Suns Offseason Thread 3: Spurned for the Spurs

[thamadkant]

Not to jump on the San Antonio hate train or anything, but has there ever been a sports franchise that has had virtually everything go their way? I mean, they've had 1 bad year in 25 years. And that just so happens to be the year of Duncan. I don't even hate them, I envy them. It's got to be so nice to be a fan of such a well run and well respected organization.

They have;
(1) Without a doubt Best front office personnel in the NBA and amongst the top in every sport.

(2) They NEVER draft or trade for players that has that "selfish" trait even if they have star talent, ALWAYS high IQ, team-first guys. Ironically Aldridge is probably the most "selfish" player with reports of him saying he wants to be the man, but Popovic probably convinced him to be a team player anyways.

(3) They look outside USA for talent with the same policy from (2).

(4) The coach is never undermined, its either his way or the high way and the team leadership will always be in-line with the coach which in turn prevents any players from being discontent with role.

(5) They have the "good" "text book" image, that may not satisfy the SALES and MARKETING team, but can represent the company globally... Stern/NBA ownership link also helps.



I think the year David Robinson got injured, Popovic stepping down from the FO to become coach was the TURN-AROUND. I cannot speak highly enough how much of a genius this guy is.

[lilfishi22]

I go back and forth on this, but in all honesty, Kieff wants to get paid. If he shows immaturity, pouts, doesn't play well with others, trashes the FO of the team he's on, etc., who's gonna pay him when he's up for his next contract. No, he doesn't want to paint an even worse picture than he already is with his character. True, this league has a 'short' memory, so he could whine, cry, pout, etc., then get traded and 'rebuild' his character over the following two years and get paid, but that's a dangerous game to play.

Ultimately, this FO has been behind him full bore over the past couple of years--singing his praises; 'pimping' him to the rest of the league as being a better player than Dragic, etc. I honestly think he works hard this year, keeps his nose clean, and does his best to help this team, because hopefully, he's smart enough to know that it's in his best interest to do so.

So right now, I say we keep Kieff, stand behind him, work with him behind the scenes, and maybe try to work getting him back with his brother somewhere else, preferably Detroit, but if not, work with him to get him in same geographical area (Chicago, Cleveland [Kieff, ton of picks, Bron's Bestie Bledsoe for Love, anyone?], Milwaukee, Indy, Toronto).

Kieff didn't progress last season as much as I'd hoped, but he's still a good PF who can help this team win, and honestly, he's proven to pretty clutch at times last season. With him, yes, we're likely still a treadmill team--maybe Len, EB, Knight, and Warren progress some from last season, and Chandler brings some much needed leadership and toughness on D, and that gets us to a 7th/8th seed next year. It would be an improvement, and as I've said multiple times over the past 6-9 months, I'm giving McD/Horny 'til the '16/'17 season to get us to, what I hope, will be a solid 3-5 seed in the playoffs.

100%

I think Mook in ways held back Kieff mentally. Maybe he held himself back conciously so he can let Mook shine a little more, I dunno. But I felt Kieff was playing hard and tried to prove himself the previous season (contract year?) but last season he played with a lot less urgency. I do believe Kieff will regain his focus and get back that hunger that made him one of the most improved players in the league (18.6/8.1/2.4apg per36).

But again, he's probably on a very short leash and I wouldn't be surprised if he's moved before ASW if he exhibits his attitude again.

[MrMiyagi]

Hey guys. Raptor fan here.

Saw the tweet of Markieff Morris being potentially shopped. Dont know how much truth there is too it, based on some of your reaction and posts. Regardless, he would be a legit target for us.

So say if it is indeed true and he is being shopped, is there anything that would interest you from the raptors? What offer would you make? Just curious thanks.

WHAT?! YOU MEAN ANOTHER NBA TEAM ACTUALLY WANTS MARKIEFF MORRIS? I THOUGHT HE WAS THE WORST 4 IN THE LEAGUE?!

