Season speculation, free agency, and trade ideas: #ValleyBoyz rise up

[Ghost of Kleine]

Our endgame is coming

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Lol....Pretty cool!......Man, The good ol' days of Nash, Amare and Marion.....

What might of been???

Technically with Joe Johnson too, We actually had a big 4.....And great role players alongside them. If only Sarver had been willing to pay Johnson to keep the core together.

We'd be looking at a championship or two most likely...

This is why Sarver has a bad rep which he’s earned but some things are just not true. Joe Johnson was mad at Sarver and the suns for not extending him the summer before his restricted free agency. Sarver said publicly he would match any offer for iso joe. ISO joe got his offer from Atlanta and Sarver was going to match and iso joe said no I don’t want to play for Phoenix so please dont match. Sarver granted joe his wish which is why the hawks gave us diaw otherwise he matches I think. Sarver is not cheap when it comes to players. This is why I think Sarver is not as bad as the media makes him out to be. He made a lot of people upset and they may be bad eggs.

Sarver has earned his lousy reputation for being cheap, And a lousy overall owner, All on his own.

https://www.ign.com/boards/threads/robert-sarvers-cheap-ass-is-single-handedly-destroying-the-phoenix-suns.192987520/ . It begins back with Joe Johnson, When Sarver decided notb to extend him over only $5 million dollars difference. Atlanta was offering $50 million, But Sarver was only willing to offer $45 million, As he felt( in his vast basketball knowledge and acumen) that Johnson wasn't really worth the extra $5 million. Johnson feeling slighted and undervalued, Then told Sarver not to match.

Making things even worse, was his continuous trading of draft picks for cash savings ranging from 2004, all the way to 2008.

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1015694-the-worst-phoenix-suns-trades-of-the-last-decade .


Starting with 2004, In which The suns traded the 7th overall pick( Luol Deng) for Jackson Vroman and a future first round pick.( cost cutting move).


In 2005, They also traded Nate Robinson and Quentin Richardson to New York for Kurt Thomas and the rights to Dijon Thompson.(2 for 1 deal, cost cutting move). They also traded the 57th pick( Marcin Gortat) to Orlando for cash considerations.


In 2006, ****This one was pretty bad*** They traded the 21st overall pick, (Rajon Rondo), Brian Grant, and cash considerations to the Celtics for a future first round pick( cost cutting move again!).

In 2007, The they traded the 24th pick( Rudy Fernandez) to the Portland trailblazers, for straight cash savings.

Then again, in 2007, They traded 2 first round picks to the then Seattle Sonics, just to get out from under Kurt Thomas's contract. The first pick in 2008 ( Serge Ibaka), The 2nd in 2010( Quincy Pondexter).


So to reflect on some of the players that we gave up for cash savings:

- Luol Deng:*** NBA All Rookie first team/ 2 time All star/ NBA 2nd team all defense***.


- Rajon Rondo:*** Two time NBA all star and 2 time first team all defense***.


- Nate Robinson: *** 2006 NBA rising stars slam dunk champion***.

-Rudy Fernandez: ***Nba All 2nd team. Euroleague Champion in 2015 and 2018***.

- Serge Ibaka: *** 3 time All NBA Defensive First team.*** 2 time NBA blocks leader.***

-Ben Wallace:*** 2 time NBA champion.*** 4 time NBA All star, 5 time All Defensive first team, 4 time NBA defensive Player of the year,2 time NBA rebounding leader, NBA Blocks leader, 3 time All Defensive 2nd team. Detroit Pistons leader in Blocks .***


Finally, in 2009, in yet another in the long line of cost cutting moves, The suns trade Shaquille Oneal to the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for Ben Wallace, Sasha Pavlovic, and cash considerations. Getting Wallace( one of the NBAs' best defensive centers) would have been a good trade, BUT they immediately buy him out for more cash savings.

