Almost off-season discussion! Trades/Free Agency Ep. 9

[TOO]

Probably alone here, but I'd would happily take Lonzo off the Lakers hands.

[bwgood77]

How old is Kuzman? Who does he play for? What the league thinks and what reality is, is two different things. You don't make decision based off of what the league thinks. If you do that, they control the narrative and decide who has value and you better believe it will be Lakers' players over Suns' players. After one year Kuzman has more value than JJ

Yes, Kuzma is a couple of years older than Jackson but he has played better than him in his rookie season.

I prefer Jackson over Kuzma, but I imagine that their value around the league in a trade have to be pretty similar at the moment.

What I want to say is that Kuzma is a really good young player under a cheap contrat for the next three seasons...you are not getting him for the #16 pick in this draft.

I agree. Kuzma plays a better role than JJ does. Kuzman doesn't have JJ upside and multitude of ability. Kuzman is a medium tough 3D guy that spaces the floor and rebounds ok. He is a solid role-player, JJ can be an elite role-player/allstar. His shooting will limit his ceiling. He definitely has Kawhi/Butler ceiling. Maybe won't get as high as Leonard, but definitely reach Butler status, and as a number 3 option, that's fine.

He will DEFINITELY reach Butler status? I mean I love JJ and optimism but he's got a long ways to go. Shooting is pretty important. Though it's also Butler's weakness and he is one case of an all star who had a bit of a bumpy start.

[Kerrsed]

Probably alone here, but I'd would happily take Lonzo off the Lakers hands.

[Wilber85]

https://amp.azcentral.com/amp/707198002?__twitter_impression=true

We get involved to help the Lakers unload the Deng contract? As a reward we get Lonzo **** Ball?

F-that.

I want Kuzma.

Then we still make the trade with Memphis to get #4

Doncic/Knight/Ulis
Booker/Daniels
JJ/TJ
Kuzma/Chriss
Ayton/Bender/Sauce

Parsons and Deng rot on IR until they become assets we can use with our future picks to address the spots where guys don't work.

Not going to lie, y'all are nuts. Kuzma was good on a crap team. He is not a starter IMO. He will be an amazing off the bench role player for many years to come on a good team.

If you can get Ball (Yes, I am a big hater of ball) I think he can become a pass first defensive PG that the suns need, and would be a good fit next to booker.

[sunskerr]

Probably alone here, but I'd would happily take Lonzo off the Lakers hands.

His shooting form is so horrible. I can't fathom how you could possibly make the pros with a shot that bad/broken when growing up with youtube all you have to do is watch a few videos and copy Steve Nash's form to become a good shooter.

He's definitely talented in many other aspects of the game though.

[Wilber85]

Probably alone here, but I'd would happily take Lonzo off the Lakers hands.

I am not a fan either but I would do that in a heartbeat.

[bwgood77]

Probably alone here, but I'd would happily take Lonzo off the Lakers hands.

Nah, I'd take him. We desperately need a PG and we desperately need defense. He was a top 3 defensive PG last season according to RPM, and it's tougher to score higher on RPM on a bad team. Plus he has elite court vision. The shooting would be the only thing.

But I don't see how we would ever get him...yeah, maybe if we took on Deng but I don't know if we have that much space.

His personality does kind of bother me though and that's not even considering his dad.

[TOO]

Probably alone here, but I'd would happily take Lonzo off the Lakers hands.

Lavar, LaMelo, LiAngelo, Lafawnda, LeRoy, Lupus, Kim, Kanye, Steve can all come too, don't care.

[King4Day]

If McD feels Ball can be a stud, I would do that trade.
Primarily because we aren't signing any significant FA's in the near future. Develop all these young guys and hope a couple hit.
Next summer we'll get over 20mil freed up in cap.
The following summer we'd get over 30mil freed up (knight and Deng).

By the time extensions kick in, we'll have money and could also make a heavy push for free agents at that time.


