2014 Official FA Thread

[thamadkant]

Deandre Jordan has been on hyper mode all season.
He is an example of a mid 20s player that developed and improved so much in a season...
Hence Len and Plumlee has hopes... They just need to rebound and block and they'll be HUGE for the Suns.


In essence... I expect Len to be a 7ppg 6rpg 2bpg player next season... Playing consistent 15-17 minutes a game.
Plumlee similar but with slightly more rebounds and less blocks at 27-30 mpg.

If they can reach that... That would be incredible production.

We have to remember suns have 2 big men that are still improving... Both of them improve and it's a massive plus to what the suns need.

The PF spot is where Suns need a consistent offensive threath...

[bigfoot]

Deandre Jordan has been on hyper mode all season.
He is an example of a mid 20s player that developed and improved so much in a season...
Hence Len and Plumlee has hopes... They just need to rebound and block and they'll be HUGE for the Suns.


In essence... I expect Len to be a 7ppg 6rpg 2bpg player next season... Playing consistent 15-17 minutes a game.
Plumlee similar but with slightly more rebounds and less blocks at 27-30 mpg.

If they can reach that... That would be incredible production.

We have to remember suns have 2 big men that are still improving... Both of them improve and it's a massive plus to what the suns need.

The PF spot is where Suns need a consistent offensive threath...

I really hope this is the case. They are certainly young enough to improve. We have to remember that Horny put Kief at center quite a bit this season when he was playing small ball lineups. Plumlee really needs to work on a 15-18 foot jump shot to open up his inside game (hook shots) which wasn't too bad for a second year player. You can see it in his shot chart.

http://vorped.com/bball/index.php/playe ... ?ui=zone14

I am excited to see Len in summer league. I think we will see if he is a bust or not based on his performance.

Still I would think we should look at improving any of the SF, PF, or C spots based on what FAs are available to us. If that is at the C position (e.g., Bosh) then we must take a stab at it.

[thamadkant]

Suns have 3 ball and shot dominant guards... Hence the center spot just need defense and rebounding.
PF spot needs to be versatile in having a back to the rim game as well as mid range and defense.

Markieff Morris is just too inconsistent...

Maybe he will grow into it next season.

[Big NBA Fan]

If Tucker leaves, do you guys think Marion would have interest in returning to Phoenix?

It would be a nice story and even though he's not the player he used to be, he is still very athletic and a very good defender who has shown in the past that he's a great fit for an up-tempo team like the Suns.

[lilfishi22]

If Tucker leaves, do you guys think Marion would have interest in returning to Phoenix?

It would be a nice story and even though he's not the player he used to be, he is still very athletic and a very good defender who has shown in the past that he's a great fit for an up-tempo team like the Suns.

Doubt it. We're a elite contender yet and I would imagine he'd go for a contender while he's still productive. I think if we're looking at $3-4m a year SF defender who does a little of everything, I'd rather give a multiyear to Tucker who's only 28 than to a guy who is turning 36 in a few days.

[ImNotMcDiSwear]

There's a lot of talk that Boozer may be released by the Bulls. Would anyone else be interested in adding him on the cheap? He's not a world-class defender, but he can still board.

I think I'm the only one here who is convinced we should trade the MoBros, but there it is. We need to upgrade the PF position, and we can, so lets. Frye is very valuable because of his ability to spread the floor and defend inside. But the Morrises don't pass well, impose restrictions on our defenseive versatllity, and lack the size to play great interior d or rebound at a high rate. They've very skilled offensively (especially Markieff), so maybe they should go to a team that struggles to get scoring from their front court - like Philadelphia or Detroit.

Boozer, Millsap, ZBo - these are reasonable targets whom I think would likely improve this squad.

[bwgood77]

There's a lot of talk that Boozer may be released by the Bulls. Would anyone else be interested in adding him on the cheap? He's not a world-class defender, but he can still board.

I think I'm the only one here who is convinced we should trade the MoBros, but there it is. We need to upgrade the PF position, and we can, so lets. Frye is very valuable because of his ability to spread the floor and defend inside. But the Morrises don't pass well, impose restrictions on our defenseive versatllity, and lack the size to play great interior d or rebound at a high rate. They've very skilled offensively (especially Markieff), so maybe they should go to a team that struggles to get scoring from their front court - like Philadelphia or Detroit.

