2024-25 Season Discussion and Speculation Part IV

[Ghost of Kleine]

Time for Ishbia to get on an airplane and make a damn call:

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Welp he's going to hire Zeke isn't he

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[Slim Charless]

If Quinn comes here then a Durant trade to Miami for Jovic and/or Ware plus picks makes a lot of sense. I would still like him to go to Houston for our picks however.

No way should Miami entertain the thought of chasing KD. They've just (pretty quietly) completed a rebuild.

I've always liked Davion Mitchell. Wiggins is a solid vet, and he's the oldest starter - each of whom plays a different position.

Different positions... huh. There's an idea.

Well they already did have the thought of chasing KD. Remember the rumors of it? Also Mitchell is UFA and Terry Rozier is the oldest starter last I checked. Plus, if you were not aware....Pat Riley is like 80. Not exactly a rebuilding age.

I know the everyone here thinks Durant sucks and we should give him away for nothing-but he is actually a good player.

[Slim Charless]

Yes there are several teams, far away from any sort of post season appearance, that is tanking for Flagg, Wizards is no exception. And what makes you think the Wizards, of all teams, would be able to put together a competitive all of a sudden? What about their team history suggests to you that they can build a competitive team from scratch in a matter of a season or two?
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If KD wants to the worst tam in the NBA, sure we can accommodate. But you and Melo are outta your mind if you guys think KD would genuinely entertain going to Washington. Not Dallas where he could play with Kyrie again, not San Antonio where he could potentially play under Pops, not Houston who could be one KD away from being a real menace in the playoffs, all of which are Texan teams where he went to college. There's probably two dozen teams with a stronger case for KD to play there than Washington

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And you're right, maybe he doesn't feel he needs to prove to anyone that he's a winner....but he could still go to a team that could win. It makes so little logical sense, he would go to Washington, I read it as absolutely nonsense.

-

Sure he could, while you're neglecting the factor of significant pressures being put on him that at this stage he may be becoming tired of. And maybe just maybe he'd prefer to be in a less stressful environment without everyone blaming him for any struggles a highly competitive team with lofty goals might carry situationally. Remember what KD says most often man? ....." I just wanna hoop"!! He isn't out there saying "I want to destroy the opposition" or I want to win more championships"! KD has repeatedly said....." I just wanna hoop"!! which tracks pretty well with his laid-back passive-aggressive nature. And Maybe you don't understand or can't understand this perspective, but for true champions that have basically proven everything and established their elite dominance in their craft, it means much less to go to an already strong situation and piggyback to more success than it dors for their legacy by going to a struggling situation and being "the one" that resurrected that franchise where others couldn't! Look to what KD said recently postgame for evidence of this mentality man!

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Now you and some others might not fully understand the underlying premise of this statement, man, but others do. And just because it may not match your concept of logic, doesn't make it illogical by basis of your own inability to accept a broader range of perspectives that might be different than yours, but still offer contextual value even if you can't quantify it or subscribe to such possibilities. Ultimately, just positionally subjective views being shared.

Your entire premise is that if KD wants to go to Washington then he'll go. My entire argument is that goes against everything he's done in his career which is trying to win because Washington is in no position to win anything. And if your argument is that with new ownership they'll suddenly throw away their rebuilding process to try and actually win with an old star, then you've made plenty of arguments against exactly that in Phoenix

I have no idea why Durant would EVER consider going to the Wiz....they have like 10 wins. So what if he's from there? He'll go to a team that he can win with. He turned them down back when he was like in his 20s and they had a healthy Beal and Wall-both coming off ASG berths and the Wiz had just made the 2nd round of the playoffs.....

Now he decides to go to the worse (by 5 games) team in the league?

[Ghost of Kleine]

Yes there are several teams, far away from any sort of post season appearance, that is tanking for Flagg, Wizards is no exception. And what makes you think the Wizards, of all teams, would be able to put together a competitive all of a sudden? What about their team history suggests to you that they can build a competitive team from scratch in a matter of a season or two?
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If KD wants to the worst tam in the NBA, sure we can accommodate. But you and Melo are outta your mind if you guys think KD would genuinely entertain going to Washington. Not Dallas where he could play with Kyrie again, not San Antonio where he could potentially play under Pops, not Houston who could be one KD away from being a real menace in the playoffs, all of which are Texan teams where he went to college. There's probably two dozen teams with a stronger case for KD to play there than Washington

-

And you're right, maybe he doesn't feel he needs to prove to anyone that he's a winner....but he could still go to a team that could win. It makes so little logical sense, he would go to Washington, I read it as absolutely nonsense.

