Season Speculation, Trade Ideas & Discussion Pt. 4

[Qwigglez]

Regarding the Morris fiasco. McD really effed that up by counting his chickens before they hatched. Why didn't he trade Marcus after LMA had agreed to sign with us? That way we likely could have gotten a better deal for Kieff, or even had packaged them both somewhere.

Anyway, it's easy to look back at other teams mistakes and say we aren't going to do the same thing. Yes we can look at the Pelicans and say they tried to accelerate their timeline and we shouldn't follow it. We could also look at the Wolves and see that last year they were actually 14-28 at this point in the season, worse than where the Suns are at currently! They traded for a star in Butler by using their draft pick and also signing quality free agents in Jeff Teague and Taj Gibson. Why can't we do that this summer? Why can't we possibly start several months earlier. We have the cap flexibility to add a max contract this off-season as well as the trade assets to make a deal, there isn't just one path to success in this league.

[lilfishi22]

Booker is 21 and still on his rookie contract. He will sign new deal with the Suns soon. He is many years away from being free agent so why worry about him leaving already? Suns needs to worry about being great team in few years. They don't need to be good right now.

We had Morris locked up and on a good contract, didn't stop him from being unhappy and forced his way out of Phoenix. Bledsoe was locked up for another two seasons on a reasonable contract, that didn't stop him from being unhappy and forced his way out of Phoenix either.

Don't be naive and think that just because a young guy is locked up that means they are happy to play on a crap team.

That's ridiculous. Morris was pissed because his brother was traded and they had signed that joint deal and Bledsoe wanted an early extension and likely close to or max deal which is why he wanted out...and obviously wasn't happy we sat him. Booker will get a max and won't be sitting. The guy is the face of the franchise. It's pretty unbelievable to me people are worried about a guy who will almost certainly agree to a 5 year max deal this summer to add to his existing 1 year are worried about him leaving at this point.

Did i just see a Booker/Morris Comparison? LOL.

Yes, lets act like he wanted out due to not having a good team around him, and not for the fact that we traded his twin away, while also trying to trade for a better player at his position, thus turning him from a starter to a bench asset.

And lets also act like they have the same temperament and mind frame. A easy going kid who is always smiling, compared to an asshat with multiple offcourt (And on court) issues with violence and pouting.

You didn't read what I wrote. I said guys can be locked up but that doesn't mean they can't force their way out. Players and agents these days have more power than they ever had.

Booker will sign his max deal but that doesn't mean he can't force his way out for any number of reasons. To say a guys on a contract so they'll be content playing on a crap team is ridiculous. Morris has his own situation and Bledsoe had his. The only comparison I made, if you've read what I wrote, is that they both had years on their deals yet they forced McD's hand and got traded.

[NavLDO]

Nice one juice.... your positive poster hubris is showing through. So you want Booker at the point... heck, Ive been saying that for as along as anyone. But the fact remains we do not have a starting caliber PG, we barely have a 2nd string caliber PG. To continue down this pathway is a disservice. Dumping the full time PG role onto Book right now is frankly an over load. As we dont have a starting caliber guard to run with him.

There is an obligation that every GM has and that is to make moves to get better. Right now, we are in a position to make a move and get better... even a minor one like adding Reke (or?). Sure, I can see the argument against him, as well as any/other individual players... but to assume any move McD makes is short term and done just to make the playoff is equally if not more short sighted. Adding Kemba or (?), a talked about notion, isn't just about this year. If it takes some of the mighty accumulated assets to get better, then so be it.

That said, its likely we do nothing.... then hear about all we tried to do. So when that happens... just remind yourself of who our PG next year likely is.

I agree we don't have a starting caliber PG, but I think there are better times/ways to address it than at the trade deadline. Kemba Walker, George Hill, Tyreke Evans, etc. that are available now are not any better than Bledsoe was and don't take us to the playoffs if added at this point of year.

