injured or just isn't good, there isn't much harm done, and we could still have drafted Noel, or look for others prospects to get in free agency/trades/the draft for the future. And if all goes well, maybe we could even keep him around for a few more years.

Anyway, I'd much prefer Oden to Bynum. Same terrible injury history, but less cost, no attitude issues, and no atrocious hair.

[Fo-Real]

Nobody worth giving a max contract. I would explore the possibility of signing Mayo or Ellis if we don't draft a SG, but I would only do it for a reasonable price and definitely not a max contract. I'm opening up to the idea of Markieff being a starting PF, so I'm not sure we need someone like Millsap, but again, we can at least look into it.

This sounds a little strange, but what about going after Greg Oden? There were reports of him getting back into shape in order to try and play again next season, and we could use a center. I think we may trade Gortat, I love Jermaine but he is only getting older, and even if we drafted someone like Nerlens Noel he would sit out with that torn ACL for much of his rookie season.

So, we could lure Oden to Phoenix on a reasonable, one-year deal by using our training staff as a bargaining chip, and give him the chance to be a starter. If he gets injured or just isn't good, there isn't much harm done, and we could still have drafted Noel, or look for others prospects to get in free agency/trades/the draft for the future. And if all goes well, maybe we could even keep him around for a few more years.

Anyway, I'd much prefer Oden to Bynum. Same terrible injury history, but less cost, no attitude issues, and no atrocious hair.

Comparing Oden to Bynum is like comparing Jonathan Bender to Derrick Coleman. I agree I wouldnt ever pay Bynum the money he is going to command (unless the med staff signs off on him), but atleast he has shown and proven he can play. He has been an allstar in this league. Hell, before he was hurt, I would have put him ahead of Dwight "Coward" Howard as the best and most skilled big man in the league, but he then showed he couldnt get over his injury.

[Fo-Real]

Huge question..... Would Bynum had missed this season if he had'nt gotten traded??? I dont remember really hearing a friggin peep from Bynum as far as being wierd until he really started being mentioned in trade rumors and Howard actually started to seem like he was going to be traded there. And ofcourse after it all happened he continued the wierdness. What is the real deal with his kneek, is it actually not sound, or is it an injury that can heal, what was the injury? Was it an Amare like surgery?? Maybe he would like basketball again if it were on his own terms and it was the team he chose to go to himself (if he were healthy).

[RunSunRun]

For the love of God don't overpay for Josh Smith or OJ Mayo. I'd rather be a bottom 3 team with cap space over a bottom 6-7 in cap hell. We'll have money to spend in a couple years when Frye/Beasley are off the books. Be patient you must.

THIS x1000

If Josh Smith wants a max or near max, tell him to look elsewhere.

I also don't see the "win now 2014" window for the Suns as well, we are probably one of, if not, the worst teams in the Western Conference. Dallas, Portland, and Minnesota are all better off and are looking to compete now for the playoffs, Lakers may or may not drop depending on moves, and the other current 7 playoff teams I don't see going anywhere (assuming of course CP3 resigns with the Clippers, which seems pretty high at the moment)

Not saying I don't want the Suns to be competitive next year, I'd take it over tanking for a shot at Wiggins, but I don't see our team being anywhere near a playoff caliber team, even if we do get a Paul Millsap, Aminu, Hickson, etc.

[thamadkant]

As I’ve said 1,000,000 times already.
- Lay low for another season (2013-2014), obtain best talent from draft available.
- Have 2x Max contract space in 2014-2015, + prime Dragic, + 2 top 5 rookies, + cheap role players = Playoffs and beyond.


Using up space this off season on mediocre “stars”, will ensure Suns compete for 9th and 10th spots for the next 5 years… basically delayed rebuild.

If the Suns opt for the “2014 plan” path and nab high potential studs from draft on the way there, you have a talented lineup on low salary with HUGE cap space to lure in “suitable” FA star(s) to lead them to the playoffs and develop the youth too.

