Rumors, Random Thoughts, and non-Threadworthy Posts 18.0 Dave Cowens drove a taxi

[SkyHook]

My discomfort is that I think that this could mean Rudy Gobert is going out instead of Julius Randle, which would be a HUGE bummer, but in the end, I am comfortable with Tim Connelly making whatever decision he sees as fit.

I'm honestly split on this. I think where I stand currently is that the offensive jump this team needs to take supersedes the defensive floor that Gobert provides.

The principal concern I would have is that without Gobert the defensive floor absolutely collapses.

[jbk1234]

https://hoopshype.com/2025/06/16/kevin-durant-prefers-to-play-in-san-antonio/
But amid their most recent round of talks with Phoenix, the Timberwolves were made aware that he prefers to play elsewhere — specifically, league sources say, the Spurs.

I'm getting the sense Durant told the Suns he wants to go to the Spurs, and the other teams were included by the Suns for leverage. I hope Spurs don't budge and destroy in a minute an incredible long term future ahead that took years and a lot of luck to build up.

If potential trade partners are only offering a rental price for Durant anyway, this is the rare situation where I wouldn't care if he agrees to extend. It could be a blessing in disguise. He's not going to refuse to report or play at 37 in the last year of his contract. Assuming a max deal will be there for him at 38 if he dogs it or refuses to report, would be really unwise. Unlike Butler, he doesn't have a P.O to fall back on next season.

[jayjaysee]

Yeah, I think KD makes a ton of sense in SAS and it’s worth paying what most of us think it’s worth.

I would expect SAS to walk away if the price is Castle or #2. KD shouldn’t be worth that at 37 imo. Not many seem to think he is, but probably normal for Phoenix to ask for a lot and then take the best offer?

But I kind of think Minnesota would be great enough to still offer the KAT trade return for KD even if he says he doesn’t want to be there. Whatever other salary needs to go into it, third team etc.. And if he actually refusing to extend/stick around.. You’ve just reset your second apron problems and go forward with Rudy/Naz/McDaniels/Ant/Dilly..

[Klomp]

The principal concern I would have is that without Gobert the defensive floor absolutely collapses.

Sure, but the offense keeps evolving. In a team around a 24-year old Anthony Edwards, building a team around offense isn't the worst thing. When he was 21, I absolutely agree that trading for Gobert was critical.

I think teams have a tendency to keep cores too long. I believe Connelly is viewing Edwards' career as a 15-year runway. The first 3 years with Connelly were about getting Ant to be a consistent contender. But now he needs to put together a group that gets him over the hump. This next group might not be a 3-year run, it might only be 1 or 2 years.

Rudy’s contract is just starting to look good though imo

The money is much better. The years do at least somewhat concern me still, but I think it was an important part of the negotiation to get the money down where it is.

[ReggiesKnicks]

The principal concern I would have is that without Gobert the defensive floor absolutely collapses.

Sure, but the offense keeps evolving. In a team around a 24-year old Anthony Edwards, building a team around offense isn't the worst thing. When he was 21, I absolutely agree that trading for Gobert was critical.

I think teams have a tendency to keep cores too long. I believe Connelly is viewing Edwards' career as a 15-year runway. The first 3 years with Connelly were about getting Ant to be a consistent contender. But now he needs to put together a group that gets him over the hump. This next group might not be a 3-year run, it might only be 1 or 2 years.

Rudy’s contract is just starting to look good though imo

The money is much better. The years do at least somewhat concern me still, but I think it was an important part of the negotiation to get the money down where it is.

You are saying two different things here, Klomp.

Your first response to SkyHook mentions a group which might only be 1 or 2 years..

Your second response to MoneyTalks41890 is The years do at least somewhat concern me...

If KD is coming to a team, he himself raises their level for 1-2 years, which means the years on contracts shouldn't be concerning.

[Klomp]

Your second response to MoneyTalks41890 is The years do at least somewhat concern me...

If KD is coming to a team, he himself raises their level for 1-2 years, which means the years on contracts shouldn't be concerning.

I think I'm thinking this through the lens that Gobert seems like he will be the piece in a Durant trade, meaning he wouldn't be here if Durant is (and vice versa).

[toooskies]

Yeah, I think KD makes a ton of sense in SAS and it’s worth paying what most of us think it’s worth.

