The Official 2025 Offseason Thread #4 Free Agency Opens!

[Sunsdeuce]

Still no buy out. I guess so much for that 24-48 hours and it will be done. But remember you can always stand behind the “these things are fluid” when you are proven wrong.

[alright who voted for 60+ wins?]

[Ghost of Kleine]

Read on Twitter

How bad does this suck for the Nuggets to go all in trying to convince Jokic to stay, only to have him say this....................

[Sunsdeuce]

Read on Twitter

How bad does this suck for the Nuggets to go all in trying to convince Jokic to stay, only to have him say this....................

Imagine being the team with no assets to trade for a star or cap room to sign a star or the ability to win the draft lottery to get the #1 pick in the draft. Imagine being a team having 15% of there cap used up on a ghost for the next five years with no all stars on the roster and capped out so they couldn’t even sign Jokic when the time came. That would really suck for that team.

[Ghost of Kleine]

The most "Suns"ish thing ever would be for Beal to sign with the Clippers and then Kwahi and Harden have the healthiest run ever and win a championship! And Beal will get a championship before our franchise does.

And 76 million dollar Booker doesn't sniff the finals again before leaving in 2030.

[Sunsdeuce]

The most "Suns"ish thing ever would be for Beal to sign with the Clippers and then Kwahi and Harden have the healthiest run ever and win a championship! And Beal will get a championship before our franchise does.

And 76 million dollar Booker doesn't sniff the finals again before leaving in 2030.

Beal with Harden and (a healthy) Kwahi actually fits pretty good. They all have different skill sets and would complement each other. And Beal is a good guy and he will put the team first (something a few Suns fans think is totally toxic).

[lilfishi22]

Read on Twitter

How bad does this suck for the Nuggets to go all in trying to convince Jokic to stay, only to have him say this....................

I think the Nuggets did relatively well this offseason, getting Bruce Brown back, swapping MPJ for Cam and even as recent as a day ago, there were reports he was happy with the moves made. And they just pushed the eventual Champs to 7 games.

[Windhorst] Nikola Jokic reportedly pleased with Nuggets’ offseason moves
And, you know, I was told — and Mr. Jokić has not spoken on the record, at least in English, about this that I’ve seen — but I was told secondhand that Jokić was very pleased with the Nuggets’ moves. They brought back his guy, Bruce Brown...

But I also kinda get it for Jokic. He's seen his championship team lose key players over time because the owners didn't want to pay to keep it intact. And even the MPJ for Cam deal could be seen as a money play as well. I think it's right to keep his options open

[lilfishi22]

Read on Twitter

How bad does this suck for the Nuggets to go all in trying to convince Jokic to stay, only to have him say this....................

Imagine being the team with no assets to trade for a star or cap room to sign a star or the ability to win the draft lottery to get the #1 pick in the draft. Imagine being a team having 15% of there cap used up on a ghost for the next five years with no all stars on the roster and capped out so they couldn’t even sign Jokic when the time came. That would really suck for that team.

I want to see Book retire a Phoenix Sun, I've made no doubts about that. But if I was Book and I still have like 3 years of guaranteed money, I would've taken the Jokic route of not committing the moment the extension was available. Both guys are franchise dudes and if they put their hand up for an extension in a year or two's time, they'll get it from their respective team. Jokic is keeping his options open and I think Book should have too.

[dremill24]

Read on Twitter

How bad does this suck for the Nuggets to go all in trying to convince Jokic to stay, only to have him say this....................

I think the Nuggets did relatively well this offseason, getting Bruce Brown back, swapping MPJ for Cam and even as recent as a day ago, there were reports he was happy with the moves made. And they just pushed the eventual Champs to 7 games.

[Windhorst] Nikola Jokic reportedly pleased with Nuggets’ offseason moves
And, you know, I was told — and Mr. Jokić has not spoken on the record, at least in English, about this that I’ve seen — but I was told secondhand that Jokić was very pleased with the Nuggets’ moves. They brought back his guy, Bruce Brown...

But I also kinda get it for Jokic. He's seen his championship team lose key players over time because the owners didn't want to pay to keep it intact. And even the MPJ for Cam deal could be seen as a money play as well. I think it's right to keep his options open

We have to stop with all this alarmist BS...the reason we get these dramatic headlines that dont give the full picture is because people react this way to it.

https://www.nbcsports.com/nba/news/nikola-jokic-reportedly-tells-nuggets-he-will-not-sign-extension-this-summer

Guys forego early extensions all the time to wait and get an even bigger bag down the line.

