2024-25 Season Discussion and Speculation Part IV

[thamadkant]

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Premium talent!!

None of those stats matter at all if the Suns aren't good enough every where else.
What is the point of a good percentage of hitting shots under 4 seconds when the team is down 15..... its useless

[Bogyo]

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What is everyone's best package return you'd want back for KD from each team? ..........................

1- Spurs. KD for...............................
2- Rockets. KD for.............................
3- Lakers. (Can go eff off!)KD for.........................
4- Heat. KD for.................................

Rockets- Obviously best case for me
Spurs- Picks and Vassel or Castle
Heat- Jovic/J³ and picks
LAL- Worst

I'd switch the Heat and Spurs. Wemby and Fox will be brutal, even with an aging KD, so the picks from them are more likely to be **** than Heats. Other than that, yea. Thing is I do not trust JJ to make a trade where he is not abused to the point where you feel like you need to call the police - but you can not.

[Saberestar]

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What is everyone's best package return you'd want back for KD from each team? ..........................

1- Spurs. KD for...............................
2- Rockets. KD for.............................
3- Lakers. (Can go eff off!)KD for.........................
4- Heat. KD for.................................

Rockets- Obviously best case for me
Spurs- Picks and Vassel or Castle
Heat- Jovic/J³ and picks
LAL- Worst

I'd switch the Heat and Spurs. Wemby and Fox will be brutal, even with an aging KD, so the picks from them are more likely to be **** than Heats. Other than that, yea. Thing is I do not trust JJ to make a trade where he is not abused to the point where you feel like you need to call the police - but you can not.

The difference between Castle and any other player from the Heat or Spurs is huge. If the FO could get Castle the picks wouldn't be that important. That guy has everything to be an All-Star pretty soon IMO.

[garrick]

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It's not bad luck when Mat Ishbia runs headlong into danger at every trade opportunity.

The only reason he was saved from a devastating Butler trade was Miami was smart enough not to take an ever worse contract in Beal, saved from his own stupidity because his trade asset was so toxic.

[SunsRback4Good]

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It's not bad luck when Mat Ishbia runs headlong into danger at every trade opportunity.

The only reason he was saved from a devastating Butler trade was Miami was smart enough not to take an ever worse contract in Beal, saved from his own stupidity because his trade asset was so toxic.

I want us to trade for a new owner.

[bwgood77]

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What is everyone's best package return you'd want back for KD from each team? ..........................

1- Spurs. KD for...............................
2- Rockets. KD for.............................
3- Lakers. (Can go eff off!)KD for.........................
4- Heat. KD for.................................

Not really sure I see the Spurs going for him, (Amico not reliable). They do have a lot of picks though and may want to vault themselves up with a real go to scorer to play with Wemby.

Rockets - our 27 and 29 picks, Smith or Eason and we'd need filler. I think they are more likely to give up way more for Book though, who gives them a lot.

Lakers...we'd have to get Reeves and probably other high dollar players..not sure who, Rui and Vanderbilt. Then the 2031 first. Knecht would be good too.

Heat would be nice with Ware, whatever pick they can trade...I think they can only trade one of their own and can't remember what they got from GS. Probably Wiggins we'd have to take, or Robinson. Definitely prefer Wiggins there. Not sure if that is enough salary.

If we would be ok with the Pelicans, we could get a really nice package from them, but they may be unlikely to do it. But Trey Murphy or Jones, probably McCollum to match. Missi would be great but don't see it really. They have a lot of picks.

They likely want Zion to have a playoff run so he stays. But regardless they could give us a lot of picks, and some depth pieces, while replacing Ingram.

[bullsaficianado]

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What is everyone's best package return you'd want back for KD from each team? ..........................

1- Spurs. KD for...............................
2- Rockets. KD for.............................
3- Lakers. (Can go eff off!)KD for.........................
4- Heat. KD for.................................

Not really sure I see the Spurs going for him, (Amico not reliable). They do have a lot of picks though and may want to vault themselves up with a real go to scorer to play with Wemby.
.

I actually think the best fit for Durant is the Spurs. Durant, Wemby, Fox and Castle. Pretty good. They would have to offload a huge amount of their top picks to pry Durant from the Suns. Wemby and Durant would be lethal. We would likely be getting Vassell, Johnson and Sochan and a boatload of picks. Unlike the Fox trade they are not going to get KD without giving up some of their best players.

[BobbieL]

Riley can go **** himself.

Still not so sure the market for Durant will be as good as one would hope.

Unless they can agree to an extension, trading for an expiring contract.