The reason that I say these are short-term moves is because they are on short-term contracts that will either expand or be gone. Tyreke expires this offseason and is playing his way to a decent contract, Hill is entering his 30s and is only guaranteed for $1M of his $19M in 2019/2020 so he's a prime "waive" candidate to clear up space, and Kemba is going to get the same contract we were afraid Bledsoe would get while being marginally better. I know I'm focusing on those 3, but they're the only realistic ones I can think of outside of maybe Ricky Rubio (aka 6'4" Ulis).

I'm all for addressing the PG position. I hate watching Ulis as our starter as much as anyone. Whether it's drafting one, trying to trade our pick for a big time guard to put next to Book, or chasing one in free agency, I don't care as long as it's a smart, sustainable option. I just think it's best to not chase a car we can't catch right now, and we can get more potential trade value to use toward addressing that position by holding pat. If Ulis is the starter or still getting big minutes next year, then I'm pissed.

I think you are overlooking what kemba could do for us. I TOTALLY agree with you on your stance with picking up any PG that would strap us financially and be 'old', but Kemba would only be 28 next season, and IMO, if we could get him to sign with us long term after this contract was up, we'd get 6-8 good years out of him. Just look at these guys this season (top link), remembering that THIS season is an anomaly for Tyreke Evans (which when you see by opening the 2nd link, which is their entire careers, is plain as day, is by and far his best season ever...) But Walker is at the top of every meaningful category in both. Not to mention, he was an All-Star last year, and that is what we are looking for, right?

http://bkref.com/tiny/kQvkI

http://bkref.com/tiny/WMttk

Kemba is not in the same league as these other scrubs being discussed; if we can get Kemba, I say we do whatever we can to get him, up to and including taking on Batum's ridiculously bad contract.

Charlotte is a hot mess, and they have no way to get out from under it so long as they have Batum and Howard. One draft pick this year is not going to do it. We, however, can absorb Batum, IF we get our All-Star PG of the future in the process.

Again, go look at Kemba's numbers...22/6/3.5, with a .850 FT% on 5 Att/gm. He's avg'd 1.4 Stls/gm over his career, an ORtg of 113 over his last 2 seasons plus this one, and he's on pace for another 9-ish WS season. The dude is ALMOST exactly what we need; he'd be perfect if he was a couple years younger, but being 27 right now is so much better than a 31 YO Hill or Dragic at a higher cost for less performance.

So, the only thing we'd be missing is that stud Center, but if we were able to maintain Len, and draft one in the late lotto...which is easy since there are 10 1st Rd talents EASY in this class, I think we'd be in a great spot to compete, and yes, I do mean next season with, remember, potentially another 112 games for our young'ns to develop before the playoffs next year.

So, by virtue of taking on Batum, that's a huge 'price' right there, so I don't think we'd have to give up a whole heck of a lot, but enough to get them 'rolling' on their next rebuild.

http://www.espn.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=ydxngrwo + Mia '18 1st and MIL 1st

No idea what pieces would be best for them, but figure JJ's a new start for them over MKG, and Chriss as well, so we can concentrate on Bender.

Kemba / Booker / Warren / Bender / Len or Chimeze Metu

Gives them their pick, a guaranteed top 5, so, at worst, I'll say Trae Young, so their rebuild COULD be short, then they get the Mia 1st pick. The Mil 1st will likely be 2020, so, at worst, they COULD trot out...

Young / Lamb / JJ / Chriss / Howard

That's not bad, and if I were them, I'd jump all over that deal...

[ImNotMcDiSwear]

Spoiler:

Nice one juice.... your positive poster hubris is showing through. So you want Booker at the point... heck, Ive been saying that for as along as anyone. But the fact remains we do not have a starting caliber PG, we barely have a 2nd string caliber PG. To continue down this pathway is a disservice. Dumping the full time PG role onto Book right now is frankly an over load. As we dont have a starting caliber guard to run with him.

There is an obligation that every GM has and that is to make moves to get better. Right now, we are in a position to make a move and get better... even a minor one like adding Reke (or?). Sure, I can see the argument against him, as well as any/other individual players... but to assume any move McD makes is short term and done just to make the playoff is equally if not more short sighted. Adding Kemba or (?), a talked about notion, isn't just about this year. If it takes some of the mighty accumulated assets to get better, then so be it.