[Sunsdeuce]

Read on Twitter

How bad does this suck for the Nuggets to go all in trying to convince Jokic to stay, only to have him say this....................

Imagine being the team with no assets to trade for a star or cap room to sign a star or the ability to win the draft lottery to get the #1 pick in the draft. Imagine being a team having 15% of there cap used up on a ghost for the next five years with no all stars on the roster and capped out so they couldn’t even sign Jokic when the time came. That would really suck for that team.

I want to see Book retire a Phoenix Sun, I've made no doubts about that. But if I was Book and I still have like 3 years of guaranteed money, I would've taken the Jokic route of not committing the moment the extension was available. Both guys are franchise dudes and if they put their hand up for an extension in a year or two's time, they'll get it from their respective team. Jokic is keeping his options open and I think Book should have too.

Totally understand. And I know a lot of Suns fans who have a soft spot for Booker. Personally I don’t have him up there with Arizona greats like Larry Fitzgerald, Kurt Warner, Shane Doan or even to an extent Steve Nash. I just feel like those people lived and breathed Arizona and embraced Arizona and were fire on the court/field. I just don’t see the same passion for the state or the passion on the court to put Booker on a pedestal. Plus Suns owe him nothing. They already gave him more than any professional athlete in Arizona history. He has and always will give me vibes that he cares about money and himself more than winning or the fans. But that’s just how I view him. Doesn’t mean I’m right just how I view him.

But I know everyone views him differently. AZsports did a poll (on twitter) and 50% of the fans want him traded. So he’s very polarizing. Bickley was talking about it on the radio this morning and Bickley was surprised so many want him gone. He had your point of view, that they should keep him.

Anyway, my point is that this roster doesn’t even have an all-star and the cap is already maxed out. And that’s really bad to have a maxed out roster with no all-stars. That’s no a plan, that’s a lack of a plan.

(Totally respect your love for Booker)

[Sunsdeuce]

Blast from the past

Michael Scotto: Sources: Wizards center Richaun Holmes is partially guaranteed $250,000 of his $13.28 million salary for the 2025-26 season, which makes him a prime candidate to be eventually waived or traded, given Washington’s roster logjam. He averaged 7.4 points and 5.7 rebounds last season. – via x.com

[garrick]

Read on Twitter

How bad does this suck for the Nuggets to go all in trying to convince Jokic to stay, only to have him say this....................

If we don't buy out Beal then I think we would have the cap space to sign Jokic when he's a free agent although I doubt he wants to come to a clown organization like the Suns.

[Qwigglez]

Has Ott talked about what type of O he wants to run? Looking at the roster I see a Morey ball Rockets group where they have Booker and Green spam pick and rolls with giant rim runners like Williams and Maluach and then have everyone else ready to shoot 3s if their man helps. I don't think some pretty motion style O would work with this group.

Some of the comments he made were about speed of play and ability to attack the basket for layups and dunks or kicking it out for a three.

I tend to agree with you on pick and roll versus motion. Lob threats with four 7 foot bigs (Williams, Maluach, Ighodaro, Richards) plus Fleming w/7'5" wingspan) and lots of three point shooters (Allen, O'Neale, Brooks, Brea, Gillispie, Hayes-Davis, Booker/Green). PnR plus a large dose of DHO would make sense and be quick to implement over motion O.

Of course the simplest offense is playing great defense and getting buckets in transition. Pace and defense have to be the two most important focal points of improvement. Would love to see top 10 finishes in both. IMO, those two metrics are a measure of effort and team buy-in.

I haven't seen anything yet. And I agree that they'll likely run a lot of pick and rolls. I think Green will work well with giant rim runners who can catch lobs instead of players who are more low to the ground like Sengun and Adams. I also like having guys who can readily shoot 3s such as Royce, Grayson, Brooks, and Brea. I think they got athletes too that can run the baseline cuts, slip backdoor with Fleming, Hayes-Davis, even Dunn and Oso.
I'm hoping Suns don't just plod around and wait for Booker / Green to generate shots for others. I'm hoping the three-point shooters move around, getting picks set for them off ball.

