BobbieL wrote:Kerrsed wrote:BobbieL wrote:
I agree that the team needs to have the cap right for Booker Jackson and Ayton in four years
I also do think the players need to learn how to win games in the playoffs. I believe the Warriors got to the playoffss in 13 and 14 before going on this great run 15 -18. Yes, they had talent but they also made the playoffs and losing he;lped make them better. Trading for Bogut in 13, signing Iggy in 14. The Suns need that kind of move - a Bogut type signing this offseason.
So when I think of adding veterans - unless they are younger like Favors or Smart --- I am wanting veterans with two years left on their deals in most cases to help bridge the gap as Chriss, Bender, Jackson and Ayton mature. I don;'t know what Knight has left in the tank but with two years left on his deal - he fits that timeline. Maybe it seems stupid to give up a first round pick to help facilitate a move with Chandler or Dudleys contract but those things are spent money and would rather not extend the pain byt stretching those deals - plus the Suns don't need more rookies at this point
Its a fine line - I want my cake and eat it too - but I think this team needs win some games and push for the 8th spot this season. Not stupid long term signings - over pays on one years unless the right player comes along. Its why Dragic for two years - could be a very good option.
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.
i have already stated what i think the Suns can give Kupchak that other teams might not be able to give - granted, I haven't studied others teams caps - but between expirings and non guaranteed contracts- Mitch can get both short and long term cap relief. plus the Suns can give 16 and Warren too and hell - possibly a pretty heavily protected first rounder of their own in 2019 - 2021
Out: Dudley, Warren, Williams, Ulis - 16 and if they want 31
In: Kemba and Marvin - would take Hermangomez but I doubt Mitch is giving up
Mitch can waive Williams and Ulis and save 7m right now; Dudley expiring where as Marvin is not so savings there - have picks 11, 16 and 31 to rebuild. Howard, Lamb and Dudley off books would create cap space
Sorry but that is a massive overpay for Kemba. PGs are not that valuable and only like 3 teams need a PG so we are basically bidding against ourselves, Orlando, and maybe Atlanta if they want to move Schroeder. Either of those other 2 are likely to take Trae Young, so why on earth are we taking bad salary in Marvin, while trading Warren, Ulis, and what is essentially 2 first rounders in 16 and 31? A star typically gets traded for 3 1sts and I would argue Kemba is not a star. He is a really good player but is only an all-star because he was in the East.
He is also an FA in a year and likely not to get the big payday he wants unless it is from Charlotte, so why would we dump all of that when we could sign him next offseason? I am okay with Warren, Ulis, and one of those picks IF we don't have to take Marvin back too. I don't see the point of taking Marvin because if we are taking on dead salary we might as well just make the Memphis trade or Laker trade and end up with one of Young, Doncic, or Ball, all of whom are probably more valuable than Kemba to a rebuilding team with players our ages.
Also, if we were to do that trade for Kemba, we are saying this year is when we try to contend, so keeping space to add more this offseason becomes more imperative. You can't lose all of that on Marvin Williams when you are already giving up a really good wing in Warren and 2 firsts.
I understand what you saying, but if a stud is at 31, you still take the stud. I would never draft a lesser player.
