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

[Revived]

Yeah, if Book would have waited I think we would have like $17 more or something.

Jesus, yeah that would’ve made a damn big difference.

I can’t blame him for not wanting the financial security though.

Unfortunate situation really. Kawhi Leonard waited to hit RFA so the Spurs could go and grab a max-level free agent. Turned out to be LaMarcus Aldridge. Afterwards he signed a max contract with the Spurs, he didn't even take phone calls during his RFA. The Nets could have signed D'Lo this summer, yet wanted to wait one more season, and now he's looking at a max contract from them. I doubt he is threatening to take the QO so he can play somewhere else. A different situation for Booker though, as we are still a bottom 3 team, and the worst team in the West. Plus, I bet we'd be seeing a lot of media heads talking about how Booker can be the next Kobe if he went to L.A, so I'm glad we inked him this past summer.

But damn, if we could have waited to sign Booker, yeah we'd have an extra $17M to play with.

I think it has to do with franchise stability. Spurs are arguably the 2nd greatest sports franchise of this decade in America. Nets have turned themselves into playoff team with a winning record. Seen as a team on the rise with a good coach and GM in place.

Suns are on the complete opposite end with a GM that was fired just a few days into the season and a rookie HC. The FO in place right now is wildly inexperienced and prioritizes doing favors for friends of theirs. Add all that to the awful, awful reputation that Sarver has and you can bet that Booker would've been heavily recruited by players around the league.

I could see LeBron getting him to fire his agent and hiring Rich Paul who could then potentially convince Booker into taking the QO and hitting unrestricted free agency afterwards.

Klutch is probably one of the shadiest businesses in the NBA so I wouldn't put anything past them.

[WeekapaugGroove]

Jesus, yeah that would’ve made a damn big difference.

I can’t blame him for not wanting the financial security though.

Unfortunate situation really. Kawhi Leonard waited to hit RFA so the Spurs could go and grab a max-level free agent. Turned out to be LaMarcus Aldridge. Afterwards he signed a max contract with the Spurs, he didn't even take phone calls during his RFA. The Nets could have signed D'Lo this summer, yet wanted to wait one more season, and now he's looking at a max contract from them. I doubt he is threatening to take the QO so he can play somewhere else. A different situation for Booker though, as we are still a bottom 3 team, and the worst team in the West. Plus, I bet we'd be seeing a lot of media heads talking about how Booker can be the next Kobe if he went to L.A, so I'm glad we inked him this past summer.

But damn, if we could have waited to sign Booker, yeah we'd have an extra $17M to play with.

I think it has to do with franchise stability. Spurs are arguably the 2nd greatest sports franchise of this decade in America. Nets have turned themselves into playoff team with a winning record. Seen as a team on the rise with a good coach and GM in place.

Suns are on the complete opposite end with a GM that was fired just a few days into the season and a rookie HC. The FO in place right now is wildly inexperienced and prioritizes doing favors for friends of theirs. Add all that to the awful, awful reputation that Sarver has and you can bet that Booker would've been heavily recruited by players around the league.

I could see LeBron getting him to fire his agent and hiring Rich Paul who could then potentially convince Booker into taking the QO and hitting unrestricted free agency afterwards.

Klutch is probably one of the shadiest businesses in the NBA so I wouldn't put anything past them.

And Leonard forced his way out before the end of his deal. There were lots of factors in that but I do wonder if making him wait planted some seeds of discontent. Gordon Hayward was forced to wait and he went and got an offer sheet that allowed him to leave earlier and he did just that when it was up.

DLo is a different situation because no way he would have got a max last summer. The nets may have a little more space this summer because of it but they cost themselves a ton of money in the long run not extending him.

Porzingis just pulled the ultimate power play booker could have had he not extended and got moved.

Can't believe anyone thinks it would have been a good idea.

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[Crives]

Unfortunate situation really. Kawhi Leonard waited to hit RFA so the Spurs could go and grab a max-level free agent. Turned out to be LaMarcus Aldridge. Afterwards he signed a max contract with the Spurs, he didn't even take phone calls during his RFA. The Nets could have signed D'Lo this summer, yet wanted to wait one more season, and now he's looking at a max contract from them. I doubt he is threatening to take the QO so he can play somewhere else. A different situation for Booker though, as we are still a bottom 3 team, and the worst team in the West. Plus, I bet we'd be seeing a lot of media heads talking about how Booker can be the next Kobe if he went to L.A, so I'm glad we inked him this past summer.