I would expect SAS to walk away if the price is Castle or #2. KD shouldn’t be worth that at 37 imo. Not many seem to think he is, but probably normal for Phoenix to ask for a lot and then take the best offer?

But I kind of think Minnesota would be great enough to still offer the KAT trade return for KD even if he says he doesn’t want to be there. Whatever other salary needs to go into it, third team etc.. And if he actually refusing to extend/stick around.. You’ve just reset your second apron problems and go forward with Rudy/Naz/McDaniels/Ant/Dilly..

I honestly would trade Castle, but I understand the Spurs negotiating from a position where he's not available, at first. I feel like his floor is very low due to his shooting. Can he be a Westbrook-like player even if his shooting never really comes around? I don't think he's that talented.

But if Wemby isn't ready to lead a team to titles, it might be safer to wait and see and you don't even enter the KD conversation.

[MasterIchiro]

Castle profiles as a well-rounded player with potential for growth and development on both ends of the floor.

He's going to improve with experience, however gradual, and prove himself a winning player and playoff performer.

I predict the Spurs will secure Harper - Wemby - Castle. They're all close in age. Fox is a great vet leader for them who's still in his prime. He will set them on their winning ways.

I think Vassell could go.

[jayjaysee]

Klay, Martin and Gafford for Jalen Green and Nick Richards?

Seems like could be a build off of KD to Houston? Value to your team? Fourth team involved to make salaries work?

[SkyHook]

The principal concern I would have is that without Gobert the defensive floor absolutely collapses.

Sure, but the offense keeps evolving. In a team around a 24-year old Anthony Edwards, building a team around offense isn't the worst thing. When he was 21, I absolutely agree that trading for Gobert was critical.

I think teams have a tendency to keep cores too long. I believe Connelly is viewing Edwards' career as a 15-year runway. The first 3 years with Connelly were about getting Ant to be a consistent contender. But now he needs to put together a group that gets him over the hump. This next group might not be a 3-year run, it might only be 1 or 2 years.

Rudy’s contract is just starting to look good though imo

The money is much better. The years do at least somewhat concern me still, but I think it was an important part of the negotiation to get the money down where it is.

To me that only makes a Durant-Gobert pairing even more attractive than a Durant-Randle one. Maybe Randle as the core of the return is a non-starter for the Suns though.

[Klomp]

To me that only makes a Durant-Gobert pairing even more attractive than a Durant-Randle one. Maybe Randle as the core of the return is a non-starter for the Suns though.

Correct, I think you have to look at it as what gets a deal done, and whether that is a better option than not doing a deal.

In the original Gobert trade, Minnesota held firm about not including McDaniels. Because of this, they had to add an extra 1st to make up the value, which was perceived nationally as an overpay. And while it probably was, overpaying for Gobert still probably benefitted Minnesota more than not doing the deal at all would have done.

So Minnesota has to decide if getting Kevin Durant is worth giving up Rudy Gobert, even if it's more than they originally wanted to give up.

[jayjaysee]

What “big” move does Minn make if they don’t get KD?

Even though they have young pieces and have had a lot of success.. I don’t think this is a run it back situation.

[Mavrelous]

I have no idea why the Suns are respecting KDs wishes, go to the Wolves and suck it up, we are a lottery team w/o picks for the 7 years becaus eof our stupid gamble on you and you're acting like a prima donna....

[Devilanche]

KD isn't just his best self, he's carrying a lot of risks with him, more than most are willing to admit,

This board absolutely understands this which is why with rare exception the asking price from San Antonio has reflected that. Sorry but Keldon/Barnes/Sochan(or future first)/14 for KD factors in the age/money/risk. If he was 31, we'd be talking about #2 and Castle and a bunch of future picks.

Agreed very different moves and very different cost.
31 year old KD get to pick his 2 locations and they would bid and pay whatever it takes to get him. Think PG trade from OKC to LAC valuation and it will be a very good trade for whichever team that’s trading for him .

37 year old Durant has a lot more limited market and at best 1-2 first . If you are worried as a GM that his cliff is here … you walk away from even making the trade offer.

[Texas Chuck]

I have no idea why the Suns are respecting KDs wishes, go to the Wolves and suck it up, we are a lottery team w/o picks for the 7 years becaus eof our stupid gamble on you and you're acting like a prima donna....