-

Sure he could, while you're neglecting the factor of significant pressures being put on him that at this stage he may be becoming tired of. And maybe just maybe he'd prefer to be in a less stressful environment without everyone blaming him for any struggles a highly competitive team with lofty goals might carry situationally. Remember what KD says most often man? ....." I just wanna hoop"!! He isn't out there saying "I want to destroy the opposition" or I want to win more championships"! KD has repeatedly said....." I just wanna hoop"!! which tracks pretty well with his laid-back passive-aggressive nature. And Maybe you don't understand or can't understand this perspective, but for true champions that have basically proven everything and established their elite dominance in their craft, it means much less to go to an already strong situation and piggyback to more success than it dors for their legacy by going to a struggling situation and being "the one" that resurrected that franchise where others couldn't! Look to what KD said recently postgame for evidence of this mentality man!

Read on Twitter

Now you and some others might not fully understand the underlying premise of this statement, man, but others do. And just because it may not match your concept of logic, doesn't make it illogical by basis of your own inability to accept a broader range of perspectives that might be different than yours, but still offer contextual value even if you can't quantify it or subscribe to such possibilities. Ultimately, just positionally subjective views being shared.

Your entire premise is that if KD wants to go to Washington then he'll go. My entire argument is that goes against everything he's done in his career which is trying to win because Washington is in no position to win anything. And if your argument is that with new ownership they'll suddenly throw away their rebuilding process to try and actually win with an old star, then you've made plenty of arguments against exactly that in Phoenix

Well again, we're not dealing in absolutes obviously as real life doesn't work that way. Sometimes people's priorities change and what they contextually value can change due to a multitude of dynamics.

My premise is that it's entirely possible that he could value family, friends and home regardless of your argument on winning, because he's already established himself as a winner more than most on his craft. So obviously that goal has been achieved!

Now even if you'd argue that he'd still prefer to chase / break more records, he could obviously still do that on any team given his elite scoring ability and clout! So when taking these things into objective consideration, he's clearly achieved a lot of his goals.

So under those considerations, having already cemented his status as a HOF ALL TIME great with multiple championships locked down, and with likely only a few years left, that his priorities might have pivoted more towards family, home, situational and contextual happiness??

Now anyone can of course argue against that claiming that he'll keep trying to chase championships or personal achievements more.


But if winning was his ultimate goal, he like wouldn't have stayed in the situation here losing badly for multiple seasons ( wasting years he has left) and obviously he hasn't even mentioned chasing championships. Only finishing his career on his own terms.


We're both arguing theoretical possibilities from.opinions. And it's ok if we don't agree on what he might do?? But until he gives clarity to his intent for his last 2-3 ,years of basketball left, it'll only be oppositional speculation at best. And I for my part am cool with that man. Are you?

[thamadkant]

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If those were just swaps with Washington it might not be so bad, at least in 2026, but I think Memphis also has swap rights in 26 and 30 and Brooklyn in 28. So we will get the worst of the 3. So Wizards may keep their own if we are decent but Memphis and probably Brooklyn will certainly swap.

Yeah you hope Wizards remain in tank mode in the next 3 years so Suns can keep the pick.

[Ghost of Kleine]

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Your entire premise is that if KD wants to go to Washington then he'll go. My entire argument is that goes against everything he's done in his career which is trying to win because Washington is in no position to win anything. And if your argument is that with new ownership they'll suddenly throw away their rebuilding process to try and actually win with an old star, then you've made plenty of arguments against exactly that in Phoenix

I have no idea why Durant would EVER consider going to the Wiz....they have like 10 wins. So what if he's from there? He'll go to a team that he can win with. He turned them down back when he was like in his 20s and they had a healthy Beal and Wall-both coming off ASG berths and the Wiz had just made the 2nd round of the playoffs.....

Now he decides to go to the worse (by 5 games) team in the league?

I don't get why this is so difficult for some to objectively consider. I mean I gave multiple reasons why he might consider such a possibility now. Obviously a person's values and priorities can change with time and age!

And clearly, as people get older and closer to finishing their careers, their views/ perspectives of things that they maybe wouldn't have considered at 20 yrs old could be vastly different 27 yrs later in life. Again, he's already reached the pinnacle of achievements both in winning championships and in his personal achievements as a top 5 all time player in NBA history.

