2025-26 Season News & Discussion

[Ghost of Kleine]

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[Slim Charless]

Please, no Zion. No Zion talk, even.

We have enough DNP's to deal with.

yeah, even if he somehow gets his motivation back, he'll never be healthy. No, thanks

After 5 seasons of the team trying to keep DA motivated enough to play like a consistent star, I have no desire in bringing in another immensely talented baby into the fold, and an unhealthy one no less. At least DA played

This crew we have right now does't need constant praise and coddling to play hard and give it their all.

You guys were singing a different tune last year. All of you. Which there's nothing wrong with as people change.....just like NBA players (who are people) change.

Fact remains that GoK's move of getting Zion for a Greyson or Brooks centered deal, along with Richards is a great gamble for a guy who can win multiple MVPs. Don't bring up Ayton as he was never as good as Zion even on his best day. Zion is an automatic bucket from 10 feet and in along with legit point forward skills and playmaking. Who is less than 26 years old. Lastly and this is the most important part:


His contract is non-guaranteed. 0 risk money-wise

So we lose nothing and can gain everything. Removing GReyson/Richards from the team won't make a big difference even if Zion is not Zion(which I think he is)...meanwhile if he is still that guy then we just got a 25 yr old who is the perfect player to put next to Booker and Dunn for the next decade.

[Ghost of Kleine]

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Good to see them getting floor time and getting experience, even if it's only the G league.

[Ghost of Kleine]

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[lilfishi22]

yeah, even if he somehow gets his motivation back, he'll never be healthy. No, thanks

After 5 seasons of the team trying to keep DA motivated enough to play like a consistent star, I have no desire in bringing in another immensely talented baby into the fold, and an unhealthy one no less. At least DA played

This crew we have right now does't need constant praise and coddling to play hard and give it their all.

You guys were singing a different tune last year. All of you. Which there's nothing wrong with as people change.....just like NBA players (who are people) change.

Fact remains that GoK's move of getting Zion for a Greyson or Brooks centered deal, along with Richards is a great gamble for a guy who can win multiple MVPs. Don't bring up Ayton as he was never as good as Zion even on his best day. Zion is an automatic bucket from 10 feet and in along with legit point forward skills and playmaking. Who is less than 26 years old. Lastly and this is the most important part:


His contract is non-guaranteed. 0 risk money-wise

So we lose nothing and can gain everything. Removing GReyson/Richards from the team won't make a big difference even if Zion is not Zion(which I think he is)...meanwhile if he is still that guy then we just got a 25 yr old who is the perfect player to put next to Booker and Dunn for the next decade.

What tune are you referring to?

You keep fantasising about a scenario where Zion is not just healthy but playing like an allstar again which he hasn't been in not 1, not 2 but 3 seasons. ANd also remind me again what his post-season stat were. There's an absolute risk he plays just enough to earn guaranteed money next season and then he sits out again putting more or less dead salary on the books. There's also a real risk we bring in a guy with a **** attitude who doesn't play for the cost of likely 2 high level starters who is actually adding to this team's culture and identity and good for at least 60 games a season. After the last two seasons, I'm done with chasing damaged good.

You're chasing a dream that has been Pelican's nightmare ever since he was drafted #1 overall.

[bigfoot]

yeah, even if he somehow gets his motivation back, he'll never be healthy. No, thanks

After 5 seasons of the team trying to keep DA motivated enough to play like a consistent star, I have no desire in bringing in another immensely talented baby into the fold, and an unhealthy one no less. At least DA played

This crew we have right now does't need constant praise and coddling to play hard and give it their all.

You guys were singing a different tune last year. All of you. Which there's nothing wrong with as people change.....just like NBA players (who are people) change.

Fact remains that GoK's move of getting Zion for a Greyson or Brooks centered deal, along with Richards is a great gamble for a guy who can win multiple MVPs. Don't bring up Ayton as he was never as good as Zion even on his best day. Zion is an automatic bucket from 10 feet and in along with legit point forward skills and playmaking. Who is less than 26 years old. Lastly and this is the most important part:


His contract is non-guaranteed. 0 risk money-wise

So we lose nothing and can gain everything. Removing GReyson/Richards from the team won't make a big difference even if Zion is not Zion(which I think he is)...meanwhile if he is still that guy then we just got a 25 yr old who is the perfect player to put next to Booker and Dunn for the next decade.