Granted, I think there are teams closer than the Heat where Durant might push them over the top. Lets see what happens in the playoffs and see what teams will need him

If they sign him to an extension, he’ll be untradable for another 6 months-1 year I think.

Which is why they should have not focused so much on that stupid Butler trade and gotten value now when they would have had this playoff run and next season.

But - Durant will keep playing well -he is a gifted talent and there will be a market for him

Its just what will happen with Booker - I mean if they finish below SA and Portland - the team will almost have no choice

[Sunsdeuce]

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This is the last piece of evidence anyone needs to trade Booker at the first opportunity. A “franchise” player especially in the NBA doesn’t miss the playoffs. Franchise players carry their team to the playoffs.

Booker is NOT a franchise player. He’s an NBA player that’s really good at shooting mid range shots that’s not particularly good at anything else.

Blows my mind when people say “anyone not named Booker” needs to be traded. WHEN Booker is one of the MAIN problems! He needs to go. His game is limited, he has no leadership ability, he’s not an ambassador of Phoenix. His name doesn’t hold much weight around the league. The times he does make the all-star game it’s by a thread. He’s not a world wide star. Take away his mid range game and he’s barely a G-League player.

[Calvin Klein]

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It's not bad luck when Mat Ishbia runs headlong into danger at every trade opportunity.

The only reason he was saved from a devastating Butler trade was Miami was smart enough not to take an ever worse contract in Beal, saved from his own stupidity because his trade asset was so toxic.

As much bad luck as Dallas trading for Davis and then getting injured. It's not bad luck but complete incompetence or just plain sabotage of a franchise.

[Sunsdeuce]

Looking for the next Booker if we happen to eventually trade him or if he opts to leave soon anyways, Upon looking through this coming draft, I ve come across Kobe Brea and did a comparison between him and Booker and found this very interesting!!

https://www.tankathon.com/players/compare?players=koby-brea--devin-booker

Kobe Brea ( currently flying way under the radar at 57th pick I believe, due to athletic limitations ( same as Booker had coming into the league). But very similar projections between the two. So what I'm getting at here is I believe that I might have ow key found the next Devin Booker?

I don’t want the next Booker. I want the next Nash, Barkley, KJ, Marion, Kidd, Ceballos, Googs, Uncle Cliff, Amare, Walter Davis, Chambers, McDyess all of whom I would take before Booker.

[sunsbg]

This "Big 3" failed experiment has made it perfectly clear you need a (super)star with leadership qualities to build around not just great scorers.

[bullsaficianado]

This "Big 3" failed experiment has made it perfectly clear you need a (super)star with leadership qualities to build around not just great scorers.

We got to the 2nd round the year we traded for Durant. Still had CP3 and Ayton on the roster. CP3 had the leadership qualities.

I wish we had not broken that up. The Beal trade was stupid because it limited the franchise from building around KD and Booker. Nurkic was not any better than Ayton.

Oh well....we lucky if we even make the play in at this point.

Maybe this summer send Durant to Spurs for some young players and picks. Booker to Houston for young players and picks. All teams in Texas back to being good. It won't matter since Suns will be rebuilding. Press the reset button. Oh yeah we would still have that Beal guy on the roster. LOL.

[Ghost of Kleine]

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Pretty cool stuff that they're adding to the stat sites and the trade sites honestly. Maybe get more insight into how and why some of these decisions are made?

[Ghost of Kleine]

Looking for the next Booker if we happen to eventually trade him or if he opts to leave soon anyways, Upon looking through this coming draft, I ve come across Kobe Brea and did a comparison between him and Booker and found this very interesting!!

https://www.tankathon.com/players/compare?players=koby-brea--devin-booker

Kobe Brea ( currently flying way under the radar at 57th pick I believe, due to athletic limitations ( same as Booker had coming into the league). But very similar projections between the two. So what I'm getting at here is I believe that I might have ow key found the next Devin Booker?

I don’t want the next Booker. I want the next Nash, Barkley, KJ, Marion, Kidd, Ceballos, Googs, Uncle Cliff, Amare, Walter Davis, Chambers, McDyess all of whom I would take before Booker.

Sure! I can understand that man. But I'm looking at this perspective I've shared merely as one piece to what we might build more correctly and strategically for the future. For my part I'm not looking to have this "next Booker" as our franchise leader and make the same mistakes out of desperation as our previous front offices have done. He'd only be a key (cost controlled) supplementary piece to support our centerpiece star once we identify him and are in a position to draft or trade for him.

