Trade & FA Ideas & Discussion 3: #TheTimeline

[BobbieL]

Any interest in swapping Cole Aldrich for Jared Dudley straight up?

Thibs didn't play Aldrich much last year, but he was decent on the Clips as a back-up, as a smart big who can run the pick and roll and defend the rim a little. His contract could help a team shave some salary for the valuable 2018 free agency, but MIN won't have cap space for that either.

For the Suns, I figure he could give you some leverage in contract talks with Len, and at worst, be a fallback position. He's a professional and would be a good mentor for your young bigs. The best part though for you may be his short contract, which is $7.3 mil this year, and a TEAM option for $6.95 mil, with jut $2 mil guaranteed. This cuts $2.7 in salary this year, and could add $7.5 mil in cap space in 2018.

I have read the Twolves are more than likely trying to cut salary so, per Twitter they would move Cole to the Suns (or Nets or Pacers) for a future second and attach the pick from OKC, through UT - to save the dollars on the Lux tax

I read that too, but I think it's unlikely the Wolves would do this.

Even if Aldrich was injured and could provide no production at all, that's only $9.3 mil for a first rounder. Many teams would bite at that, including the Wolves. The wolves, too. In fact, they could simple stretch him, and only pay $1.86 mil in a cap hold, and get $5.24 mil in cap space, and that's even if Aldrich wouldn't take less in a buy out to quickly join a new team, nor counting a little set off.

The stretch provision is a good thought but that means the Twolves are still paying the money. Maybe they just don't want to pay him the money so they don't stretch him but trade him for a first they got in the Rubio deal. Granted, that means they gave Rubio and Aldrich away for nothing - but sometimes, that happens.

Knight is a sunk cost. Its not about the money to me - its about the cap space through 2020. Will that 14m of cap space be important in 2020 For me - it was worth the Heat pick protected for the lottery in 2018 and the Toronto second rounder. Obviously, Sean Marks understands the Knight deal is three years and not 2, did the Carroll did - which is a better deal.

[jcsunsfan]

I have read the Twolves are more than likely trying to cut salary so, per Twitter they would move Cole to the Suns (or Nets or Pacers) for a future second and attach the pick from OKC, through UT - to save the dollars on the Lux tax

I read that too, but I think it's unlikely the Wolves would do this.

Even if Aldrich was injured and could provide no production at all, that's only $9.3 mil for a first rounder. Many teams would bite at that, including the Wolves. The wolves, too. In fact, they could simple stretch him, and only pay $1.86 mil in a cap hold, and get $5.24 mil in cap space, and that's even if Aldrich wouldn't take less in a buy out to quickly join a new team, nor counting a little set off.

The stretch provision is a good thought but that means the Twolves are still paying the money. Maybe they just don't want to pay him the money so they don't stretch him but trade him for a first they got in the Rubio deal. Granted, that means they gave Rubio and Aldrich away for nothing - but sometimes, that happens.

Knight is a sunk cost. Its not about the money to me - its about the cap space through 2020. Will that 14m of cap space be important in 2020 For me - it was worth the Heat pick protected for the lottery in 2018 and the Toronto second rounder. Obviously, Sean Marks understands the Knight deal is three years and not 2, did the Carroll did - which is a better deal.

But its not necessary now. If we really want cap space next year, we can buy him out then and stretch the rest. The cap hit won't be as bad then because the remainder of his deal will be less. It makes sense to hang on to Knight until we HAVE to move him or cut him, unless a good deal comes along now.

[BobbieL]

I read that too, but I think it's unlikely the Wolves would do this.

Even if Aldrich was injured and could provide no production at all, that's only $9.3 mil for a first rounder. Many teams would bite at that, including the Wolves. The wolves, too. In fact, they could simple stretch him, and only pay $1.86 mil in a cap hold, and get $5.24 mil in cap space, and that's even if Aldrich wouldn't take less in a buy out to quickly join a new team, nor counting a little set off.

The stretch provision is a good thought but that means the Twolves are still paying the money. Maybe they just don't want to pay him the money so they don't stretch him but trade him for a first they got in the Rubio deal. Granted, that means they gave Rubio and Aldrich away for nothing - but sometimes, that happens.

Knight is a sunk cost. Its not about the money to me - its about the cap space through 2020. Will that 14m of cap space be important in 2020 For me - it was worth the Heat pick protected for the lottery in 2018 and the Toronto second rounder. Obviously, Sean Marks understands the Knight deal is three years and not 2, did the Carroll did - which is a better deal.

