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Season speculation, free agency, and trade ideas: The Annual Coaching Search Begins

Posted: Sun May 19, 2019 3:11 am
by Ghost of Kleine
Here's a trade option as an alternative to get us major cap space, without moving Johnson. For those who are hell bent on other options than Conley.

Phoenix/ New York/ New Orleans:

http://www.espn.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=y5ojxlu6 .

New York gets-

Josh Jackson/ a 2021 top 8 protected first/ and the Milwaukee pick. ( They add the picks to their trade package).

New Orleans gets-

RJ Barrett/ Dennis Smith Jr/ Mitchell Robinson/ TJ Warren ( Phoenix) / 2021 top 8 protected first ( Phoenix)/ Milwaukee bucks pick ( Phoenix)/ 2 firsts ( Dallas).

Phoenix gets-

Lance Thomas - 7 million ( only guaranteed 1 million IF released by July 1st).
Mario Hezonza (6.5 million expiring).

Basically the suns save 12.5 million right off the bat, post trade. Then we renegotiate Johnson's deal to 40/4.

So If we can do this, We'd theoretically have around 22-23 Million plus our exceptions for free agency, Whilst still keeping Johnson as our backup guard for depth, And our pick.


The other option, As mentioned by Bobby L. :thumbsup:

First trade: Phoenix/ Cleveland-

https://basketball.realgm.com/tradechecker/saved_trade/7197066 .

Phoenix trades-

Warren and the Milwaukee pick.

Cleveland trades- Jr Smith- 14 million( only guaranteed for 3 million).

Then part 2- Phoenix/New York.


New York gets-

Josh Jackson. 6.4 million.

Phoenix gets- Lance Thomas 7 million salary is (only guaranteed for 1 million IF released by July 1st 2019).

So basically again, With these 2 trades, We save aproximately 17 million, which when added to our current 10 million. Will give us around 27 million in cap space for free agency!!!

And IF we can also convince Johnson to restructure his contract to around 40/ 4. We can offer incentives for the 3rd and 4th year as a sweetener too.

We'd add another 10 million. Now we'd be walking into free agency with around a whopping 37 million+ our exceptions that we can use too. :wink: :rock: :rockon:

Ghost of Kleine's ideas and thoughts

Posted: Sun May 19, 2019 6:54 am
by Ghost of Kleine
carey wrote:
Ghost of Kleine wrote:
New York gets-

Josh Jackson/ a 2021 top 8 protected first/ and the Milwaukee pick. ( They add the picks to their trade package).

New Orleans gets-

RJ Barrett/ Dennis Smith Jr/ Mitchell Robinson/ TJ Warren ( Phoenix) / 2021 top 8 protected first ( Phoenix)/ Milwaukee bucks pick ( Phoenix)/ 2 firsts ( Dallas).

Phoenix gets-

Lance Thomas - 7 million ( only guaranteed 1 million IF released by July 1st).
Mario Hezonza (6.5 million expiring).

Basically the suns save 12.5 million right off the bat, post trade. Then we renegotiate Johnson's deal to 40/4.

So If we can do this, We'd theoretically have around 22-23 Million plus our exceptions for free agency, Whilst still keeping Johnson as our backup guard for depth, And our pick.

Did I miss something or are you suggesting we trade two first rounders, TJ and JJ for cap space?


Nope, You didn't miss anything man, It was just an example of an alternative to the Conley trade proposal that I and others on here have been endorsing.

And whilst it may seem like a lot, the reasoning in this scenario is, First with New York, That they're not only taking Jackson's salary for us, But sending back Lance Thomas, who's 7 million salary is only partially guaranteed for 1 million.

And that would likely be part of the space that they'd prefer to use towards another max player. And also with consideration to Jackson's likely percieved low to negative value currently.

So that's why I added the Milwaukee pick ( a pick I expect to be a late first rounder at best in 2020) Especially considering the Bucks are currently cruising all the way to the finals currently, With no visible signs of slowing down.

And with respect to the 2021 top 8 protected first, The reasoning was in that with New Orleans taking Warren for us , along with the cap space it would additionally afford us,

Would not be such a huge risk as by 2021 with adding higher quality veteran depth to our roster, along with our young players progression should put us in reasonable contention for a playoff spot.

As well as fostering increasing goodwill between us and Griffin, with interest to them returning favor in potential future trades, etc.

Additionally, in also considering the now flattened lottery odds, Even if we slightly missed the playoffs, We'd now ironically still have fairly good odds of ending up in the top 8 of the draft anyways.

Which is precisely why I made the protection top 8 instead of just top 3 or top 5. Descending protection in 2022? Becomes a mid first round pick by 2023.

