Season Speculation, Free Agency & Trade Ideas: Our Johnson is finally working

[Bogyo]

^^Good take Kerrsed!
I would only add 2 things, which are far form sure: If Chicago lands Zion, they might be tempted to trade Lauri for the 3rd/4th pick and one of our wings. I'd do that in a heartbeat, maybe even put TJ in the trade if they insist. 4th+TJ for Lauri is a good haul for them, they would have 4 of 5 of their starters. PG/LaVine/TJ/Zion/Carter. Not bad. For us as well. PG/Book/Bridges/Lauri/Ayton.

If we slide back to 4-5 then Orlando could be our partner at late lottery, Gordon + 12 (to 15th) for 4 and JJ+ ((Mil pick)+ our 2nd). We could either pick up Garland or Clarke/Porter/Hachimura/Bol (or even Grant Williams if he continues to kick azz like he did yday) there, and be set at PF, and get rid of our logjam at wing.

[TheLogician]

^^Good take Kerrsed!
I would only add 2 things, which are far form sure: If Chicago lands Zion, they might be tempted to trade Lauri for the 3rd/4th pick and one of our wings. I'd do that in a heartbeat, maybe even put TJ in the trade if they insist. 4th+TJ for Lauri is a good haul for them, they would have 4 of 5 of their starters. PG/LaVine/TJ/Zion/Carter. Not bad. For us as well. PG/Book/Bridges/Lauri/Ayton.

If we slide back to 4-5 then Orlando could be our partner at late lottery, Gordon + 12 (to 15th) for 4 and JJ+ ((Mil pick)+ our 2nd). We could either pick up Garland or Clarke/Porter/Hachimura/Bol (or even Grant Williams if he continues to kick azz like he did yday) there, and be set at PF, and get rid of our logjam at wing.

Chicago already has Otto Porter and Lauri is their guy. Orlando might be open to trading Gordon. I'd probably give them our pick (2 or later) and Tyler Johnson but the priority should be PG.

[bigfoot]

Suns with 10 or so games remaining that should be competitive/winnable. Can they hit 20 wins this season?

[Saberestar]

Suns with 10 or so games remaining that should be competitive/winnable. Can they hit 20 wins this season?

I hope so.

If we can end the season with 22W going 10W-10L in the last 20 games we would have some hope for next season.

I want to watch more games like the last one against the Lakers...PLEASE.

[BobbieL]

Dont try to talk yourself into these guys. That pick is a goner if we dont get Zion or Ja.

I think its only Zion

what does Ja Morant do for the Suns the next four years better than a guy like Cory Joseph or Darren Collison

my answer - not a damn thing. Suns need to start getting better.

Suns need to move the pick if its not Zion and get veteran players who can help you win games

I see two guys in Tyler Johnson and Oubre - you can see how having experience in the league helps. Suns do not need another guy that is going to need to learn how to play the game

Part of me is ready to give Johnson (Tyler) 4/36 to see if he would decline his option for 17m of "new money"

[WeekapaugGroove]

^^Good take Kerrsed!
I would only add 2 things, which are far form sure: If Chicago lands Zion, they might be tempted to trade Lauri for the 3rd/4th pick and one of our wings. I'd do that in a heartbeat, maybe even put TJ in the trade if they insist. 4th+TJ for Lauri is a good haul for them, they would have 4 of 5 of their starters. PG/LaVine/TJ/Zion/Carter. Not bad. For us as well. PG/Book/Bridges/Lauri/Ayton.

If we slide back to 4-5 then Orlando could be our partner at late lottery, Gordon + 12 (to 15th) for 4 and JJ+ ((Mil pick)+ our 2nd). We could either pick up Garland or Clarke/Porter/Hachimura/Bol (or even Grant Williams if he continues to kick azz like he did yday) there, and be set at PF, and get rid of our logjam at wing.

Chicago already has Otto Porter and Lauri is their guy. Orlando might be open to trading Gordon. I'd probably give them our pick (2 or later) and Tyler Johnson but the priority should be PG.

Chicago landing 1 would be interesting because I don't see how zion and Lauri and Carter can all fit long term. Now they could just take zion and figure it out a year or two from now. Personally if I were in their shoes and got Zion I'd call Portland and see if they would do trade Dame for a package around Lauri. If Portland flames out round 1 this year they'd have to at least listen. Chicago could get good quick adding Zion and Dame in one offseason.

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[TheLogician]

^^Good take Kerrsed!
I would only add 2 things, which are far form sure: If Chicago lands Zion, they might be tempted to trade Lauri for the 3rd/4th pick and one of our wings. I'd do that in a heartbeat, maybe even put TJ in the trade if they insist. 4th+TJ for Lauri is a good haul for them, they would have 4 of 5 of their starters. PG/LaVine/TJ/Zion/Carter. Not bad. For us as well. PG/Book/Bridges/Lauri/Ayton.