[NTB]

Hey guys. Raptor fan here.

Saw the tweet of Markieff Morris being potentially shopped. Dont know how much truth there is too it, based on some of your reaction and posts. Regardless, he would be a legit target for us.

So say if it is indeed true and he is being shopped, is there anything that would interest you from the raptors? What offer would you make? Just curious thanks.

Patrick Patterson + Terrence Ross

[lilfishi22]

I don't think that is true. We're a young team. I have no clue why people - especially the media - like to talk about us as a team full of washed-up has-beens. Kieff has plateaued, but Seraphim has potential..... Both are 25..... It makes no sense to me. Honestly, anyone who isn't Blake Griffin, Anthony Davis, LaMarcus Aldridge, or Kevin Love don't move the needle for me. They seem like a lateral move. Maybe add Favors to that list, but other than than I don't see a reason to trade Kieff.

You think Kieff has plateaued already? I think he can still be a better, more efficient scorer and better facilitator. He may plateaued this past season but he still has potential and I think he gets better.

[Asif16]

Hey guys. Raptor fan here.

Saw the tweet of Markieff Morris being potentially shopped. Dont know how much truth there is too it, based on some of your reaction and posts. Regardless, he would be a legit target for us.

So say if it is indeed true and he is being shopped, is there anything that would interest you from the raptors? What offer would you make? Just curious thanks.

Patrick Patterson + Terrence Ross

Actually a fair deal.

We would be willing to give up Ross for sure in any deal, as he has become expendable. Patterson would be a tougher pill to swallow.

Is there anything else possibly that would interest you? Like a pick of some sort? (Dont say NY pick lol) and possibly bebe? Just trying gauge the value. If you are adamant on patterson, i honestly wouldnt mind the deal at all.

[Frank Lee]

can we get rid of the poll ferchristsakes.....? We are beyond what some people want and what they don't. I could care less about the constant stat regurgitation from last year's abortional attempt at making the play offs. Frankly, it was not a good environment for anyone to succeed.

Bled made it past the big shakedown of rosters. KeifMo too for that matter. Looking at the bleak landscape of FAs left, we aren't going to find replacements. I am sure both are aware of their short comings, as well as the possibility of being traded. At some point, we should acknowledge what positive traits the have/bring and accept that they are part of this Suns team and the Front Office that is bound and determined to compete.... for the 8th spot.

Heck, both can and should improve... if not, anything is fair game come the mid season trade deadline.

[Asif16]

Hey guys. Raptor fan here.

Saw the tweet of Markieff Morris being potentially shopped. Dont know how much truth there is too it, based on some of your reaction and posts. Regardless, he would be a legit target for us.

So say if it is indeed true and he is being shopped, is there anything that would interest you from the raptors? What offer would you make? Just curious thanks.

WHAT?! YOU MEAN ANOTHER NBA TEAM ACTUALLY WANTS MARKIEFF MORRIS? I THOUGHT HE WAS THE WORST 4 IN THE LEAGUE?!

Most def. Feel free to go to our board and open up the thread we have for him (regarding the rumor that he's being shopped) and see all the people who want him on the raps.

[MrMiyagi]

I don't think that is true. We're a young team. I have no clue why people - especially the media - like to talk about us as a team full of washed-up has-beens. Kieff has plateaued, but Seraphim has potential..... Both are 25..... It makes no sense to me. Honestly, anyone who isn't Blake Griffin, Anthony Davis, LaMarcus Aldridge, or Kevin Love don't move the needle for me. They seem like a lateral move. Maybe add Favors to that list, but other than than I don't see a reason to trade Kieff.

You think Kieff has plateaued already? I think he can still be a better, more efficient scorer and better facilitator. He may plateaued this past season but he still has potential and I think he gets better.

No, that's the popular opinion. I'm pointing out that Kieff is just as young as some of these guys people fawn over having potential.

[bwgood77]

Hey guys, I know this might come across as a bit of a longshot and/or a little crazy! But I would like us to somehow aggressively pursue a trade to get Ibaka.

