Official Trade Thread: Two drink minimum

[thamadkant]

Suns / Nets

SUNS
IN: Brook Lopez + Markel Brown + C.Jefferson
OUT: Isaiah Thomas + Miles Plumlee + S.Randolph

Nets pair Miles with his brother Mason and re-build accordingly, with Thomas as the young cheap star to lead them whilst they rebuild.
Suns get a offense-gifted big man who can play PF/C depending on lineups.

[Bogyo]

Never said we are desperate to trade him. That doesn't make too much sense now. But we are shopping him, which is the right direction.
Wins are nice, the more the better. But we are likely not winning as much as we did last year, and that is the only number that really matters, unlike ppg/apg which you can get in a number of ways...

I call baloney. McD has never attached a name to his trade discussions. He simply said we want a big name player ... period. It's the blogosphere and fans like you who make sh*t up and attach names when you don't care for a particular player. I dare you to post one legitimate McD quote that includes a current player's name that we are shopping. That crap just doesn't happen. Bad enough for team morale during the trade season let alone attaching names to it.

Lol. Did the baloney answer your call? 'Cuz I won't, thats for sure...
I never said that there is a quote like that from McD. No GM in their right mind would ever do that, in fact I can't remember anything like it in my 20+years of following the league. I'm only using the info that NotTraxee shared with us a cpl pages back. If you don't believe him, thats fine, but trying to call me out with BS like this "dare you" crap should be above you my man...

But I'm soooo done with this, that I won't go any further. If you wanna keep IT here instead of Dragic, it's fine with me, I'll follow/support the team like I always did. I just think it would be a terrible decision (unless Dragon gets us an all-star caliber big, and IT learns to run an offense).

[Calvin Klein]

Holy ****, Melo in a Suns uni...**** that.

[BurningHeart]

Carmelo? lol what a loser that guy is.

C'mon guys do some trades for Al Horford for old times sake!

[SunsRback4Good]

Did someone say we got Carmelo?

[Saberestar]

Did someone say we got Carmelo?

Ummm...NO, just speculation and rosterbation here.

[Saberestar]

Probably, and I said probably, McDonough is weighing the pros and cons about trading for Brook Lopez. He is 26 years old, post presence/go-to guy, a good shot blocker, game changer when healthy and focused....BUT he is injury prone, slow-motion defender and not a good rebounder by any means.
Isaiah, Plumlee and Randolph for Lopez works financially with the new space that we have after Tolliver's departure.

I don’t like Lopez, I want someone more explosive and agile and with a defensive's mentality like Dieng or Noah. If we want to add an All Star player, I prefer an SF or PF if we can not have that type of center.
Gordon Hayward?? It would be great, no way they trade him.

[GrantHill]

Rockets waived Tari Black. Hope we can claim him off waivers and get rid off Randolph instead.

[ImNotMcDiSwear]

Contrary to McD's statements, I don't think we're in the market for a big trade. As Kerrsed pointed out, no deal for a player fitting McD's description would seem to be available at a price that would make sense for us.

I think the truth is, we wanted Tolliver gone for basketball and money reasons, and the "we're looking for a big trade" line was primarily for PR purposes.

[Christine-In-AZ]

What super star can be had other than Melo? And who the hell wants him?

I think we are going after Melo. New York blows. They want to start with a clean slate and Jackson wants to build a team. They already have a lot of salary coming off the books in the offseason, but trading Melo could give them even more room, and a few pieces to use in the rebuild (Dragic). Im fine with that. If we are going to do something, we gotta do it big.

As for the youngsters going to the D-league, the reason they are there is to get some playing time and to show prospective teams what they can do (we are trying for the play-offs, so we dont have the time to give them on the court to showcase their ability's). I have a feeling that all of them are available for the right trade (Melo).

They are not going after Melo. There six impediments standing in the way of a Melo trade to the Suns:

1) The Suns had no interest in him in the off-season
2) Melo had no interest in the Suns
3) Melo has a no-trade clause
4) Melo has a trade kicker to add to his ginormous salary
5) Melo has a bad knee and
6) LaLa does not want to leave her gig in NYC

7) Melo's game is over rated.