That said, its likely we do nothing.... then hear about all we tried to do. So when that happens... just remind yourself of who our PG next year likely is.

I agree we don't have a starting caliber PG, but I think there are better times/ways to address it than at the trade deadline. Kemba Walker, George Hill, Tyreke Evans, etc. that are available now are not any better than Bledsoe was and don't take us to the playoffs if added at this point of year.

The reason that I say these are short-term moves is because they are on short-term contracts that will either expand or be gone. Tyreke expires this offseason and is playing his way to a decent contract, Hill is entering his 30s and is only guaranteed for $1M of his $19M in 2019/2020 so he's a prime "waive" candidate to clear up space, and Kemba is going to get the same contract we were afraid Bledsoe would get while being marginally better. I know I'm focusing on those 3, but they're the only realistic ones I can think of outside of maybe Ricky Rubio (aka 6'4" Ulis).

I'm all for addressing the PG position. I hate watching Ulis as our starter as much as anyone. Whether it's drafting one, trying to trade our pick for a big time guard to put next to Book, or chasing one in free agency, I don't care as long as it's a smart, sustainable option. I just think it's best to not chase a car we can't catch right now, and we can get more potential trade value to use toward addressing that position by holding pat. If Ulis is the starter or still getting big minutes next year, then I'm pissed.

I think you are overlooking what kemba could do for us. I TOTALLY agree with you on your stance with picking up any PG that would strap us financially and be 'old', but Kemba would only be 28 next season, and IMO, if we could get him to sign with us long term after this contract was up, we'd get 6-8 good years out of him. Just look at these guys this season (top link), remembering that THIS season is an anomaly for Tyreke Evans (which when you see by opening the 2nd link, which is their entire careers, is plain as day, is by and far his best season ever...) But Walker is at the top of every meaningful category in both. Not to mention, he was an All-Star last year, and that is what we are looking for, right?

http://bkref.com/tiny/kQvkI

http://bkref.com/tiny/WMttk

Kemba is not in the same league as these other scrubs being discussed; if we can get Kemba, I say we do whatever we can to get him, up to and including taking on Batum's ridiculously bad contract.

Charlotte is a hot mess, and they have no way to get out from under it so long as they have Batum and Howard. One draft pick this year is not going to do it. We, however, can absorb Batum, IF we get our All-Star PG of the future in the process.

Again, go look at Kemba's numbers...22/6/3.5, with a .850 FT% on 5 Att/gm. He's avg'd 1.4 Stls/gm over his career, an ORtg of 113 over his last 2 seasons plus this one, and he's on pace for another 9-ish WS season. The dude is ALMOST exactly what we need; he'd be perfect if he was a couple years younger, but being 27 right now is so much better than a 31 YO Hill or Dragic at a higher cost for less performance.

So, the only thing we'd be missing is that stud Center, but if we were able to maintain Len, and draft one in the late lotto...which is easy since there are 10 1st Rd talents EASY in this class, I think we'd be in a great spot to compete, and yes, I do mean next season with, remember, potentially another 112 games for our young'ns to develop before the playoffs next year.

So, by virtue of taking on Batum, that's a huge 'price' right there, so I don't think we'd have to give up a whole heck of a lot, but enough to get them 'rolling' on their next rebuild.

http://www.espn.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=ydxngrwo + Mia '18 1st and MIL 1st

No idea what pieces would be best for them, but figure JJ's a new start for them over MKG, and Chriss as well, so we can concentrate on Bender.

Kemba / Booker / Warren / Bender / Len or Chimeze Metu

Gives them their pick, a guaranteed top 5, so, at worst, I'll say Trae Young, so their rebuild COULD be short, then they get the Mia 1st pick. The Mil 1st will likely be 2020, so, at worst, they COULD trot out...

Young / Lamb / JJ / Chriss / Howard

That's not bad, and if I were them, I'd jump all over that deal...

