Post#89 » by Skybox » Mon Mar 10, 2025 9:34 pm
Tyus Jones HAS to have a handshake deal with PHX to re-up. There's no way he signed for $2m for only one year without some assurance that he'll be rewarded for his sacrifice. Clearly, the PHX starting gig was an appealing basketball spot, but a 28yo who perennially leads the NBA in Assist/TO and also brings 40% 3pt shooting is worth much more than that. PHX is, however, in a tailspin and a leading blowup candidate this summer. I don't think he's a great starting PG, due to his stature and defensive limitations, but he epitomizes the two things that ORL lacks offensively...maybe an MLE or even less gets him here to regain his "best backup PG in the league" status?
Or, maybe a SnT for AB, who is a better fit next to Booker (who can initiate enough on his own, in addition to scoring)?
I still want that Lead Guard who can score and playmake a bit, but Tyus off the bench is next-level. KCP would either play off the bench too or maybe he's out. I would think vet contenders like MIL or DAL or LAL or LAC would still value KCP, despite his down year of shooting. Maybe even PHX, next to Book, for a more vet savvy defensive savage than AB, at present. I'd certainly prefer to keep AB and get off KCP's $22m. PHX can't consolidate, but maybe they'll make a big KD (or even Beal) move that gives them more room to make moves...maybe KCP & a pick gets us Grayson Allen and Tyus Jones (SnT) for a ferocious, balanced backcourt off the bench. There's also potential to deal with PHX by participating in a KD to a third team and coming away with some young talent from a win-now Western team like HOU, OKC, etc...