Now, Having Ben Wallace defensively next to Amare(in my opinion would have been great defensively!!!!) But it was more important to (Sarver) and the suns to use this trade to only get out of Shaqs' contract. Even though wallace would have helped them immensely in the playoffs against Pau Gasol, and Andrew Bynum(Lakers). And then they went on to lose to the Lakers in 6, Off a missed rebound, resulting in a put back by Artest, that Wallace could've most likely gotten. Then on to the championship.


Then, With respect to the front office:

- Basically telling Bryan Colangelo (Winner of two NBA Executive of the Year awards in 2005 and 2007) to please leave to Canada.

- Picking up Alvin Gentry's option year instead of giving him the extension he deserves.

- Allowing VP David Griffin the expected replacement to Kerr to leave after 18 years in the organization.

- Asking Steve Kerr to take a paycut.

- Letting Amar'e go with no intention of filling the void with anyone.

all of these things have been of Sarvers' doing, So only he carries the stigma associated with these decisions:

So in so many instances of applying his banking strategies and frugalness to his business decisions with our beloved franchise, He has undercut the overall image and success of the Suns to the resulting position of mediocrity for bottom line profit margins. The only question that truly remains is, Has he learned from these past mistakes of judgement, Or will he continue to drive this franchise into the bowels of the league and further damage the already poor league perception he embodies.

I personally hope he learns and improves for everyones' sake.

[SunsLyf3]

Suns MUST KEEP Booker, Ayton, Oubre, JJ, Bridges, Holmesand Bender(Yes bender). People aren't realizing how much of a luxury it is to have that type of length at your disposal to throw at teams. The chemistry is there and we still have assets to trade(our 1st, Mil 1st, TJ, Okobo or Melton but not both). It's so obvious by how we're playing and the energy the team is showing. I know we got a long off season but we haven't been close to turning the corner like we are today. We're literally one trade and FA signing away from constant playoff contention.

[Wilber85]

I have to his very weird feeling that the LA Lakers get the first pick of the draft

[SunsLyf3]

I have to his very weird feeling that the LA Lakers get the first pick of the draft

Same. And they're gonna blame it on the changes to the lottery odds. If not them its NY.

[nevetsov]

1 Knicks - Zion (traded for AD)
2 Bulls - Morant
3 Lakers - Barrett
4 Suns - traded
5 Cavs - Reddish

[JJ13]

I’d be surprised if we don’t kick the tires on Julius Randall this summer. Dude had 45 tonight. Been pretty damn consistent all year. Can even fathom a PF on the Suns putting up 45 since amare.

[Ghost of Kleine]

I have to his very weird feeling that the LA Lakers get the first pick of the draft

- I can definitely See New York landing Zion with the first pick. Then Irving and Durant will sign there too.

- Boston will finally land Anthony Davis by including Tatum in the trade Package.

- Lakers will Land in the at #2, Draft Barrett, Then sign Kemba. Look to move Ball for And pieces for a big name If Possible.

Phoenix will land at #3 take Morant, Then look to trade into the mid lottery for Clarke.


Chicago lands at #4, And looks to take Reddish.

[Ghost of Kleine]

I have to his very weird feeling that the LA Lakers get the first pick of the draft

Same. And they're gonna blame it on the changes to the lottery odds. If not them its NY.

The NBA could do it, to make it a great storyline. Wherein Le 'douche can now Mentor his heir apparent (Zion) To lead the Lakers back to prevalence.

Or Now the Lakers could trade Zion directly to the Pels for Davis, without having to give up the majority of their core. And now New Orleans rebuilds around Zion, Jrue, Their lotto pick, and possibly A couple of Lakers youngsters.

I could see them offering up Ball, and kuzma and some picks. And then kemba will sign with them.


Lakers new roster:

Point guard- Kemba.
shooting guard- Ingram.
small forward- Lebron.
Power forward- Anthony Davis.
Center- Cousins.

[Frank Lee]

I’d expect Randall and Holiday to stay put
Good two to build with. Plus more talent is coming.

[darmani]

But Igor has earned himself another year here.

[bigfoot]

But Igor has earned himself another year here.

