Official Free Agent Thread: What to do with our cap space

[bwgood77]

NEW YORK, April 14, 2015 – Bakersfield Jam guard Jerel McNeal, now a member of the NBA’s Phoenix Suns, was today named the 2015 NBA Development League Impact Player of the Year, as voted on by the league’s 18 head coaches. The award recognizes a player who joined an NBA D-League team after Nov. 27, 2014, and made the greatest contribution to his team’s success following that in-season acquisition.

McNeal (6-3, 200, Marquette) joined the Jam on Jan. 10, 2015, and was placed on the active roster five days later, 22 games into the 2014-15 season. He appeared in the team’s next 26 games, 21 as a starter, with the team posting a 20-6 record. He lead the Jam in scoring nine times, including netting a season-high 40 points in a road win over the Austin Spurs on March 7, and was the team’s leading assist man eight times. Following his successes with the Jam, McNeal earned a GATORADE Call-Up to the Suns on April 1.

“Jerel joined the Jam almost halfway through the season and instantly contributed to the team’s success,” said Chris Alpert, Vice President of Basketball Operations for the NBA D-League. “He was not only able to be a key contributor in Bakersfield, but to parlay his skills into an NBA contract with Phoenix and we’re pleased to congratulate him on an impressive season and this honor.”

A three-year NBA D-League veteran, McNeal has earned three GATOARDE Call-Ups during his career and was a member a 2013 NBA D-League All-Star. In 26 games this season in Bakersfield, he averaged 19.2 points, 4.7 assists, 4.2 rebounds and 33.3 minutes.

“The entire Jam organization is very happy for Jerel,” said Jam General Manager Bubba Burrage. “His talent and skill sets obviously had a positive impact on us. His leadership, his heart, and his feel for the game impacted our team with equal measure. He is solid in every way and it’s fitting that he has been recognized for his work here.” McNeal is the third member of the Jam to earn the Impact of the Year award, joining Ike Diogu (2013-14) and Brian Butch (2009-10).

“Jerel has everything you want in a player,” said Jam Head Coach Nate Bjorkgren. “His leadership and toughness had an immediate impact on this team, and he made everyone around him better.”

All-Time NBA D-League Impact Players of the Year:
Jerel McNeal* (Bakersfield Jam, 2014-15)
Ike Diogu (Bakersfield Jam, 2013-14)
Rasual Butler* (Tulsa 66ers, 2012-13)
Eric Dawson (Austin Toros, 2011-12)
Jeff Adrien (Rio Grande Valley Vipers, 2010-11)
Brian Butch (Bakersfield Jam, 2009-10)
Eddie Gill (Colorado 14ers, 2008-09)
Morris Almond (Utah Flash, 2007-08)

* Indicates a current NBA player

http://bakersfield.dleague.nba.com/news ... -the-year/

[thamadkant]

I can't see Bledsoe, Knight, Goodwin, Warren, Len not being a Sun next season.

They are near untouchable for reasons GMs would understand. Prized trade of year, Dragic screw up replacement, first 2 draft choices and hitting on a mid range first. All come in handy in getting another contract for good roster management.

I think Markieff would be the biggest player asset to be on the table, not a McDonough selection, so there's less political mess.

I know none of this actually matters to fans, but it does when trying to figure out what we're going to do.

Well if the rumors were true...
Bulls and Suns had a trade discussed that involved the Morris twins...

I'm thinking it involved Nikola Mirotic.

And it collapsed when the Morris twins got involved in the assault. *Speculation.

If true, my annoyance and hatred for the twins will increase exponentially.....



if it was for Gibson, which also makes sense since Suns were looking for backup big(s), as they made a move for Brandan Wright around the same time. I will still be a little bit ticked off, since Gibson, Wright and Len would of been one of the better defensive front court in the league and good fit players for Knight, Bledsoe etc.

[thamadkant]

Apparently Cousins is Not Un-tradeable?

Alex Len, Morris twins, Bledsoe, Pick 13 (pick for Kings) for Cousins + filler

[In Len We Trust]

Apparently Cousins is Not Un-tradeable?

Alex Len, Morris twins, Bledsoe, Pick 13 (pick for Kings) for Cousins + filler

If a trade for Cousins were to go down it would definitely be similar to this, but I would prefer giving up Knight or something else instead of Bledsoe. Having Bledsoe on the team will give Boogie a significant reason to not leave Phoenix in fewe agency.

[thamadkant]

As much as I like Len, that's the only package I think that can trump the other teams.

Suns should still be able to sign dept or another near max player.

[In Len We Trust]

Knight, Morris twins, Len, Bogdanovic and our pick this year would be the best thing could Kings could get for Cousins. Great for both teams.

[thamadkant]

Knight, Morris twins, Len, Bogdanovic and our pick this year would be the best thing could Kings could get for Cousins. Great for both teams.

I'd keep Bogdanovic, since the Suns can use a player with European experience and IQ.

Maybe give them a 2nd rounder instead.

I'd request someone like Jason Thompson as filler.


