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

[Fo-Real]

Not much talk about us resigning Brandan Wright. What are the odds we are going to keep him? Where will Tobias Harris end up? What are the odds that the vet leadership we talked about losing with Frye can be returned involving sign and trades involving the twins and Tucker that can also land us a signed and traded Tobias.... I know, will never happen but Tobias is LEGIT!! (love the new JB Smoove commercials...lol), and with scoring threats like Bled, Knight and Tobias.... I dont want my Pf to iso and look for one on one as much as Kief, Wright fits that role more as a cutter, rebounder and defender. And getting rid of Marcus is the biggest reason why people are more ok with trading Kief. Kief has alluded to the fact that if we trade his brother, it may cause problems.... said it in an interview if I remember, maybe after his exit interview when he was leaving the facility and the media asked point blank what would it mean if his brother got traded. Just thinking out loud, I know we aint gonna trade for Frye back and get Tobias (would have to be two seperate deals), but I am wondering if we plan on keeping Wright and what that means for the Morri sisters?

[Sunsdeuce]

Trading Bledsoe is not the answer. He's not on a cap-killing contract, and pretty much has no weaknesses on the court. He's a very very good starting point guard, and will only continue to improve.

I have no idea why people keep wanting to trade Bledsoe.

Got to build around Len, Bledsoe and Warren.

well to start with:
TO per game: 3.4
Assist per game: 6.1
3PT %: 32%

And those are just your everyday basic stats.

I got it, he is young and he gets to the rim (and hes actually pretty decent). I just look at the whole player concept. Things I look for in a player just are not found in bledsoe. 1) Is the player a Leader? 2) Does he make players around him better? 2) Does he play "his" position effectively? And there are more but those are the basic questions that I think you should look for in a quality player. I just cannot say Yes to any of those questions.
This team went through so much turmoil last year and desperately needed a leader (especially from the supposively suns best player) but he wilted under the pressure and was no where to be found.

I also understand how someone people can hope they he matures and takes the lead. But I do think that realistically we all know that he is the 3rd best option on a very good team at best (more likely 4th best). I think you need to sell high on him (if you can). Im not even sure he is that attractive to other GMs (I really have no clue how other GMs view him). What can you get for him (realistically) is the question.

(I got it, for some of you that dont agree). I want what everyone here wants. A championship. I just may not agree that Bledsoe is piece to the championship.

[RunDogGun]

Not much talk about us resigning Brandan Wright. What are the odds we are going to keep him? Where will Tobias Harris end up? What are the odds that the vet leadership we talked about losing with Frye can be returned involving sign and trades involving the twins and Tucker that can also land us a signed and traded Tobias.... I know, will never happen but Tobias is LEGIT!! (love the new JB Smoove commercials...lol), and with scoring threats like Bled, Knight and Tobias.... I dont want my Pf to iso and look for one on one as much as Kief, Wright fits that role more as a cutter, rebounder and defender. And getting rid of Marcus is the biggest reason why people are more ok with trading Kief. Kief has alluded to the fact that if we trade his brother, it may cause problems.... said it in an interview if I remember, maybe after his exit interview when he was leaving the facility and the media asked point blank what would it mean if his brother got traded. Just thinking out loud, I know we aint gonna trade for Frye back and get Tobias (would have to be two seperate deals), but I am wondering if we plan on keeping Wright and what that means for the Morri sisters?

I think it's important to resign Wright. He was great stepping into the starting center spot. He also didn't seem to have any issue coming off the bench.

[RaisingArizona]

Not much talk about us resigning Brandan Wright. What are the odds we are going to keep him? Where will Tobias Harris end up? What are the odds that the vet leadership we talked about losing with Frye can be returned involving sign and trades involving the twins and Tucker that can also land us a signed and traded Tobias.... I know, will never happen but Tobias is LEGIT!! (love the new JB Smoove commercials...lol), and with scoring threats like Bled, Knight and Tobias.... I dont want my Pf to iso and look for one on one as much as Kief, Wright fits that role more as a cutter, rebounder and defender. And getting rid of Marcus is the biggest reason why people are more ok with trading Kief. Kief has alluded to the fact that if we trade his brother, it may cause problems.... said it in an interview if I remember, maybe after his exit interview when he was leaving the facility and the media asked point blank what would it mean if his brother got traded. Just thinking out loud, I know we aint gonna trade for Frye back and get Tobias (would have to be two seperate deals), but I am wondering if we plan on keeping Wright and what that means for the Morri sisters?