I don't think Kemba fits with what we're doing, and it has nothing to do with his age or his contract. In short, he's ball dominant. Not a strong defender. You're looking at Kemba because he may be available, not because he fits. I don't think that's the way to move forward.

I feel like all I do on this thread is tell people no.

Edit: I hadn't actually looked at your trade suggestion. My goodness. I would fly to Phoenix to protest.

[Waylay13]

Booker is 21 and still on his rookie contract. He will sign new deal with the Suns soon. He is many years away from being free agent so why worry about him leaving already? Suns needs to worry about being great team in few years. They don't need to be good right now.

We had Morris locked up and on a good contract, didn't stop him from being unhappy and forced his way out of Phoenix. Bledsoe was locked up for another two seasons on a reasonable contract, that didn't stop him from being unhappy and forced his way out of Phoenix either.

Don't be naive and think that just because a young guy is locked up that means they are happy to play on a crap team.

Yup. Our number 1 priority should be appeasing Booker. Waiting will lead to further repercussions down the road. Not a risk I'm willing to take.

I would say that our #1 priority is to build a championship team. Right now the best path to get there appears to include Booker but it is also important to remember with is that he wants a max 150 million deal that he cant get form anyone else besides the Suns and he cant get it till after next year. So odds are he isnt going anywhere for a while.

[carey]

I would say that our #1 priority is to build a championship team. Right now the best path to get there appears to include Booker but it is also important to remember with is that he wants a max 150 million deal that he cant get form anyone else besides the Suns and he cant get it till after next year. So odds are he isnt going anywhere for a while.

He's getting that deal as soon as extensions can be signed this Summer.

[NavLDO]

Spoiler:

I agree we don't have a starting caliber PG, but I think there are better times/ways to address it than at the trade deadline. Kemba Walker, George Hill, Tyreke Evans, etc. that are available now are not any better than Bledsoe was and don't take us to the playoffs if added at this point of year.

The reason that I say these are short-term moves is because they are on short-term contracts that will either expand or be gone. Tyreke expires this offseason and is playing his way to a decent contract, Hill is entering his 30s and is only guaranteed for $1M of his $19M in 2019/2020 so he's a prime "waive" candidate to clear up space, and Kemba is going to get the same contract we were afraid Bledsoe would get while being marginally better. I know I'm focusing on those 3, but they're the only realistic ones I can think of outside of maybe Ricky Rubio (aka 6'4" Ulis).

I'm all for addressing the PG position. I hate watching Ulis as our starter as much as anyone. Whether it's drafting one, trying to trade our pick for a big time guard to put next to Book, or chasing one in free agency, I don't care as long as it's a smart, sustainable option. I just think it's best to not chase a car we can't catch right now, and we can get more potential trade value to use toward addressing that position by holding pat. If Ulis is the starter or still getting big minutes next year, then I'm pissed.

I think you are overlooking what kemba could do for us. I TOTALLY agree with you on your stance with picking up any PG that would strap us financially and be 'old', but Kemba would only be 28 next season, and IMO, if we could get him to sign with us long term after this contract was up, we'd get 6-8 good years out of him. Just look at these guys this season (top link), remembering that THIS season is an anomaly for Tyreke Evans (which when you see by opening the 2nd link, which is their entire careers, is plain as day, is by and far his best season ever...) But Walker is at the top of every meaningful category in both. Not to mention, he was an All-Star last year, and that is what we are looking for, right?

http://bkref.com/tiny/kQvkI

http://bkref.com/tiny/WMttk

Kemba is not in the same league as these other scrubs being discussed; if we can get Kemba, I say we do whatever we can to get him, up to and including taking on Batum's ridiculously bad contract.

Charlotte is a hot mess, and they have no way to get out from under it so long as they have Batum and Howard. One draft pick this year is not going to do it. We, however, can absorb Batum, IF we get our All-Star PG of the future in the process.

