The Official 2025 Offseason Thread #4 Free Agency Opens!

[Sunsdeuce]

I'm just saying, wasn't everyone stoked that Maluach fell to us? Was there a single fan here who was upset we took him or didn't trade back (not knowing what offers were out there)?

Why are people suddenly upset at this? Sure, it's possible the Pels land a top pick. But it's also possible they are late lottery, and we get a player we don't want.

Take the sure thing. Also, we have no control over any of this. The new front office was fully aware of what we're aware of and it didn't change anything.

I was more excited that we didn't take Queen at 10 but understood why we took KM. Highest ceiling, clearly BPA but he was also a major project and my preference would've been trading down

I wanted a more sure fire player than a player with a very high bust probability. I wanted someone who would be able to play right away.

Just don’t think this team is in a position to be able to take gambles. I get the draft in itself is a gamble but some players are more of a gamble than others. Maluach may have been the biggest gamble in the entire draft.

[lilfishi22]

I'm just saying, wasn't everyone stoked that Maluach fell to us? Was there a single fan here who was upset we took him or didn't trade back (not knowing what offers were out there)?

Why are people suddenly upset at this? Sure, it's possible the Pels land a top pick. But it's also possible they are late lottery, and we get a player we don't want.

Take the sure thing. Also, we have no control over any of this. The new front office was fully aware of what we're aware of and it didn't change anything.

I was more excited that we didn't take Queen at 10 but understood why we took KM. Highest ceiling, clearly BPA but he was also a major project and my preference would've been trading down

I wanted a more sure fire player than a player with a very high bust probability. I wanted someone who would be able to play right away.

Just don’t think this team is in a position to be able to take gambles. I get the draft in itself is a gamble but some players are more of a gamble than others. Maluach may have been the biggest gamble in the entire draft.

There's maybe 2 guys in the draft who were surefire players that wouldn't need much time to be ready to play and is considered blue chip and they were basically the #1 and #2 pick. The parameters you put forward are pretty much reserved for the top picks of any draft. That's the case for most drafts, the weak ones might have 1 guy and stronger drafts might have 3-4.

I mean, it's like any investment, unless it's a blue chip asset, you're balancing high potential with high risk. Or you're accepting lower risk but also a lower ceiling. If you want both high potential with lower risk....you better have a very high lotto pick.

[Sunsdeuce]

I was more excited that we didn't take Queen at 10 but understood why we took KM. Highest ceiling, clearly BPA but he was also a major project and my preference would've been trading down

I wanted a more sure fire player than a player with a very high bust probability. I wanted someone who would be able to play right away.

Just don’t think this team is in a position to be able to take gambles. I get the draft in itself is a gamble but some players are more of a gamble than others. Maluach may have been the biggest gamble in the entire draft.

There's maybe 2 guys in the draft who were surefire players that wouldn't need much time to be ready to play and is considered blue chip and they were basically the #1 and #2 pick. The parameters you put forward are pretty much reserved for the top picks of any draft. That's the case for most drafts, the weak ones might have 1 guy and stronger drafts might have 3-4.

I mean, it's like any investment, unless it's a blue chip asset, you're balancing high potential with high risk. Or you're accepting lower risk but also a lower ceiling. If you want both high potential with lower risk....you better have a very high lotto pick.

I’m not saying surefire stars. I’m just saying Maluach was the least ready player in this draft. I wanted player more polished. I know the whole draft is a crap shoot but some players have high bust potential than others. Not sure there was a player in this draft with more bust potential than Maluach.

[Puff]

I'm just saying, wasn't everyone stoked that Maluach fell to us? Was there a single fan here who was upset we took him or didn't trade back (not knowing what offers were out there)?

Why are people suddenly upset at this? Sure, it's possible the Pels land a top pick. But it's also possible they are late lottery, and we get a player we don't want.

Take the sure thing. Also, we have no control over any of this. The new front office was fully aware of what we're aware of and it didn't change anything.

They drafted the two players that I had at the top of my list. I never thought they would get both of them, but they did.