Its so logical…. Basically, patience for another season and Suns should be back as one of the brighter future teams for the next decade….. if the Suns cash in too soon on “mediocre low performing” stars now, they become the next Pistons, basically delayed rebuild and playoff contention, imagine that team without Ben Gordon and Charlie V’s crippling contract but with stud rookies and HUGE space 4 years ago? They could of assembled a formidable team this season already.

Suns need to learn from that…. 1 step backwards… 2 step forwards the next season… if not more.

[Gorilla Warfare]

Offer Josh Smith and Dwight Howard max deals, get rid of everyone except Dragic, Marshall, PJ, Morris twins, Wes, Dudley, and Gortat. Keep 2 picks, fire sale the rest. Watch Josh and Dwight make us more miserable than we were this year, with much less money. Hopefully by that time Sarver will realize he is a worthless human being and will sell the team.

Also, Barkley for GM.

[Fo-Real]

Offer Josh Smith and Dwight Howard max deals, get rid of everyone except Dragic, Marshall, PJ, Morris twins, Wes, Dudley, and Gortat. Keep 2 picks, fire sale the rest. Watch Josh and Dwight make us more miserable than we were this year, with much less money. Hopefully by that time Sarver will realize he is a worthless human being and will sell the team.

Also, Barkley for GM.

NOOOOoooooooo!!! BOO THIS MAN!!!!

[TASTIC]

Offer Josh Smith $30m over 3...He'll say no, but at least it will look good to Suns fans (casual ones) that they're making an effort. Real Suns fans will know we really want him to say no

Wouldn't surprise me if we make a run at Bynum, especially if they move Gortat for a good SG or SF. The potential is there for him to sit out another year while the medical staff sort him out, and help the tank for Wiggins even more!

Beasley...God that deal is awful - I think if they moved Gortat AND Beasley for a signed Josh Smith, I'd be ok with it. ATL might even nibble at that...

Brown - can't they pay his deal off over a couple of years if they release him?

I want no part of Ellis unless it's short and $10m or less...I think he might mesh well with Dragic, but there's just something very combustible about him.

Scola - a decent, tradeable piece. A team like SA or BOS could use help at PF/C - both might give up a pick or young player potentially.

I'd love Millsap here. He's not a star, but he's a legit, defensively skilled and starting PF entering his prime. An unquestioned starting gig and $40m over 4 might get him.

[ShawnBronald]

Offer Josh Smith $30m over 3...He'll say no, but at least it will look good to Suns fans (casual ones) that they're making an effort. Real Suns fans will know we really want him to say no

Wouldn't surprise me if we make a run at Bynum, especially if they move Gortat for a good SG or SF. The potential is there for him to sit out another year while the medical staff sort him out, and help the tank for Wiggins even more!

Beasley...God that deal is awful - I think if they moved Gortat AND Beasley for a signed Josh Smith, I'd be ok with it. ATL might even nibble at that...

Brown - can't they pay his deal off over a couple of years if they release him?

I want no part of Ellis unless it's short and $10m or less...I think he might mesh well with Dragic, but there's just something very combustible about him.

Scola - a decent, tradeable piece. A team like SA or BOS could use help at PF/C - both might give up a pick or young player potentially.

I'd love Millsap here. He's not a star, but he's a legit, defensively skilled and starting PF entering his prime. An unquestioned starting gig and $40m over 4 might get him.

Isn't Brown's contract only partially guaranteed next year? I think if we release him, we only owe $1.75M instead of the entire $3.5M. I'd rather stretch Beasley's contract instead of Brown's (mostly because I don't see us being able to trade Beasley and I do NOT want him on our team next year no matter what). If we can't trade Beasley and don't stretch him.... let's just ask him to stay home and style his hair and smoke pot..... you know, stuff he loves to do anyway.

Regarding Scola, I say we hold onto him unless a deal is just too good to turn down. Honestly, I think he'd be a more valuable chip at next year's deadline rather than this offseason.