People keep trying to argue that he somehow must keep pursuing more achievements and accolades, but based on what exactly? Because they think he should? What if he's fulfilled in that aspect of his career? What if he just wants to play basketball and be happy in his last few remaining years? Would he be wrong for wanting that?

Have I missed somewhere that he's said he intends to only play for a contender? Have I missed somewhere where he's gone on record saying that he fully intends to chase more championships? Does anyone here know him personally or speaks for him or can read his mind?

In life, we all know that over time (and with age) a person's perspectives and priorities can change. And like I've said, people's live are not determined by " absolutes" either. People actually can and do make up their own mind and choices without needing approval or understanding of the masses.


Heck, sometimes people even make choices or decisions that shock and surprise people. The point is that whatever a person's reasons for doing something others might not expect or understand, in life a whole lot of things (even surprising or unexpected) are obviously possible.

Lastly, teams with assets, expirings, and actual cap flexibility can pivot rather quickly if the situation arises wherein a KD has interest. So they might be tanking currently. But obviously, Washington is in position to pivot rather quickly.


All they'd need is to utilize their assets, expirings and picks ( they have 28) to trade for some key vets in addition to the ones they already have with Middleton and Smart, and they could put some key pieces around KD rather quickly! And being I'm the East, they'd have a much easier path into the playoffs.

[Ghost of Kleine]

If Quinn comes here then a Durant trade to Miami for Jovic and/or Ware plus picks makes a lot of sense. I would still like him to go to Houston for our picks however.

No way should Miami entertain the thought of chasing KD. They've just (pretty quietly) completed a rebuild.

I've always liked Davion Mitchell. Wiggins is a solid vet, and he's the oldest starter - each of whom plays a different position.

Different positions... huh. There's an idea.

Well they already did have the thought of chasing KD. Remember the rumors of it? Also Mitchell is UFA and Terry Rozier is the oldest starter last I checked. Plus, if you were not aware....Pat Riley is like 80. Not exactly a rebuilding age.

I know the everyone here thinks Durant sucks and we should give him away for nothing-but he is actually a good player.

Giving KD away for almost nothing would be egregiously bad mismanagement! And it'd make our franchise and front office and even bigger laughingstock than we already are if that's even possible!!!

Slim and I recognize KDs' trade value and undetand what kind of value he could and should ( if negotiated even adequately well) return in a trade. The variable will be whether or not our front office proves themselves even remotely competent to negotiate a winning value exchange?

[garrick]

After seeing the absolute clownshow of an organization fire their coach annually I don't think we get a quality coach here if we fire Bud so we may as well ride him out for another year or two and if we don't make major changes in the roster next season it won't matter who we have as coach.

Give Bud a chance with other players. I would not fire him.

If this is true from Haynes, and we know the source is Booker -- this is good news for the "trade Booker group" -- Booker will ask for a trade if Bud is back. I hope I am not reading too much into this and getting my hopes up

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We've seen how Booker talks to his team, cusses them out instead of encouraging them and blaming them for things he himself doesn't do.

No wonder players who come here more often than not underperform on this team and look so much better once they are shipped out. If he's not being a positive influence on the floor he just needs to pipe down.

[RaisingArizona]

Buds as good as gone

[SunsRback4Good]

Buds as good as gone

I agree. We desperately need a coach with championship experience. Maybe we’ll find one in the offseason.

[Mulhollanddrive]

Total **** show

[BobbieL]

Total **** show

Basically. From the time Ishbia has bought the team to today. Two years. Franchise was in a good solid place. Core of Book, DA, Bridges and Cam. Plenty of draft picks. Flexibility. Hell, they could have traded Crowder for 5 second round picks. And I get second rounders aren't great but it would be better than today

I just hope Ishbia has the cajones to do what needs to be done. Self-reflection followed by patience

[Saberestar]

Via Duane Rankin

"Devin and I have lots of conversations. I think it's super healthy. Internally, some of this stuff have been shared with me. Usually I'm naive or in a cave, but Devin's care factor is off the charts."

Mike Budenholzer on Chris Haynes report Devin Booker was 'shocked' Budenholzer told him in a meeting weeks ago he was being too vocal on the court and during timeouts and to let the coaches voice be heard.

"We don't always agree on everything but I think he actually appreciates it and I appreciate it."