Now I believe that he is signed through 2016/2017 at around 12-13 million per year. So theoretically we could trade oklahoma....Markieff morris, p.j. tucker and maybe a sweetener of miami's 2016 pick for Ibaka.


Or if they would prefer bledsoe instead to play alongside russell, durant...Then they can have him. I think they would appreciate tuckers' and blesoes' defensive potential alongside of Durants' and Russell's scoring.

and now that kanter is developing nicely for them alongside adams, I believe that this makes Ibaka increasingly expendable.

I would love to make this trade happen! And I believe it would help them procure more money to resign durant if necessary.

Additionally it adds a better defensive compliment to try and secure durants' interest when it comes time to resign.

Also, For all the gallinari fans.....I found a great trade that works:

http:espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=nbvkvol .


Phoenix sends out: Markieff morris and p.j. tucker.

Denver sends phoenix: Gallinari and gary harris.


That gives us a very versatile player and shooter to change things up at the 4, when necessary. also a very adept shooter in harris to back up booker.

thoughts?

I'm all in.Some posters on this board actually prefer Kieff over Serge Ibaka who's clearly the more elite perimeter shooter, skilled yet actually plays like a big man and is a dominant post defender/shot blocker. Take that for what you will. But OKC doesn't need another PG after drafting Payne and they would rightfully laugh at that offer and hang up the phone

I doubt that. If anyone seriously prefers Kieff to Ibaka please chime in. OKC isn't trading Ibaka.

[lilfishi22]

I doubt that. If anyone seriously prefers Kieff to Ibaka please chime in. OKC isn't trading Ibaka.

Certainly not for Kieff

[MrMiyagi]

I'm all in.Some posters on this board actually prefer Kieff over Serge Ibaka who's clearly the more elite perimeter shooter, skilled yet actually plays like a big man and is a dominant post defender/shot blocker. Take that for what you will. But OKC doesn't need another PG after drafting Payne and they would rightfully laugh at that offer and hang up the phone

I doubt that. If anyone seriously prefers Kieff to Ibaka please chime in. OKC isn't trading Ibaka.

Before you point to me, I forgot to add him on my list with Griffin, Love, Aldridge, Davis and maybe Favors. I swear he's there!

[lilfishi22]

I don't think that is true. We're a young team. I have no clue why people - especially the media - like to talk about us as a team full of washed-up has-beens. Kieff has plateaued, but Seraphim has potential..... Both are 25..... It makes no sense to me. Honestly, anyone who isn't Blake Griffin, Anthony Davis, LaMarcus Aldridge, or Kevin Love don't move the needle for me. They seem like a lateral move. Maybe add Favors to that list, but other than than I don't see a reason to trade Kieff.

You think Kieff has plateaued already? I think he can still be a better, more efficient scorer and better facilitator. He may plateaued this past season but he still has potential and I think he gets better.

No, that's the popular opinion. I'm pointing out that Kieff is just as young as some of these guys people fawn over having potential.

Fair enough.

[bwgood77]

Hey guys. Raptor fan here.

Saw the tweet of Markieff Morris being potentially shopped. Dont know how much truth there is too it, based on some of your reaction and posts. Regardless, he would be a legit target for us.

So say if it is indeed true and he is being shopped, is there anything that would interest you from the raptors? What offer would you make? Just curious thanks.

Well what is a realistic deal you could see the Raptors doing? We would likely need a PF with range, or if we didn't get that we would have to take back little to no salary so we could sign one or trade for one so we would want a first rounder. We probably wouldn't mind a cheap backup pg or sf who can hit the 3 as well.

[bigfoot]

can we get rid of the poll ferchristsakes.....? We are beyond what some people want and what they don't. I could care less about the constant stat regurgitation from last year's abortional attempt at making the play offs. Frankly, it was not a good environment for anyone to succeed.