So with that being said, I weighed the value of those players possible contributions to our teams overall progression vs. The value of being able to have close to 23 million( and up to 33 million) IF Johnson would also renegotiate his contract to something around 40/ 4 yrs.

Which would allow us to pursue much higher quality veterans and roster depth. Whilst still being able to keep Johnson as our backup guard.

And in weighing the two, it just seemed to me personally, That being able to keep our pick this year, Add higher caliber impact veterans thanks to the added cap space.

And also still be able to keep Johnson for our backup point guard depth, Simply outweighed the value of a probable late first in 2020, and a likely late lotto pick in 2021.

As opposed to the potential contributions of what Warren and Jackson might add over the next two years.

Again, this is just an example of a contrasting proposal, For those who are against trading for Conley. And have a preference for potential max cap space to use in free agency instead as a model for the team's improvement.

But as to your question, that was my reasoning for this proposal. :wink:

Re: Season speculation, free agency, and trade ideas: The Annual Coaching Search Begins

Posted: Sun May 19, 2019 8:08 am
by Ghost of Kleine
Blonde wrote:
carey wrote:
Ghost of Kleine wrote:
New York gets-

Josh Jackson/ a 2021 top 8 protected first/ and the Milwaukee pick. ( They add the picks to their trade package).

New Orleans gets-

RJ Barrett/ Dennis Smith Jr/ Mitchell Robinson/ TJ Warren ( Phoenix) / 2021 top 8 protected first ( Phoenix)/ Milwaukee bucks pick ( Phoenix)/ 2 firsts ( Dallas).

Phoenix gets-

Lance Thomas - 7 million ( only guaranteed 1 million IF released by July 1st).
Mario Hezonza (6.5 million expiring).

Basically the suns save 12.5 million right off the bat, post trade. Then we renegotiate Johnson's deal to 40/4.

So If we can do this, We'd theoretically have around 22-23 Million plus our exceptions for free agency, Whilst still keeping Johnson as our backup guard for depth, And our pick.

Did I miss something or are you suggesting we trade two first rounders, TJ and JJ for cap space?


I love this because cap space is literally useless unless we are using it on a good player who we are fairly certain we will actually sign. I wouldn’t be against trading firsts to open up room for Kyrie or KD but if all we’re going to do is get a few mid level guys it’s not the right move. That’s a prime Vlade Divac move.


Well again, it's a proposal wherein we aren't trading for Conley. And we opt for max cap space to offer higher quality vets, than what we could possibly attract with only 10 million in cap space tops.

Right now, we're the 2nd worst team in the league. So how much roster improvement should be expected with only having a minuscule amount of cap space to work with.

Which one veteran that we could get for 10 million, would change our progression and culture by himself.

We obviously couldn't get Beverly or Collison at 10 million alone, as they've already made that last season.

Maybe just get aminu and call it a day???.......that won't get us there by itself either. And yes, we can wait like always until we find someone that we like, And then try to make a move to create space to sign him.

And whilst were making last minute trades, we've likely missed out on multiple opportunities.

All of these assumptions and prognostications are becoming absurd. To get better and make measurable improvements, you need to have a plan and be proactive.

Our current roster hasn't been able to carry us to anything better than the 2nd worst record in the league. As they say the definition of insanity is to repeat the same process over and over again whilst hoping for a different solution.

Also, it's nice to dream , But honestly, Kyrie isn't even a realistic option for us at all. And Durant is even more unrealistic.

But building a really deep team, loaded with impact veterans is actually a reasonable and realistic option to make us a much tougher and ultimately more competitive team as opposed to just keeping the roster as is, and hoping that with time, things get better.

So let's consider, What can 33 million reasonably get us......

For example:

- Beverly or Collison at 12 -13 (on a 2 yr deal).

- Randle at 10-12.

- Aminu at 10......That will equate to our 32-33 in space. But we're not done yet.

Now using our exceptions:

Midlevel exception- (7-8 million) - Brook Lopez.( he salary this last season was only 3.4 million. **Per sport trac.

Bi annual- ( 5-6 million) Mike Muscala.(a 6'11 veteran, who is also a 36% 3 point shooter).

Veterans minimum- Nik Stauskus.( veteran 6'6 guard who's shooting 42% from 3 just this last season).

That as just one example could give us a roster of:

Point Guard- Collison/ Johnson/ Garland ( Draft).

Shooting Guard- Booker/Nik Stauskus/ Garland.

Small Forward- Oubre/ Aminu/ Bridges.

Power Forward- Randle/ Aminu/ Mike Muscala.

Center- Ayton/ Brook Lopez/ Holmes.