I would not move Grayson or Brooks for Zion. Instead I would think about Green/Richards for Zion plus future draft capital. Booker, Grayson, Goodwin, Gillispie, Bouyea can hold down the guard rotation. Now we would have depth at the PF position with Zion, Brooks, Dunn, and in a pinch Oso.

Booker/Gillispie/Bouyea
Grayson/Goodwin/Brea
Brooks/O'Neale/Livers
Zion/Dunn/Davis/Fleming
Williams/Ighodaro/Maluach

This of course all hinges on Zion being an Ott and Gregory kind of guy.

[Ghost of Kleine]

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I don't really know which scenario I'd loathe more. If the Spurs were to somehow get Giannis next to Wemby.

Or if the Rockets landed Giannis using our 1sts in 27 and 29. I guess if they also had to lose Sengun in the deal too, at least the Rockets shooting would really, really suck!

But then Milwaukee, the team that bullied us in the finals and ruined our best chance at a championship, would also cash in on our premium draft picks.

[Ghost of Kleine]

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The last few years when we were a destination and we were able to sign some guys who probably could've gotten more money elsewhere but chose Phoenix for less like Tyus, Plumlee, EG, and Gillespie too. Ironically, now I almost feel less inclined to open up our roster for the best talent and focus more on the right guys, with the right attitude without a promise of playing time or role and have them earn it if they want to be a Sun.

Yes, and understandably so man. It's pretty nice to hear that we're actually a legitimate destination of interest now. And the product and culture is definitely trending in the right direction finally too with the prioritizing of tenacity and relentless hard play, defense and athleticism.

Focusing on the right types of players and proper depth is the correct pathway to reestablish competitive relevance again.

[lilfishi22]

After 5 seasons of the team trying to keep DA motivated enough to play like a consistent star, I have no desire in bringing in another immensely talented baby into the fold, and an unhealthy one no less. At least DA played

This crew we have right now does't need constant praise and coddling to play hard and give it their all.

You guys were singing a different tune last year. All of you. Which there's nothing wrong with as people change.....just like NBA players (who are people) change.

Fact remains that GoK's move of getting Zion for a Greyson or Brooks centered deal, along with Richards is a great gamble for a guy who can win multiple MVPs. Don't bring up Ayton as he was never as good as Zion even on his best day. Zion is an automatic bucket from 10 feet and in along with legit point forward skills and playmaking. Who is less than 26 years old. Lastly and this is the most important part:


His contract is non-guaranteed. 0 risk money-wise

So we lose nothing and can gain everything. Removing GReyson/Richards from the team won't make a big difference even if Zion is not Zion(which I think he is)...meanwhile if he is still that guy then we just got a 25 yr old who is the perfect player to put next to Booker and Dunn for the next decade.

I would not move Grayson or Brooks for Zion. Instead I would think about Green/Richards for Zion plus future draft capital. Booker, Grayson, Goodwin, Gillispie, Bouyea can hold down the guard rotation. Now we would have depth at the PF position with Zion, Brooks, Dunn, and in a pinch Oso.

Booker/Gillispie/Bouyea
Grayson/Goodwin/Brea
Brooks/O'Neale/Livers
Zion/Dunn/Davis/Fleming
Williams/Ighodaro/Maluach

This of course all hinges on Zion being an Ott and Gregory kind of guy.

You have to be very prepared to run a starting front court with neither Williams or Zion for 20, 30, 40 games a season

[Ghost of Kleine]

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His contract is fully unguaranteed each year if he doesn't play a specific threshold of games! Phoenix with the right package could land an alpha star or if things don't work out, they could clear around 42 million in salary!


But would anyone take that risk to possibly pair Zion with Booker? Could we create a Booker, Zion, Williams trio possibly? But would need to keep Dunn and Gillespie obviously.

What kind of package would you guys consider if we entertained this?