But damn, if we could have waited to sign Booker, yeah we'd have an extra $17M to play with.

I think it has to do with franchise stability. Spurs are arguably the 2nd greatest sports franchise of this decade in America. Nets have turned themselves into playoff team with a winning record. Seen as a team on the rise with a good coach and GM in place.

Suns are on the complete opposite end with a GM that was fired just a few days into the season and a rookie HC. The FO in place right now is wildly inexperienced and prioritizes doing favors for friends of theirs. Add all that to the awful, awful reputation that Sarver has and you can bet that Booker would've been heavily recruited by players around the league.

I could see LeBron getting him to fire his agent and hiring Rich Paul who could then potentially convince Booker into taking the QO and hitting unrestricted free agency afterwards.

Klutch is probably one of the shadiest businesses in the NBA so I wouldn't put anything past them.

And Leonard forced his way out before the end of his deal. There were lots of factors in that but I do wonder if making him wait planted some seeds of discontent. Gordon Hayward was forced to wait and he went and got an offer sheet that allowed him to leave earlier and he did just that when it was up.

DLo is a different situation because no way he would have got a max last summer. The nets may have a little more space this summer because of it but they cost themselves a ton of money in the long run not extending him.

Porzingis just pulled the ultimate power play booker could have had he not extended and got moved.

Can't believe anyone thinks it would have been a good idea.

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using RealGM mobile app

Easy answer might be Sarver not wanting to go over the cap. Honestly going 17m over for Book and then more for Oubre would be a bit much

[WeekapaugGroove]

I think it has to do with franchise stability. Spurs are arguably the 2nd greatest sports franchise of this decade in America. Nets have turned themselves into playoff team with a winning record. Seen as a team on the rise with a good coach and GM in place.

Suns are on the complete opposite end with a GM that was fired just a few days into the season and a rookie HC. The FO in place right now is wildly inexperienced and prioritizes doing favors for friends of theirs. Add all that to the awful, awful reputation that Sarver has and you can bet that Booker would've been heavily recruited by players around the league.

I could see LeBron getting him to fire his agent and hiring Rich Paul who could then potentially convince Booker into taking the QO and hitting unrestricted free agency afterwards.

Klutch is probably one of the shadiest businesses in the NBA so I wouldn't put anything past them.

And Leonard forced his way out before the end of his deal. There were lots of factors in that but I do wonder if making him wait planted some seeds of discontent. Gordon Hayward was forced to wait and he went and got an offer sheet that allowed him to leave earlier and he did just that when it was up.

DLo is a different situation because no way he would have got a max last summer. The nets may have a little more space this summer because of it but they cost themselves a ton of money in the long run not extending him.

Porzingis just pulled the ultimate power play booker could have had he not extended and got moved.

Can't believe anyone thinks it would have been a good idea.

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using RealGM mobile app

Easy answer might be Sarver not wanting to go over the cap. Honestly going 17m over for Book and then more for Oubre would be a bit much

I hate sarver as much as the next guy but I doubt that factored in to the decision last summer since they had no idea they would have Kelly Oubre. Heck if they were worried about money they would have taken an expiring and a pick for Ariza instead of a RFA.

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[bwgood77]

Exactly, we shouldn’t be giving up assets to clear cap for a very low possibility of signing Harris.

Makes me think that maybe this is part of negotiation mind games with Oubre. Trying to send message that we will find another player if you demand too much.

If Gambo really said this on the radio today it would have been posted here and all over twitter. I'm guessing the guy made it up. Or maybe Gambo did mention it a long while back (sounds a little familiar) and the person is bringing it up now.

I listened to the show today. Gambo did indeed say that they would look to go after Harris this offseason. I would love to get Harris but I don’t see him leaving Phili.

Probably just talking out of his ass. I don't know how we could. We could offer up a trade they would refuse, but that's unlikely.

[Frank Lee]

IMO, they took a RFA because it was the only way they could get over the cap in free agency. They've run a lean budget the past 2-3 years and that sort of handcuffs you from making some bigger impact moves, especially with very limited talent to trade. Signing Oubre will allow them to get their total salary up into the next tier, without going into lux tax land. I also think signing Johnson was a very good strategy move as now we have a legit, contributing expiring chunky contract to trade... if the opportunity arises. TJo also brings a degree of flexibility and instant cap space providing the fit is good and both sides agree to an extension. So far, the fit is good. Whether or not we will need more $pace remains to be seen.