And you sign all free agents to only 1-2 year deals. So you maintain cap flexibility heading into 2021, When both Ayton and Bridges are up for extensions. Also when the star studded free agency happens too. :wink:

And this is just from an armchair gm, Imagine what an actual professional GM like Jones and Bowers could accomplish with this much cap space too.

Re: Ghost of Kleine's ideas and thoughts

Posted: Sun May 19, 2019 11:57 pm
by Ghost of Kleine
Phoenix/ Denver trade-

http://www.espn.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=y4lkxr3u .

Phoenix trades-

TJ Warren/ Josh Jackson/ 6th pick/ and the Milwaukee pick.

Phoenix gets-

Mason Plumlee ( expiring), Juan Hernangomez/ and *Monte Morris.

Denver trades-

Monte Morris/ Juan Hernangomez/ and Mason Plumlee expiring.

Denver gets-

TJ Warren/ Josh Jackson/ And the Milwaukee first.

Re: Ghost of Kleine's ideas and thoughts

Posted: Mon May 20, 2019 12:29 am
by jcsunsfan
Phoenix trades a bunch of assets to whoever will take them so they can get cap space that they will use to sign players that are not as good or as promising as the players they traded away.

I think that sums up most of this.

Yuck.

Re: Ghost of Kleine's ideas and thoughts

Posted: Mon May 20, 2019 2:15 am
by Wilber85
Ghost of Kleine wrote:Phoenix/ Denver trade-

http://www.espn.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=y4lkxr3u .

Phoenix trades-

TJ Warren/ Josh Jackson/ 6th pick/ and the Milwaukee pick.

Phoenix gets-

Mason Plumlee ( expiring), Juan Hernangomez/ and *Monte Morris.

Denver trades-

Monte Morris/ Juan Hernangomez/ and Mason Plumlee expiring.

Denver gets-

TJ Warren/ Josh Jackson/ And the Milwaukee first.


What are you trying to do here? lol wth is this crap

Re: Ghost of Kleine's ideas and thoughts

Posted: Mon May 20, 2019 2:39 am
by Ghost of Kleine
jcsunsfan wrote:Phoenix trades a bunch of assets to whoever will take them so they can get cap space that they will use to sign players that are not as good or as promising as the players they traded away.

I think that sums up most of this.

Yuck.


Again, we only have those two players as available assets, and ( if going off of other teams opinions of his value on the trade board is an indicator) Warren is currently only viewed as a slightly decent trade asset.


And of course Jackson is apparently percieved to have negative value, due to his statistical inconsistencies, and his poor off the court judgement.

Now with respect to the players that Denver's sending back to us:

- Monte Morris- Is a young very talented point guard who happens to be a close to 50% shooter from the field (.492) and also a career 41% from 3 ( .412). And 80% from the Free throw line too.

And he's only making around 1.3 million over the next 3 years. So I don't see how that qualifies as " Yuck" honestly.

- Juan Hernangomez- is a 6'9 power forward who happens to be shooting 43% from the field, and over 36% from 3. And is only making 2.1 million over the next two years.

- Mason Plumlee - Is a 6' 11 mobile forward/center who is an good rebounder and shotblocker, that can also hit the 3 at times.
( And who also happens to be a 12 million dollar expiring contract too).

This trade would address both areas of need with low cost/ high potential productive young veteran players.

And the picks that are involved-

6th pick in a 2 player overall weak draft. Honestly, which first year rookie guard could we get at 6, that would likely give us better shooting and production than what Monte Morris would??

And the Milwaukee pick is expected to be what exactly in terms of value realistically man???

I mean look how dominant the Bucks are currently. There dominating their way straight to the NBA FINALS. So again, How good do you honestly expect that pick to be?............

Maybe at best it'll be a very late first to early 2nd round pick perhaps????


Honestly, it amazes me how many people on here want and expect to get better, and improve our roster. But expect to accomplish it without giving up anything of value.

But I'll humor you guys.........

Go ahead and share your realistic plan for improving this roster without having to give up any of our assets in return? :roll:

Re: Ghost of Kleine's ideas and thoughts

Posted: Mon May 20, 2019 2:41 am
by Ghost of Kleine
Wilber85 wrote:
Ghost of Kleine wrote:Phoenix/ Denver trade-

http://www.espn.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=y4lkxr3u .

Phoenix trades-

TJ Warren/ Josh Jackson/ 6th pick/ and the Milwaukee pick.

Phoenix gets-

Mason Plumlee ( expiring), Juan Hernangomez/ and *Monte Morris.

Denver trades-

Monte Morris/ Juan Hernangomez/ and Mason Plumlee expiring.

Denver gets-

TJ Warren/ Josh Jackson/ And the Milwaukee first.


What are you trying to do here? lol wth is this crap



Lol.........The overall premise of this proposal is to address both areas of positional need on our roster with young, yet productive and expeirenced players that happen to be on low cost controlled contracts.