Watch on YouTube

Cavs were the No 1 team in points per game winning 64 games. I think the front office is trying to emulate the Cavs team. Maybe the Suns run Mark Williams and Malauch as starters. Keep Nick Richards as the backup center.

[lilfishi22]

Imagine being the team with no assets to trade for a star or cap room to sign a star or the ability to win the draft lottery to get the #1 pick in the draft. Imagine being a team having 15% of there cap used up on a ghost for the next five years with no all stars on the roster and capped out so they couldn’t even sign Jokic when the time came. That would really suck for that team.

I want to see Book retire a Phoenix Sun, I've made no doubts about that. But if I was Book and I still have like 3 years of guaranteed money, I would've taken the Jokic route of not committing the moment the extension was available. Both guys are franchise dudes and if they put their hand up for an extension in a year or two's time, they'll get it from their respective team. Jokic is keeping his options open and I think Book should have too.

Totally understand. And I know a lot of Suns fans who have a soft spot for Booker. Personally I don’t have him up there with Arizona greats like Larry Fitzgerald, Kurt Warner, Shane Doan or even to an extent Steve Nash. I just feel like those people lived and breathed Arizona and embraced Arizona and were fire on the court/field. I just don’t see the same passion for the state or the passion on the court to put Booker on a pedestal. Plus Suns owe him nothing. They already gave him more than any professional athlete in Arizona history. He has and always will give me vibes that he cares about money and himself more than winning or the fans. But that’s just how I view him. Doesn’t mean I’m right just how I view him.

But I know everyone views him differently. AZsports did a poll (on twitter) and 50% of the fans want him traded. So he’s very polarizing. Bickley was talking about it on the radio this morning and Bickley was surprised so many want him gone. He had your point of view, that they should keep him.

Anyway, my point is that this roster doesn’t even have an all-star and the cap is already maxed out. And that’s really bad to have a maxed out roster with no all-stars. That’s no a plan, that’s a lack of a plan.

(Totally respect your love for Booker)

I'm not an AZ guy obviously so I don't know how engrained the guys you've mentioned were in the community and I only get snippets of Book and others like Nash do community stuff now and then. Correct me if I'm wrong but hasn't Book been pretty damn committed to and engrained himself into AZ? Like he's consistently repped AZ whenever I see IG posts from him etc. The guy has a decade in the NBA, one of the few home grown stars to still be with the same franchise and yeah maybe he hasn't brought a ring to the desert but he got as close a Barkley, KJ and other Suns legends. Hell Nash is my favourite NBA player of all time and even I recognise Book has gone further and repped the Suns longer than he has. Sure, Charles and Nash had better peaks as NBA MVPs and were the clear leaders on their respective teams but I feel like Book is getting disrespected simply because he's not as talented as them and didn't take us to the promised land - which neither did the other two. And there is a lot that is out of player's hands like the ability for the owner/front office to build a competitive team. The guy got drafted by a crap team, developed into an excellent basketball player in spite of the revolving door coaches during his formative years and waste lotto picks, put PHX back on the map and some of the most iconic Suns moments involved him

Like the same standard where you say the Suns don't owe Book nothing, what do we owe Charles? KJ? Nash? Why are they any more of a Suns legend than Book?

Devin Booker’s Influence in Arizona


Devin Booker’s journey from a high school athlete in Moss Point, Mississippi, to a shining star in the NBA is a tale of relentless determination and community impact. Since being drafted by the Phoenix Suns in 2015, Booker has not only become a beacon of hope on the basketball court but also a pivotal figure in nurturing the community of Arizona.

This article delves into the various facets of Booker’s influence, focusing on his philanthropic endeavors, community engagement, and his vital role in the state’s sports landscape.

Devin Booker: From Underdog to NBA Star
Despite his current stature as an NBA superstar, Devin Booker’s journey was filled with challenges. From practicing in a high school gym with a leaky roof and no air conditioning to anxiously waiting for his name to be called at the NBA Draft, Booker’s early days were a testament to his resilience.

His dedication paid off when the Phoenix Suns selected him with the 13th pick in 2015, marking the beginning of an illustrious career that would significantly impact Arizona both on and off the court.