Im expecting our salary to creep up to 5-6 mill away from lux tax, if we can attract the right player or two. At least we have jettisoned McDickintheBox and can actually put forth a postive atmosphere to increase the liklihood of players actually wanting to be here.

[Frank Lee]

As far as Gambologne goes.... I can imagine this...

Phonecall
Gambologne... "so yous guys are going to sign a free agent or two right?"
Suns... "yes' we will be active"

Gambologne ... "Harris, that PF kid looks like a good fit... are yous considering him?"
Suns..."Well of course, a player of his caliber and youth is on our list of possibilities"

Gambologne (thinking and developing warmth in the pelvic region) ...Hmmm...this is Woj Scoop Worthy .... "So if you could get him you would right?"
Suns... "well, yeah, sure, IF...but a lot has to happen"

Gambologne .... Boing... "Gotto go... thanks"

[WeekapaugGroove]

Random thought but what if New Orleans wins the lottery. Would their new GM come in and make a push to AD to convince him to stay and pair up with Zion. AD gets his super max and makes a bunch more money and with Zion that might be his best shot at really contending.

That would really throw off some teams plans this summer.

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[bwgood77]

Random thought but what if New Orleans wins the lottery. Would their new GM come in and make a push to AD to convince him to stay and pair up with Zion. AD gets his super max and makes a bunch more money and with Zion that might be his best shot at really contending.

That would really throw off some teams plans this summer.

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I mentioned this earlier to pelifan. I think AD is gone. I think it just jumpstarts the rebuild and then they could really pair Zion with possibly Jrue, Jaylen Brown, Tatum, and a couple of other draft picks Boston gets this year from the Kings and possibly Memphis and the Clippers. They may not keep Randle in that case though, but they still could given that Zion is on a rookie contract as well as most of those guys. Not a particularly good pairing together.

On a sidenote, I did the mock draft sim on tankathon last night and the Mavs and Lakers each won twice before Phx did and I think the Lakers won again before Phx won again. Not that it matters but the odds are SO spread out, anything could happen.

It's amazing the Mavs have over an 8% chance. Lakers only like a 3% chance.

I just really hope if we don't win it someone from the east does. He'd fit in perfectly on the Hawks, despite Collins being there because they are loaded with 3 pt shooters and Trae is an elite passer to find him...and it would free him up to have more open 3s.

[Qwigglez]

Unfortunate situation really. Kawhi Leonard waited to hit RFA so the Spurs could go and grab a max-level free agent. Turned out to be LaMarcus Aldridge. Afterwards he signed a max contract with the Spurs, he didn't even take phone calls during his RFA. The Nets could have signed D'Lo this summer, yet wanted to wait one more season, and now he's looking at a max contract from them. I doubt he is threatening to take the QO so he can play somewhere else. A different situation for Booker though, as we are still a bottom 3 team, and the worst team in the West. Plus, I bet we'd be seeing a lot of media heads talking about how Booker can be the next Kobe if he went to L.A, so I'm glad we inked him this past summer.

But damn, if we could have waited to sign Booker, yeah we'd have an extra $17M to play with.

I think it has to do with franchise stability. Spurs are arguably the 2nd greatest sports franchise of this decade in America. Nets have turned themselves into playoff team with a winning record. Seen as a team on the rise with a good coach and GM in place.

Suns are on the complete opposite end with a GM that was fired just a few days into the season and a rookie HC. The FO in place right now is wildly inexperienced and prioritizes doing favors for friends of theirs. Add all that to the awful, awful reputation that Sarver has and you can bet that Booker would've been heavily recruited by players around the league.

I could see LeBron getting him to fire his agent and hiring Rich Paul who could then potentially convince Booker into taking the QO and hitting unrestricted free agency afterwards.

Klutch is probably one of the shadiest businesses in the NBA so I wouldn't put anything past them.

And Leonard forced his way out before the end of his deal. There were lots of factors in that but I do wonder if making him wait planted some seeds of discontent. Gordon Hayward was forced to wait and he went and got an offer sheet that allowed him to leave earlier and he did just that when it was up.

