Trade and free agency speculation

[wheezy]

The Suns have had roster turnover issues almost every year this decade. I think the most prudent move is to stand pat. If BK is healthy there's a non-zero chance he's better than any of the free agent pg's people have been discussing on the board (and honestly he may be better than all of them besides PBev). If not then the 2019 FA group should be better. At least at that point the team would have a better idea of what we have going forward. No reason to blow our load this offseason when the team is already primed to be better than last year.

[jredsaz]

The prudent approach is to wait out the opening feeding frezny and gobble up some leftovers who lose out on the game of fa chairs.

But if they do decide to dip into the rfa waters with Gordon, van vleet or randle the key is to get it done early and have that guy sign the offer sheet the first day of real signings. That way if the other team matches you still have time to move to plan b.

If they do happen to spend on a long term contract at either PF or PG it does open up some trade options for the other spot using expirings. Because if they lock in long term money then it's not important to keep any room for next year so they could try to flip Dudley and Chandler to get a real player with a team trying to clear space next year.

Basically they either need to go 1 yr deals and shoot for next summer (my favorite option) or say the hell with it and really go all in.

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They can have both this offseason. If they like the RFA they should take the shot. Three days later, if the offer is matched, there will still be a lot of talent available. There will be some good players left out of the limited money.

[bwgood77]

The Suns have had roster turnover issues almost every year this decade. I think the most prudent move is to stand pat. If BK is healthy there's a non-zero chance he's better than any of the free agent pg's people have been discussing on the board (and honestly he may be better than all of them besides PBev). If not then the 2019 FA group should be better. At least at that point the team would have a better idea of what we have going forward. No reason to blow our load this offseason when the team is already primed to be better than last year.

I take a hard look at Bev first. I think the Clips will not guarantee him. They just drafted two point guards and re-signed Lou Williams. They will also let Teodosic go (but I don't want him).

It's hard to know how healthy Beverley is though and I don't know what to do about physical. Then I would monitor Tyreke and maybe VanVleet and maybe inquire about Hill...if we could give up some salary to get him but give the Cavs some salary relief...but not sure they'd want Chandler or Dudley even though it saves them money...but they did draft Sexton.

And then Hill is an expiring...but he has played under Koko and is a solid vet and good 3 pt shooter. Knight might be ok but is still coming off injury and was pretty terrible last time he played.

It's a lot of money for Hill but I think all we need is a vet PG and if he gives us our cap space back next summer it's a better option than signing someone for multiple years, even if it's only $10 million a year.

[timetoshinebaby]

I think the Suns will attempt to sign Avery Bradley or Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Nemanja Bjelica. They can create the cap space if needed by starting to stretch guys like Dudley and Chandler. Yes, I don't want them back.

[WeekapaugGroove]

The prudent approach is to wait out the opening feeding frezny and gobble up some leftovers who lose out on the game of fa chairs.

But if they do decide to dip into the rfa waters with Gordon, van vleet or randle the key is to get it done early and have that guy sign the offer sheet the first day of real signings. That way if the other team matches you still have time to move to plan b.

If they do happen to spend on a long term contract at either PF or PG it does open up some trade options for the other spot using expirings. Because if they lock in long term money then it's not important to keep any room for next year so they could try to flip Dudley and Chandler to get a real player with a team trying to clear space next year.

Basically they either need to go 1 yr deals and shoot for next summer (my favorite option) or say the hell with it and really go all in.

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They can have both this offseason. If they like the RFA they should take the shot. Three days later, if the offer is matched, there will still be a lot of talent available. There will be some good players left out of the limited money.

Yeah that's exactly what I'm saying if they do go the rfa path give yourself a plan b. 3 days is the matching period but guys can't actually sign deals until 7/6 so it's really like a 9 day wait for a RFA. But I think this market moves pretty slow there just isn't enough money for everyone to get paid.

When I say they need to pick a path all I'm saying is if they commit money past next yr then their expirings should be used as trade chips because when they come off next summer it's meaningless because with the Booker extension they will be capped out anyway.

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[Son of Ra]

I would be disgusted if we signed any of Smart, Bradley (at all) or Gordon for a huge amount.
I wouldn't want Smart or Bradley for any money, however little. Gordon for no more than 4/40. Especially considering money is supposedly tight this off-season.

[WeekapaugGroove]

I think the Suns will attempt to sign Avery Bradley or Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Nemanja Bjelica. They can create the cap space if needed by starting to stretch guys like Dudley and Chandler. Yes, I don't want them back.

Bjelica is a very real possibility and not a bad choice.

KCP? Haven't seen his name thrown around. I don't hate him as a player but how would he fit?