Changing coaches would be the worst thing we can do. Igor finally given some decent vets in Oubre and Johnson. The results have been good with games being won or at least very close, as well as games won against powerhouse teams. No need to panic and make this team start all over with a new coach.

[bigfoot]

I have to his very weird feeling that the LA Lakers get the first pick of the draft

- I can definitely See New York landing Zion with the first pick. Then Irving and Durant will sign there too.

- Boston will finally land Anthony Davis by including Tatum in the trade Package.

- Lakers will Land in the at #2, Draft Barrett, Then sign Kemba. Look to move Ball for And pieces for a big name If Possible.

Phoenix will land at #3 take Morant, Then look to trade into the mid lottery for Clarke.


Chicago lands at #4, And looks to take Reddish.

No way on God's green Earth do the Suns add two rookies to their already pre-pubescent roster next year. James Jones has already said he is looking for vets.

[Crives]

I have to his very weird feeling that the LA Lakers get the first pick of the draft

- I can definitely See New York landing Zion with the first pick. Then Irving and Durant will sign there too.

- Boston will finally land Anthony Davis by including Tatum in the trade Package.

- Lakers will Land in the at #2, Draft Barrett, Then sign Kemba. Look to move Ball for And pieces for a big name If Possible.

Phoenix will land at #3 take Morant, Then look to trade into the mid lottery for Clarke.


Chicago lands at #4, And looks to take Reddish.

No way on God's green Earth do the Suns add two rookies to their already pre-pubescent roster next year. James Jones has already said he is looking for vets.

Brandon Clarke is already in his 3rd year, hopefully he would be a rookie like Bridges who could help right away.

I am hoping with the teams recent success the plan this summer is no longer to blow things up and add 4 new vets to the rotation.

[WeekapaugGroove]

- I can definitely See New York landing Zion with the first pick. Then Irving and Durant will sign there too.

- Boston will finally land Anthony Davis by including Tatum in the trade Package.

- Lakers will Land in the at #2, Draft Barrett, Then sign Kemba. Look to move Ball for And pieces for a big name If Possible.

Phoenix will land at #3 take Morant, Then look to trade into the mid lottery for Clarke.


Chicago lands at #4, And looks to take Reddish.

No way on God's green Earth do the Suns add two rookies to their already pre-pubescent roster next year. James Jones has already said he is looking for vets.

Brandon Clarke is already in his 3rd year, hopefully he would be a rookie like Bridges who could help right away.

I am hoping with the teams recent success the plan this summer is no longer to blow things up and add 4 new vets to the rotation.

Not sure it needs to be 4 rotation vets. If it was then it would require a few trades both from a number of players and money perspective because they only have FA money to sign 1 or 2 at the most rotation level players.

Figure a 9 man rotation and I'd say booker, ayton, bridges are near locks. Then I'd imagine oubre returns so that's 4, if Johnson isn't sent out in a trade that's 5 then you have Warren and Jackson who if on the team probably need to play. Holmes is a veteran but could be replaced with a better one I guess. Then you have your lotto pick who if not traded probably at least plays some.

As you can see it's an interesting numbers crunch and will be an interesting summer to see how they make this roster work.

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using RealGM mobile app

[bigfoot]

No way on God's green Earth do the Suns add two rookies to their already pre-pubescent roster next year. James Jones has already said he is looking for vets.

Brandon Clarke is already in his 3rd year, hopefully he would be a rookie like Bridges who could help right away.

I am hoping with the teams recent success the plan this summer is no longer to blow things up and add 4 new vets to the rotation.

Not sure it needs to be 4 rotation vets. If it was then it would require a few trades both from a number of players and money perspective because they only have FA money to sign 1 or 2 at the most rotation level players.

Figure a 9 man rotation and I'd say booker, ayton, bridges are near locks. Then I'd imagine oubre returns so that's 4, if Johnson isn't sent out in a trade that's 5 then you have Warren and Jackson who if on the team probably need to play. Holmes is a veteran but could be replaced with a better one I guess. Then you have your lotto pick who if not traded probably at least plays some.