The Devin Booker Starting Five Program: A Commitment to Arizona’s Non–profits
In January 2019, Devin Booker made a substantial commitment to his adopted community by pledging $2.5 million to Phoenix Suns Charities, distributed over five years through the Devin Booker Starting Five program. This initiative annually recognizes five local non-profit organizations, each receiving a $100,000 grant. Booker’s involvement goes beyond just funding; he actively participates in selecting these organizations, ensuring that his contributions are impactful and meaningful.

“My favorite accomplishment of my career thus far!! Blessed to be in the position to be able to give back and make an impact here on the community in Phoenix!” Booker tweeted in 2019.

Booker’s Philanthropic Journey: Yearly Impact Through Charity
Devin Booker’s philanthropic efforts can be seen through the lens of each recipient of his Starting Five initiative. Each year, Booker and the Phoenix Suns Charities Board of Directors choose five organizations that receive substantial financial support.

These organizations create videos, three to five minutes long, to showcase their projects and the expected impact, allowing Booker to connect deeply with their missions. The program has celebrated its four-year anniversary, demonstrating Booker’s sustained commitment to enriching lives across Arizona.

“It’s one of the most exciting things that I’m a part of, I’d say mostly because we’re 20 organizations in now, all non-profits here in Arizona,” Booker said after announcing the 2022 Devin Booker Starting Five grant recipients.

“We’re still trying to find creative ways to surprise the people, and to do it here on our home court in front of everybody is a special moment.”

“This is year four now and it’s something that’s here to stay. I want to thank everybody on the Phoenix Suns Charities board, including Sarah [Krahenbuhl] running it, and my brother is on the board and they’re really passionate about these projects. They do a good job of selecting the organizations that we use. We’re just trying to level the playing field for everybody and give everybody an equal chance out here. We’ve been doing a great job of that and it’s something that we want to keep doing.”

Celebrating Four Years of Giving: A Milestone in Community Service
January 2023 marked the four-year anniversary of the Devin Booker Starting Five initiative. Over this period, Booker’s program has injected $2 million into the Arizona community, supporting various projects and causes.

This milestone is not just a reflection of Booker’s generosity but also his deep connection with the Valley community he cherishes. Through his program, Booker has enabled numerous organizations to flourish, thereby significantly enhancing the quality of life in the region.

“Devin’s contributions to the community transcend the basketball court,” Sarah Krahenbuhl, Vice President, Social Responsibility & Executive Director, Phoenix Suns Charities, said.

“The Devin Booker Starting Five program has positively impacted thousands of children and families across Arizona and paved the way for a brighter future for those in need. Since arriving in the Valley, giving back to this community has been a focal point for Devin and his entire family, including his brother Davon who serves on the board of directors of Phoenix Suns Charities. We could not be more grateful for Devin and his family’s generosity.”

Previous Devin Booker Starting Five Grant Recipients:

2022

Back to School Clothing Drive
Homeward Bound
Positive Coaching Alliance Arizona
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central and Northern Arizona
The Be Kind People Project

2021

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona
Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale
Girl Scouts-Arizona Cactus-Pine Council
Lights, Camera, Discover
Valley of the Sun YMCA

2020

Arizona Autism United
Central Arizona Shelter Services
Elevate Phoenix
GAP Ministries
YMCA of Southern Arizona

2019

Ability 360
Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center
Special Olympics Arizona
UMOM New Day Centers

Booker’s Approach to Philanthropy: The Secrets Behind His Success
Devin Booker’s success as a philanthropist is grounded in his authentic approach to giving. He engages personally with the projects he supports, ensuring that his contributions are not just financial but also emotional and intellectual. Booker’s keen interest in the actual implementation of the projects and their outcomes demonstrates his deep commitment to making a real difference in people’s lives.

Annual Support to Youth Organizations: Empowering the Next Generation
The Devin Booker Starting Five initiative is not just a one-off gesture but a sustained effort, committing $500,000 annually to five different youth-serving non-profit organizations in Arizona. This consistent support underscores Booker’s dedication to nurturing and empowering the younger generation, ensuring that they have the resources and opportunities to succeed and thrive.