Again, go look at Kemba's numbers...22/6/3.5, with a .850 FT% on 5 Att/gm. He's avg'd 1.4 Stls/gm over his career, an ORtg of 113 over his last 2 seasons plus this one, and he's on pace for another 9-ish WS season. The dude is ALMOST exactly what we need; he'd be perfect if he was a couple years younger, but being 27 right now is so much better than a 31 YO Hill or Dragic at a higher cost for less performance.

So, the only thing we'd be missing is that stud Center, but if we were able to maintain Len, and draft one in the late lotto...which is easy since there are 10 1st Rd talents EASY in this class, I think we'd be in a great spot to compete, and yes, I do mean next season with, remember, potentially another 112 games for our young'ns to develop before the playoffs next year.

So, by virtue of taking on Batum, that's a huge 'price' right there, so I don't think we'd have to give up a whole heck of a lot, but enough to get them 'rolling' on their next rebuild.

http://www.espn.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=ydxngrwo + Mia '18 1st and MIL 1st

No idea what pieces would be best for them, but figure JJ's a new start for them over MKG, and Chriss as well, so we can concentrate on Bender.

Kemba / Booker / Warren / Bender / Len or Chimeze Metu

Gives them their pick, a guaranteed top 5, so, at worst, I'll say Trae Young, so their rebuild COULD be short, then they get the Mia 1st pick. The Mil 1st will likely be 2020, so, at worst, they COULD trot out...

Young / Lamb / JJ / Chriss / Howard

That's not bad, and if I were them, I'd jump all over that deal...

I don't think Kemba fits with what we're doing, and it has nothing to do with his age or his contract. In short, he's ball dominant. Not a strong defender. You're looking at Kemba because he may be available, not because he fits. I don't think that's the way to move forward.

I feel like all I do on this thread is tell people no.

Edit: I hadn't actually looked at your trade suggestion. My goodness. I would fly to Phoenix to protest.

How can you say that? He may not be 'Bledsoe' in the defending department, be he's certainly above average for PGs.

And how can one be ball-dominant, yet average nearly 6 Assts per game...I'd much rather take a so-called 'ball-dominant' All-Star PG who dishes nearly 6 Assts at $12M/yr for the rest of this season and next, over an over-the-hill, $20M or $17M per year non-All-Star PG who averages 3 or 5 APG.

And in Stls/TO, for starting PGs, he's 5th, as a DRTG of 108 (pretty darn good for a PG), he obviously has some defensive prowess to his game.

As far as the trade goes, remember, we are trading for an All-Star. I likely gave up too much, but in the scenario I painted, we'd get what we needed to progress, which is better than where we are now. Trust me, if we could get him for cheaper, I'm all about it. IMO, since we'd be taking on such a bad contract, and given that they could start from a clean slate, McD SHOULD be able to get him for this (and yes, I like Johnny O'Bryant--not his best season, but he's a solid bench PF, IMO)...

http://www.espn.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=y8q3tb6k + Mia '18 Pick

We'd have to give them one young player and one pick this draft, in addition to taking Batum's contract, for Walker, for them to even sit down at the table.

This gives us:

Walker / Booker / Warren / Bender / Chandler

That's 60 pts a night from those first 3, and still allows us to select a Center, or another PG from the draft...whichever makes the most sense. It also is a playoff lineup, if folks will take off the anti-rose colored glasses realize that this lineup has 2 All-Star level players, stud/'should-be All-Star in Warren, and an ever-improving Bender, and hopefully, a new center...like soon. That squad would be competitive in 2 years if Bender developed into what we thought he would, coming into the NBA.

[m1chal]

I don't think Kemba fits with what we're doing, and it has nothing to do with his age or his contract. In short, he's ball dominant. Not a strong defender. You're looking at Kemba because he may be available, not because he fits. I don't think that's the way to move forward.

I feel like all I do on this thread is tell people no.

Edit: I hadn't actually looked at your trade suggestion. My goodness. I would fly to Phoenix to protest.

So would I and I live way farther
It's a HUGE overpay

[ATTL]

Nice one juice.... your positive poster hubris is showing through. So you want Booker at the point... heck, Ive been saying that for as along as anyone. But the fact remains we do not have a starting caliber PG, we barely have a 2nd string caliber PG. To continue down this pathway is a disservice. Dumping the full time PG role onto Book right now is frankly an over load. As we dont have a starting caliber guard to run with him.