How is saying I would prefer to play here, here, and here, but not here, acting like a prima donna? He should be allowed to state his preference, he should be allowed to send the message he won't extend if you trade him here. Suns don't have to honor it. Teams don't have to be scared off. I find it hard to believe he would actually turn down a 9 figure extension from Minnesota or anyone else if it came to it.

Teams trade players where they don't necessarily want to go all the time, we never make these kinds of accusations about not honoring contracts, ruining the player's future etc...

[Devilanche]

What “big” move does Minn make if they don’t get KD?

Even though they have young pieces and have had a lot of success.. I don’t think this is a run it back situation.

Keep the trio of Ant /Randle/ Gobert and retool amongst the rest of the rotation instead .

[Mavrelous]

I have no idea why the Suns are respecting KDs wishes, go to the Wolves and suck it up, we are a lottery team w/o picks for the 7 years becaus eof our stupid gamble on you and you're acting like a prima donna....

How is saying I would prefer to play here, here, and here, but not here, acting like a prima donna? He should be allowed to state his preference, he should be allowed to send the message he won't extend if you trade him here. Suns don't have to honor it. Teams don't have to be scared off. I find it hard to believe he would actually turn down a 9 figure extension from Minnesota or anyone else if it came to it.

Teams trade players where they don't necessarily want to go all the time, we never make these kinds of accusations about not honoring contracts, ruining the player's future etc...

We usually don't get Shams news flash saying Minnesotta is interested but KD doesn't want to go there.
Yeah, he can have his preferences, and Suns should honour them if possible, but of Wolves have the best offer, send him his (not so) merry way...

[In-N-Out 247]

I am sure this must of been talked about on this board already, but is there any legs to a Suns/Spurs/Jazz deal? KD to Spurs, Markkanen to Suns & Vassell, Barnes #14 to Jazz - works in the Spotrac trade checker

[kobe_vs_jordan]

I have no idea why the Suns are respecting KDs wishes, go to the Wolves and suck it up, we are a lottery team w/o picks for the 7 years becaus eof our stupid gamble on you and you're acting like a prima donna....

How is saying I would prefer to play here, here, and here, but not here, acting like a prima donna? He should be allowed to state his preference, he should be allowed to send the message he won't extend if you trade him here. Suns don't have to honor it. Teams don't have to be scared off. I find it hard to believe he would actually turn down a 9 figure extension from Minnesota or anyone else if it came to it.

Teams trade players where they don't necessarily want to go all the time, we never make these kinds of accusations about not honoring contracts, ruining the player's future etc...

We usually don't get Shams news flash saying Minnesotta is interested but KD doesn't want to go there.
Yeah, he can have his preferences, and Suns should honour them if possible, but of Wolves have the best offer, send him his (not so) merry way...

He could had forced his way out at the deadline . Think there is some mutual respect between the two parties .

Not like the Minny package is tiers better than the other teams.

[shrink]

What “big” move does Minn make if they don’t get KD?

Even though they have young pieces and have had a lot of success.. I don’t think this is a run it back situation.

There is plenty of room for internal growth on this team.

We are still seeing big leaps from young Ant and Jaden, and while Naz stagnated a little this year, he is known for big jumps. MIN has several young players that couldn’t get much court time, with Terrence Shannon Jr, Jaylen Clark surprising, and Rob Dillingham in the wings. Both Randle and DiVincenzo struggled to integrate into the Wolves (Randle finally did), but there is certainly room for DDV to be better. But the biggest improvement I think we could see is if Ant spends the summer working on his playmaking, so that he can run a pick and roll with Gobert. It makes people guard Rudy, and opens up lanes for Ant to get back to the rim.

Before the Knicks upped their KAT offer before training camp, Connelly intended on running it back, and simply playing Dillingham and TSJ more minutes. The KAT trade changed the plan, learning to play without KAT and integrating two Knicks players that needed minutes. Connelly has talked about the power of continuity with the Nuggets, and I wouldn’t be shocked to see him mostly roll the same team back, perhaps only using a NAW sign-and-trade to bring in a PG like Lonzo Ball. Connelly is willing to take big swings, but I don’t know if he will this year if he doesn’t get Durant.