But its not necessary now. If we really want cap space next year, we can buy him out then and stretch the rest. The cap hit won't be as bad then because the remainder of his deal will be less. It makes sense to hang on to Knight until we HAVE to move him or cut him, unless a good deal comes along now.

Good point about the stretch being cheaper with one less year on his deal. So, maybe keep him, and see if his value can increase again. Knight is only 25. Gambo needs to come back from vacation to give us the scoop on what they are doing.

So if Knight is sticking around - maybe its back to Bledsoe to the Knicks for Love in a 3 way deal - team would probably be better

Melo and Tyson to the Cavs
Shumpert and EB to the NYK
Suns get Love and Frye

If the Knicks don't want the expirings of Cleveland - they are wanting players to build around KP - so here you go

[matt131]

Read on Twitter

Toronto is finalizing a sign-and-trade with Indiana to move Cory Joseph for CJ Miles, league sources tell ESPN. - Woj

[BobbieL]

Read on Twitter

Toronto is finalizing a sign-and-trade with Indiana to move Cory Joseph for CJ Miles, league sources tell ESPN. - Woj

Pretty solid move by the Raptors. I am not sure where this puts them in the East - probably still third or fourth behind Cleveland, Boston and probably Washington - but a good solid move.

Suns are wise to sit back - but its awfully boring. But better to do nothing than something stupid - like the moves in summer of 2010.

[MilotheSlayer]

Has anyone heard any news on Bosh? He'd be a guy I'd bring in for a year or two. Be a good mentor and let him resurrect his career a little.

[carey]

Has anyone heard any news on Bosh? He'd be a guy I'd bring in for a year or two. Be a good mentor and let him resurrect his career a little.

I don't think anyone will bring Bosh in. No one wants to be the name on the front of the jersey he could potentially die in.

[WeekapaugGroove]

Read on Twitter

Toronto is finalizing a sign-and-trade with Indiana to move Cory Joseph for CJ Miles, league sources tell ESPN. - Woj

Pretty solid move by the Raptors. I am not sure where this puts them in the East - probably still third or fourth behind Cleveland, Boston and probably Washington - but a good solid move.

Suns are wise to sit back - but its awfully boring. But better to do nothing than something stupid - like the moves in summer of 2010.

I agree on it being wise to be patient. Hell they could carry this cap space into the season and use it to get paid to be the third team helping facilitate a trade. Or use it to acquire a good player who unexpectedly comes available mid season.

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[Zelaznyrules]

Read on Twitter

Toronto is finalizing a sign-and-trade with Indiana to move Cory Joseph for CJ Miles, league sources tell ESPN. - Woj

Pretty solid move by the Raptors. I am not sure where this puts them in the East - probably still third or fourth behind Cleveland, Boston and probably Washington - but a good solid move.

Suns are wise to sit back - but its awfully boring. But better to do nothing than something stupid - like the moves in summer of 2010.

I agree on it being wise to be patient. Hell they could carry this cap space into the season and use it to get paid to be the third team helping facilitate a trade. Or use it to acquire a good player who unexpectedly comes available mid season.

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I'm hopeful that's their intention. There are usually more motivated buyers at the midseason trade deadline so it's the perfect time to be a facilitator.

[matt131]

Read on Twitter

Free agent center Aron Baynes has reached agreement on a one-year, $4.3M deal with the Boston Celtics, league sources tell The Vertical. - Shams

So I guess they won't throw an offer at Len

[BobbieL]

Pretty solid move by the Raptors. I am not sure where this puts them in the East - probably still third or fourth behind Cleveland, Boston and probably Washington - but a good solid move.

Suns are wise to sit back - but its awfully boring. But better to do nothing than something stupid - like the moves in summer of 2010.

I agree on it being wise to be patient. Hell they could carry this cap space into the season and use it to get paid to be the third team helping facilitate a trade. Or use it to acquire a good player who unexpectedly comes available mid season.

Sent from my SM-G930V using RealGM mobile app

I'm hopeful that's their intention. There are usually more motivated buyers at the midseason trade deadline so it's the perfect time to be a facilitator.

Per Spotrac - the Suns are 9.2m under the cap but have cap holds totaling just over 15m with Len, Williams and Price. Lets just take into account they renounce Price, that puts them at 10.6. At this point, one can only guess that if they do indeed sign Williams (who again is courtside for the Summer League game) and Alex Len - it will combined be for the current cap hold of 13.6m between them. And more than likely, that is probably too high as Williams was rumored to be 4/20-24 and with guys like Aaron Bayne get 4.3 - Len might be lucky to get one year 6m

So based on that, renouncing, Price and if they do indeed bring back both Len & Williams, Suns should be about 10m under the cap.