Our biggest need was at Center and PF not at PG. We filled both Center and PF with the draft and solidified them with the trade for Williams at Center and the signing of Hayes at PF/SF. We are now loaded at the 4/5 with great potential at the 3 with Brooks, Hayes, Dunn and Brea. Most of these guys are interchangeable.

I could care less what happens in the 2026. The discussion has run its course. It was the right decision to draft Maluach. If it turns out bad, so be it. You should be excited with the prospects for next year. We also got rid of KD and Beal while not bringing back old school CP3. It is a new day in Arizona.

Go Suns

[garrick]

I wanted a more sure fire player than a player with a very high bust probability. I wanted someone who would be able to play right away.

Just don’t think this team is in a position to be able to take gambles. I get the draft in itself is a gamble but some players are more of a gamble than others. Maluach may have been the biggest gamble in the entire draft.

There's maybe 2 guys in the draft who were surefire players that wouldn't need much time to be ready to play and is considered blue chip and they were basically the #1 and #2 pick. The parameters you put forward are pretty much reserved for the top picks of any draft. That's the case for most drafts, the weak ones might have 1 guy and stronger drafts might have 3-4.

I mean, it's like any investment, unless it's a blue chip asset, you're balancing high potential with high risk. Or you're accepting lower risk but also a lower ceiling. If you want both high potential with lower risk....you better have a very high lotto pick.

I’m not saying surefire stars. I’m just saying Maluach was the least ready player in this draft. I wanted player more polished. I know the whole draft is a crap shoot but some players have high bust potential than others. Not sure there was a player in this draft with more bust potential than Maluach.

It seems like in the 2026 draft there are 4-5 players being discussed as the possible #1 pick which means at least for the top 5 it's a deep draft so lets say the Pelicans got the #4 or #5 pick then that pick could potentially be a very impactful player from day one.

Of course there's the chance the Pelicans make the playoffs and then that point is moot but I am not liking the Pels chances with Zion consistently missing games every season.

[Sunsdeuce]

There's maybe 2 guys in the draft who were surefire players that wouldn't need much time to be ready to play and is considered blue chip and they were basically the #1 and #2 pick. The parameters you put forward are pretty much reserved for the top picks of any draft. That's the case for most drafts, the weak ones might have 1 guy and stronger drafts might have 3-4.

I mean, it's like any investment, unless it's a blue chip asset, you're balancing high potential with high risk. Or you're accepting lower risk but also a lower ceiling. If you want both high potential with lower risk....you better have a very high lotto pick.

I’m not saying surefire stars. I’m just saying Maluach was the least ready player in this draft. I wanted player more polished. I know the whole draft is a crap shoot but some players have high bust potential than others. Not sure there was a player in this draft with more bust potential than Maluach.

It seems like in the 2026 draft there are 4-5 players being discussed as the possible #1 pick which means at least for the top 5 it's a deep draft so lets say the Pelicans got the #4 or #5 pick then that pick could potentially be a very impactful player from day one.

Of course there's the chance the Pelicans make the playoffs and then that point is moot but I am not liking the Pels chances with Zion consistently missing games every season.

I would have taken the trade in a heartbeat. But we all gonna see if this from office either was right to stay put and draft Maluach or regret it. Josh Jackson is my lesson learned when it comes to players with “potential” vs players more NBA ready.

[lilfishi22]

There's maybe 2 guys in the draft who were surefire players that wouldn't need much time to be ready to play and is considered blue chip and they were basically the #1 and #2 pick. The parameters you put forward are pretty much reserved for the top picks of any draft. That's the case for most drafts, the weak ones might have 1 guy and stronger drafts might have 3-4.

I mean, it's like any investment, unless it's a blue chip asset, you're balancing high potential with high risk. Or you're accepting lower risk but also a lower ceiling. If you want both high potential with lower risk....you better have a very high lotto pick.

I’m not saying surefire stars. I’m just saying Maluach was the least ready player in this draft. I wanted player more polished. I know the whole draft is a crap shoot but some players have high bust potential than others. Not sure there was a player in this draft with more bust potential than Maluach.