[Ghost of Kleine]

https://hoopswire.com/nba-players-waived-playoffs-news/

NBA Players Waived After Today Won’t Be Eligible For Playoffs

Spoiler:

By

 Sam Amico
-March 1, 2025

players must be waived either on or before March 1 to be eligible for the NBA playoffs with another team. And since today is the start of March, that means today is the last day.


For example, veteran forward P.J. Tucker was waived by the Raptors on Friday. That means another team could sign him and he’d be eligible for the postseason. That said, Tucker was traded twice at the deadline in early February and has yet to appear in a game this season. It’s hard to envision him contributing to a team’s playoff odds.

Now, there is one exception to this rule, and it’s this —  players who are on 10-day contracts. Since their contracts merely expire (and they’re not officially being waived), they can sign a standard deal with another team and still be eligible for playoff rosters.


That list includes the likes of Lamar Stevens (Grizzlies), Moses Brown (Mavericks) and Nae’Qwan Tomlin (Cavaliers), as well as Killian Hayes (Nets) and Kevin Knox (Warriors).

Overall, the buyout market has been kind of quiet, with only Ben Simmons (Clippers), Javonte Green (Cavs) and Alex Len (Lakers), being veterans of note to find new homes.

Of the list of current free agents:

Centers

Ibou Badji (22), Mohamed Bamba (26,) Marques Bolden (26), Tony Brady (27), Colin Castleton (24), Frank Kaminsky (31), Robin Lopez (36), Jahlil Okafor (29), Liam Robbins (25), Olivier Sarr (25), Malik Williams (26), James Wiseman (23).

Power Forwards

Keita Bates-Diop (27), Bojan Bogdanovic (35), Greg Brown (23), Robert Covington (34), Mamadi Diakite (26), Mouhamadou Gueye (26), Malevy Leons (25), Isaiah Mobley (25), Marcus Morris (35), Adama Sanogo (22)Jalen Slawson (25), Cole Swider (25), Terry Taylor (25), P.J. Tucker (39), Christian Wood (29), Thaddeus Young (36).

Small Forwards

Thanasis Antetokounmpo (32), Patrick Baldwin (22), Leaky Black (25), Oshae Brissett (26), Reggie Bullock (33), Yongxi Cui (21), Henri Drell (24), Chris Duarte ( 27), Alex Fudge ( 21), Malcolm Hill ( 29) Justin Holiday (35), Daniel House ( 31), Keyonte Johnson (24), Braxton Key ( 27), Nassir Little (24), Isiah Livers (26), Seth Lundy (24), Wesley Matthews (38), Chuma Okeke (26), Eugene Omoruyi (27), Jermaine Samuels ( 26), Juan Toscano Anderson ( 31), TJ Warren (31).

Shooting Guards

Amari Bailey (20), Jules Bernard (24), Buddy Boeheim (25), James Bouknight (24), Charlie Brown Jr. (27), Johnny Davis (22), Javon Freeman-Liberty (25), Andrew Funk (25), Nate Hinton (25), Taze Moore (26), Daishen Nix (22), Jaylen Nowell (25), Joshua Primo, Lester Quinones (24), Josh Richardson (31), Dereon Seabron (24), Alondes Williams (25).

Point Guards

Ryan Arcidiacono (30), Jamaree Bouyea (25),
D.J. Carton (24), Jacob Gilyard (26), Jazian Gortman (21), Reggie Jackson (34), Kira Lewis (22), Quincy Olivari (23), Elfrid Payton (30), Jason Preston (25), Dennis Smith Jr. (27), Isaiah Thomas (35), John Wall (34).

Are there any names that stand out as potential signings for us that we should really pursue from these lists?

[Rebound Mound]

BDH should be fired if only for this one reason: not playing Bol Bol for 2/3 of the RS, when he is now one of our 3 players and playing consistent minutes in a somehow limited role.

[BobbieL]

BDH should be fired if only for this one reason: not playing Bol Bol for 2/3 of the RS, when he is now one of our 3 players and playing consistent minutes in a somehow limited role.

Bol and Dunn should have gotten much more run.

Blow it up this summer but keep Bol around -- trade Allen, trade O'Neale, keep Bol.

[sunsfan1o1]

https://hoopswire.com/nba-players-waived-playoffs-news/

NBA Players Waived After Today Won’t Be Eligible For Playoffs

Spoiler:

By

 Sam Amico
-March 1, 2025

players must be waived either on or before March 1 to be eligible for the NBA playoffs with another team. And since today is the start of March, that means today is the last day.