But that's cool, I'm interested to hear your counter proposal for improving our roster that's better and actually realistic ....Thanks.

Re: Ghost of Kleine's ideas and thoughts

Posted: Mon May 20, 2019 7:55 am
by Banana Milk
Ghost of Kleine wrote:
- Mason Plumlee - Is a 6' 11 mobile forward/center who is an good rebounder and shotblocker, that can also hit the 3 at times.
( And who also happens to be a 12 million dollar expiring contract too).


I watch a lot of Denver and I love Monte Morris. I think the Nuggets would place a super high value on him.
I like Plumlee, he’s a great passer. Never seen him as a 3 point shooter though, so that was surprising to read. Looked it up, he’s 2 for 27 in his 8 year career.

Re: Ghost of Kleine's ideas and thoughts

Posted: Mon May 20, 2019 12:08 pm
by sunsbum
Everytime someone quotes you I get a notification that you have quoted me.....leave me alone you demon.

Re: Ghost of Kleine's ideas and thoughts

Posted: Mon May 20, 2019 5:36 pm
by Ghost of Kleine
Banana Milk wrote:
Ghost of Kleine wrote:
- Mason Plumlee - Is a 6' 11 mobile forward/center who is an good rebounder and shotblocker, that can also hit the 3 at times.
( And who also happens to be a 12 million dollar expiring contract too).


I watch a lot of Denver and I love Monte Morris. I think the Nuggets would place a super high value on him.
I like Plumlee, he’s a great passer. Never seen him as a 3 point shooter though, so that was surprising to read. Looked it up, he’s 2 for 27 in his 8 year career.


Yeah, That's why I included the picks. Much to the chagrin of some on here who are not really aware of his value or potential next to Booker.

Also with respect to Plumlee, He never really shoots them, But he is becoming capable. But it's just not really necessary currently, as Denver just has so many 3 point shooters already. His role their is honestly a big body with bounce that can rebound and block/altar some shots.

But he is rapidly developing his range out to 3, and has good mechanics on his shot.


Watch on YouTube


I hate the idea of potentially giving up our picks in trades, I really do, But I am a realist, and in that I understand that to get good value, you have to give good value in return. Nobody's gonna give us something good for nothing obviously. :wink:

Re: Ghost of Kleine's ideas and thoughts

Posted: Mon May 20, 2019 5:49 pm
by Ghost of Kleine
sunsbum wrote:Everytime someone quotes you I get a notification that you have quoted me.....leave me alone you demon.


Lol.....Yeah, I'm sorry man. That's definitely weird. I'm not sure why that's happening honestly. But I have noticed occasional glitches with the message board. Hopefully they get corrected.

Have a good one man... :wink:

2019 Draft Discussion - Suns with 6th pick (31 days til draft)

Posted: Mon May 20, 2019 9:43 pm
by Ghost of Kleine
Read on Twitter
?s=09 .


Also a favorite of mine if we draft Clarke, And he's still there at 32, Is Ty Jerome:

He's a 6'5 point guard with a pretty high basketball IQ, and is an advanced passer and plays great defense whilst also shooting around 40% on threes.

https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/ty-jerome-1.html .

His stats are pretty comparable to that of 3rd year lonzo ball, with the exception of Jerome being a much better all around shooter, and Ball being a slightly better rebounder.


Watch on YouTube



So for those talking about possibly giving up our 6th pick , as well as Jackson etc. Why not just keep our pick ( Draft Clarke).

And then get a much better shooting version of what ball offers in Ty Jerome at 32.

Also apart from that, It doesn't surprise me that the Suns have interest in shooters such as Zach Norvell and Kyle Guy (Considering that we were 29th in the league in 3point shooting last season.)

Zach Norvell ( Gonzaga): 6'5 point guard, Who happens to be shooting over - 2pt% 56 / 3pt% 37 / Free throw % 86%. / 4 rebounds/ 2 assists.

https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/zach-norvelljr-1.html


Watch on YouTube

His shooting is just so pure( reminds me of Monte Morris a bit).


Kyle Guy ( Virginia): 6'3 point guard, Who happens to be shooting- 2pt% 49 / 3pt% 42 / Free throw % 83.

https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/kyle-guy-1.html .

But most importantly, He's an incredibly clutch 3 point shooter as this video indicates. Also he's a very crafty passer and is a high IQ basketball player as well.


Watch on YouTube
. All of these players players could easily be absolute steals for us in the 2nd round, in terms of high IQ knockdown shooters, with advanced skillsets and size( sans guy in terms of size). :nod:

Re: Ghost of Kleine's ideas and thoughts

Posted: Mon May 20, 2019 9:48 pm
by itlnsunsfan
Unless you get top free agents to come here, these proposals would do more harm than good. If you're going to use the assets, use them to target a specific, difference making player in trade rather than for a free agent dice roll.