Any deal for Zion will almost guarantee we blow up what we have right now. The guy makes $40m which mean you need to trade some combination of Brooks, Green, Grayson and Royce. Now I understand if it's purely a salary play to make room for guys like CG, Williams and giving us some cap flexibility in the medium term but that would mean this team, this identity and the way we play is going to fundamentally change. The fact is, he's had more sub-30 games played season than he's had 60+ games played season. We're more than likely not going to get Zion for less than half the season so we could probably say goodbye to any sort of potential playoff run. And it's also not guaranteed his contract is fully non-guaranteed next season either, he could go on a healthy run and a decent chunk of his $42m salary next season gets guaranteed. Then you'll go through this again next season for the following season's salary.

40% of 2025-26 salary becomes guaranteed if plays >= 41 games during 2024-25 season, additional 20% if plays >= 51 games, remaining 20% if plays >= 61 games

Salaries for 2026-27 and 2027-28 seasons can be re-guaranteed if above metrics are hit the season prior

I also just don't think he's the kind of player/attitude I want on this team. Everyone on this team from top to bottom gives it their all and sacrifices for the team. I just don't think Zion is that guy. He's talented for sure but talent isn't everything (see KD/Beal.) Nah I rather not go for the talent play and keep the guys who want to be here, want to compete and is willing to do everything to put themselves in the best position to be able to contribute to this team.

I of course understand your apprehension over this thought experiment given his documented health and durability issues and potential lack of overall discipline (at least in their environment)??

And I wouldn't really want to surrender any of J Green, Dunn or Brooks for Zion necessarily either if I could keep them. And as you probably know, Allen is one of my favorite players along with J Green too as much as I've promoted Green. But honestly, I'm of the mind that players can change in different situations, and possibly excel with a change of scenery.

I think that a big underlying part of Zion's problems can he attributed to New Orleans terrible ownership and front office management as well as Zion's personal entourage/ friends. But if brought into a more structured environment with level headed leadership, and better supporting cast, he could experience a completely different outcome.

And that's not even considering that he'd have a lot to prove as potential motivation to show people that he is worthy of his draft status, etc. I get the implied risks, but even if he couldn't get it together and play consistently, then his contract wouldn't be guaranteed.

But if he somehow did manage to get healthy and play, then as dominant as he is when on the court, and playing alongside of Booker and others, we'd bank a bunch of wins at minimum and at least be a solid playoff team that would minimize the outgoing value of the picks in 27 and 29.

And since Zion currently only makes $39 million on his 3 yr deal, if we sent a package of J Green, O'neale and Richards, that'd be upwards of $ 48 million. So 8 million more than his incoming salary. Giving them probably the best talent value they could realistically get.

But more importantly, it would allow us to keep Booker, Brooks, Gillespie, Allen, Williams and Dunn.

We could then feature a lineup of:

Booker/ Allen/ Brooks/ Zion/ Williams.
Gillespie/ NHD / Dunn/ Ighodaro/ Maluach.
Bouyea/ Brea / FA / Flemming/ draft?

Sure we might have to throw in a Maluach to top off the value possibly. But there's very solid backup center options in free agency and the draft that can fill the gap if necessary. It really just depends upon potential framework.

And for a legitimate "Alpha" (1A option) star, considering that we have no legitimate cap flexibility, and no legitimate draft picks either for the next half decade, landing a player of Zion's generational talent and abilities, in an extreme buy low scenario ( due to implied risks) may he the very best swing to maximize Booker's remaining prime here.

Because if Zion could at all work out, an inside out duo of Booker and Zion would make ous legitimate contenders, especially if we also could somehow keep Brooks, Dunn and Williams. Best of all, keeping Allen and Gillespie alongside Booker would give us elite shooting to perfectly compliment Zion's unstoppable inside game. And Williams would cover defensively in the paint too.

And imagine the lobs from Booker and Gillespie to a Zion and Williams frontcourt duo.

[KdoubleDees23]

After 5 seasons of the team trying to keep DA motivated enough to play like a consistent star, I have no desire in bringing in another immensely talented baby into the fold, and an unhealthy one no less. At least DA played

This crew we have right now does't need constant praise and coddling to play hard and give it their all.

You guys were singing a different tune last year. All of you. Which there's nothing wrong with as people change.....just like NBA players (who are people) change.