Not sure what the floor is for the salary cap but like has been said - plenty of opportunities to take on a contract to meet the floor or whatever.

http://www.spotrac.com/nba/phoenix-suns/cap/

so hang tight - its not as fun as wheeling and dealing - but don't do something to do something - make smart plans

and lets face it - if this team is healthier and they don't tank so resting players - I can see low 30 win total

[shrink]

I read that too, but I think it's unlikely the Wolves would do this.

Even if Aldrich was injured and could provide no production at all, that's only $9.3 mil for a first rounder. Many teams would bite at that, including the Wolves. The wolves, too. In fact, they could simple stretch him, and only pay $1.86 mil in a cap hold, and get $5.24 mil in cap space, and that's even if Aldrich wouldn't take less in a buy out to quickly join a new team, nor counting a little set off.

The stretch provision is a good thought but that means the Twolves are still paying the money. Maybe they just don't want to pay him the money so they don't stretch him but trade him for a first they got in the Rubio deal. Granted, that means they gave Rubio and Aldrich away for nothing - but sometimes, that happens.

Knight is a sunk cost. Its not about the money to me - its about the cap space through 2020. Will that 14m of cap space be important in 2020 For me - it was worth the Heat pick protected for the lottery in 2018 and the Toronto second rounder. Obviously, Sean Marks understands the Knight deal is three years and not 2, did the Carroll did - which is a better deal.

But its not necessary now. If we really want cap space next year, we can buy him out then and stretch the rest. The cap hit won't be as bad then because the remainder of his deal will be less. It makes sense to hang on to Knight until we HAVE to move him or cut him, unless a good deal comes along now.

Ditto for the Wolves. If they want cap space now, they would buy him out and stretch him. Next year, he is mostly cap space anyway.

I thought Cole Aldrich's contract might fit you better than Dudley's, depending on what you wanted to do. MIN has no cap space plans for 2018, and should be under the lux as well.

[AtheJ415]

I don't understand the urgency some have to get rid of Knight. Also, stretching a player should be a near last resort. It keeps the cap player as a problem even longer than the contract.

People need to realize where this team is. It is rebuilding around 20 year olds. Unless Knight is standing in the way of acquiring a star who fits our timeline, we shouldn't be trading him with picks attached, nor taking on cap space well beyond his contract via stretching either. If we can't trade him without giving up additional assets, we should hold him until we are at a point where we have to dump him to take a big step forward. I cannot understand who on next year's FA list people see as that step forward. Only Cousins even makes the most remote sense of the available stars, and I don't think he alone would force our hand with Knight given the rest of the team's cap situation, and that is even if the FO wants him and even if he wants to come here.

[BobbieL]

The stretch provision is a good thought but that means the Twolves are still paying the money. Maybe they just don't want to pay him the money so they don't stretch him but trade him for a first they got in the Rubio deal. Granted, that means they gave Rubio and Aldrich away for nothing - but sometimes, that happens.

Knight is a sunk cost. Its not about the money to me - its about the cap space through 2020. Will that 14m of cap space be important in 2020 For me - it was worth the Heat pick protected for the lottery in 2018 and the Toronto second rounder. Obviously, Sean Marks understands the Knight deal is three years and not 2, did the Carroll did - which is a better deal.

But its not necessary now. If we really want cap space next year, we can buy him out then and stretch the rest. The cap hit won't be as bad then because the remainder of his deal will be less. It makes sense to hang on to Knight until we HAVE to move him or cut him, unless a good deal comes along now.

Ditto for the Wolves. If they want cap space now, they would buy him out and stretch him. Next year, he is mostly cap space anyway.

I thought Cole Aldrich's contract might fit you better than Dudley's, depending on what you wanted to do.

I just looked up the Twolves on Spotrac - there payroll is around 100m - some 20m under the luxury tax - not sure why its being speculated that moving Aldrich would get them under the lux tax. Granted maybe Spotrac is wrong. But I just don't see a reason why the Twolves pay a first round pick to move the guy

I looked at a team like the Thunder though - they are 4m over the luxury tax so that would cost them 6m in penalties. Now, its too bad they don't have assets to trade as Kanter for Chandler would get them under the lux tax so less salary and no penalty - but the assets to attach to a pick are nominal at best. That's being kind actually. So, nope - not an option

[bwgood77]

Read on Twitter

Free agent center Aron Baynes has reached agreement on a one-year, $4.3M deal with the Boston Celtics, league sources tell The Vertical. - Shams

So I guess they won't throw an offer at Len

I don't think they have the cap space to. Is this a mid level signing or did it squeeze into their remaining cap space? I think about the only team that might go after Len is maybe Brooklyn if they don't go after KCP. Possibly Atlanta but they are paying Plumlee over $10 million a year and just got Diamond Stone for cheap.