Boozer, Millsap, ZBo - these are reasonable targets whom I think would likely improve this squad.

We should trade anyone if it will make the team better. I'd prefer not to trade Dragic if possible, and would hate to trade Len unless it brought back a superstar (only because it would be a nightmare to give up this early on a 7'1 rookie and then watch him emerge into a beast...bigs like him take a while).

I like our whole team and don't just want to make trades to make trades, but McD won't hesitate trading the MoBros if it got us someone like Love. I imagine he'd probably do it for just a guaranteed year of Love, because you've got to swing for the fences in this league if you want a chance to contend.

But of course that particular scenario won't happen because Minny probably won't trade Love (at least not until either next summer possibly at the deadline) and they probably wouldn't trade him for the MoBros. Perhaps they would in a bigger package that included a bit more with picks and stuff.

[Sun Scorched]

If you're Minny, you ask for the Moon. In theory, you don't trade your star. In practice, Love's value will only decline the duration of his existing contract. As practice has shown, it would be better if Minny traded Love now than waiting through a year's worth of media circus and the inevitable damage that will do to your franchise.

And if you trade Love, you need to accomplish three things: (1) young talent, (2) draft picks and (3) cap space. You only pull the trigger if those three stars align.

If Minny asks for Len, Goodwin, Morrisx2 and every pick... I think you have to do it, right?

PG - Bledsoe
SG - Dragic / Green
SF - Tucker
PF - Love / Frye
C - Plumlee

[JDLAW]

If you're Minny, you ask for the Moon. In theory, you don't trade your star. In practice, Love's value will only decline the duration of his existing contract. As practice has shown, it would be better if Minny traded Love now than waiting through a year's worth of media circus and the inevitable damage that will do to your franchise.

And if you trade Love, you need to accomplish three things: (1) young talent, (2) draft picks and (3) cap space. You only pull the trigger if those three stars align.

If Minny asks for Len, Goodwin, Morrisx2 and every pick... I think you have to do it, right?

PG - Bledsoe
SG - Dragic / Green
SF - Tucker
PF - Love / Frye
C - Plumlee

NO! You simply do not give up this for what could be a one-year rental. Moreover, even if he were signed for longer than a year, he is simply not worth 6 first round picks, Len Goodwin, and the Morris twins.

[kingstyyyle]

If you're Minny, you ask for the Moon. In theory, you don't trade your star. In practice, Love's value will only decline the duration of his existing contract. As practice has shown, it would be better if Minny traded Love now than waiting through a year's worth of media circus and the inevitable damage that will do to your franchise.

And if you trade Love, you need to accomplish three things: (1) young talent, (2) draft picks and (3) cap space. You only pull the trigger if those three stars align.

If Minny asks for Len, Goodwin, Morrisx2 and every pick... I think you have to do it, right?

PG - Bledsoe
SG - Dragic / Green
SF - Tucker
PF - Love / Frye
C - Plumlee

I'd do it without Len and Goodwin and only if we're positive Love will re-sign. I just don't see what all those draft picks will get you that could be better than Love.

[bwgood77]

If you're Minny, you ask for the Moon. In theory, you don't trade your star. In practice, Love's value will only decline the duration of his existing contract. As practice has shown, it would be better if Minny traded Love now than waiting through a year's worth of media circus and the inevitable damage that will do to your franchise.

And if you trade Love, you need to accomplish three things: (1) young talent, (2) draft picks and (3) cap space. You only pull the trigger if those three stars align.

If Minny asks for Len, Goodwin, Morrisx2 and every pick... I think you have to do it, right?

PG - Bledsoe
SG - Dragic / Green
SF - Tucker
PF - Love / Frye
C - Plumlee

I'd do it without Len and Goodwin and only if we're positive Love will re-sign. I just don't see what all those draft picks will get you that could be better than Love.

I'm pretty sure McD wouldn't hesitate to pull the trigger if Len and Goodwin were not included (even without assurance of Love staying). He may only have the opportunity to get a guy like Love once in a decade.

I don't think Minny would do it yet though. But if you have Love starting, and Frye off the bench as backup center or something, this team is on another level.

If the team did really well, I can't see Love leaving for less money anyway. It's pretty rare, especially if a team is good. For Howard it was understandable. Of course there is the McDyess scenario, which still makes little sense to me.