Then offer 8 million a year for Danny Green
Then offer 12-13 million for Draymond Green (may have to trade Tucker to relieve cap space)

C: Cousins / Wright / Alec Brown
PF: Draymond Green / Thompson / Wright
SF: Tucker / Warren / Bogdanovic
SG: Danny Green / Goodwin / Bogdanovic
PG: Knight OR Bledsoe / Goodwin / McNeal

[HootieRules]

What are you talking about. I was responding to Mul's comment about the front office. The comment I quoted had nothing about Knight. I can requote the comment for you if you need it.

The Knight trade was an example of them not wanting to restart the rebuilding. They're doing everything they can to stay competitive for the 8 seed versus having a down year and getting a high pick. Not sure why this is so hard to understand.

Because you're arguing that trading away veterans for a 23 year old is us refusing to rebuild.

Trading away a potential high lottery pick for the rights to overpay another unproven combo guard is refusing to rebuild.

[RunDogGun]

With that Laker's pick we could have drafted the number eight pick, with almost two full seasons of 17/4/5? Maybe, but highly doubtful. Unproven?

[HootieRules]

With that Laker's pick we could have drafted the number eight pick, with almost two full seasons of 17/4/5? Maybe, but highly doubtful. Unproven?

Of course you would think topical numbers as the dominant ballhandler in a lesser conference would automatically translate to playing off the ball in a far tougher conference. Of course. Don't let real things that matter like contracts factor into the equation either.

[RunDogGun]

With that Laker's pick we could have drafted the number eight pick, with almost two full seasons of 17/4/5? Maybe, but highly doubtful. Unproven?

Of course you would think topical numbers as the dominant ballhandler in a lesser conference would automatically translate to playing off the ball in a far tougher conference. Of course. Don't let real things that matter like contracts factor into the equation either.

So I should base my thoughts on potential things and not real things?

[Saberestar]

RFA Brandon Knight on PHX: "I like the way I've been treated so far. Top-class organization. I'm looking forward to a future with the Suns."

https://mobile.twitter.com/paulcoro

[HootieRules]

With that Laker's pick we could have drafted the number eight pick, with almost two full seasons of 17/4/5? Maybe, but highly doubtful. Unproven?

Of course you would think topical numbers as the dominant ballhandler in a lesser conference would automatically translate to playing off the ball in a far tougher conference. Of course. Don't let real things that matter like contracts factor into the equation either.

So I should base my thoughts on potential things and not real things?

Real things? You think basketball is played like fantasy basketball, citing points rebounds and assists like it's the end-all-be-all. Try using some critical thinking and factor in aspects like roles, salaries. Go beyond reading a boxscore.

[RunDogGun]

Real things: Knight has improved steadily over his four years in the league. He is only 23. We haven't offered him a contract yet, so there is no real argument of us overpaying him, yet, right? You know real things, not potential things. And if we move Bledsoe, Knight would most likely go back to point, where he is a proven 17/4/5 player, sorry they don't asterisk player's stats because of a conference or division.

Next we have no idea what the Laker pick will be yet, so if I'm to focus on real things, it makes it tough to get upset about that.

[Saberestar]

Gerald Green: "I think they want me back as well... Actually, it was a good conversation (w/Lon Babby) so I'm a little positive about that."

Can be that true? Hopefully Babby wasn't serious, he needs to go. Please, some smart players are needed here!!

[RunDogGun]

Of course you would think topical numbers as the dominant ballhandler in a lesser conference would automatically translate to playing off the ball in a far tougher conference. Of course. Don't let real things that matter like contracts factor into the equation either.

So I should base my thoughts on potential things and not real things?

Real things? You think basketball is played like fantasy basketball, citing points rebounds and assists like it's the end-all-be-all. Try using some critical thinking and factor in aspects like roles, salaries. Go beyond reading a boxscore.

You called him unproven, not me. I used actual stats to back myself up, and what have you used? I'm not saying Knight is super or anything, but your assessment is based on opinion and potential. If you want to put me in the reality conversation, yet reserve the right to do the opposite, it sounds silly to me.

[RunDogGun]

Gerald Green: "I think they want me back as well... Actually, it was a good conversation (w/Lon Babby) so I'm a little positive about that."

Can be that true? Hopefully Babby wasn't serious, he needs to go. Please, some smart players are needed here!!

It depends on what moves are made. Green as a catch and shoot player, or a finisher of passes isn't a bad thing coming off the bench. However, if he is used to run a play, start, or dribble up the court, he hurts more than he helps.

[HootieRules]

So I should base my thoughts on potential things and not real things?

Real things? You think basketball is played like fantasy basketball, citing points rebounds and assists like it's the end-all-be-all. Try using some critical thinking and factor in aspects like roles, salaries. Go beyond reading a boxscore.

You called him unproven, not me. I used actual stats to back myself up, and what have you used? I'm not saying Knight is super or anything, but your assessment is based on opinion and potential. If you want to put me in the reality conversation, yet reserve the right to do the opposite, it sounds silly to me.

Saying he's now playing off the ball and in a tougher conference isn't an opinion. If your entire argument for the trade comes down to "if we trade Bledsoe" then that's pretty absurd justification.

[Saberestar]

Brandan Wright is interested in returning to the #Suns. "Being called young is pretty much over with. We've got to take the next step."

https://mobile.twitter.com/paulcoro

[RunDogGun]

Brandan Wright is interested in returning to the #Suns. "Being called young is pretty much over with. We've got to take the next step."

https://mobile.twitter.com/paulcoro

It would be great to have him return.