Fact remains that GoK's move of getting Zion for a Greyson or Brooks centered deal, along with Richards is a great gamble for a guy who can win multiple MVPs. Don't bring up Ayton as he was never as good as Zion even on his best day. Zion is an automatic bucket from 10 feet and in along with legit point forward skills and playmaking. Who is less than 26 years old. Lastly and this is the most important part:


His contract is non-guaranteed. 0 risk money-wise

So we lose nothing and can gain everything. Removing GReyson/Richards from the team won't make a big difference even if Zion is not Zion(which I think he is)...meanwhile if he is still that guy then we just got a 25 yr old who is the perfect player to put next to Booker and Dunn for the next decade.

What tune are you referring to?

You keep fantasising about a scenario where Zion is not just healthy but playing like an allstar again which he hasn't been in not 1, not 2 but 3 seasons. ANd also remind me again what his post-season stat were. There's an absolute risk he plays just enough to earn guaranteed money next season and then he sits out again putting more or less dead salary on the books. There's also a real risk we bring in a guy with a **** attitude who doesn't play for the cost of likely 2 high level starters who is actually adding to this team's culture and identity and good for at least 60 games a season. After the last two seasons, I'm done with chasing damaged good.

You're chasing a dream that has been Pelican's nightmare ever since he was drafted #1 overall.

Who here wanted Zion lol I know for a fact nobody does. Dude has never been healthy and give me Allen and Richards over Zion any day of the week! Also brooks is already better on both sides than Zion will ever be !

Suns management wouldn’t trade our water boy for Zion so stop talking

[KdoubleDees23]

GOK and whoever else said green for Zion. Can mods ban them for these ridiculous trade ideas ! Green is here for good ! Dude is 23 and a great locker room
Kid .

Green is 5 xs the player Zion is

Zion won’t ever play a full season. Dude sucks and sucks at being a professional

[lilfishi22]

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His contract is fully unguaranteed each year if he doesn't play a specific threshold of games! Phoenix with the right package could land an alpha star or if things don't work out, they could clear around 42 million in salary!


But would anyone take that risk to possibly pair Zion with Booker? Could we create a Booker, Zion, Williams trio possibly? But would need to keep Dunn and Gillespie obviously.

What kind of package would you guys consider if we entertained this?

Any deal for Zion will almost guarantee we blow up what we have right now. The guy makes $40m which mean you need to trade some combination of Brooks, Green, Grayson and Royce. Now I understand if it's purely a salary play to make room for guys like CG, Williams and giving us some cap flexibility in the medium term but that would mean this team, this identity and the way we play is going to fundamentally change. The fact is, he's had more sub-30 games played season than he's had 60+ games played season. We're more than likely not going to get Zion for less than half the season so we could probably say goodbye to any sort of potential playoff run. And it's also not guaranteed his contract is fully non-guaranteed next season either, he could go on a healthy run and a decent chunk of his $42m salary next season gets guaranteed. Then you'll go through this again next season for the following season's salary.

40% of 2025-26 salary becomes guaranteed if plays >= 41 games during 2024-25 season, additional 20% if plays >= 51 games, remaining 20% if plays >= 61 games

Salaries for 2026-27 and 2027-28 seasons can be re-guaranteed if above metrics are hit the season prior

I also just don't think he's the kind of player/attitude I want on this team. Everyone on this team from top to bottom gives it their all and sacrifices for the team. I just don't think Zion is that guy. He's talented for sure but talent isn't everything (see KD/Beal.) Nah I rather not go for the talent play and keep the guys who want to be here, want to compete and is willing to do everything to put themselves in the best position to be able to contribute to this team.

I of course understand your apprehension over this thought experiment given his documented health and durability issues and potential lack of overall discipline (at least in their environment)??

And I wouldn't really want to surrender any of J Green, Dunn or Brooks for Zion necessarily either if I could keep them. And as you probably know, Allen is one of my favorite players along with J Green too as much as I've promoted Green. But honestly, I'm of the mind that players can change in different situations, and possibly excel with a change of scenery.

I think that a big underlying part of Zion's problems can he attributed to New Orleans terrible ownership and front office management as well as Zion's personal entourage/ friends. But if brought into a more structured environment with level headed leadership, and better supporting cast, he could experience a completely different outcome.

And that's not even considering that he'd have a lot to prove as potential motivation to show people that he is worthy of his draft status, etc. I get the implied risks, but even if he couldn't get it together and play consistently, then his contract wouldn't be guaranteed.