If we slide back to 4-5 then Orlando could be our partner at late lottery, Gordon + 12 (to 15th) for 4 and JJ+ ((Mil pick)+ our 2nd). We could either pick up Garland or Clarke/Porter/Hachimura/Bol (or even Grant Williams if he continues to kick azz like he did yday) there, and be set at PF, and get rid of our logjam at wing.

Chicago already has Otto Porter and Lauri is their guy. Orlando might be open to trading Gordon. I'd probably give them our pick (2 or later) and Tyler Johnson but the priority should be PG.

Chicago landing 1 would be interesting because I don't see how zion and Lauri and Carter can all fit long term. Now they could just take zion and figure it out a year or two from now. Personally if I were in their shoes and got Zion I'd call Portland and see if they would do trade Dame for a package around Lauri. If Portland flames out round 1 this year they'd have to at least listen. Chicago could get good quick adding Zion and Dame in one offseason.

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Portland won't trade Lillard. No reason to blow it up yet.

[WeekapaugGroove]

Chicago already has Otto Porter and Lauri is their guy. Orlando might be open to trading Gordon. I'd probably give them our pick (2 or later) and Tyler Johnson but the priority should be PG.

Chicago landing 1 would be interesting because I don't see how zion and Lauri and Carter can all fit long term. Now they could just take zion and figure it out a year or two from now. Personally if I were in their shoes and got Zion I'd call Portland and see if they would do trade Dame for a package around Lauri. If Portland flames out round 1 this year they'd have to at least listen. Chicago could get good quick adding Zion and Dame in one offseason.

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Portland won't trade Lillard. No reason to blow it up yet.

I agree they won't want to trade Dame but I do think if they flame out again they might have to look at doing something to shake it up. Now I'm sure they would prefer to deal CJ. I'm just saying if I'm Chicago and get Zion I'm shooting for the moon on a Lauri deal and I'd make the call to Portland.

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[WeekapaugGroove]

Speaking of Portland I think the suns should look at Aminu this summer. Not a flashy signing but he's a tough guy who does a lot of little winning things.

Ideally you'd want a better shot blocker next to Ayton but I'm not sure there's a PF as a UFA who will check all the boxes. He's a switchy defender who gets some steals and could fit the active and versitle type D they are trying to build.

Aminu has turned himself into a league average 3pt shooter so he wouldn't mess up the spacing on O. And he's not the type you need to run plays for to have a positive impact on the game.

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[BobbieL]

Speaking of Portland I think the suns should look at Aminu this summer. Not a flashy signing but he's a tough guy who does a lot of little winning things.

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A guy like Aminu is part of my "good quantity" over "ONE QUALITY" strategy. In the chat that Gina Mizell had this week via the athletic - I realized all the big players had a K in their name and I coined it the K Klub: Kawhi, KD, Kemba Kyrie and Klay. I doubt the Suns are getting any of those players. Plus, the Suns need so much - PG, PF, plus a three point shooter off the bench and probably just another 4th guy, a veteran - that the good quantity is now my more realistic strategy

I think Josh Jackson needs to go
I like the idea of keeping Oubre if the price is right
Warren - the Suns could use his scoring as a 6th man. Kevin Durant is the top mid range scorer in the league. If the Suns had more 3 point shooters - Warren might have value as that 6th man. Otherwise trade him

I mention above - what would it cost Tyler Johnson for three years to keep him. Meaning do the SPurs move to get him to not pick ip option with the agreed upon deal. If they stretch he costs 6.4m - but if you could get him for 9m - thats only 2.6m more for what I think could bea valuable role player. Granted, would he take essentially 17/3 to add to the 19.4/1. I see Tyler Johnson as a mid level player and with the way the mid-level is not used as much it seems is 17/3 realistic for him.

I just see in guys like Oubre and Jackson - those kind of bench role players that are getting to the mid 20's that the Suns do not have on the roster. Are they all-stars? Nope. But I do see both guys improving or at least getting to the stage of their careers they are good rotational NBA players. Suns need that.

[Fo-Real]

FREE GEORGE KING!!!

[Gorilla Warfare]

We’ve gone from a team of guards to a team of forwards. Why did we sign Ray Spalding to a 2 year deal? We already have all the forwards we need plus we’re drafting Zion or Barrett if we’re in the top 2.

[Fo-Real]

We’ve gone from a team of guards to a team of forwards. Why did we sign Ray Spalding to a 2 year deal? We already have all the forwards we need plus we’re drafting Zion or Barrett if we’re in the top 2.