It seems like in the 2026 draft there are 4-5 players being discussed as the possible #1 pick which means at least for the top 5 it's a deep draft so lets say the Pelicans got the #4 or #5 pick then that pick could potentially be a very impactful player from day one.

Of course there's the chance the Pelicans make the playoffs and then that point is moot but I am not liking the Pels chances with Zion consistently missing games every season.

Yeah if I'm taking a bet, I'd quite easily put money on them missing the playoffs. Even if it isn't a top 3 or top 5 pick, it's still A pick in 2026 when we currently have none

[lilfishi22]

I’m not saying surefire stars. I’m just saying Maluach was the least ready player in this draft. I wanted player more polished. I know the whole draft is a crap shoot but some players have high bust potential than others. Not sure there was a player in this draft with more bust potential than Maluach.

It seems like in the 2026 draft there are 4-5 players being discussed as the possible #1 pick which means at least for the top 5 it's a deep draft so lets say the Pelicans got the #4 or #5 pick then that pick could potentially be a very impactful player from day one.

Of course there's the chance the Pelicans make the playoffs and then that point is moot but I am not liking the Pels chances with Zion consistently missing games every season.

I would have taken the trade in a heartbeat. But we all gonna see if this from office either was right to stay put and draft Maluach or regret it. Josh Jackson is my lesson learned when it comes to players with “potential” vs players more NBA ready.

I learned a lesson just this past season with Dunn. I thought the guy was gonna get like 10-15mpg max because his lack of offense is going to make him a weak link. But credit to him for working hard and working on his shot and while he still wasn't a good shooter by any definition of the word, it was enough to keep him in games long enough to be a menace defensively.

What we got in the guys we've drafted this year and the last are talented and hard working prospects with seemingly the right attitude and at least one projectable elite NBA skill/measurable. If we're talking about a guy who is more polished, could probably play right away, that's probably someone like Queen. But the guy has engagement and motor issues and as importantly, he's not very good defensively. And we've seen dudes with a bad motor and poor defense fade out as well despite being polished and ready to play on the offensive end. There's trade offs no matter who you go with. And I think taking the consensus BPA in the 2nd half of the lottery is a reasonably sound approach.

[ChuckS]

I've chosen to render unto GOK that which is GOK's, for obvious reasons, primarily my ignorance of most draft choices. Regarding the latter, I also prefer the excitement of youth coming of age in Kiddie leagues more than at the highest level of the game. I realize this is sacrilegious.

But then I thought how much guys like Maluach have brought to the game. If Coach Dale had him he would not have needed Ollie on Straps' shoulders to measure the height of that rim in the finals arena. Heck, the kid has turned a few on this board into "Shooter" already. Khaman has a 9'6" standing reach. I don't even care if his verticals are only 24 inches and 30 inches. That's enough redeeming basketball virtue for me to consider. Well that and the fact that he did not play college ball for the "Sisters of the Poor".

On the other hand Kevin Durant was picked second behind a center who lasted only three years in the NBA. Albeit that was because of injuries. So there have already been worse things than whatever the future might bring for any of our draft hopefuls. To paraphrase Scarlett O'Hara, I'll just worry about that tomorrow.

[KdoubleDees23]

I wanted a more sure fire player than a player with a very high bust probability. I wanted someone who would be able to play right away.

Just don’t think this team is in a position to be able to take gambles. I get the draft in itself is a gamble but some players are more of a gamble than others. Maluach may have been the biggest gamble in the entire draft.

There's maybe 2 guys in the draft who were surefire players that wouldn't need much time to be ready to play and is considered blue chip and they were basically the #1 and #2 pick. The parameters you put forward are pretty much reserved for the top picks of any draft. That's the case for most drafts, the weak ones might have 1 guy and stronger drafts might have 3-4.

I mean, it's like any investment, unless it's a blue chip asset, you're balancing high potential with high risk. Or you're accepting lower risk but also a lower ceiling. If you want both high potential with lower risk....you better have a very high lotto pick.