Re: Ghost of Kleine's ideas and thoughts

Posted: Mon May 20, 2019 10:37 pm
by Ghost of Kleine
itlnsunsfan wrote:Unless you get top free agents to come here, these proposals would do more harm than good. If you're going to use the assets, use them to target a specific, difference making player in trade rather than for a free agent dice roll.


Lol....I mean obviously this isn't just about rolling the dice on cap space as we're getting back to players with high potential that address our two areas of greatest positional need, and who also happen to be on low cost controlled contracts too.

Additionally, Are you telling me that you don't think Monte Morris and Juan Hernangomez could have an impact on our team?.......also a 12 million expiring wouldn't come in useful to a team with only around 9 million in cap space?

Not to mention, again that both Hernangomez and Morris would very likely provide better production and experience than what a first year rookie would.

And with respect to the picks, the Milwaukee pick is likely to be in the late 20s' of the first round. Are we expecting better value from that pick? Over what value both Morris/ Hernangomez and a 12 million expiring would bring???

And again it's in comparison to the potential value and impact of Whoever we might draft at 6, Against the combined value of that which Morris/ Hernangomez/ and a 12 million expiring would bring?

So what is it that I'm apparently missing here?

You mention doing more harm than good?..........Exactly how far do you guys expect this roster as is to take us???

So if we aren't choosing to use any of our available assets( ie; Warren/ Jackson/ 6th pick/ Milwaukee pick)

Then again I ask, How is it that we improve our roster again? How many impact veteran free agents can we realistically target and sign with only 9 million???

Why is it that almost everyone on here is clamoring for roster improvement, Yet nobody is willing to offer any outgoing value to make that happen.

And really??? Do more harm than good to a roster with only 19 wins.

So we can't give up picks, We can't utilize Warren or Jackson in a trade. Especially not Warren ( even though he's currently our only high value asset, aside from our picks).

Because he's currently a good 3 point shooter, Although in reality, He really only plays only about half the season on average.

And whilst the other reality being that we have almost no cap space in comparison to the majority of other teams out there that we'll happen to have to bid against.


But it's ok, Because We'll just somehow magically take that minuscule amount of cap space and sell an impact free agent on coming here instead of going to a bigger market and more competitive franchise.

And of course they'd choose us, Despite having the very same roster that was only capable of leading us to the 2nd worst record in the league.

But we wouldn't have to overpay for that or any impact player obviously to help us get better now would we?

So you're right that potentially creating more cap space to actually be legitimate players in free agency isn't important. Because well just play the sympathy card I guess...........

Having and/or creating cap space is never a bad thing as long as you've got patience and a plan. And I'd wager that Jones has both.

But holding onto the same players and thusly maintaining the same roster obviously isn't going to get it done either.

So then what is the most logical plan that again nobody has yet offered in contrast??

Free agency and trade ideas: Which wings do we go after this summer?

Posted: Wed May 22, 2019 9:46 pm
by Ghost of Kleine
Slim Charless wrote:
Ghost of Kleine wrote:
Slim Charless wrote:
I'd rather give up Tyler rather then JJ, I mean we already know what Tyler is. With Jackson being only 21 at least there's a chance he can be developed more. Plus if all ATL wants to offer is salary cap relief, might as well make it worth it and get rid of Tyler's 19+ million salary. That's a huge chunk of cap relief that can go towards chasing whomever they see fit.


Of course, Who wouldn't man, But who here honestly thinks that they're going to be willing to willing to spend around 20 million on Johnson, When Jackson would be much cheaper.

And is younger, and fits their interests more for a young cheap athletic wing with defensive potential.

I'd love to get a team with space to give us something whilst taking our worst contract. But in my trade proposals, I try to be as realistic as possible to the current value of our assets.

But if anyone thinks that the Hawks would do that trade for Johnson instead of Jackson, Please ask them..............

And let them tell me that I am wrong??? :wink:


Well then wish them good luck and we both go our own separate ways. I get that we've not had the most success the last few years but that doesn't mean that we need to have a fire sale for all of our players either. Its not amazon prime day for suns players. Correct me if I'm wrong but couldn't we use a young cheap athletic wing with defensive potential? I mean if Jackson's value is sooo low why not just hold onto him, see if Monty can turn him around.

If all he's worth is a low 2nd round pick now,then there's a chance he can only go up from there I'd imagine yes? He's not without talent he was a consensus top-5 pick in his class, he's raw like a lot of these guys. What's the harm in seeing if he can put it together with an actual NBA coach...