There are dozens of players that would rate at or above Anthony if they could enjoy the same impunity he has been given for many, many years. He's a good player, but McD is smart enough to see passed the Melo "superstar" facade.

[batsmasher]

Just because there isn't the market for a big trade doesn't mean McD isn't interested in one. Bold comments don't necessarily lead to bold actions. But you know if there was a good deal out there we wouldn't even be speculating about it because McD would have jumped on it already.

[jcsunsfan]

As for the youngsters going to the D-league, the reason they are there is to get some playing time and to show prospective teams what they can do (we are trying for the play-offs, so we dont have the time to give them on the court to showcase their ability's). I have a feeling that all of them are available for the right trade (Melo).

I can't even imagine what a package for Melo would look like from the Suns. I'm guessing it starts at one of Eric or Goran, plus two of Warren/Ennis/Goodwin, Plumlee, the Lakers first rounder and one of our own.

Its almost impossible salary wise. We would have to trade away $16 million in salary. So Bledsoe being included would be essential. I do not think we are interested in Melo. McD said he is looking for a young star in a similar age category with the rest of the team.

[jcsunsfan]

So what "Stars" fit the Mid-20's "mold" McD was talking about?

Westbrook
Cousins
George
Rose
Durant
Griffin
Davis
Curry
Harden
Drummond
Lillard
Wall
DeRozan
Butler
Thompson
Irving

Did i forget any?

Now eliminate all the PG's (Westbrook/Curry/Rose/Lillard/Wall/Irving). With the rest, determine which ones would their current teams trade?

Spoiler:

I dont see any!

Brook Lopez, Greek Freak, Noah, Alderidge. And then there are the young potential star: Oladipo, MCW, Jabari, Wiggins, Embiid.

[NavLDO]

So what "Stars" fit the Mid-20's "mold" McD was talking about?

Westbrook
Cousins
George
Rose
Durant
Griffin
Davis
Curry
Harden
Drummond
Lillard
Wall
DeRozan
Butler
Thompson
Irving

Did i forget any?

Now eliminate all the PG's (Westbrook/Curry/Rose/Lillard/Wall/Irving). With the rest, determine which ones would their current teams trade?

Spoiler:

I dont see any!

Yes. Serge Ibaka (25), Brook Lopez (26), and Kevin Love (I know, we'll never get him, but is a star in mid-20s).

And, I wouldn't necessarily say "forgot" on the below, but I think you may have "overlooked" some younger talent that have "star potential".

Enes Kanter -- Has progressed every year. May never be a "star", but could be an above average player and is only 22.

Jonas Valanciunas -- I know very little about him, but he is 22 and has some impressive stats.

Kelly Olynyk -- Has already been discussed quite a bit on this forum, another young up-and-comer.

Gorgui Dieng -- Developing nicely.

Steven Adams -- Largely unknown like Len at this point.

Tyler Zeller -- Meh, doesn't do much for me, but some like him and he's 24.

Nerlens Noel -- Yeah, good luck in this one.

Andrew Wiggins -- See Above.

Anthony Bennett -- Not #1 overall worthy, but decent piece.

Nikola Mirotic -- 23, and just getting his chance, but looks good so far.

Jared Sullinger -- Now this is the guy we should be going to Ainge after HARD. 22 YO, a 13/8 guy on 28 MPG, who's shooting 36% from behind the arc this year. Not sure why he's not talked about more on this board.



And then there are some established players that are in their mid-20s that I wouldn't classify as "stars", but would be considered a "nice piece to have".

DeAndre Jordan -- 26
Jordan Hill -- 27
Donatas Motiejunas -- 24
Robin Lopez -- 26
Greg Monroe -- 24 (system fit??)
Tristan Thompson -- 23 (But highly unlikely due to Cav's current issue at the 5)
Omar Asik -- 28 (more "late" than "mid" 20s)
Larry Sanders -- 26
Spencer Hawes -- 26
Derrick Favors -- 23 (But wouldn't touch that contract with a 10-foot pole--grossly overpaid--and actually want to discuss a bit. He's getting paid $4.5M/yr more than Kieff, for very similar production. 56% to 53% 2-pt%; Favors 2 Reb/gm more than Kieff, but is balanced out by Kieff's 3-pt production, which Favors has zero. Then add in Kieff's 85% vs 69% FT%, 2.2 to 1.5 APG, and 1.3 to .5 SPG advantage, and it's easy to see we got a real bargain, comparatively.