I’m not saying surefire stars. I’m just saying Maluach was the least ready player in this draft. I wanted player more polished. I know the whole draft is a crap shoot but some players have high bust potential than others. Not sure there was a player in this draft with more bust potential than Maluach.

He wasnt the least ready player in the draft. Dude get out of here with this nonsense. If I am the Suns I still play him 15 mpg and have him back up Williams. He will be fine.

Do you realize not one Center from this years draft should be starting for their team. Not ONE!!!!!!!!!!!! He was the top rated Center Prospect and still has the most potential out of all them with his ability, age, measurements, etc.

Suns aren't winning a ring next year, and no other player in 2025 or 2026 draft would get us to the next level.

[KdoubleDees23]

There's maybe 2 guys in the draft who were surefire players that wouldn't need much time to be ready to play and is considered blue chip and they were basically the #1 and #2 pick. The parameters you put forward are pretty much reserved for the top picks of any draft. That's the case for most drafts, the weak ones might have 1 guy and stronger drafts might have 3-4.

I mean, it's like any investment, unless it's a blue chip asset, you're balancing high potential with high risk. Or you're accepting lower risk but also a lower ceiling. If you want both high potential with lower risk....you better have a very high lotto pick.

I’m not saying surefire stars. I’m just saying Maluach was the least ready player in this draft. I wanted player more polished. I know the whole draft is a crap shoot but some players have high bust potential than others. Not sure there was a player in this draft with more bust potential than Maluach.

It seems like in the 2026 draft there are 4-5 players being discussed as the possible #1 pick which means at least for the top 5 it's a deep draft so lets say the Pelicans got the #4 or #5 pick then that pick could potentially be a very impactful player from day one.

Of course there's the chance the Pelicans make the playoffs and then that point is moot but I am not liking the Pels chances with Zion consistently missing games every season.

Name those 4-5 players. I would love to see who they are. I think there is a top 2 and its still a potential what if they pan out. If Maluach played another year at Duke and put up numbers then entered 2026 draft, he could potentially be a top 5 pick as well. That is my argument. Dude is 18 and bigs take some time to develop! He was pick #10 in a weak draft. I am cheering him on, vs calling him a bust cause of Summer League with no PG or players around him that are getting doubled, etc. and its all ME ball with the Suns.

[KdoubleDees23]

I’m not saying surefire stars. I’m just saying Maluach was the least ready player in this draft. I wanted player more polished. I know the whole draft is a crap shoot but some players have high bust potential than others. Not sure there was a player in this draft with more bust potential than Maluach.

It seems like in the 2026 draft there are 4-5 players being discussed as the possible #1 pick which means at least for the top 5 it's a deep draft so lets say the Pelicans got the #4 or #5 pick then that pick could potentially be a very impactful player from day one.

Of course there's the chance the Pelicans make the playoffs and then that point is moot but I am not liking the Pels chances with Zion consistently missing games every season.

Yeah if I'm taking a bet, I'd quite easily put money on them missing the playoffs. Even if it isn't a top 3 or top 5 pick, it's still A pick in 2026 when we currently have none

Let me say this loud and clear for all the kids in the back and adults still living with their mom

"SUNS DO NOT DRAFT GOOD".

If they did this trade, I would hope they packaged 2026 1st for another stud veteran to put next to Booker

[Sunsdeuce]

It seems like in the 2026 draft there are 4-5 players being discussed as the possible #1 pick which means at least for the top 5 it's a deep draft so lets say the Pelicans got the #4 or #5 pick then that pick could potentially be a very impactful player from day one.

Of course there's the chance the Pelicans make the playoffs and then that point is moot but I am not liking the Pels chances with Zion consistently missing games every season.

I would have taken the trade in a heartbeat. But we all gonna see if this from office either was right to stay put and draft Maluach or regret it. Josh Jackson is my lesson learned when it comes to players with “potential” vs players more NBA ready.

I learned a lesson just this past season with Dunn. I thought the guy was gonna get like 10-15mpg max because his lack of offense is going to make him a weak link. But credit to him for working hard and working on his shot and while he still wasn't a good shooter by any definition of the word, it was enough to keep him in games long enough to be a menace defensively.