Honestly, I think that saying we haven't had the most success the last few years is really a gross understatement. 10 years of missing the playoffs and over the last 5 years, we've only averaged slightly above 20 wins, With The very worst being last season. But why not ..........

Let's definitely hold onto the same roster that did an amazing job of leading us to 19 wins. Also, I wouldn't classify attaching one player with probably the worst perceived value based upon metrics, etc. In a trade for cap space and also getting a 2nd round pick back ( for use in a larger trade) having a fire sale either.

Yes, It would be nice to have a young, cheap, athletic defensive wing player. But isn't that what Bridges is already, and honestly at about half the price of what Jackson will cost us come November???

As per his value, I enquired not too far back( obviously prior to his latest fiasco) and the responses based upon his overall metrics, his 9 million contract extension due in November, and his erratic and inconsistent play left many with the perception that his value is in the range of a mid to late first round pick AT THE VERY BEST.

And that's only in terms of a team that is actually high on his potential. Now are yhose people undervaluing him, Or are we guilty of overvaluing our own players due to us being so bad for so long?

Hard to tell, but I'm inclined to think it's the latter.
But if we decide to hold onto him, in order to try and raise his value in the next 3-4 months, Before we have to make a big decision on him contractually, So be it.

In the end, I guess that I'm just trying to understand the mentality that some people have on here, Wherein we being a 19 win team are expected to get better and somehow become competitive.

When we have limited cap space to actually offer, Obviously aren't a free agent destination, and in that reality, The only realistic and viable option for our improvement obviously lies within a trade.

However, Due to being bad for so long, We covet and overvalue our only available assets for trade. Because of the fear of what exactly? Maybe becoming worse, IF that's even possible?

Remember the saying........"The definition of insanity is to repeat the same scenario, Yet expect a different outcome".

I know that we're a really poor team, But we really need to start being realistic as to the value of our roster, especially in terms of perceived value from other teams.

Of course we could always just leave the roster as is, I mean it done well for us so far hasn't it???

Re: Free agency and trade ideas: Which wings do we go after this summer?

Posted: Wed May 22, 2019 11:33 pm
by Ghost of Kleine
Slim Charless wrote:
Ghost of Kleine wrote:
Slim Charless wrote:
Well then wish them good luck and we both go our own separate ways. I get that we've not had the most success the last few years but that doesn't mean that we need to have a fire sale for all of our players either. Its not amazon prime day for suns players. Correct me if I'm wrong but couldn't we use a young cheap athletic wing with defensive potential? I mean if Jackson's value is sooo low why not just hold onto him, see if Monty can turn him around.

If all he's worth is a low 2nd round pick now,then there's a chance he can only go up from there I'd imagine yes? He's not without talent he was a consensus top-5 pick in his class, he's raw like a lot of these guys. What's the harm in seeing if he can put it together with an actual NBA coach...


Honestly, I think that saying we haven't had the most success the last few years is really a gross understatement. 10 years of missing the playoffs and over the last 5 years, we've only averaged slightly above 20 wins, With The very worst being last season. But why not ..........

Let's definitely hold onto the same roster that did an amazing job of leading us to 19 wins. Also, I wouldn't classify attaching one player with probably the worst perceived value based upon metrics, etc. In a trade for cap space and also getting a 2nd round pick back ( for use in a larger trade) having a fire sale either.

Yes, It would be nice to have a young, cheap, athletic defensive wing player. But isn't that what Bridges is already, and honestly at about half the price of what Jackson will cost us come November???

As per his value, I enquired not too far back( obviously prior to his latest fiasco) and the responses based upon his overall metrics, his 9 million contract extension due in November, and his erratic and inconsistent play left many with the perception that his value is in the range of a mid to late first round pick AT THE VERY BEST.

And that's only in terms of a team that is actually high on his potential. Now are yhose people undervaluing him, Or are we guilty of overvaluing our own players due to us being so bad for so long?

Hard to tell, but I'm inclined to think it's the latter.
But if we decide to hold onto him, in order to try and raise his value in the next 3-4 months, Before we have to make a big decision on him contractually, So be it.

In the end, I guess that I'm just trying to understand the mentality that some people have on here, Wherein we being a 19 win team are expected to get better and somehow become competitive.

When we have limited cap space to actually offer, Obviously aren't a free agent destination, and in that reality, The only realistic and viable option for our improvement obviously lies within a trade.

However, Due to being bad for so long, We covet and overvalue our only available assets for trade. Because of the fear of what exactly? Maybe becoming worse, IF that's even possible?

Remember the saying........"The definition of insanity is to repeat the same scenario, Yet expect a different outcome".

I know that we're a really poor team, But we really need to start being realistic as to the value of our roster, especially in terms of perceived value from other teams.