But if he somehow did manage to get healthy and play, then as dominant as he is when on the court, and playing alongside of Booker and others, we'd bank a bunch of wins at minimum and at least be a solid playoff team that would minimize the outgoing value of the picks in 27 and 29.

And since Zion currently only makes $39 million on his 3 yr deal, if we sent a package of J Green, O'neale and Richards, that'd be upwards of $ 48 million. So 8 million more than his incoming salary. Giving them probably the best talent value they could realistically get.

But more importantly, it would allow us to keep Booker, Brooks, Gillespie, Allen, Williams and Dunn.

We could then feature a lineup of:

Booker/ Allen/ Brooks/ Zion/ Williams.
Gillespie/ NHD / Dunn/ Ighodaro/ Maluach.
Bouyea/ Brea / FA / Flemming/ draft?

Sure we might have to throw in a Maluach to top off the value possibly. But there's very solid backup center options in free agency and the draft that can fill the gap if necessary. It really just depends upon potential framework.

And for a legitimate "Alpha" (1A option) star, considering that we have no legitimate cap flexibility, and no legitimate draft picks either for the next half decade, landing a player of Zion's generational talent and abilities, in an extreme buy low scenario ( due to implied risks) may he the very best swing to maximize Booker's remaining prime here.

Because if Zion could at all work out, an inside out duo of Booker and Zion would make ous legitimate contenders, especially if we also could somehow keep Brooks, Dunn and Williams. Best of all, keeping Allen and Gillespie alongside Booker would give us elite shooting to perfectly compliment Zion's unstoppable inside game. And Williams would cover defensively in the paint too.

And imagine the lobs from Booker and Gillespie to a Zion and Williams frontcourt duo.

Even if I accept your argument that a change in scenery is going to magically improve his attitude, I don't buy and I don't think ANYONE should seriously buy a change in scenario is going to meaningfully change the health of a player who has only played 224 out of a possible 505 games. I don't care to imagine the lobs or whatever to Zion/Williams because neither of these guys have a history of playing a lot of games.

I also don't buy he's what "A1 alpha" " you describe him as. The guy has never even been in the conversation for an all-defensive team so how the hell could he be an alpha player or whatever lol Book has way more of a case for being an alpha star than Zion and I don't consider him to be an alpha star.

From even before the draft and now into his 7th season in the league, the Zion story has been one of "ifs". If he could stay healthy, if he could improve his shooting, if he could cared more about his diet, if he could improve his conditioning, if he gave more effort on defense, if he could mature and improve on his work ethic.....if if if

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[lilfishi22]

GOK and whoever else said green for Zion. Can mods ban them for these ridiculous trade ideas ! Green is here for good ! Dude is 23 and a great locker room
Kid .

Green is 5 xs the player Zion is

Zion won’t ever play a full season. Dude sucks and sucks at being a professional

Green entered the league two years after Zion and has played an entire season's worth of games more than him (316gms vs 224gms)

[Mr Puddles]

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The last few years when we were a destination and we were able to sign some guys who probably could've gotten more money elsewhere but chose Phoenix for less like Tyus, Plumlee, EG, and Gillespie too. Ironically, now I almost feel less inclined to open up our roster for the best talent and focus more on the right guys, with the right attitude without a promise of playing time or role and have them earn it if they want to be a Sun.

Yes, and understandably so man. It's pretty nice to hear that we're actually a legitimate destination of interest now. And the product and culture is definitely trending in the right direction finally too with the prioritizing of tenacity and relentless hard play, defense and athleticism.

Focusing on the right types of players and proper depth is the correct pathway to reestablish competitive relevance again.

We've gotten better guys from the gleague (Gillespie, Bouyea, Livers) than we did in free agency (Tyus, EG, Plumlee).

Suns can listen to offers while continuing to pick up low cost talent. Unless an absolute sweetheart deal comes along, I fully anticipate we'll only be looking to improve in the margins and not make a big splash at the deadline.

[KdoubleDees23]

I am completely in shock that any basketball fan of a team would really propose a trade for Green or Brooks or Allen for Zion.

Any team in the NBA would take one of those 3 players over Zion. Zion is a lazy overweight injury prone player who averageds 37 games played per year. I would take Ben Simmons over Zion at this point. Zion would be the worst thing this franchise could do to this team that has hustle, great chemistry, etc.