[kingstyyyle]

If you're Minny, you ask for the Moon. In theory, you don't trade your star. In practice, Love's value will only decline the duration of his existing contract. As practice has shown, it would be better if Minny traded Love now than waiting through a year's worth of media circus and the inevitable damage that will do to your franchise.

And if you trade Love, you need to accomplish three things: (1) young talent, (2) draft picks and (3) cap space. You only pull the trigger if those three stars align.

If Minny asks for Len, Goodwin, Morrisx2 and every pick... I think you have to do it, right?

PG - Bledsoe
SG - Dragic / Green
SF - Tucker
PF - Love / Frye
C - Plumlee

I'd do it without Len and Goodwin and only if we're positive Love will re-sign. I just don't see what all those draft picks will get you that could be better than Love.

I'm pretty sure McD wouldn't hesitate to pull the trigger if Len and Goodwin were not included (even without assurance of Love staying). He may only have the opportunity to get a guy like Love once in a decade.

I don't think Minny would do it yet though. But if you have Love starting, and Frye off the bench as backup center or something, this team is on another level.

If the team did really well, I can't see Love leaving for less money anyway. It's pretty rare, especially if a team is good. For Howard it was understandable. Of course there is the McDyess scenario, which still makes little sense to me.

He will be a UFA next year so he won't have to take less money. Hence why the Wolves might trade him.

[thamadkant]

If you're Minny, you ask for the Moon. In theory, you don't trade your star. In practice, Love's value will only decline the duration of his existing contract. As practice has shown, it would be better if Minny traded Love now than waiting through a year's worth of media circus and the inevitable damage that will do to your franchise.

And if you trade Love, you need to accomplish three things: (1) young talent, (2) draft picks and (3) cap space. You only pull the trigger if those three stars align.

If Minny asks for Len, Goodwin, Morrisx2 and every pick... I think you have to do it, right?

PG - Bledsoe
SG - Dragic / Green
SF - Tucker
PF - Love / Frye
C - Plumlee

I'd do it without Len and Goodwin and only if we're positive Love will re-sign. I just don't see what all those draft picks will get you that could be better than Love.

I'm pretty sure McD wouldn't hesitate to pull the trigger if Len and Goodwin were not included (even without assurance of Love staying). He may only have the opportunity to get a guy like Love once in a decade.

I don't think Minny would do it yet though. But if you have Love starting, and Frye off the bench as backup center or something, this team is on another level.

If the team did really well, I can't see Love leaving for less money anyway. It's pretty rare, especially if a team is good. For Howard it was understandable. Of course there is the McDyess scenario, which still makes little sense to me.

Just looking at Goodwin's potential... he could be James Harden but with defense.... Its far fetch NOW... but he is 19... he can drive at will, have enough athleticism... its his shot that will NEED to improve to be a threath.
At minimum he could be Lance Stephenson but more fluid and better character/work ethic as soon as his 3rd year.... and beyond that he could be a star by the time he is 24-25.

Len could be a Deandre Jordan by the time he is 25 years old... pulling double figure rebounds and 3-4 blocks a game.


Love is good, but he isnt a two way player star.... as I said.. he is David Lee with a 3point shot.... damn good player... but you need to surround him with good defenders and athletes to make a true contender.

[Revived]

With the way he's playing right now, Ariza's not gonna come cheap.

But rumor is that he wants to play for a West team to be closer to home.

[bwgood77]

He will be a UFA next year so he won't have to take less money. Hence why the Wolves might trade him.

If he leaves whichever team he is on in free agency, his max contract goes down.

Just like any UFA, if he stays with his team, he can get an extra year and bigger raises. Just like Dwight Howard could have with the Lakers. If you leave for a max with a different team, you leave money on the table. The size of the contract differs by about $30 million.

Most people think he will leave Minnesota, for a better situation, regardless of money. I think it would be far less likely he would leave Phoenix because the situation would be better, but if we traded for him, and then he became a free agent, he could make the most money by staying with Phoenix.

[bwgood77]

I'm pretty sure McD wouldn't hesitate to pull the trigger if Len and Goodwin were not included (even without assurance of Love staying). He may only have the opportunity to get a guy like Love once in a decade.

I don't think Minny would do it yet though. But if you have Love starting, and Frye off the bench as backup center or something, this team is on another level.

If the team did really well, I can't see Love leaving for less money anyway. It's pretty rare, especially if a team is good. For Howard it was understandable. Of course there is the McDyess scenario, which still makes little sense to me.