Bled made it past the big shakedown of rosters. KeifMo too for that matter. Looking at the bleak landscape of FAs left, we aren't going to find replacements. I am sure both are aware of their short comings, as well as the possibility of being traded. At some point, we should acknowledge what positive traits the have/bring and accept that they are part of this Suns team and the Front Office that is bound and determined to compete.... for the 8th spot.

Heck, both can and should improve... if not, anything is fair game come the mid season trade deadline.

I agree that Kief is a better than average PF and can still improve. However, we really don't need drama before the season starts. Already hearing that he and Horny don't get along. For certain he is upset about the boot given to his brother. Are we really willing to risk another season of bull because of Kief.

I would expect that Horny, Kief, and Ryan will have sat down and asked the question ... do you still want to play for the Suns? Some of the Kief movement rumors might well be that Kief wants out and if that's the case then McD should be doing everything he can to show him the door.

[Asif16]

Hey guys. Raptor fan here.

Saw the tweet of Markieff Morris being potentially shopped. Dont know how much truth there is too it, based on some of your reaction and posts. Regardless, he would be a legit target for us.

So say if it is indeed true and he is being shopped, is there anything that would interest you from the raptors? What offer would you make? Just curious thanks.

Well what is a realistic deal you could see the Raptors doing? We would likely need a PF with range, or if we didn't get that we would have to take back little to no salary so we could sign one or trade for one so we would want a first rounder. We probably wouldn't mind a cheap backup pg or sf who can hit the 3 as well.

Ross + Luke Ridnour + 2nd round pick?

Is that too little?

[Ghost of Kleine]

Hey guys, I know this might come across as a bit of a longshot and/or a little crazy! But I would like us to somehow aggressively pursue a trade to get Ibaka.

Now I believe that he is signed through 2016/2017 at around 12-13 million per year. So theoretically we could trade oklahoma....Markieff morris, p.j. tucker and maybe a sweetener of miami's 2016 pick for Ibaka.


Or if they would prefer bledsoe instead to play alongside russell, durant...Then they can have him. I think they would appreciate tuckers' and blesoes' defensive potential alongside of Durants' and Russell's scoring.

and now that kanter is developing nicely for them alongside adams, I believe that this makes Ibaka increasingly expendable.

I would love to make this trade happen! And I believe it would help them procure more money to resign durant if necessary.

Additionally it adds a better defensive compliment to try and secure durants' interest when it comes time to resign.

Also, For all the gallinari fans.....I found a great trade that works:

http:espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=nbvkvol .


Phoenix sends out: Markieff morris and p.j. tucker.

Denver sends phoenix: Gallinari and gary harris.


That gives us a very versatile player and shooter to change things up at the 4, when necessary. also a very adept shooter in harris to back up booker.

thoughts?

Some posters on this board actually prefer Kieff over Serge Ibaka who's clearly the more skilled/ elite perimeter shooter and dominant defender. Take that for what you will. But OKC doesn't need another PG after drafting Payne and they would rightfully laugh at that offer and hang up the phone

maybe...But then again, maybe not. You see, I'm sure they are very aware of durants' very serious interest in making it deep into the playoffs, and actively competing for a championship.

They have incredible scoring capabilities, But really since losing sefalosha to the hawks, they don't have very good defense.

Now durant being as highly intelligent as he is would understand the necessity of good perimeter defense.

and bledsoe if nothing else, offers that kind of elite defense that they are lacking on the wing.

also it is important to remember that markieffs' contract is a bargain (asset) that at the very worst, they can use if necessary to improve the team.

This has to resonate somewhat in the minds of the front office there as they will of course go to any reasonable lengths in order to placate durants interest.

We can of course add sweeteners if need be too.
Lastly, irregardless of the cap going up, I'm sure that they'd like to increase their assets and cap space with these players contracts to more easily facilitate resigning durant as well .

[bwgood77]

Hey guys. Raptor fan here.

Saw the tweet of Markieff Morris being potentially shopped. Dont know how much truth there is too it, based on some of your reaction and posts. Regardless, he would be a legit target for us.