This question crossed my mind, although different because we seriously lack actual POWER FORWARD play. Maybe he impressed them in practice and they wanted to lock him up before letting him showcase his talents... IDK?!?!

[AtheJ415]

We’ve gone from a team of guards to a team of forwards. Why did we sign Ray Spalding to a 2 year deal? We already have all the forwards we need plus we’re drafting Zion or Barrett if we’re in the top 2.

Well we do need PFs, and Barrett (and Reddish, Culver, etc.) won't fix that. Zion would, but then there's a drop to Sekou or Porter as the next actual PF. That said, the only real rationale I can think of is that Spalding's agent is the same agent as Rozier. He has no other big name clients either. Although it could also be that the 2nd year isn't guaranteed or that we plan to move a ton of guys so wanted to lock him in at league minimum since Dallas and others could try to get him back.

I hope we don't do it but I do feel like we're going to get Rozier this offseason. I would much rather go after Brogdon or swing for the fences with Kyrie (even if it means dumping Johnson and paying whatever price that costs). Even Rubio, who I'm not a big fan of. Rozier is a big gamble on upside but his numbers point to his hot 2 months a year ago as being just that.

[WeekapaugGroove]

We’ve gone from a team of guards to a team of forwards. Why did we sign Ray Spalding to a 2 year deal? We already have all the forwards we need plus we’re drafting Zion or Barrett if we’re in the top 2.

This question crossed my mind, although different because we seriously lack actual POWER FORWARD play. Maybe he impressed them in practice and they wanted to lock him up before letting him showcase his talents... IDK?!?!

I haven't seen the actual amount but I would imagine Spalding's deal only has a very small guarantee for next year. That's standard for a guy you want to get in your program and let battle for a roster spot. Much like they did with shaq last year. Just gives them an option for the back end of the roster and doesn't impact who they will aquire this summer.

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[LukasBMW]

It seems to me that the Pelicans are intent on keeping Jrue and getting Tatum from the Celtics for AD.

Lets say the Celtics also have to throw in their 3 first round picks from this year (#14 Sac, #18 LAC, #22 Bos). Do you think they try to flip those 3 picks for a guy like Blake?

NOP could really rebuild on the fly having Blake, Jrue, and Tatum locked in for at least 3 years. If they can pull this off and keep some of their role players, then they look pretty solid all of a sudden despite losing AD.

That would be my plan if I'm the new NOP GM. Get Tatum and picks from Boston. Flip the picks for a guy like Blake.

[DirtyDez]

^^Good take Kerrsed!
I would only add 2 things, which are far form sure: If Chicago lands Zion, they might be tempted to trade Lauri for the 3rd/4th pick and one of our wings. I'd do that in a heartbeat, maybe even put TJ in the trade if they insist. 4th+TJ for Lauri is a good haul for them, they would have 4 of 5 of their starters. PG/LaVine/TJ/Zion/Carter. Not bad. For us as well. PG/Book/Bridges/Lauri/Ayton.

If we slide back to 4-5 then Orlando could be our partner at late lottery, Gordon + 12 (to 15th) for 4 and JJ+ ((Mil pick)+ our 2nd). We could either pick up Garland or Clarke/Porter/Hachimura/Bol (or even Grant Williams if he continues to kick azz like he did yday) there, and be set at PF, and get rid of our logjam at wing.

That’s a joke.

[Davell]

As a Bulls fan, I'm not worried about how to fit Zion in, if we got lucky enough to get him. There's plenty of minutes for everyone. Including plenty of time for a WCJ/Lauri/Zion front court, with Otto sliding to the 2 and LaVine being the primary ballhandler. They're running those two in back court sets on occasion already.

Assuming we don't wind up with the top pick, my hope is you guys actually get it. Because it at least leaves us a relatively clear path to Morant.

[WeekapaugGroove]

It seems to me that the Pelicans are intent on keeping Jrue and getting Tatum from the Celtics for AD.

Lets say the Celtics also have to throw in their 3 first round picks from this year (#14 Sac, #18 LAC, #22 Bos). Do you think they try to flip those 3 picks for a guy like Blake?

NOP could really rebuild on the fly having Blake, Jrue, and Tatum locked in for at least 3 years. If they can pull this off and keep some of their role players, then they look pretty solid all of a sudden despite losing AD.

That would be my plan if I'm the new NOP GM. Get Tatum and picks from Boston. Flip the picks for a guy like Blake.

A month ago I figured Detroit would shop Blake this summer but they're playing well and likely to make the playoffs now. They've been starving for some success so I could see them try to run it back next season.

Plus with the contracts they have on the books it wouldn't be easy for them to really blow it up and start over this summer even if they wanted to.

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[Revived]

Ja Morant is most overrated prospect from this year’s draft imo.

He’s hyped up mainly because this draft is so god awful with PG prospects.