Reality is, we need vets and we aren't getting that with this trade (Deng is useless). So I don't see us doing a deal like that unless Kuzma is coming back....and he's not going anywhere but San Antonio.

[kennydorglas]

No thanks for Lonzo Troll

[Waylay13]

I still believe that if we cant find a way to trade up BEFORE the draft, we will end up making a trade with the Hornets for Kemba. I believe they are the ones that gave a promise to Shai and will be moving Walker. Will be around #16 & Warren. Warren is an upgrade over all their starting SF's, and Kemba is easily an upgrade over any PG that we have had in the past 7 years. Kemba gets paid about $250K more than Warren this upcoming season. Provides 20+ points, solid 3 point shooting, veteran playmaking and leadership, and decent defense for the PG position. I also believe will we end up using what capspace we have to go after a PF like Favors or Randle for semi cheap or McD may try to risk it for the biscuit and hit a grand slam by trying to sign Cousins.

Booker is expecting McD to go all out, and has repeated him numerous times in numerous interviews. Like it or not, Kemba would help in that aspect, and while some here clamber for Dragics return, the fact is that Kemba is younger, more easily attainable, and had a better season last year (Both offensively and Defensively) than Dragic. Kemba is an all-star now 2 years in a row, but will be looking for a major payday soon. But is that one addition enough for Booker and what he expects McD to do with all the BIG CHANGES talk? I dont think so, i think instead of using that capspace to take on a dead contract like Deng or Parsons for a pick, he is going to throw it at a guy like Cousins. While Gordons name has been thrown about a lot in regards to us, i think Orlando matches whatever he is offered 100% (Thank God). Cousins on the other hand is the mystery man. Coming back from injury, does the Pelicans sink that much money into retaining him, or spends that to improve their roster in other ways. Suns would be adding a great defender that can hit the 3 if need be, and one of the best passing bigs in the league (Averaging 5.5 Assists) to Igors pass heavy system. Either its going to be phenomenal...or its going to fail hard, its all depending on Cousins health.

But when all is said and done, this is the starting 5 i think McD will be going after: Kemba/Booker/Jackson/Cousins/Ayton. If it happens, it will be GLORIOUS.....or a trainwreck.

Kerred do you think that McD would try to sign a player that likely wont play this year? and even if he does his production is going to be limited to the recovery. The risk of signing that player to max or near max contract is enough to cost people their job.

[BobbieL]

Probably alone here, but I'd would happily take Lonzo off the Lakers hands.

Nah, I'd take him. We desperately need a PG and we desperately need defense. He was a top 3 defensive PG last season according to RPM, and it's tougher to score higher on RPM on a bad team. Plus he has elite court vision. The shooting would be the only thing.

But I don't see how we would ever get him...yeah, maybe if we took on Deng but I don't know if we have that much space.

His personality does kind of bother me though and that's not even considering his dad.

BWG - would you give up 16 and say 2020 first round to a third team to take Deng so the Suns could have Ball?

I have used the Capulator and I am not sure the team can take on Deng and Ball without the Lakers taking back Daniels maybe. Even that - very limiting to what else the Suns can do cap wise as Deng takes it all. And it also limits next year if Booker signs his extension. Might have a bit of space but not much.

[jredsaz]

But when all is said and done, this is the starting 5 i think McD will be going after: Kemba/Booker/Jackson/Cousins/Ayton. If it happens, it will be GLORIOUS.....or a trainwreck.

Can everyone just please stop with this twin towers stuff? It's not coming back. Like, arrrrghh. Staaaahp

What does twin towers have to do with anything? Is an inch that big of a difference to make Chriss ok and Cousins not? I mean if thats the case, then we totally cant play 7"1 Bender next to Ayton because, like twin towers and stuff. Give me a freakin break, there are a ton of PF's in this league that are 6"10 or 6"11.

I just don't see Cousins. Kemba I do but I am warry of it. I like making a move for Russel and/or Harris better, but eho knows what those teams want for them. Kemba is a likely add.