So say if it is indeed true and he is being shopped, is there anything that would interest you from the raptors? What offer would you make? Just curious thanks.

Well what is a realistic deal you could see the Raptors doing? We would likely need a PF with range, or if we didn't get that we would have to take back little to no salary so we could sign one or trade for one so we would want a first rounder. We probably wouldn't mind a cheap backup pg or sf who can hit the 3 as well.

Ross + Luke Ridnour + 2nd round pick?

Is that too little?

Yes, that's too little and I actually was hoping the Suns would take Ross in that draft. We could definitely use Ross and Ridnour though. It really depends on whether or not the rumors are true that the Suns want to trade Markieff. To even consider a deal like that, it would have to be a lotto protected first and we would have to have a plan for a PF signing.

[NavLDO]

Hey guys. Raptor fan here.

Saw the tweet of Markieff Morris being potentially shopped. Dont know how much truth there is too it, based on some of your reaction and posts. Regardless, he would be a legit target for us.

So say if it is indeed true and he is being shopped, is there anything that would interest you from the raptors? What offer would you make? Just curious thanks.

WHAT?! YOU MEAN ANOTHER NBA TEAM ACTUALLY WANTS MARKIEFF MORRIS? I THOUGHT HE WAS THE WORST 4 IN THE LEAGUE?!

But you forgot your GREEN FONT!!!

But back to what you highlighted from my earlier post, yes, I see what you are saying, and I kinda 'softened' what I said immediately after--understanding with our young team, we could surprise if enough develop, right?

[bwgood77]

Spoiler:

Hey guys, I know this might come across as a bit of a longshot and/or a little crazy! But I would like us to somehow aggressively pursue a trade to get Ibaka.

Now I believe that he is signed through 2016/2017 at around 12-13 million per year. So theoretically we could trade oklahoma....Markieff morris, p.j. tucker and maybe a sweetener of miami's 2016 pick for Ibaka.


Or if they would prefer bledsoe instead to play alongside russell, durant...Then they can have him. I think they would appreciate tuckers' and blesoes' defensive potential alongside of Durants' and Russell's scoring.

and now that kanter is developing nicely for them alongside adams, I believe that this makes Ibaka increasingly expendable.

I would love to make this trade happen! And I believe it would help them procure more money to resign durant if necessary.

Additionally it adds a better defensive compliment to try and secure durants' interest when it comes time to resign.

Also, For all the gallinari fans.....I found a great trade that works:

http:espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=nbvkvol .


Phoenix sends out: Markieff morris and p.j. tucker.

Denver sends phoenix: Gallinari and gary harris.


That gives us a very versatile player and shooter to change things up at the 4, when necessary. also a very adept shooter in harris to back up booker.

thoughts?

Some posters on this board actually prefer Kieff over Serge Ibaka who's clearly the more skilled/ elite perimeter shooter and dominant defender. Take that for what you will. But OKC doesn't need another PG after drafting Payne and they would rightfully laugh at that offer and hang up the phone

maybe...But then again, maybe not. You see, I'm sure they are very aware of durants' very serious interest in making it deep into the playoffs, and actively competing for a championship.

They have incredible scoring capabilities, But really since losing sefalosha to the hawks, they don't have very good defense.

Now durant being as highly intelligent as he is would understand the necessity of good perimeter defense.

and bledsoe if nothing else, offers that kind of elite defense that they are lacking on the wing.

also it is important to remember that markieffs' contract is a bargain (asset) that at the very worst, they can use if necessary to improve the team.

This has to resonate somewhat in the minds of the front office there as they will of course go to any reasonable lengths in order to placate durants interest.

We can of course add sweeteners if need be too.
Lastly, irregardless of the cap going up, I'm sure that they'd like to increase their assets and cap space with these players contracts to more easily facilitate resigning durant as well .

Please try and make your trade thoughts a little more realistic and a little less long winded. Thanks!