Just looking at Goodwin's potential... he could be James Harden but with defense.... Its far fetch NOW... but he is 19... he can drive at will, have enough athleticism... its his shot that will NEED to improve to be a threath.
At minimum he could be Lance Stephenson but more fluid and better character/work ethic as soon as his 3rd year.... and beyond that he could be a star by the time he is 24-25.

Len could be a Deandre Jordan by the time he is 25 years old... pulling double figure rebounds and 3-4 blocks a game.

Love is good, but he isnt a two way player star.... as I said.. he is David Lee with a 3point shot.... damn good player... but you need to surround him with good defenders and athletes to make a true contender.

Hence why I said if we DIDN'T have to include Goodwin and Len in a trade for Love, and it was the Morris bros and picks, I think McD would pull the trigger.

But I think many feel he is more than David Lee with a 3 pt shot. The guy has led the league in rebounding. First white guy since.....?

He was 26/12.5/4.4 this year. Barkley never had a year with those numbers. At this point you could say he is a taller Barkley who can hit the 3. That's probably a better comp than David Lee.

He is constantly a triple double threat. Sure he may not be perfect but most consider him a top 10 player. He was 3rd in PER this year.

[Steve Urkel]

Raps fan here

I've been really impressed with P.J. Tucker all season, he's a completely different player than when he was drafted by the Raps and seems to have that gritty intensity on both ends of the floor which makes players like him so valuable. I obviously haven't seen him play as many games as you guys have but what do you guys think about him? How much money do you think he's going to sign for as a free agent?

[lilfishi22]

There's a lot of talk that Boozer may be released by the Bulls. Would anyone else be interested in adding him on the cheap? He's not a world-class defender, but he can still board.

I think I'm the only one here who is convinced we should trade the MoBros, but there it is. We need to upgrade the PF position, and we can, so lets. Frye is very valuable because of his ability to spread the floor and defend inside. But the Morrises don't pass well, impose restrictions on our defenseive versatllity, and lack the size to play great interior d or rebound at a high rate. They've very skilled offensively (especially Markieff), so maybe they should go to a team that struggles to get scoring from their front court - like Philadelphia or Detroit.

Boozer, Millsap, ZBo - these are reasonable targets whom I think would likely improve this squad.

Mobros do well enough in our system because they have the ability to stretch the defense out to the 3PT line and have the skills to take it to the rim from the 3. Boozer would be a decent option in the middle but, I prefer Mobro's versatility. I don't see Boozer as a significant enough upgrade over the Mobros.

I was one of the biggest supporters of trading the Mobro's and I still have no particular attachment to them but trading them for Boozer wouldn't be a good basketball decision. He's still in the books next season for almost $17m; give me the Mobro's for a combined $12m through two more seasons.

[ImNotMcDiSwear]

There's a lot of talk that Boozer may be released by the Bulls. Would anyone else be interested in adding him on the cheap? He's not a world-class defender, but he can still board.

I think I'm the only one here who is convinced we should trade the MoBros, but there it is. We need to upgrade the PF position, and we can, so lets. Frye is very valuable because of his ability to spread the floor and defend inside. But the Morrises don't pass well, impose restrictions on our defenseive versatllity, and lack the size to play great interior d or rebound at a high rate. They've very skilled offensively (especially Markieff), so maybe they should go to a team that struggles to get scoring from their front court - like Philadelphia or Detroit.

Boozer, Millsap, ZBo - these are reasonable targets whom I think would likely improve this squad.

Mobros do well enough in our system because they have the ability to stretch the defense out to the 3PT line and have the skills to take it to the rim from the 3. Boozer would be a decent option in the middle but, I prefer Mobro's versatility. I don't see Boozer as a significant enough upgrade over the Mobros.

I was one of the biggest supporters of trading the Mobro's and I still have no particular attachment to them but trading them for Boozer wouldn't be a good basketball decision. He's still in the books next season for almost $17m; give me the Mobro's for a combined $12m through two more seasons.

I was suggesting we had Boozer via free agency.

Markieff isn't really a 3-point shooter. He and Boozer are very similar, but Booze is the better rebounder. IMO.

[lilfishi22]

I was suggesting we had Boozer via free agency.

Markieff isn't really a 3-point shooter. He and Boozer are very similar, but Booze is the better rebounder. IMO.

Is that assuming Boozer gets amnestied?