I think it's important to resign Wright. He was great stepping into the starting center spot. He also didn't seem to have any issue coming off the bench.

For how much, though?

[SideSwipe]

Not much talk about us resigning Brandan Wright. What are the odds we are going to keep him? Where will Tobias Harris end up? What are the odds that the vet leadership we talked about losing with Frye can be returned involving sign and trades involving the twins and Tucker that can also land us a signed and traded Tobias.... I know, will never happen but Tobias is LEGIT!! (love the new JB Smoove commercials...lol), and with scoring threats like Bled, Knight and Tobias.... I dont want my Pf to iso and look for one on one as much as Kief, Wright fits that role more as a cutter, rebounder and defender. And getting rid of Marcus is the biggest reason why people are more ok with trading Kief. Kief has alluded to the fact that if we trade his brother, it may cause problems.... said it in an interview if I remember, maybe after his exit interview when he was leaving the facility and the media asked point blank what would it mean if his brother got traded. Just thinking out loud, I know we aint gonna trade for Frye back and get Tobias (would have to be two seperate deals), but I am wondering if we plan on keeping Wright and what that means for the Morri sisters?

I think it's important to resign Wright. He was great stepping into the starting center spot. He also didn't seem to have any issue coming off the bench.

I think re-signing Wright is critical, but I am a little worried about what his caphold does to our available space. He is a great rotation big. I am thinking $8-10 mil though for him.

[Saberestar]

Not much talk about us resigning Brandan Wright. What are the odds we are going to keep him? Where will Tobias Harris end up? What are the odds that the vet leadership we talked about losing with Frye can be returned involving sign and trades involving the twins and Tucker that can also land us a signed and traded Tobias.... I know, will never happen but Tobias is LEGIT!! (love the new JB Smoove commercials...lol), and with scoring threats like Bled, Knight and Tobias.... I dont want my Pf to iso and look for one on one as much as Kief, Wright fits that role more as a cutter, rebounder and defender. And getting rid of Marcus is the biggest reason why people are more ok with trading Kief. Kief has alluded to the fact that if we trade his brother, it may cause problems.... said it in an interview if I remember, maybe after his exit interview when he was leaving the facility and the media asked point blank what would it mean if his brother got traded. Just thinking out loud, I know we aint gonna trade for Frye back and get Tobias (would have to be two seperate deals), but I am wondering if we plan on keeping Wright and what that means for the Morri sisters?

I think it's important to resign Wright. He was great stepping into the starting center spot. He also didn't seem to have any issue coming off the bench.

For how much, though?

Something around $28M / 4 years would be a fair contract for both sides.

[DRK]

I'm loving Tristan Thompson. He's such a beast on the boards. I wouldnt have a problem with maxing him this summer to be honest. I think he can be an easy 15/15 guy. His work on the O-Boards is out of this world, and his PnR Defence is elite.

[lilfishi22]

I still think TT is overrated. He's been tremendous in the playoffs but I'm not convinced he's a max player. Although with the salary cap going up, there are probably more max money going around than ever before.

[bwgood77]

I'm loving Tristan Thompson. He's such a beast on the boards. I wouldnt have a problem with maxing him this summer to be honest. I think he can be an easy 15/15 guy. His work on the O-Boards is out of this world, and his PnR Defence is elite.

I'm sure McD would be super excited to deal with Rich Paul again.

[thamadkant]

Thompson's rebounding and shot blocking ability is pretty darn good.... he gets away with lots of dirty plays too but thats just because he knows what he can get away with. But his lack of "O" is a concern... still... defenders, especially who rebounds are key during playoffs.