[TASTIC]

^Yeah my mistake - Brown's is cut in half if we buy him out. Totally agree spreading Beasley's out makes sense

[Calvin Klein]

Hope we don't get any more headcases. At least not until we have a solid team with a couple of veterans to watch after them (ala Celtics).

[RunDogGun]

I say we wait on Beasley this offseason. We have three draft picks, and somewhat slim pickings when it comes to FAs that will make a huge difference for us this offseason.

It seems pretty clear that the Morris boys won't be starters, so I say we try and move them to a team in need of decent bench guys or thin at the forward position. We could then have Beasley come off the bench to play PF, who knows, maybe a new coach that is tough on him will pay off. I think Hunter gave him some chances, and also sat him out. Maybe Beasley will wake up, maybe not, but there doesn't seem to be a rush to use one of our lifelines.

We still have six picks over the next two drafts (2014-15), and hopefully the Wolves make the playoffs next year(8th spot) so we get their first. Even if we have an ok season, two firsts might help us either move up, or find two decent guys if our scouting team has improved.

Overall, I don't see many huge named FAs coming here that would require us to stretch Beasley.

[MathiasPW]

I do not agree yet with the Morri' to the bench move. We are being hasty in the look for new idols because of our terrible last seasons, but both of them have good to great games of basketball. What seems to lack is consistency, and that comes with playing time, practice and experience...none of which any of them still had the time to develop.

[ShawnBronald]

I do not agree yet with the Morri' to the bench move. We are being hasty in the look for new idols because of our terrible last seasons, but both of them have good to great games of basketball. What seems to lack is consistency, and that comes with playing time, practice and experience...none of which any of them still had the time to develop.

Agreed.

Assuming we keep one or both of them, I'd like to see how they play with a full training camp under a new head coach. I thought Markieff looked really good in his rookie year, but obviously digressed this past season. I'm sure it didn't help never knowing whether he was starting, coming off the bench or playing at all. With a new team and new coach next season, it'll be time for any holdovers to put up or shut up (I'm looking at you, Dudley, as well as Gortat, assuming he isn't traded).

[gaspar]

From an interview with David Kahn:

And you should ask Rick about this: One of the selling points to Rick on this job when he was watching film of the team, he really liked Wes Johnson. And there was a lot to like about Wes. He was athletic. Even though he didn’t have a ball that had a lot of rotation on it, seemed to go in from a distance. You could really see him developing into an elite defender. I just think one of the things we missed was I’m not sure at the time his commitment was what was necessary. And I can’t speak for what he’s been like in Phoenix, but I’m noticing that it looks like they may be wanting to bring him back.

[ShawnBronald]

From an interview with David Kahn:

And you should ask Rick about this: One of the selling points to Rick on this job when he was watching film of the team, he really liked Wes Johnson. And there was a lot to like about Wes. He was athletic. Even though he didn’t have a ball that had a lot of rotation on it, seemed to go in from a distance. You could really see him developing into an elite defender. I just think one of the things we missed was I’m not sure at the time his commitment was what was necessary. And I can’t speak for what he’s been like in Phoenix, but I’m noticing that it looks like they may be wanting to bring him back.

I hope they do, but on a reasonable contract. Teams won't be lining up to sign him, so I think something in the neighborhood of $2.75M-$3.25M is more than fair. Sure he was a 4th overall pick, but he has nothing to show for it. It'd be wise for him to stick around here for a couple seasons to see if he can turn his career around. Otherwise, he just might find himself out of the league. He's a good guy so hopefully he can figure it all out.

[bigfoot]

A lots of folks are saying save cap space this year and go after free agents in 2014. Really do we think we will be able to get any of the big names who might opt out (Bosh, LeBron, Wade, Kobe, Dirk) ??? I imagine most of the good restricted FAs will be resigned by their teams. It just seems like slim pickings in 2013 and 2014. For those of you who don't want 2013 FAs then who do you want to get in 2014???