Of course we could always just leave the roster as is, I mean it done well for us so far hasn't it???


With regards to 1st part of the statement, I get it-we suck. At that same time I think we've also been-especially towards the latter part of the season, one the biggest tanking teams in the league. I mean the Ben SImmons year, the Fultz year (not that he has done anything but still) and the Ayton year how many games do really think we were trying to win that last month? Not too many imho. We wanted to lose in order to add 1 of the consensus can't miss players in those respective drafts. We got one <shrug>

As to second part. In your own words you say we're not a free agent destination so that means we have to overpay for mediocre players? We give away 6th overall, Jackson, and Warren so we can have the honor of paying Collison or Aminu 20 million a year? You know back in the Nash days we were a destination and if we had that team now I have no doubt that KD, Kawhi or any of the others guys would look at us favorably, and then I'd be all about giving away whatever to to free up space to sign them. Its not the Nash days though and we have who we have. Overpaying meh dudes isnt the way back there.

Once again I'm not against trading dudes, I'm against trading them at their lowest point for scrapes. I mean look no further then the Nets, they didn't have any picks or hope thanks to BIlly King. How'd they get better? By buying low on players that other teams have giving up hope on. I'm down to send off whomever if we can get a good player in return.


- First, it's debatable as to whether we were really tanking up until after the all star break. We had a coach that didn't properly relate or communicate with our young players.

Also we didn't even utilize Ayton well, our team was young and inexperienced, And Warren was injured for the majority of the season ( as usual).

So again, I'd argue that we played hard and tried to compete, But we just realistically weren't that good.

But honestly, That's really besides the point, As the overall point is to get better, And actually compete.

So, if all your current roster is capable of leading you to is around 20 wins per season, Then you quite obviously need to improve your roster, along with other potential considerations of course.

Second, in what scenario are we simply giving up the 6th pick for space alone, We're not, We're trading back to a couple of spots to 10 in a top 2 draft , Because the prospect that we happen to like ( Clarke) has been identified to be available in that range.

Also, really with respect to Jackson and Warren, What exactly has Jackson done for our team other than still be wildly consistent, make poor decisions on and off the court, and consistently manage to self sabotage his own value??

And it's great that Warren has improved his shooting and 3 point shot, Whilst being on a reasonable contract. But what good is that if he's unable to even play half the season and when he does play, he's not good defensively and has tunnel vision.

Also, It would obviously be great if Jackson had more value, or could turn the corner. But is he currently worth the 9 million extension that he's got coming in November?

Should we wait and be on the hook for 9 million then, And if he's still unable to get it together, then his value will look even worse.

Also Is warren really currently worth his contract when he's going to likely be a backup to Oubre, And is often in street clothes, as opposed to being an option on the court. What value does he offer our team whilst on the bench???

And calling Collison and Aminu mediocre?......Really.......What point guard do we currently have on our roster that even puts up numbers close to what he has honestly?

And please don't say Booker, because we all know that he's really a shooting guard who has played the point out of necessity, but he's much better off the ball.

And playing him at the 1, Only wears him out faster, decreases his dhooting efficiency and increases his risk of reinjury( hamstring).

Also, Both Aminu and Collison helped to lead their teams to the playoffs, When is the last time either Jackson or Warren has done anything close to that?

So I'll ask again, What exactly has Jackson and Warren done for our team in comparison to the players that you deem mediocre?

We need veteran more experience on our roster, as well as players with a winning pedigree. The idea is to create cap space with which to add experienced veteran players throughout our roster in order to help our young players progression, and to help instill a more competitive and winning culture.

(Which Jones himself has mentioned in the Williams interview). Do you think those types of players come cheap? So yes, as I myself stated. We are not CURRENTLY a free agent destination.

So yes, We'll have to overpay, in order to get a higher class of free agents. And how does that happen?

Through trades in order to clear cap space. As our current nine million alone just won't accomplish that in a free agency wherein a lot of teams will have money.

But I understand that you value Warren and Jackson enough to not want to trade them of course, And that's your perogative honestly.

So with respect to that, Which other players are there exactly on our roster currently that are not either core pieces that are deemed untouchable or are not free agents, and still under contract ( allowing us to trade them)???

Seeing as we're not likely to be trading any of Booker/Ayton/ Bridges. Who does that leave us with currently under contract to be traded???

Ahhh yes, That would be Warren/ Jackson/ and Johnson.

So as unpleasant as it may be for some to consider. It's still quite likely to happen. Or else we can just keep our roster pretty much the same, and pray I guess..... :-?

Free agency and trade ideas: Which wings do we go after this summer?