[Kerrsed]

I still believe that if we cant find a way to trade up BEFORE the draft, we will end up making a trade with the Hornets for Kemba. I believe they are the ones that gave a promise to Shai and will be moving Walker. Will be around #16 & Warren. Warren is an upgrade over all their starting SF's, and Kemba is easily an upgrade over any PG that we have had in the past 7 years. Kemba gets paid about $250K more than Warren this upcoming season. Provides 20+ points, solid 3 point shooting, veteran playmaking and leadership, and decent defense for the PG position. I also believe will we end up using what capspace we have to go after a PF like Favors or Randle for semi cheap or McD may try to risk it for the biscuit and hit a grand slam by trying to sign Cousins.

Booker is expecting McD to go all out, and has repeated him numerous times in numerous interviews. Like it or not, Kemba would help in that aspect, and while some here clamber for Dragics return, the fact is that Kemba is younger, more easily attainable, and had a better season last year (Both offensively and Defensively) than Dragic. Kemba is an all-star now 2 years in a row, but will be looking for a major payday soon. But is that one addition enough for Booker and what he expects McD to do with all the BIG CHANGES talk? I dont think so, i think instead of using that capspace to take on a dead contract like Deng or Parsons for a pick, he is going to throw it at a guy like Cousins. While Gordons name has been thrown about a lot in regards to us, i think Orlando matches whatever he is offered 100% (Thank God). Cousins on the other hand is the mystery man. Coming back from injury, does the Pelicans sink that much money into retaining him, or spends that to improve their roster in other ways. Suns would be adding a great defender that can hit the 3 if need be, and one of the best passing bigs in the league (Averaging 5.5 Assists) to Igors pass heavy system. Either its going to be phenomenal...or its going to fail hard, its all depending on Cousins health.

But when all is said and done, this is the starting 5 i think McD will be going after: Kemba/Booker/Jackson/Cousins/Ayton. If it happens, it will be GLORIOUS.....or a trainwreck.

Kerred do you think that McD would try to sign a player that likely wont play this year? and even if he does his production is going to be limited to the recovery. The risk of signing that player to max or near max contract is enough to cost people their job.

I think it will be a mini-max. I dont think Cousins will find a Max deal in FA, and was reading about how people believe that the Pelicans may offer him a max money contract, but for 3 years (3rd being a team option). And i believe that is what McD would also do, except maybe make the 3rd year guaranteed to one up the Pelicans offer. That way, if he does re-injure himself or turns Derrick Rose bad, we can wiggle out in a few years rather than 5.

As for his timeframe, everything i have read said he will be ready by the time training camp starts. Usually with an achilles injury you lose a lot of size/muscle/strength in that leg, but reports were that he really didnt lose much at all and has been rehabbing it 6 days a week. He also spent time with Kobe and Rudy Gay (Both who had the same injury) and really worked on what worked best for them. While he might not be AS dominant as he was, there is still a good chance that he will be, and even if he is missing 10% or so, thats still a damn good player!

As for the Pelicans, he unfollowed them on Twitter/Instagram, said in a recent interview that he hasnt talked to Davis or Rondo or anyone since the last game of the season when he congratulated them. Just keeps saying that his main focus has been on himself and rehabbing.

[bwgood77]

Probably alone here, but I'd would happily take Lonzo off the Lakers hands.

Nah, I'd take him. We desperately need a PG and we desperately need defense. He was a top 3 defensive PG last season according to RPM, and it's tougher to score higher on RPM on a bad team. Plus he has elite court vision. The shooting would be the only thing.

But I don't see how we would ever get him...yeah, maybe if we took on Deng but I don't know if we have that much space.

His personality does kind of bother me though and that's not even considering his dad.

BWG - would you give up 16 and say 2020 first round to a third team to take Deng so the Suns could have Ball?