[DRK]

I still think TT is overrated. He's been tremendous in the playoffs but I'm not convinced he's a max player. Although with the salary cap going up, there are probably more max money going around than ever before.

He'd be a great fit next to Len if Len can continue to expand his offensive game and jumpshot. We go big with Tristan and Len in the frontcourt with Markieff off the bench.

[bwgood77]

Trading Bledsoe is not the answer. He's not on a cap-killing contract, and pretty much has no weaknesses on the court. He's a very very good starting point guard, and will only continue to improve.

I have no idea why people keep wanting to trade Bledsoe.

Got to build around Len, Bledsoe and Warren.

well to start with:
TO per game: 3.4
Assist per game: 6.1
3PT %: 32%

And those are just your everyday basic stats.

I got it, he is young and he gets to the rim (and hes actually pretty decent). I just look at the whole player concept. Things I look for in a player just are not found in bledsoe. 1) Is the player a Leader? 2) Does he make players around him better? 2) Does he play "his" position effectively? And there are more but those are the basic questions that I think you should look for in a quality player. I just cannot say Yes to any of those questions.
This team went through so much turmoil last year and desperately needed a leader (especially from the supposively suns best player) but he wilted under the pressure and was no where to be found.

I also understand how someone people can hope they he matures and takes the lead. But I do think that realistically we all know that he is the 3rd best option on a very good team at best (more likely 4th best). I think you need to sell high on him (if you can). Im not even sure he is that attractive to other GMs (I really have no clue how other GMs view him). What can you get for him (realistically) is the question.

(I got it, for some of you that dont agree). I want what everyone here wants. A championship. I just may not agree that Bledsoe is piece to the championship.

I think Bledsoe can be part of a championship type team, but can he lead it? I don't think so. Then the problem becomes, if you don't have him as the primary ballhandler, what exactly is his role if he can't shoot well from outside?

I'm hoping he just cuts down on the turnovers and becomes a leader to inspire teammates and make everyone better, but I just don't think that is him. I think him and Knight together with other good players maybe could turn out being a fun team to watch possibly, but they are likely not winning anything big unless they are playing with three superstars. So hopefully Warren, Len and Kieff turn into superstars.

[bwgood77]

I still think TT is overrated. He's been tremendous in the playoffs but I'm not convinced he's a max player. Although with the salary cap going up, there are probably more max money going around than ever before.

He'd be a great fit next to Len if Len can continue to expand his offensive game and jumpshot. We go big with Tristan and Len in the frontcourt with Markieff off the bench.

If he can stretch out to hit a 3, yes. But he has proved he can rebound. We still need to create space in today's nba though, and right now, he is not better than Kieff overall.

[DRK]

I still think TT is overrated. He's been tremendous in the playoffs but I'm not convinced he's a max player. Although with the salary cap going up, there are probably more max money going around than ever before.

He'd be a great fit next to Len if Len can continue to expand his offensive game and jumpshot. We go big with Tristan and Len in the frontcourt with Markieff off the bench.

If he can stretch out to hit a 3, yes. But he has proved he can rebound. We still need to create space in today's nba though, and right now, he is not better than Kieff overall.

The notion that you need a 3 point shooting big man to play the Pick and Roll effectively is overated. Len or Kieff stretching out to 18 feet to hit a shot puts enough pressure on the defence, and combine that with the fact that they're above average passers at their position and can find cutters, theyre already a big threat offensively.

[thamadkant]

You dont really NEED a stretch 4 if you have shooters in two of the following spots 1, 2, 3, 5.

If you have a non 3pt shooting SF, then you NEED 2 shooter at the 1 or 2 or 4 or 5, in today's NBA.

Blake Griffin and Deandre Jordan are not stretch players for their position and the clippers are pretty darn good. They just need a couple of better bench players and they'll be back as a top 4 West team.

Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph are not known for 3pt shooting, but both have decent mid range, but they have good 3pt shooting wing men.

A stretch 4 is NOT necessary if you can get that shooting somewhere else.... Markieff SHOULD be stretching his defender more, but he actually does his shooting from 17-20 feet, which doesnt open up much space for his team mates. He is basically a very poor man's LaMarcus Aldridge who is way less reach and length and rebounding.