[BobbieL]

Read on Twitter

Free agent center Aron Baynes has reached agreement on a one-year, $4.3M deal with the Boston Celtics, league sources tell The Vertical. - Shams

So I guess they won't throw an offer at Len

I don't think they have the cap space to. Is this a mid level signing or did it squeeze into their remaining cap space? I think about the only team that might go after Len is maybe Brooklyn if they don't go after KCP. Possibly Atlanta but they are paying Plumlee over $10 million a year and just got Diamond Stone for cheap.

You are correct. Brooklyn in the Carroll trade moved Hamilton so the only C they have is Mozgov so they might want to take a flier on Len.

I think Len will be back with the Suns but Williams is getting the longer deal - Len will be lucky to get 2 years 12m, even if year 2 is an option

[shrink]

But its not necessary now. If we really want cap space next year, we can buy him out then and stretch the rest. The cap hit won't be as bad then because the remainder of his deal will be less. It makes sense to hang on to Knight until we HAVE to move him or cut him, unless a good deal comes along now.

Ditto for the Wolves. If they want cap space now, they would buy him out and stretch him. Next year, he is mostly cap space anyway.

I thought Cole Aldrich's contract might fit you better than Dudley's, depending on what you wanted to do.

I just looked up the Twolves on Spotrac - there payroll is around 100m - some 20m under the luxury tax - not sure why its being speculated that moving Aldrich would get them under the lux tax. Granted maybe Spotrac is wrong. But I just don't see a reason why the Twolves pay a first round pick to move the guy

I looked at a team like the Thunder though - they are 4m over the luxury tax so that would cost them 6m in penalties. Now, its too bad they don't have assets to trade as Kanter for Chandler would get them under the lux tax so less salary and no penalty - but the assets to attach to a pick are nominal at best. That's being kind actually. So, nope - not an option

I appreciate the referral! I'll go see if some larger deal can be done with OKC. MIN certainly wouldn't mind taking on salary, but you're right - Kanter is a no no!

SportTrac is often wrong. However, I think the speculation about Aldrich was to get under the cap, or a sign-and-trade for C.J. Miles. Miles wanted to come to MIN, and would have been a great fit. However, MIN used up all it's cap space on Taj Gibson, so pundits were talking about a sign-and-trade which would allow the Wolves to offer up to $12.3 mil. IND could just let Miles go for nothing, so they were looking for an asset MIN could give them to take Aldrich.

And while there are sure to be a few deals in free agency this year, it's doubtful that the ones they could find with Aldrich cap space would be worth giving up the OKC pick for. Good post.

[BobbieL]

Just looked at Milwaukee - they are just above the tax level and there was news that Derrick Rose wanted to be in Milwaukee. If that is the case - the Bucks have their picks for the next few years - so Mirza Teletovic and say a first in 2018 or 2019 for a Suns second rounder

This is a team that might be interested in Alex Len - only one Center on the roster, Monroe

[jcsunsfan]

Just looked at Milwaukee - they are just above the tax level and there was news that Derrick Rose wanted to be in Milwaukee. If that is the case - the Bucks have their picks for the next few years - so Mirza Teletovic and say a first in 2018 or 2019 for a Suns second rounder

This is a team that might be interested in Alex Len - only one Center on the roster, Monroe

After looking at summer league, I would be willing to ship Chriss and keep Len. (Not really, Chriss is just not looking good)

[ImNotMcDiSwear]

Just looked at Milwaukee - they are just above the tax level and there was news that Derrick Rose wanted to be in Milwaukee. If that is the case - the Bucks have their picks for the next few years - so Mirza Teletovic and say a first in 2018 or 2019 for a Suns second rounder

This is a team that might be interested in Alex Len - only one Center on the roster, Monroe

After looking at summer league, I would be willing to ship Chriss and keep Len. (Not really, Chriss is just not looking good)

A few times I thought tonight about how much better off we would've been with Alex snarfing rebounds rather than Quese coughing it up.