I'm not a Bradley fan at all and he's not a pg but I guess if he strikes out in fa and comes cheap then sure. Best part of signing him is the suns would need to do some fun/weird **** like play Jackson at pg.

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[AtheJ415]

Treveon Graham may be a super cheap option we could look at for a 2 way deal or to fill out the roster if we end up trading or releasing a few people. Just got released from NO. Career 43% 3 point wing on 1.5 a game, but oddly just a 70% FT shooter. DBPM is a slight negative at -0.3, but was a really good defender in college. 6'6" with a 6'10.5" wingspan so potential to guard a few positions.

[thamadkant]

KCP is Klutch?
If so no thanks... shame he would fit in as a defensive guard who can shoot.


I have a feeling its Smart... just waiting announcement and July 1.

Why?

Because as mentioned, he is inspirational and battles anyone on the court.... that is HUGE for young players to have around. Like on the battle field, brave soldiers giving it all inspire his/her team and others.... Smart does that. His work ethic will rub on the young.

Shooting wise, he may not hit shots consecutive games, but he is not ashamed to take shots and he will make some of them.

But the key is.... the team needs a Draymond Green type character who is loud, a fighter, hustles, makes huge plays in the defensive end.... and Smart is it.... he would inspire the young players to work hard. And I think McD sees this...

[AtheJ415]

I think the Suns will attempt to sign Avery Bradley or Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Nemanja Bjelica. They can create the cap space if needed by starting to stretch guys like Dudley and Chandler. Yes, I don't want them back.

That would be awful. Stretching should be used as a last resort. Instead of being out from under Chandler and Dudley next offseason, we would be stretching that problem and dealing with it for 4 years. All to sign 2 guys who i am not sure are worth more than the vet minimum in Bradley and KCP, plus a solid but unimpressive role player in Bjelica. I just don't see the point of tying up Chandler and Dudley onto this cap for another half decade just to sign guys who are at best barely better than replacement players.

Bradley was once good but has not been that in literally years now. His defense has dropped off and he just isn't worth all that much. KCP is a guy who still probably has upside but he's not nearly as valuable as he seems and his irrational confidence may play to his detriment. I don't think he was good at all last year with LA, but he was moderately good before then IIRC.

[AtheJ415]

The Suns have had roster turnover issues almost every year this decade. I think the most prudent move is to stand pat. If BK is healthy there's a non-zero chance he's better than any of the free agent pg's people have been discussing on the board (and honestly he may be better than all of them besides PBev). If not then the 2019 FA group should be better. At least at that point the team would have a better idea of what we have going forward. No reason to blow our load this offseason when the team is already primed to be better than last year.

I take a hard look at Bev first. I think the Clips will not guarantee him. They just drafted two point guards and re-signed Lou Williams. They will also let Teodosic go (but I don't want him).

It's hard to know how healthy Beverley is though and I don't know what to do about physical. Then I would monitor Tyreke and maybe VanVleet and maybe inquire about Hill...if we could give up some salary to get him but give the Cavs some salary relief...but not sure they'd want Chandler or Dudley even though it saves them money...but they did draft Sexton.

And then Hill is an expiring...but he has played under Koko and is a solid vet and good 3 pt shooter. Knight might be ok but is still coming off injury and was pretty terrible last time he played.

It's a lot of money for Hill but I think all we need is a vet PG and if he gives us our cap space back next summer it's a better option than signing someone for multiple years, even if it's only $10 million a year.

I'd take Hill at this point. Much prefer the FA class next offseason, and I am a little worried based the Suns beat writers and other media members hypothesizing these huge deals for guys like Smart and Bradley. A reasonable deal for Van Vleet or Exum are my option 1. Both are RFA. Don't overpay, just give them what they are worth and if they match try to trade something minor for Bev. If that doesn't work grab Hill.

[asudevil]

I'm good with either Gordon or Evans in FA and trade for Dragic. Yeah I know there is a bit of animosity for Dragic...but I think he is a good fit for this coach and roster today.

Gordon would give us a good backup SG, while Evans would pair with Booker/Knight/Dragic at both ends of the floor.

I'd even be willing to do a Plumlee/First from Denver for Chandler.

Our FA market would be done for a couple years, but if this roster pans out it wouldn't matter.

Ayton/Plumlee/Chriss
Bender/Bridges/Chriss
Jackson/Warren
Booker/Gordon/Reed
Dragic/Knight/Okobo

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[AtheJ415]

KCP is Klutch?
If so no thanks... shame he would fit in as a defensive guard who can shoot.


I have a feeling its Smart... just waiting announcement and July 1.

Why?

Because as mentioned, he is inspirational and battles anyone on the court.... that is HUGE for young players to have around. Like on the battle field, brave soldiers giving it all inspire his/her team and others.... Smart does that. His work ethic will rub on the young.