Posted: Thu May 23, 2019 9:56 pm
by Ghost of Kleine
MathiasPW wrote:
Ghost of Kleine wrote:
WeekapaugGroove wrote:I'm curious to see what kind of market Rubio has. With more and more emphasis on shooting I think his FA market might be real soft. Like he could be looking at high-end backup money.

Now that Igor is gone I doubt Phoenix will have much of any interest. Gambo seems to be getting fed info they want shooting in a PG (which is the right thing to do).

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using RealGM mobile app


So, If that's the plan( a proficient shooting) combo guard, Which free agent combo guards then best fit our needs , And are preferably in the range of 8-10 million? Any ideas on free agent targets outside of a trade?


Not necessarily FA, but can be had for a JJ + Bucks-pick-centered package:

Eric Gordon, Avery Bradley, Josh Richardson, Courtney Lee, Dion Waiters.

I don't like many of these names, but I can see us going after them to complement Booker on playmaking duties.



Eric Gordon- ( 30) Connection to Monty Williams from back when he coached the Hornets? ( 13.5 million salary). *** possible Warren for Gordon swap?

http://www.espn.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=y3dpzszw.

Avery Bradley- ( 28) Connection with Bowers from playing on the Pistons prior to the Griffin trade.( 12 million expiring, *** (Only 2 million guaranteed if released by - 7/3/19).

https://www.spotrac.com/nba/memphis-grizzlies/avery-bradley-6901/ .

-
2019 $2 million guaranteed, fully if not waived on or before 7/3/19.

Possible Jackson and Elie Okobo for Bradley swap?

https://basketball.realgm.com/tradechecker/saved_trade/7198757 .

Josh Richardson- ( 25) No real connection, Other than he plays for the Heat.( don't see it happening for his contract of 9 million/ 4 yrs).

Courtney Lee- ( 33) Don't see it personally, He's too old, And his contract is too much currently for his production.

Dion Waiters- ( 27) Only connection is in playing for Miami with Jones as his teammate in 2014/2015 seasons. Contract is basically the same as Warren's. However, seeing as Warren is a better player by a wide margin, Id only do it in a deal like:

Warren the 32nd pick for Waiters and the 13 th pick. ( Which would allow us to then take Clarke at 6, and Nickiel Alexander Walker at 13).
*** I've heard comps for NAW along the lines of Brogdon/ Dinwiddie/ Shai/ Jordan Clarkson / Dejounte Murray.

I definitely think he could be a steal outside of the top 10 of the draft. Kabengele at 13, If we go with a guard at 6.

Re: Ghost of Kleine's ideas and thoughts

Posted: Fri May 24, 2019 7:41 am
by Damkac
Why you want to trade Warren for a worse player?

Re: Ghost of Kleine's ideas and thoughts

Posted: Fri May 24, 2019 4:58 pm
by Ghost of Kleine
Damkac wrote:Why you want to trade Warren for a worse player?


Which player are you talking about as worse. If it's Waiters, I believe that I did mention that even though there contracts are basically the same, I wanted added compensation ( as in the 13th pick) due to Warren being the far better player.

Which we purposely would use in order to draft NAW- Who's been consistently compared to the likes of Brogdon/ Dinwiddie/ and DeJounte Murray for his unique size and skillset.

And that also would only be in a hypothetical scenario, wherein we draft Clarke at 6. :dontknow:

Now if it's Gordon, then the argument is more reasonable as Warren really improved his percentages last season.

However Gordon has better career percentages, Has playoff experience, He's played under Monty Williams, and his contract is shorter too( expires the same time as Johnson's would).

And overall has shown also to be more durable by comparison.

Also he addresses what the suns are looking for in terms of an expierenced veteran combo guard who is a good shooter, and would offer good defense next to Booker.

Now having said that, I think it's important to make something clear, I actually like Warren and would hope that we could find a way to keep him whilst still improving our roster.

However, I'm a realist, And I absolutely believe that the suns fully intend to move both Warren and Jackson this summer.

In order to clear up the wing congestion, Help balance out the roster, and ultimately because he's obviously just our best AVAILABLE trade chip.

And Jones and Bowers will obviously be under immense pressure to improve our roster this offseason. So honestly, Trades being our most realistic option for improvement, put both Jackson and Warren as the odd men out.

Also, these proposals are in correlation to the above post and are only considerations of possible ( theoretical scenarios) likely to happen, given the current roster composition.

But the reality in the end is still that Oubre has endeared himself to the fans, and is likely the starter ( depending upon his market value) and Bridges has simply outplayed Jackson.

So again, these are examples of why I anticipate both Jackson AND Warren being moved. Along with both Johnson and Wzrren being purposely omitted from the suns future marketing schemes and core promotions.

But again I could be wrong. We'll know in the next month or two.