As you can see it's an interesting numbers crunch and will be an interesting summer to see how they make this roster work.

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using RealGM mobile app

Agreed four rotation vets is too many. I think James comments about four vets were before Oubre and Johnson started showing their abilities. Certainly need one and Zion or two vets if we don't get Zion.

[BobbieL]

I think the Suns have played three good games this week but at times - their inexperience shows plus they do need another rebounder. Turnovers and second chance points


Suns need a 1 and 4. Even if a one year guyard like Collison and a 4 like Aminu.


Booker, Tyler, Melton, new PG

Ayton Holmes


Aminu Bridges Oubre and Warren or Jackson

[Ghost of Kleine]

I have to his very weird feeling that the LA Lakers get the first pick of the draft

- I can definitely See New York landing Zion with the first pick. Then Irving and Durant will sign there too.

- Boston will finally land Anthony Davis by including Tatum in the trade Package.

- Lakers will Land in the at #2, Draft Barrett, Then sign Kemba. Look to move Ball for And pieces for a big name If Possible.

Phoenix will land at #3 take Morant, Then look to trade into the mid lottery for Clarke.


Chicago lands at #4, And looks to take Reddish.

No way on God's green Earth do the Suns add two rookies to their already pre-pubescent roster next year. James Jones has already said he is looking for vets.

If we can hit on our targeted free agents, that would be optimal. However, I would like for us to have an insurance policy of sorts for our positional holes just in case we can't get our desired targets. A player such as Eric Paschal has a ton of experience from playing in multiple tournaments and final fours, a championship pedigree from winning the championship with Bridges last year. And best of all, would cost almost nothing, If acquired in the 2nd round.

Again, I'm all for getting vets, I just have a terrible feeling that we're going to once again, Come up short in free agency, and then settle on giving a bottom of the barrel lousy scrub of a player a large contract, just to be able to say that we got "someone'!!!!

Finally, I see nothing wrong with adding experienced, older rookies of positional need, for much needed bench depth. And them being on dirt cheap, cost efficient, valuable rookie contracts, would become valuable assets for us in trades going forward.

But again, I do prefer veterans primarily as well.

[darealjuice]

Our draft strategy should be simple. If we get the first pick we draft Zion. If not, we dangle the pick in a package for an all star at point guard or power forward. If nothing presents itself, then we probably draft Ja Morant and let him compete with Tyler Johnson for a year. Ideally it's Zion or trade, but obviously the pick's value depends on where we land.

Chase whatever veteran starting point guard and power forward we can get in free agency, sign Kelly Oubre to a TJ Warren-like contract, explore trades to clear up our glut of wings, fire Jamal Crawford into the Sun, and see if another year of experience and an offseason together can straighten things out. I don't see us having another offseason of huge turnover unless things really go to **** to close out the season or we make a big trade.

[LukasBMW]

I was in favor of trading away JJ + Tyler + a pick for a PG (and that still is an option), but I'd also be willing to restructure Tylers contract (so we can get more cap space) and trying to sign a starting PG outright and keeping Tyler as a backup. We missed him this game. He's a pretty good 3&D guy. I love his energy and sneaky backdoor cuts. I can see why they call him "Meth Curry". LOL

[Crives]

I was in favor of trading away JJ + Tyler + a pick for a PG (and that still is an option), but I'd also be willing to restructure Tylers contract (so we can get more cap space) and trying to sign a starting PG outright and keeping Tyler as a backup. We missed him this game. He's a pretty good 3&D guy. I love his energy and sneaky backdoor cuts. I can see why they call him "Meth Curry". LOL

I’d love that. Especially if we get Morant in the draft. Morant can learn behind Tyler and restructuring Tyler’s contract will free up cap to get a pf.

If we run with Tyler as a key part of our rotation next year, FO should consider letting him know that we would love for him to be a part our long term plans (even if it’s off the bench). Get him to feel like PHX is his long term home for chemistry.