Ryan Anderson -- 26 (I think it's safe to say we Suns fans ALL want this guy)

[SideSwipe]

With the capspace now cleared, Monroe's contract could be absorbed straight up for the Minny pick maybe. First trade needed to happen to have salary come off of PHX's cap, to then open up cap room for Monroe. He's not great defensively but he does have a back tot he basket game. Not sure that DET wants to trade Moose now though.

[Sunsdeuce]

Brook Lopez is out there for the taking. The nets are having him come off the bench. He needs a change of scenery.

[Fo-Real]

Well correct that a big trade isnt to be had... no one worth our time who is available. Secondary tier could still be possible. Got rid of Tolliver and have noticed Jeff has begun backing up Kief with Marcus. Not seemingly like they are interested in playing Warren in his rookie year so could Jeff Green help us?? Move Tucker to the bench. Something around Green and Wright for Thomas, Plumlee and filler. Randolph maybe and bring Barron back to ride the bench..... maybe a pick. Boston isnt in need of Plumlee but Cleveland needs a big to replace Varejao, maybe the can flip Plum, our pick and filler for Waiters? Bled/ Goran/ Green/ Kief/ Len...... Ennis/ Green/ Tucker/ Marcus/ Wright

[ImNotMcDiSwear]

Right now, Len>Lopez. That wouldn't be such a problem if we could play them together, but of course we can't, so...

[Andrew McCeltic]

I want Kanter on the Celtics for Avery Bradley. I think he's under-used and can be a 20-10 guy, like a bulkier, more athletic Al Jefferson. Cousins might be an analogy. Maybe David Lee. Who cares about his defense if he becomes a 20-10 guy with minutes? His trade value skyrockets...

Don't think the Celtics deal Olynyk for anyone on the Suns- he's our one consensus building block right now.

Sullinger's a nice player, but fat, streaky, offensively challenged. Exceptional rebounder for his size, but struggles to create in the post on offense. If he can find a way to use his bulk and angles to get reliable down there, he's an all-star, but it's not happening yet. Doesn't have the lift to be a Barkley or the craftiness to score like an Adrian Dantley type. Boston's making him a three-point shooter very shrewdly because it makes him an elite role player, but he doesn't reach star level without better post offense.

Brook Lopez? Injury-prone as hell and doesn't rebound when he's healthy. You guys probably don't want him- although your medical staff has a reputation for working miracles (e.g. Shaq, Grant Hill)..

[letsgosuns]

There are really no superstars to be had. Plus, I am not interested in trading the Suns young guys for second or third tier players. Might as well keep this team together for the season unless a superstar falls into the Suns lap. McDonough said the same thing last year about trading Okafor's contract for an impact player and it did not happen. So when he says he wants be very active and whatnot, it does not mean he is going to actually make a trade. He likes to keep assets. He did not even want to trade a draft pick last year for Pau Gasol. That goes to show how much he really believes in building a team up with young players.

Now the key to this team is Len. He is the only one that can make the Suns a championship contender. And everyone can see it happening game to game. He gives the Suns something they have never had in the franchise's history. A 7'1" potentially dominant center that is only 21 years old. Fans that said all summer they wanted to trade him are seeing why I said all along he should be untouchable. I am not saying he is going to lead the Suns to a title this year, but just imagine him in the future. Look at the flashes he shows already. Last year he was not ready. This year he has already become the starter less than two months into the season. A dramatic difference from one year to the next. The league is filled with great guards. It is not filled with great centers. Great centers win championships. Great guards make all star teams. Unless of course they play with a great center and they win a championship together.

Perfect example is Kobe Bryant. With Shaq he wins three championships and reaches the finals four times. When Shaq was traded, the Lakers were nothing even though Kobe Bryant was arguably the best player in the league. They barely make the playoffs for a couple of years and then they get Pau Gasol, arguably the best center in the league at the time. Boom! Three straight finals appearances and two championships. It is not a fallacy. Great centers win championships.