Shooting wise, he may not hit shots consecutive games, but he is not ashamed to take shots and he will make some of them.

But the key is.... the team needs a Draymond Green type character who is loud, a fighter, hustles, makes huge plays in the defensive end.... and Smart is it.... he would inspire the young players to work hard. And I think McD sees this...

This is a big part of why he is a bad player. You would rather him not shoot. Not until the clock is running down. He has an overall negative DBPM + OBPM because he is that bad offensively. He gives up 7 more points per 100 than his team scores when he is on the court. His VORP is BARELY positive. I just don't see the argument for him being this key piece that requires a big contract. In fact, I have yet to see convincing evidence that he is anything more than an average player AT BEST.

[wheezy]

The Suns have had roster turnover issues almost every year this decade. I think the most prudent move is to stand pat. If BK is healthy there's a non-zero chance he's better than any of the free agent pg's people have been discussing on the board (and honestly he may be better than all of them besides PBev). If not then the 2019 FA group should be better. At least at that point the team would have a better idea of what we have going forward. No reason to blow our load this offseason when the team is already primed to be better than last year.

I take a hard look at Bev first. I think the Clips will not guarantee him. They just drafted two point guards and re-signed Lou Williams. They will also let Teodosic go (but I don't want him).

It's hard to know how healthy Beverley is though and I don't know what to do about physical. Then I would monitor Tyreke and maybe VanVleet and maybe inquire about Hill...if we could give up some salary to get him but give the Cavs some salary relief...but not sure they'd want Chandler or Dudley even though it saves them money...but they did draft Sexton.

And then Hill is an expiring...but he has played under Koko and is a solid vet and good 3 pt shooter. Knight might be ok but is still coming off injury and was pretty terrible last time he played.

It's a lot of money for Hill but I think all we need is a vet PG and if he gives us our cap space back next summer it's a better option than signing someone for multiple years, even if it's only $10 million a year.

Hill was beyond terrible last season. Hopefully he's not on the team's radar.

I'd love Tyreke but he's not a starting pg. FVV just seems like fool's gold. If we're looking for upside we should just go for Exum and cross our fingers that Booker, Jackson, and Ayton can be distributors if he doesn't develop (I saw Ayton play in person on senior day this year... if a 7' guy is passing well enough to make me comment on it in the moment I feel like it's special). In his case though at least he's an athletic tall guard that can theoretically defend.

Bev is just a good fit since he easily slots into our lineup of putting our best guys on the floor at once (Book - Bridges - Jackson - Ayton). We should be doing everything we can to maximize the time Booker, Ayton, Jackson, and Bridges are on the floor, and the best scenario for that is to put a defensive pg out there that can shoot. That's not FVV nor most of the pg FA's being discussed.

As an aside, I think it's overstated how many good pg's are in the league now. That seems like something from 2010 when Nash, Rose, DWill, and Rondo were still elite. It's much harder to find a great pg now than talking heads seem to think, and it doesn't look like there are too many great ones coming into the league in the next two years either.

[wheezy]

KCP is Klutch?
If so no thanks... shame he would fit in as a defensive guard who can shoot.


I have a feeling its Smart... just waiting announcement and July 1.

Why?

Because as mentioned, he is inspirational and battles anyone on the court.... that is HUGE for young players to have around. Like on the battle field, brave soldiers giving it all inspire his/her team and others.... Smart does that. His work ethic will rub on the young.

Shooting wise, he may not hit shots consecutive games, but he is not ashamed to take shots and he will make some of them.

But the key is.... the team needs a Draymond Green type character who is loud, a fighter, hustles, makes huge plays in the defensive end.... and Smart is it.... he would inspire the young players to work hard. And I think McD sees this...

Honestly I think Bridges is going to fill that role already.

[thamadkant]

KCP is Klutch?
If so no thanks... shame he would fit in as a defensive guard who can shoot.


I have a feeling its Smart... just waiting announcement and July 1.

Why?

Because as mentioned, he is inspirational and battles anyone on the court.... that is HUGE for young players to have around. Like on the battle field, brave soldiers giving it all inspire his/her team and others.... Smart does that. His work ethic will rub on the young.

Shooting wise, he may not hit shots consecutive games, but he is not ashamed to take shots and he will make some of them.

But the key is.... the team needs a Draymond Green type character who is loud, a fighter, hustles, makes huge plays in the defensive end.... and Smart is it.... he would inspire the young players to work hard. And I think McD sees this...

Honestly I think Bridges is going to fill that role already.

Jackson more so than Bridges IMO, but BOTH will be passionate defenders.