Be smart guys, come on now

[Puff]

After 5 seasons of the team trying to keep DA motivated enough to play like a consistent star, I have no desire in bringing in another immensely talented baby into the fold, and an unhealthy one no less. At least DA played

This crew we have right now does't need constant praise and coddling to play hard and give it their all.

You guys were singing a different tune last year. All of you. Which there's nothing wrong with as people change.....just like NBA players (who are people) change.

Fact remains that GoK's move of getting Zion for a Greyson or Brooks centered deal, along with Richards is a great gamble for a guy who can win multiple MVPs. Don't bring up Ayton as he was never as good as Zion even on his best day. Zion is an automatic bucket from 10 feet and in along with legit point forward skills and playmaking. Who is less than 26 years old. Lastly and this is the most important part:


His contract is non-guaranteed. 0 risk money-wise

So we lose nothing and can gain everything. Removing GReyson/Richards from the team won't make a big difference even if Zion is not Zion(which I think he is)...meanwhile if he is still that guy then we just got a 25 yr old who is the perfect player to put next to Booker and Dunn for the next decade.

I would not move Grayson or Brooks for Zion. Instead I would think about Green/Richards for Zion plus future draft capital. Booker, Grayson, Goodwin, Gillispie, Bouyea can hold down the guard rotation. Now we would have depth at the PF position with Zion, Brooks, Dunn, and in a pinch Oso.

Booker/Gillispie/Bouyea
Grayson/Goodwin/Brea
Brooks/O'Neale/Livers
Zion/Dunn/Davis/Fleming
Williams/Ighodaro/Maluach

This of course all hinges on Zion being an Ott and Gregory kind of guy.

I would not trade Green for anyone at this point, especially for Zion. I want to see more of a Book and Green backcourt. It really could be very special. Add Gillespie to that duo and just wow.

I also would not move Dillon for anyone at this point. He is the leader of this team, not Booker. If you were watching, he showed up at the summer league games to be with his new team. It appears that he likes everyone on our team and they like him. This while he performs on the court and works his ass off to get better off the court. At this moment he is my favorite player, and I just love Gillespie.

Our management has finally put together a team that is fun to watch. Don' F it up.

It is pretty exciting that our 2 rookies went for double doubles in the G League. If they are legit why the Fook do we need Zion.

[Slim Charless]

After 5 seasons of the team trying to keep DA motivated enough to play like a consistent star, I have no desire in bringing in another immensely talented baby into the fold, and an unhealthy one no less. At least DA played

This crew we have right now does't need constant praise and coddling to play hard and give it their all.

You guys were singing a different tune last year. All of you. Which there's nothing wrong with as people change.....just like NBA players (who are people) change.

Fact remains that GoK's move of getting Zion for a Greyson or Brooks centered deal, along with Richards is a great gamble for a guy who can win multiple MVPs. Don't bring up Ayton as he was never as good as Zion even on his best day. Zion is an automatic bucket from 10 feet and in along with legit point forward skills and playmaking. Who is less than 26 years old. Lastly and this is the most important part:


His contract is non-guaranteed. 0 risk money-wise

So we lose nothing and can gain everything. Removing GReyson/Richards from the team won't make a big difference even if Zion is not Zion(which I think he is)...meanwhile if he is still that guy then we just got a 25 yr old who is the perfect player to put next to Booker and Dunn for the next decade.

What tune are you referring to?

You keep fantasising about a scenario where Zion is not just healthy but playing like an allstar again which he hasn't been in not 1, not 2 but 3 seasons. ANd also remind me again what his post-season stat were. There's an absolute risk he plays just enough to earn guaranteed money next season and then he sits out again putting more or less dead salary on the books. There's also a real risk we bring in a guy with a **** attitude who doesn't play for the cost of likely 2 high level starters who is actually adding to this team's culture and identity and good for at least 60 games a season. After the last two seasons, I'm done with chasing damaged good.

You're chasing a dream that has been Pelican's nightmare ever since he was drafted #1 overall.

Virtually everyone here (me too) was bashing this team. Booker and everyone else on the team. Their heart, toughness, ability to still play and love for the game. Guess what happened?

They played differently and people changed their opinions.


Why can't that happen to Zion?

He cant change and get healthy, get in shape, get some luck with his injuries, play up to his insane ability....all of that is impossible?