And as for those " next specific players that emulate those same traits as our all time great stars, I'll be committed to identifying them as well. And hopefully so will our front office as they obviously have innumerable advantages and options/ experience over anything that I love to work with. But I do love and agree with your goals of identifying "the next Nash, Barkley, KJ, Marion, Kidd, Ceballos, Googs, Uncle Cliff, Amare, Walter Davis, Chambers, McDyess" whom would be great!

But I would for my part wouldn't not take the next potential Booker/ Klay Thompson if it only cost us a 2nd round pick. Also, I do see some similar traits to Amare in Trevon Brazile, BUT he'd obviously have to put on about 15 more pounds of muscle to fill out similarly. And to my mistake initially, I will say that upon looking deeper into Xavian Lee which our scouts have been monitoring a bit, he does show a similar playstyle and craftiness to Nash in his ballhandling, passing and scoring.

So there is hope to find these reiterations that were so great for our franchise over the years.

[Calvin Klein]

Looking for the next Booker if we happen to eventually trade him or if he opts to leave soon anyways, Upon looking through this coming draft, I ve come across Kobe Brea and did a comparison between him and Booker and found this very interesting!!

https://www.tankathon.com/players/compare?players=koby-brea--devin-booker

Kobe Brea ( currently flying way under the radar at 57th pick I believe, due to athletic limitations ( same as Booker had coming into the league). But very similar projections between the two. So what I'm getting at here is I believe that I might have ow key found the next Devin Booker?

I don’t want the next Booker. I want the next Nash, Barkley, KJ, Marion, Kidd, Ceballos, Googs, Uncle Cliff, Amare, Walter Davis, Chambers, McDyess all of whom I would take before Booker.

I get the frustration but come on

[Sunsdeuce]

Looking for the next Booker if we happen to eventually trade him or if he opts to leave soon anyways, Upon looking through this coming draft, I ve come across Kobe Brea and did a comparison between him and Booker and found this very interesting!!

https://www.tankathon.com/players/compare?players=koby-brea--devin-booker

Kobe Brea ( currently flying way under the radar at 57th pick I believe, due to athletic limitations ( same as Booker had coming into the league). But very similar projections between the two. So what I'm getting at here is I believe that I might have ow key found the next Devin Booker?

I don’t want the next Booker. I want the next Nash, Barkley, KJ, Marion, Kidd, Ceballos, Googs, Uncle Cliff, Amare, Walter Davis, Chambers, McDyess all of whom I would take before Booker.

I get the frustration but come on

Pump the breaks. Be careful what you say about Ceballos! That man is a Phx legend! Dude did make an All-Star team. Was one of the best offensive rebounders in the game and still has more rebounds than Booker and had more to his game than just a mid range shot.

[handsome salary]

In the next five seasons I expect to watch the Suns hand over the number one pick to another team.

[Ghost of Kleine]

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What is everyone's best package return you'd want back for KD from each team? ..........................

1- Spurs. KD for...............................
2- Rockets. KD for.............................
3- Lakers. (Can go eff off!)KD for.........................
4- Heat. KD for.................................

Not really sure I see the Spurs going for him, (Amico not reliable). They do have a lot of picks though and may want to vault themselves up with a real go to scorer to play with Wemby.

I'd think that the Spurs would actually be inclined to do this trade on the premise of getting Wemby into the playoffs to advance his and their other young stars competitive development. Also to haveWemby be mentoreddirectly by KD has got to be enticing for them. So give me a package of Vassell/ Barnes/ Sochan/ ATL 27' 1st/ DAL 31 1st ( no protections) or MIN 31 1st ( top 1 protected).

Rockets - our 27 and 29 picks, Smith or Eason and we'd need filler. I think they are more likely to give up way more for Book though, who gives them a lot.

This package would be really solid.
I'm sure they'd try hard to pawn off van Vleetand maybe Reed and two firsts on us to keep their young core together and to surrender minimal value in the exchange. But IF only getting back a large expiring such as Van Vleet and maybe Reed who I'm meh on, The firsts would have to be our 25' 1st and say our 29' 1st ( post Booker) as well.

I'd probably takes hardline stance though on at minimum getting back one or two of Smith and Whitmore or Eason and Whitmore AND two of our firsts in any deal. If they're waiting on Booker, then they'll have alreadyburnt one of our pick inclusion options and will then have to increase their player package further with at least 2 of their premium young talents!

Lakers...we'd have to get Reeves and probably other high dollar players..not sure who, Rui and Vanderbilt. Then the 2031 first. Knecht would be good too.