What we got in the guys we've drafted this year and the last are talented and hard working prospects with seemingly the right attitude and at least one projectable elite NBA skill/measurable. If we're talking about a guy who is more polished, could probably play right away, that's probably someone like Queen. But the guy has engagement and motor issues and as importantly, he's not very good defensively. And we've seen dudes with a bad motor and poor defense fade out as well despite being polished and ready to play on the offensive end. There's trade offs no matter who you go with. And I think taking the consensus BPA in the 2nd half of the lottery is a reasonably sound approach.

Let me preference by saying, I like Dunn. I think he’s going to be in the league a long time. But if he doesn’t develop an offensive game, I’m not sure what he’s role will be long term in this league. He was on a rollercoaster all year. Sometimes he was unplayable and other times he looked like a bonafide starter. To be quite frank, I’m still not sure who or what Dunn is yet. What I liked: his defense ethic. What I didn’t like, his standing around on offense, waiting to shoot threes in the corner. He’s bread and butter on offense should be endless movement. Cutting, driving, dunking. Last year, his bread and butter was corner threes (which were not exactly a sure thing). With his shooting limitations he should be poor mans Shawn Marion. He should live and breathe by cuts, put backs and offensive rebounding. Threes should be secondary.

[Fo-Real]

Royce and Nick for Rui. I have always thought Rui had more potential than he was being misused for. In a contract year with a more active role (rather than being a Doncic/Bron and formerly Davis/Bron sidekick), he might play his ass off. He is 27, athletic, shoots threes almost at a Grayson Allen percentage and actually has a post game that he isn't allowed to use very much.

[King4Day]

Read on Twitter

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I had a feeling Dunn was being asked for

[BobbieL]

Royce and Nick for Rui. I have always thought Rui had more potential than he was being misused for. In a contract year with a more active role (rather than being a Doncic/Bron and formerly Davis/Bron sidekick), he might play his ass off. He is 27, athletic, shoots threes almost at a Grayson Allen percentage and actually has a post game that he isn't allowed to use very much.

I like that trade. But would the Lakers take on three years of Royce when I think Hui is an expiring


Shams is reporting the Suns and Kings are offering over $90m/4 years for Kuminga but the Warriors aren't interested

I think because of Kumingas BYC - the Warriors can take back about half. So if you year 1 is $22m - that would be Royce, Oso and draft picks - I would imagine. Plus if if its true that Kuminga would be double what is going out - this would push the Suns over the first apron level. BAck again

Activity over accomplishment
click bait trade
Flex dropping a tweet how the team is playing 3D chess

bad move all around. Stay the course

[Sunsdeuce]

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I had a feeling Dunn was being asked for

Knowing Ishbia’s track record, he will fold and include Dunn for the overrated and low basketball IQ Kuminga. It’s how Ishbia works.

Then Gambo will make a convenient excuse for the poor trade and Evan will hype it as the Suns had to give up Dunn to get the “star” that Kuminga will be for the Suns.

It’s the circle of life.

Suns make poor decisions —->Gambo hypes up the trade as Suns did great/had no choice “suns did great job with that they had”——>evan tweets how great it is——> player traded for under performs——->Gambo and Evan talk crap about the player——> Suns end up trying to unload that player——-> Suns dump underperforming player with draft picks——-> says Suns did the best they could given the circumstances——> Suns Make poor decisions.

[starbosa10]

Read on Twitter

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I had a feeling Dunn was being asked for

Absolutely shouldn't trade Dunn

[Fo-Real]

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I had a feeling Dunn was being asked for

This is bat **** crazy!!

[BobbieL]

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I had a feeling Dunn was being asked for

Knowing Ishbia’s track record, he will fold and include Dunn for the overrated and low basketball IQ Kuminga. It’s how Ishbia works.

Plus Kumingas would make like $20m more than Dunn - or close to it and like I wrote above, push them in the Lux tax area
stupid

You just got out of it -- now you are going back into for an overpaid, overrated player. Dunn is better at 2m, or maybe its $4m - whatever is making