If healthy he's an MVP level player.

[SunsRback4Good]

You guys were singing a different tune last year. All of you. Which there's nothing wrong with as people change.....just like NBA players (who are people) change.

Fact remains that GoK's move of getting Zion for a Greyson or Brooks centered deal, along with Richards is a great gamble for a guy who can win multiple MVPs. Don't bring up Ayton as he was never as good as Zion even on his best day. Zion is an automatic bucket from 10 feet and in along with legit point forward skills and playmaking. Who is less than 26 years old. Lastly and this is the most important part:


His contract is non-guaranteed. 0 risk money-wise

So we lose nothing and can gain everything. Removing GReyson/Richards from the team won't make a big difference even if Zion is not Zion(which I think he is)...meanwhile if he is still that guy then we just got a 25 yr old who is the perfect player to put next to Booker and Dunn for the next decade.

What tune are you referring to?

You keep fantasising about a scenario where Zion is not just healthy but playing like an allstar again which he hasn't been in not 1, not 2 but 3 seasons. ANd also remind me again what his post-season stat were. There's an absolute risk he plays just enough to earn guaranteed money next season and then he sits out again putting more or less dead salary on the books. There's also a real risk we bring in a guy with a **** attitude who doesn't play for the cost of likely 2 high level starters who is actually adding to this team's culture and identity and good for at least 60 games a season. After the last two seasons, I'm done with chasing damaged good.

You're chasing a dream that has been Pelican's nightmare ever since he was drafted #1 overall.

Virtually everyone here (me too) was bashing this team. Booker and everyone else on the team. Their heart, toughness, ability to still play and love for the game. Guess what happened?

They played differently and people changed their opinions.


Why can't that happen to Zion?

He cant change and get healthy, get in shape, get some luck with his injuries, play up to his insane ability....all of that is impossible?

If healthy he's an MVP level player.

Yeah, I agree with you about Zion the guy just can’t stay fully healthy. He’ll play 10-15 games then miss 20+ games (rinse & repeat). A bit surprised some suns fans would entertain the thought of bringing him to Phoenix.

Btw, where have you been slim? Now that Suns are on the uprise how come you aren’t posting at all especially on game threads?

[Ghost of Kleine]

GOK and whoever else said green for Zion. Can mods ban them for these ridiculous trade ideas ! Green is here for good ! Dude is 23 and a great locker room
Kid .

Green is 5 xs the player Zion is

Zion won’t ever play a full season. Dude sucks and sucks at being a professional

When done with the half reflection and hyperbole man, compare their stats and efficiency when on the floor. Honestly, the only thing J Green (who everyone knows I've advocated for prior to the KD- Houston trade) is really only vastly better at durability when with Houston, but how many games has he played for us since the trade again?

And which player offers less positional redundancy than we already have at SG? J Green at 6'4 also a SG like all of Booker, Allen at 6'4, Jordan Goodwin-6'3, Jamaree Bouyea- 6'2, and even O'neale legitimately only 6'4 (even though some places still list him at 6'6).

The point is we're heavy on backcourt players and woefully thin in our frontcourt despite playing our players out of position to cover for those size/ depth deficiencies. Zion is unstoppable in the paint/ going to the rim, is a PF by the way, which we are super thin at, and averages per 36: 28 points/ 7 rebounds/ 5 assists.

So damn near MVP level numbers. Now the only actual legitimate argument you and others could have is his durability concerns, which I do understand and empathize with. But even those are still mitigated by his contract clauses.

And for those that have done the actual reflection on both sides of the risk assessment analysis, an inside/ out duo of Zion and Booker ( if not giving up Mark Williams, Gillespie or another key piece in the framework) would give us a potential finals contender during Booker's remaining prime as opposed to just a 2nd round ceiling exit.

We're good for right now ( as is) so I do understand people's risk aversion to such discussions. But if it truly is about maximizing Booker's remaining years here BEYOND just a 2nd round treadmilling team with no real future, then it becomes important to consider such risks, because without such concerns/ implied risks, a player of Zion's tier rarely if ever becomes available in their prime!

Lastly, people usually get banned for things other than offering a perspective for discussion on a trade thread discussing trade possibilities ( the actual purpose of the thread) like trolling for instance, but hey, you're still here, so there's that????