There is an obligation that every GM has and that is to make moves to get better. Right now, we are in a position to make a move and get better... even a minor one like adding Reke (or?). Sure, I can see the argument against him, as well as any/other individual players... but to assume any move McD makes is short term and done just to make the playoff is equally if not more short sighted. Adding Kemba or (?), a talked about notion, isn't just about this year. If it takes some of the mighty accumulated assets to get better, then so be it.

That said, its likely we do nothing.... then hear about all we tried to do. So when that happens... just remind yourself of who our PG next year likely is.

I agree we don't have a starting caliber PG, but I think there are better times/ways to address it than at the trade deadline. Kemba Walker, George Hill, Tyreke Evans, etc. that are available now are not any better than Bledsoe was and don't take us to the playoffs if added at this point of year.

The reason that I say these are short-term moves is because they are on short-term contracts that will either expand or be gone. Tyreke expires this offseason and is playing his way to a decent contract, Hill is entering his 30s and is only guaranteed for $1M of his $19M in 2019/2020 so he's a prime "waive" candidate to clear up space, and Kemba is going to get the same contract we were afraid Bledsoe would get while being marginally better. I know I'm focusing on those 3, but they're the only realistic ones I can think of outside of maybe Ricky Rubio (aka 6'4" Ulis).

I'm all for addressing the PG position. I hate watching Ulis as our starter as much as anyone. Whether it's drafting one, trying to trade our pick for a big time guard to put next to Book, or chasing one in free agency, I don't care as long as it's a smart, sustainable option. I just think it's best to not chase a car we can't catch right now, and we can get more potential trade value to use toward addressing that position by holding pat. If Ulis is the starter or still getting big minutes next year, then I'm pissed.

I think you are overlooking what kemba could do for us. I TOTALLY agree with you on your stance with picking up any PG that would strap us financially and be 'old', but Kemba would only be 28 next season, and IMO, if we could get him to sign with us long term after this contract was up, we'd get 6-8 good years out of him. Just look at these guys this season (top link), remembering that THIS season is an anomaly for Tyreke Evans (which when you see by opening the 2nd link, which is their entire careers, is plain as day, is by and far his best season ever...) But Walker is at the top of every meaningful category in both. Not to mention, he was an All-Star last year, and that is what we are looking for, right?

http://bkref.com/tiny/kQvkI

http://bkref.com/tiny/WMttk

Kemba is not in the same league as these other scrubs being discussed; if we can get Kemba, I say we do whatever we can to get him, up to and including taking on Batum's ridiculously bad contract.

Charlotte is a hot mess, and they have no way to get out from under it so long as they have Batum and Howard. One draft pick this year is not going to do it. We, however, can absorb Batum, IF we get our All-Star PG of the future in the process.

Again, go look at Kemba's numbers...22/6/3.5, with a .850 FT% on 5 Att/gm. He's avg'd 1.4 Stls/gm over his career, an ORtg of 113 over his last 2 seasons plus this one, and he's on pace for another 9-ish WS season. The dude is ALMOST exactly what we need; he'd be perfect if he was a couple years younger, but being 27 right now is so much better than a 31 YO Hill or Dragic at a higher cost for less performance.

So, the only thing we'd be missing is that stud Center, but if we were able to maintain Len, and draft one in the late lotto...which is easy since there are 10 1st Rd talents EASY in this class, I think we'd be in a great spot to compete, and yes, I do mean next season with, remember, potentially another 112 games for our young'ns to develop before the playoffs next year.

So, by virtue of taking on Batum, that's a huge 'price' right there, so I don't think we'd have to give up a whole heck of a lot, but enough to get them 'rolling' on their next rebuild.

http://www.espn.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=ydxngrwo + Mia '18 1st and MIL 1st

No idea what pieces would be best for them, but figure JJ's a new start for them over MKG, and Chriss as well, so we can concentrate on Bender.