For example, veteran forward P.J. Tucker was waived by the Raptors on Friday. That means another team could sign him and he’d be eligible for the postseason. That said, Tucker was traded twice at the deadline in early February and has yet to appear in a game this season. It’s hard to envision him contributing to a team’s playoff odds.

Now, there is one exception to this rule, and it’s this —  players who are on 10-day contracts. Since their contracts merely expire (and they’re not officially being waived), they can sign a standard deal with another team and still be eligible for playoff rosters.


That list includes the likes of Lamar Stevens (Grizzlies), Moses Brown (Mavericks) and Nae’Qwan Tomlin (Cavaliers), as well as Killian Hayes (Nets) and Kevin Knox (Warriors).

Overall, the buyout market has been kind of quiet, with only Ben Simmons (Clippers), Javonte Green (Cavs) and Alex Len (Lakers), being veterans of note to find new homes.

Of the list of current free agents:

Centers

Ibou Badji (22), Mohamed Bamba (26,) Marques Bolden (26), Tony Brady (27), Colin Castleton (24), Frank Kaminsky (31), Robin Lopez (36), Jahlil Okafor (29), Liam Robbins (25), Olivier Sarr (25), Malik Williams (26), James Wiseman (23).

Power Forwards

Keita Bates-Diop (27), Bojan Bogdanovic (35), Greg Brown (23), Robert Covington (34), Mamadi Diakite (26), Mouhamadou Gueye (26), Malevy Leons (25), Isaiah Mobley (25), Marcus Morris (35), Adama Sanogo (22)Jalen Slawson (25), Cole Swider (25), Terry Taylor (25), P.J. Tucker (39), Christian Wood (29), Thaddeus Young (36).

Small Forwards

Thanasis Antetokounmpo (32), Patrick Baldwin (22), Leaky Black (25), Oshae Brissett (26), Reggie Bullock (33), Yongxi Cui (21), Henri Drell (24), Chris Duarte ( 27), Alex Fudge ( 21), Malcolm Hill ( 29) Justin Holiday (35), Daniel House ( 31), Keyonte Johnson (24), Braxton Key ( 27), Nassir Little (24), Isiah Livers (26), Seth Lundy (24), Wesley Matthews (38), Chuma Okeke (26), Eugene Omoruyi (27), Jermaine Samuels ( 26), Juan Toscano Anderson ( 31), TJ Warren (31).

Shooting Guards

Amari Bailey (20), Jules Bernard (24), Buddy Boeheim (25), James Bouknight (24), Charlie Brown Jr. (27), Johnny Davis (22), Javon Freeman-Liberty (25), Andrew Funk (25), Nate Hinton (25), Taze Moore (26), Daishen Nix (22), Jaylen Nowell (25), Joshua Primo, Lester Quinones (24), Josh Richardson (31), Dereon Seabron (24), Alondes Williams (25).

Point Guards

Ryan Arcidiacono (30), Jamaree Bouyea (25),
D.J. Carton (24), Jacob Gilyard (26), Jazian Gortman (21), Reggie Jackson (34), Kira Lewis (22), Quincy Olivari (23), Elfrid Payton (30), Jason Preston (25), Dennis Smith Jr. (27), Isaiah Thomas (35), John Wall (34).

Are there any names that stand out as potential signings for us that we should really pursue from these lists?

Reggie Bullock, Dennis Smith Jr. Elfrid Payton, John Wall maybe Marcus Morris but definitely Dwight Howard.

[sunsfan1o1]

If we can play jones, Allen and plumlee 15 min or less the rest of the season I like our chances of getting top 6. Those 3 are the main reasons this team is underperforming

[Puff]

I really like Gillespie. Last night virtually every time he brought the ball up court he took the ball into the paint and created a shot either at the rim or passed to any open shooter. Every time Jones bring the ball up court he hands it off to Book or KD to go one on one and it creates a turnover.

This team will continue to struggle no matter who is on the roster if all we do is have our "Best Players" go one on one.

On top of making great passes and creating for others, he has a great looking shot. He reminds me lot of Steve Nash. I cannot wait until he is given the starting job and is on the court for 30+ minutes.

[bwgood77]

So I gues they rested Zion and CJ McCollum yesterday and already missing Herb Jones and Dejounte Murray. At least we were able to win that one by quite a bit given their entire starting lineup to start the year was out (Brandon Ingram traded).

I pretty much fast forwarded through it. Not that much fun watching us beat reserves.