The thing is... Smart is older and passionate NOW... as in he would tussle with Lebron, Durant, Westbrook, Harden... etc. Not afraid to get on their face and even get into a fight with them... I dont see the young players doing that soon as they look up to the stars too much still, maybe in 2-3 years time. Look at Tatum and Brown... they're more aggressive towards other stars already and I believe Smart and to a lesser extent Marcus Morris got to them and told them to man up and take it up with the stars.

Suns need that... only Booker had that last year. Having Smart and Booker setting examples in going hard against stars offend them or not... would inspire the young players to play tough as well.


Its beyond just shooting or advance stats with Smart..... he's a competitor on the floor and if we all loved Nash for making everyone better offensively... I think Smart will make EVERYONE on the court with him play harder defensively at least.

I believe McD loves Smart... and the Suns need a culture change defensively... they have the potentials with Jackson, Bridges, Harrison, Ayton etc... but they need a leader defensively who would fire up.


Also the crowd... Suns fans need that player that they can cheer on and Smart is a fan favorite.... he would bring intangibles as well as tangibles to the team.

I think McD will offer him a 3 or 4 year 12 million a year contract.

[Kerrsed]

But the key is.... the team needs a Draymond Green type character who is loud, a fighter, hustles, makes huge plays in the defensive end.... and Smart is it.... he would inspire the young players to work hard. And I think McD sees this...

[DirtyDez]

Watch on YouTube

;t=188s

[bwgood77]

The Suns have had roster turnover issues almost every year this decade. I think the most prudent move is to stand pat. If BK is healthy there's a non-zero chance he's better than any of the free agent pg's people have been discussing on the board (and honestly he may be better than all of them besides PBev). If not then the 2019 FA group should be better. At least at that point the team would have a better idea of what we have going forward. No reason to blow our load this offseason when the team is already primed to be better than last year.

I take a hard look at Bev first. I think the Clips will not guarantee him. They just drafted two point guards and re-signed Lou Williams. They will also let Teodosic go (but I don't want him).

It's hard to know how healthy Beverley is though and I don't know what to do about physical. Then I would monitor Tyreke and maybe VanVleet and maybe inquire about Hill...if we could give up some salary to get him but give the Cavs some salary relief...but not sure they'd want Chandler or Dudley even though it saves them money...but they did draft Sexton.

And then Hill is an expiring...but he has played under Koko and is a solid vet and good 3 pt shooter. Knight might be ok but is still coming off injury and was pretty terrible last time he played.

It's a lot of money for Hill but I think all we need is a vet PG and if he gives us our cap space back next summer it's a better option than signing someone for multiple years, even if it's only $10 million a year.

Hill was beyond terrible last season. Hopefully he's not on the team's radar.

I'd love Tyreke but he's not a starting pg. FVV just seems like fool's gold. If we're looking for upside we should just go for Exum and cross our fingers that Booker, Jackson, and Ayton can be distributors if he doesn't develop (I saw Ayton play in person on senior day this year... if a 7' guy is passing well enough to make me comment on it in the moment I feel like it's special). In his case though at least he's an athletic tall guard that can theoretically defend.

Bev is just a good fit since he easily slots into our lineup of putting our best guys on the floor at once (Book - Bridges - Jackson - Ayton). We should be doing everything we can to maximize the time Booker, Ayton, Jackson, and Bridges are on the floor, and the best scenario for that is to put a defensive pg out there that can shoot. That's not FVV nor most of the pg FA's being discussed.

As an aside, I think it's overstated how many good pg's are in the league now. That seems like something from 2010 when Nash, Rose, DWill, and Rondo were still elite. It's much harder to find a great pg now than talking heads seem to think, and it doesn't look like there are too many great ones coming into the league in the next two years either.

Hill wasn't very good last year but still shot over 41% from 3 and over a 2/1 ast/to ratio. He was over 45% from 3 in Sacramento. But in Utah the year before he was very good with a 60% TS% and a 2.5/1 ast/to ratio over 40% from 3 and almost 17 ppg. I just think a fairly solid vet pg who can knock down a 3 and take care of the ball well is important given how many of our other guys are turnover prone and we need spacing and smart play. I think having played under Kokoskov would help him integrate into what we do fairly quickly.

But I do prefer a healthy Bev and maybe Tyreke.

VanVleet shoots well and takes care of the ball well and has very good adv stats. I think he'd be a good signing but I don't want to hand out a crazy long term contract for him. He could be a very solid guy to have though, I think, so we could make far worse choices.

[Midnight_Suns]

But the key is.... the team needs a Draymond Green type character who is loud, a fighter, hustles, makes huge plays in the defensive end.... and Smart is it.... he would inspire the young players to work hard. And I think McD sees this...

I would love Lance on the Suns.