Kemba / Booker / Warren / Bender / Len or Chimeze Metu

Gives them their pick, a guaranteed top 5, so, at worst, I'll say Trae Young, so their rebuild COULD be short, then they get the Mia 1st pick. The Mil 1st will likely be 2020, so, at worst, they COULD trot out...

Young / Lamb / JJ / Chriss / Howard

That's not bad, and if I were them, I'd jump all over that deal...

I'd rather trade up for Trae this summer and keep cap flexible to sign a big.

[Hesh]

fun fact: in the month of January our defensive rating is better than GSW, OKC, clips, bucks and cavs. And our offense is better than spurs, jazz, knicks, lakers and celts.

[NavLDO]

We had Morris locked up and on a good contract, didn't stop him from being unhappy and forced his way out of Phoenix. Bledsoe was locked up for another two seasons on a reasonable contract, that didn't stop him from being unhappy and forced his way out of Phoenix either.

Don't be naive and think that just because a young guy is locked up that means they are happy to play on a crap team.

Yup. Our number 1 priority should be appeasing Booker. Waiting will lead to further repercussions down the road. Not a risk I'm willing to take.

I would say that our #1 priority is to build a championship team. Right now the best path to get there appears to include Booker but it is also important to remember with is that he wants a max 150 million deal that he cant get form anyone else besides the Suns and he cant get it till after next year. So odds are he isnt going anywhere for a while.

Yes, absolutely, because without Booker, we're starting all over. We've taken the 'build through the draft' route, and IMO, we've squeezed all we can out via that way. I know many want us to 'tank' 'just one more year', because once we get 'X player' we'll be set.

Well, rewind 12 months, insert Josh Jackson's name into that statement. Because that was mantra around here. Well, we did that. Now, that JJ hasn't come in and propelled us to instant glory, here we are again; we need to tank just once more and get Doncic, Young, Ayton, Bamba, whoever.

Then, when THAT rookie doesn't provide instant success, we'll see the phrase come out again...'We need to tank one more year; all we need is x player, and we'll be set!"

So, we need to go with what we have, which is Booker, Warren, Jackson, Bender, and Chriss...and possibly Reed and/or Peters, depending on how they develop, and whoever we draft this season, depending upon who's available at our slot.

But if we can snag Kemba, or Schroder, Russell, Grant, Fultz, etc., to demonstrate to Booker that we are serious about contending NOW, then that makes it easier for him to want to sign with us, because we are demonstrating to him that our #1 Goal is to bring a Championship to Phoenix...BEFORE 2028.

So, you both are correct, our #1 Goal of winning a Championship happens to be a parallel goal of appeasing Booker, and falls right in line, if done properly, IMO. If we keep trying to go back to the 'Tank' well, then that just signifies to Booker that we do not think we are close, and are still in the 'Rebuild' phase, when in actuality, we are a lot closer than I believe many of you are giving us credit for.

PG - Dinwiddie, Grant, Mudiay, Brogdon, Napier, Payton -- something like that would be great
SG - Booker / Reed
SF - JJ / Warren (...eventually, I presume)
PF - Bender / Chriss (also, likely eventually)
C - here's the 'big one'....both figuratively, an literally. If we can snag Boogie, Jordan, Capela, Nurkic, Noel, or Bro-pez (if he can find his mojo).

So, something like that lineup is a pretty strong lineup, and we aren't that far away, IMO, and we grab say, a Dinwiddie and Noel, then get Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Kentucky, baby!) in the draft, then maybe Robert Williams, Brandon McCoy, or Mitchell Robinson, and we start next season looking like:

Mudiay / Gilgeous-Alexander
Booker / Reed
Warren / JJ
Chriss / Bender
Noel / Robinson

By then, I suspect Chriss and or Bender to be much more consistent, if not better. We know Noel can be a force if used properly,and Mudiay/Gilgy is much better than anything we are putting out there now...maybe we keep our Vet, just in case.

Point is, I think we are closer than we think,and what I just showed is a worst case scenario...