[bwgood77]

You dont really NEED a stretch 4 if you have shooters in two of the following spots 1, 2, 3, 5.

If you have a non 3pt shooting SF, then you NEED 2 shooter at the 1 or 2 or 4 or 5, in today's NBA.

Blake Griffin and Deandre Jordan are not stretch players for their position and the clippers are pretty darn good. They just need a couple of better bench players and they'll be back as a top 4 West team.

Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph are not known for 3pt shooting, but both have decent mid range, but they have good 3pt shooting wing men.

A stretch 4 is NOT necessary if you can get that shooting somewhere else.... Markieff SHOULD be stretching his defender more, but he actually does his shooting from 17-20 feet, which doesnt open up much space for his team mates. He is basically a very poor man's LaMarcus Aldridge who is way less reach and length and rebounding.

I agree, but we currently don't have shooters at the 1, 3 or 5, so it's pretty important with our rosters. I'm a Kieff fan, but we need enough guys to make it tougher defensively for other teams.

[letsgosuns]

I am not too focused on whether a team needs a stretch four or not. I think you can win both ways. The more I analyze how a team can truly be a championship contender, it becomes obvious, and it does not bode well for most teams. I said it not too long ago in another post but it is the truth. Every team that has ever won a title has at least one of the greatest players in the history of basketball. Even the teams that made the finals and lost had at least one of the greatest players of all time on their roster. So for all the teams in the league right now that do not have one of the greatest players of all time or a player that has that potential, they are pretty much screwed. Haha. And the Suns are part of that group. Their best hope is that one of their own young players such as Alex Len turns into one of the greatest players of all time. Is that possible. I certainly hope so but who knows.

[bwgood77]

I am not too focused on whether a team needs a stretch four or not. I think you can win both ways. The more I analyze how a team can truly be a championship contender, it becomes obvious, and it does not bode well for most teams. I said it not too long ago in another post but it is the truth. Every team that has ever won a title has at least one of the greatest players in the history of basketball. Even the teams that made the finals and lost had at least one of the greatest players of all time on their roster. So for all the teams in the league right now that do not have one of the greatest players of all time or a player that has that potential, they are pretty much screwed. Haha. And the Suns are part of that group. Their best hope is that one of their own young players such as Alex Len turns into one of the greatest players of all time. Is that possible. I certainly hope so but who knows.

This is why I don't base success solely on winning the championship or bust. If you don't have that player don't expect it. Even if you do have that player it is tough. Having a fun competitive team that gets to the playoffs and competes is fun, gives you hope and then heartbreak, but that is what makes being an NBA fan so fun. If we have a fun team to watch that has that chance every year, you at least have that hope and the memories of that year. We need to forget the memories of this year.

[lilfishi22]

I still think TT is overrated. He's been tremendous in the playoffs but I'm not convinced he's a max player. Although with the salary cap going up, there are probably more max money going around than ever before.

He'd be a great fit next to Len if Len can continue to expand his offensive game and jumpshot. We go big with Tristan and Len in the frontcourt with Markieff off the bench.

Len would need to get much better offensively very quickly if we want to pair him with TT. TT's offense right now is pretty much off o-boards, which is basically Len's offensive game outside of his jumper.

[letsgosuns]

Wade supposedly wants 20 million a year for three years and the Heat offered him under 10 million a year. Would anyone consider giving it to him? Is that idea insane? He is one of the greatest players of all time and when he is healthy is still a top five player. Could the Suns help revive his career with their world-renowned training staff? Does a lineup built around Bledsoe-Wade-Warren-new pf-Len with maybe Goodwin, Granger, Stoudemire, Wright, and Dudley off the bench create an opportunity to win right now? You could even start Stoudemire if he can handle it. I did not mention Tucker or the Morris brothers because their contracts would have to be traded in order to clear up cap space to sign Wade. But in all seriousness, is a healthy Wade worth 20 million a year. I think he is. It is worth talking about because I think he would seriously consider the Suns if they showed up to his house on July 1 and offered him a 3 year, 60 million dollar contract.