I have used the Capulator and I am not sure the team can take on Deng and Ball without the Lakers taking back Daniels maybe. Even that - very limiting to what else the Suns can do cap wise as Deng takes it all. And it also limits next year if Booker signs his extension. Might have a bit of space but not much.

I am not even completely sure I'd take that Deng contract for Ball. But I guess the way to look at your question is ask myself if I would trade the 16 and a 2020 first for Ball. Probably only with protections. I don't think it would be that easy to find a team to take on Deng for that though. Not enough cap space around and that's paying $36 million for a first rounder and 16 while limiting your team's flexibility.

All in all I'd probably rather just use 16...I just wish I knew what our FO's plan is and what their board for that pick looks like.

[Kerrsed]

Can everyone just please stop with this twin towers stuff? It's not coming back. Like, arrrrghh. Staaaahp

What does twin towers have to do with anything? Is an inch that big of a difference to make Chriss ok and Cousins not? I mean if thats the case, then we totally cant play 7"1 Bender next to Ayton because, like twin towers and stuff. Give me a freakin break, there are a ton of PF's in this league that are 6"10 or 6"11.

I just don't see Cousins. Kemba I do but I am warry of it. I like making a move for Russel and/or Harris better, but eho knows what those teams want for them. Kemba is a likely add.

A comparison of pretty much the top FA PF's:

Spoiler:

[JMac1]

Yes, Kuzma is a couple of years older than Jackson but he has played better than him in his rookie season.

I prefer Jackson over Kuzma, but I imagine that their value around the league in a trade have to be pretty similar at the moment.

What I want to say is that Kuzma is a really good young player under a cheap contrat for the next three seasons...you are not getting him for the #16 pick in this draft.

I agree. Kuzma plays a better role than JJ does. Kuzman doesn't have JJ upside and multitude of ability. Kuzman is a medium tough 3D guy that spaces the floor and rebounds ok. He is a solid role-player, JJ can be an elite role-player/allstar. His shooting will limit his ceiling. He definitely has Kawhi/Butler ceiling. Maybe won't get as high as Leonard, but definitely reach Butler status, and as a number 3 option, that's fine.

He will DEFINITELY reach Butler status? I mean I love JJ and optimism but he's got a long ways to go. Shooting is pretty important. Though it's also Butler's weakness and he is one case of an all star who had a bit of a bumpy start.

I mean ha could reach Butler's ceiling moreso Leonard. I don't know even if he reaches his ceiling it will be Leonard, but if he does, it will definitely be Butler's.

[TeamTragic]

[WeekapaugGroove]

We get involved to help the Lakers unload the Deng contract? As a reward we get Lonzo **** Ball?

F-that.

I want Kuzma.

Then we still make the trade with Memphis to get #4

Doncic/Knight/Ulis
Booker/Daniels
JJ/TJ
Kuzma/Chriss
Ayton/Bender/Sauce

Parsons and Deng rot on IR until they become assets we can use with our future picks to address the spots where guys don't work.

Not going to lie, y'all are nuts. Kuzma was good on a crap team. He is not a starter IMO. He will be an amazing off the bench role player for many years to come on a good team.

If you can get Ball (Yes, I am a big hater of ball) I think he can become a pass first defensive PG that the suns need, and would be a good fit next to booker.

If kuzma is just a stats on a bad team guy then what does that say about any of the current suns?

Sent from my SM-G930V using RealGM mobile app

[jredsaz]

What does twin towers have to do with anything? Is an inch that big of a difference to make Chriss ok and Cousins not? I mean if thats the case, then we totally cant play 7"1 Bender next to Ayton because, like twin towers and stuff. Give me a freakin break, there are a ton of PF's in this league that are 6"10 or 6"11.

I just don't see Cousins. Kemba I do but I am warry of it. I like making a move for Russel and/or Harris better, but eho knows what those teams want for them. Kemba is a likely add.

A comparison of pretty much the top FA PF's:

Spoiler:

Cousins is stud. Really wanted him when he got traded. Just not sure he comes to PHX