[King4Day]

Saw on the wiretap that The Cavs are willing to trade Thompson and the Pistons are willing to trade Stanimal.

Thompson is out of the question for multiple reasons IMO.
But would you guys consider a flier on Johnson? Not sure how he's doing this year.

[jcsunsfan]

Saw on the wiretap that The Cavs are willing to trade Thompson and the Pistons are willing to trade Stanimal.

Thompson is out of the question for multiple reasons IMO.
But would you guys consider a flier on Johnson? Not sure how he's doing this year.

Yep. TT is way overpaid and his agent is Rich Paul. Nah.
Johnson is interesting, but I think we already have two better prospects at SF. He is not an improvement.

Its really hard. For several years we have been in "asset gathering mode." We have gathered lots of assets now. More than what we can use. Now we have to translate those many assets into better assets. It is a much harder step.

[Frank Lee]

Im becoming more convinced McD just plods forward, and wraps up this year with what we have. He'll draft a PG with one of our firsts, and rolls with BK to start next season. There really isn't a strong FA market, and trying to trade now for a starting PG is going to cost not only picks but one of his golden boys. McD is far too stingy for that...... but if he could steal someone....



Who knows.... may be he can make a draft day deal for Brogdon or Dinwiddie or Payton or or or ? But thats likely when things happen... draft day.

The TimeLyin lives on.

At least this bunch is far more pleasing to watch than the crud we have been subject to over the past 3-4+ years(seems like forever).

[rcc8884]

The Suns would be one of the few teams with enough cap room to sign Isaiah Thomas this offseason to a deal he would like. How would you guys feel about bringing him back on a close to max deal?

His defense with Booker in the backcourt would be a problem but we do need a quality Point Guard so Booker can go back to SG where he is the most effective.

[RaisingArizona]

The Suns would be one of the few teams with enough cap room to sign Isaiah Thomas this offseason to a deal he would like. How would you guys feel about bringing him back on a close to max deal?

His defense with Booker in the backcourt would be a problem but we do need a quality Point Guard so Booker can go back to SG where he is the most effective.

Ryan did say that was an obvious mistake trading him... If we go that route we still need a bigger PG for defense. I'd love to get Payton or Mudiay too and cut ties with Tulis.

[King4Day]

The Suns would be one of the few teams with enough cap room to sign Isaiah Thomas this offseason to a deal he would like. How would you guys feel about bringing him back on a close to max deal?

His defense with Booker in the backcourt would be a problem but we do need a quality Point Guard so Booker can go back to SG where he is the most effective.

If he finishes the season healthy, I'd consider it. But the big issue I have with IT is that he needs the ball most of the time and I think it risks making Booker a shooter more.
Hard to see if the fit would work but I wouldn't be opposed to it if it came to that.

[LukasBMW]

The draft has gotten to be more of a crapshoot now that players are doing the 1 and done thing.

Top 3 picks are still your best chance at landing a star, but after that, you can find the next Booker, Gobert, Giannis, etc at the end of the lottery or even mid 20's.

If we DON'T tank, and we CAN'T move up, we may as well use all our our picks and see how they perform in training camp. We can always stash the lesser guys in Flagstaff.

I'd rather take shots at young talent then package our picks for a borderline allstar vet.

[jredsaz]

The Suns would be one of the few teams with enough cap room to sign Isaiah Thomas this offseason to a deal he would like. How would you guys feel about bringing him back on a close to max deal?

His defense with Booker in the backcourt would be a problem but we do need a quality Point Guard so Booker can go back to SG where he is the most effective.

I would rather spend less on Bradley tbh. Thomas is so ball dominant that I think he will take away from Bookers development.

[jredsaz]

Saw on the wiretap that The Cavs are willing to trade Thompson and the Pistons are willing to trade Stanimal.

Thompson is out of the question for multiple reasons IMO.
But would you guys consider a flier on Johnson? Not sure how he's doing this year.

Stan is intriguing but I feel like he just gets lost on the roster behind JJ, Warren, Chriss, Bender. But someone might get him for cheap and in a couple years look like a genius.