Devin Booker’s Community Engagement: Beyond Financial Contributions
Devin Booker’s impact extends beyond financial assistance. He has been actively involved in various community activities, including treating local youth to holiday shopping sprees and contributing over $100,000 during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Moreover, as a Special Olympics Global Ambassador, Booker promotes inclusion in sports, focusing on opportunities in basketball, thus influencing countless lives beyond the basketball court.

Arizona’s NBA Scene and Booker’s Role: A Vital Piece in a Star-Studded Team
The state of Arizona could not be more excited with their hometown NBA team that is packed with three superstars, those being Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal, who arrived from the Wizards and fan favorite Devin Booker. That’s why Arizona sportsbooks are running special betting bonuses.

Booker’s Legacy in Arizona: More Than Just a Basketball Player
Devin Booker’s influence in Arizona transcends his on-court achievements. His deep involvement in the community, his commitment to philanthropy, and his role as a mentor to the youth paint the picture of an athlete who is as impactful off the court as he is on it. Booker’s legacy in Arizona is defined not just by his basketball prowess but by the lives he has touched and the community he has helped build and strengthen.

Devin Booker’s Enduring Legacy in Arizona
Devin Booker’s journey from an underdog to a superstar in the NBA and a hero in the Arizona community is a story of inspiration and dedication. His commitment to giving back, empowering youth, and driving positive change in the community has cemented his place not only in the annals of sports history but also in the hearts of the people of Arizona. Devin Booker’s legacy is a testament to the power of sports to transform lives, both on and off the court.

I'm not gonna convince you that you should be a bigger fan of Book or anything but it's worth just putting out there what Book means to AZ and the city of Phoenix from the words of Phoenicians.

[Sunsdeuce]

Two of the dumbest things Ishbia can do, he’s doing.

If the Suns buy out and stretch Beal, the combination of his dead cap hit and Devin Booker's contract would account for 46.8% of the team's salary cap this season ($19.3M + $53.1M = $72.4M, which is 46.8% of the $154.6M cap).

In the first year of Booker's extension, that total would rise to 49.7% of the cap ($19.3M + $75M = $94.3M, which is 49.7% of the projected $189.4M cap in 2028-29).

50% of the teams salary goes to a ghost and another player who isn’t an all-star.

[bigfoot]

Two of the dumbest things Ishbia can do, he’s doing.

If the Suns buy out and stretch Beal, the combination of his dead cap hit and Devin Booker's contract would account for 46.8% of the team's salary cap this season ($19.3M + $53.1M = $72.4M, which is 46.8% of the $154.6M cap).

In the first year of Booker's extension, that total would rise to 49.7% of the cap ($19.3M + $75M = $94.3M, which is 49.7% of the projected $189.4M cap in 2028-29).

50% of the teams salary goes to a ghost and another player who isn’t an all-star.

Don't be silly. Extending Booker makes 100% sense. If it is necessary to trade Book then a longer contract should bring more return in draft picks and young prospects.

[sunsbg]

Two of the dumbest things Ishbia can do, he’s doing.

If the Suns buy out and stretch Beal, the combination of his dead cap hit and Devin Booker's contract would account for 46.8% of the team's salary cap this season ($19.3M + $53.1M = $72.4M, which is 46.8% of the $154.6M cap).

In the first year of Booker's extension, that total would rise to 49.7% of the cap ($19.3M + $75M = $94.3M, which is 49.7% of the projected $189.4M cap in 2028-29).

50% of the teams salary goes to a ghost and another player who isn’t an all-star.

Don't be silly. Extending Booker makes 100% sense. If it is necessary to trade Book then a longer contract should bring more return in draft picks and young prospects.

Booker better ball out and not miss ASG over next 5 seasons otherwise it's KD story all over again where return is much less than what the fanboys expected initially. Or Booker starts getting hammy problems and it becomes Beal story. It's just risky giving those contracts earlier than required. Could've waited a year to see how he bounced back from underwhelming season.

[KdoubleDees23]

We aren’t getting Jokic

I want to see the Mavs trade for Jokic lol imagine that

[KdoubleDees23]

Just wait . When Fleming becomes our Siakam and Maluach becomes the next Garnett

Y’all will be happy

[sunsbg]

Just wait . When Fleming becomes our Siakam and Maluach becomes the next Garnett

Y’all will be happy

Only if Brea becomes Klay too.

[KdoubleDees23]

Remember you guys all wanted Jakucionis! That dude is horrible