I'd have to say with this one that due to sending them KD all guys guaranteeing them a championship which I'd hate!!! Especially with Luka and LeDouche himself, their package would have to be Reeves ( centerpiece)/ Hachimura/ Finney Smith/ Knecht/ Reddish/ LAL 25' 1st/ LAL 31' 1st.

Again, Reeves would e the centerpiece, Knecht the next B centerpiece inclusion, and hachimura and Finney Smith as necessary salary fillers,
but also to diminish their depth significantly too. Finally, Reddish as a sweetener. And their 25 2nd which is nothing much, but their 31' 1st because I want them to have access to using their picks in trade under the Stepien rules. I want them to be stuck in a poor situation in terms of assets and cap space.

Heat would be nice with Ware, whatever pick they can trade...I think they can only trade one of their own and can't remember what they got from GS. Probably Wiggins we'd have to take, or Robinson. Definitely prefer Wiggins there. Not sure if that is enough salary.

For my part, Ware would have to be in the trade as a centerpiece. Otherwise, they'll have to incentivize us more by including the Golden state 25' 1st. And the package would become ( without Ware) Rozier/ Robinson/ Jovic/ Johnson or Larson/ GS 25' 1st/ MIA 29' 1st ( no protections). IF Ware is included, then I'dt ake Wiggins contract back along with Robinson/ Jacquez/ Johnson or Larsen/ Miami 29' 1st. That'd be enough value for me.

If we would be ok with the Pelicans, we could get a really nice package from them, but they may be unlikely to do it. But Trey Murphy or Jones, probably McCollum to match. Missi would be great but don't see it really. They have a lot of picks.

They likely want Zion to have a playoff run so he stays. But regardless they could give us a lot of picks, and some depth pieces, while replacing Ingram.

Although I really don't see a viable package exchange here given their very limited roster, I think the package I'd entertain would be McCollum/ Olynyk/ Hawkins/ Boston Jr/ NOP 27' 1st- MIL 27' 1st ( most favorable pick swap)/ NOP 29' 1st. But I'dpudh hard for Murray instead, or Murphy 3rd over Hawkins.
AND if McCollum is coming back as the centerpiece, I'd look to flip him elsewhere for more young players and picks................... .Maybe to Milwaukee (reunited with Lillard) for Kuzma/ KPJ/ Jackson/ Smith/ MIL 31' 1st.

I also might just look at ( my alternative to Houston's Jabari Smith inclusion trade for KD) with a KD to Milwaukee for Kuzma/ Portis/ KPJ/ Jackson/ Smith.

- Kuzma would be a younger ( not as good) but still cheaper scoring replacement for KD that we could showcase and flip later for players/ picks?

- Portis would be our rebounding, physical 3 or shooting 4/ backup small ball 5 that we could flip in trade later for other pieces/ picks?

- KPJ would be our young budget version of Dejounte Murray ( offensive version) upside project that we could showcase and flip or keep if he balls out.

- Andre Jackson is a budget version of Stephon Castle. But still a 6'6 explosively athletic elite defensive guard/ wing with playmaking skills.

- Tyler Smith is a young 6'11 very fluid, very smooth, scoring power forward with very high potential in the same archetype as Jabari Smith ironically. BOTH Jackson and Smith would be long term core pieces for us. With Kuzma, Portis, and Kevin Porter Jr. all being tradable assets we could showcase and then trade for best available packages.

Lastly, the MIL 31' 1st should be a very valuable lottery pick for us that could replace our 31' 1st that we gave up to Utah.

[Slim Charless]

Rockets- Obviously best case for me
Spurs- Picks and Vassel or Castle
Heat- Jovic/J³ and picks
LAL- Worst

I'd switch the Heat and Spurs. Wemby and Fox will be brutal, even with an aging KD, so the picks from them are more likely to be **** than Heats. Other than that, yea. Thing is I do not trust JJ to make a trade where he is not abused to the point where you feel like you need to call the police - but you can not.

The difference between Castle and any other player from the Heat or Spurs is huge. If the FO could get Castle the picks wouldn't be that important. That guy has everything to be an All-Star pretty soon IMO.

Castle should be gettable. He's a point guard 1st of all and they just traded for one that they'll be paying 50+ million for. He'd be a good get and should be the ask Jones requires for Durant.

A win now Spurs team shouls value Vassel more as he's farther along, has already gotten paid as well so he wont try and force his role. Like Harrison Barnes can be the filler in the trade and then another couple of firsts.