DLo is a different situation because no way he would have got a max last summer. The nets may have a little more space this summer because of it but they cost themselves a ton of money in the long run not extending him.

Porzingis just pulled the ultimate power play booker could have had he not extended and got moved.

Can't believe anyone thinks it would have been a good idea.

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using RealGM mobile app

I didn’t say I thought it was a good idea, just pointing out the scenario that could have been. I actually think it was the best play for us to offer him the max this past scenario even before No 1 pick KAT got his max. We made the smart move.
And I think the Hayward situation was completely different than the Kawhi thing. It was more similar to D’Lo where the Jazz didn’t feel he deserved the max.

[bwgood77]

I think it has to do with franchise stability. Spurs are arguably the 2nd greatest sports franchise of this decade in America. Nets have turned themselves into playoff team with a winning record. Seen as a team on the rise with a good coach and GM in place.

Suns are on the complete opposite end with a GM that was fired just a few days into the season and a rookie HC. The FO in place right now is wildly inexperienced and prioritizes doing favors for friends of theirs. Add all that to the awful, awful reputation that Sarver has and you can bet that Booker would've been heavily recruited by players around the league.

I could see LeBron getting him to fire his agent and hiring Rich Paul who could then potentially convince Booker into taking the QO and hitting unrestricted free agency afterwards.

Klutch is probably one of the shadiest businesses in the NBA so I wouldn't put anything past them.

And Leonard forced his way out before the end of his deal. There were lots of factors in that but I do wonder if making him wait planted some seeds of discontent. Gordon Hayward was forced to wait and he went and got an offer sheet that allowed him to leave earlier and he did just that when it was up.

DLo is a different situation because no way he would have got a max last summer. The nets may have a little more space this summer because of it but they cost themselves a ton of money in the long run not extending him.

Porzingis just pulled the ultimate power play booker could have had he not extended and got moved.

Can't believe anyone thinks it would have been a good idea.

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using RealGM mobile app

I didn’t say I thought it was a good idea, just pointing out the scenario that could have been. I actually think it was the best play for us to offer him the max this past scenario even before No 1 pick KAT got his max. We made the smart move.
And I think the Hayward situation was completely different than the Kawhi thing. It was more similar to D’Lo where the Jazz didn’t feel he deserved the max.

All things being equal, with Oubre coming, the vibe of the team right now, etc, I think had we waited Booker would still sign the same contract this summer. Of course easier to say now but I doubt it would have been a problem. I'm sure he would have jumped at the max.

[Ghost of Kleine]

Random thought but what if New Orleans wins the lottery. Would their new GM come in and make a push to AD to convince him to stay and pair up with Zion. AD gets his super max and makes a bunch more money and with Zion that might be his best shot at really contending.

That would really throw off some teams plans this summer.

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As bad as it would suck to not get Zion, I'd really be happy for karma to come into play somewhat for New Orleans if this were to happen. I mean, Since they really got screwed over by Le Douche and Clutch sports in the Anthony Davis situation. Plus, I'd love to see the big market powerhouse such as L.A and Boston lose out on their Big plans once in a while too.

I'd also be OK with New York getting him I guess, as they've sucked for long enough I think. I think that the only team that I'd be pretty disappointed with jumping into the top 3, and potentially pushing us further back, Would of course be the Flakers.

Having said that, I still don't think Davis would choose to stay, mainly due to how weird and awkward everything has become for him on the team. That, And I think that Lebron and Klutch will up their pressure big time come July, to try and intercede to make sure that Davis doesn't choose Boston or New York over the lakers.

[WeekapaugGroove]

My favorite non suns Zion location is Atlanta. Would be a fun fit and it would be absolutely huge for basketball in that market.

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[bwgood77]

Read on Twitter

[King4Day]

I would love to see Charlotte land Zion. That probably would keep Kemba there and get more fans to show up.

Worst case scenario would be Dallas, followed by the Lakers.
Dallas would have KP, Doncic, and Zion. A possible future West powerhouse. No thank you.

[ImNotMcDiSwear]

And Leonard forced his way out before the end of his deal. There were lots of factors in that but I do wonder if making him wait planted some seeds of discontent. Gordon Hayward was forced to wait and he went and got an offer sheet that allowed him to leave earlier and he did just that when it was up.

DLo is a different situation because no way he would have got a max last summer. The nets may have a little more space this summer because of it but they cost themselves a ton of money in the long run not extending him.

Porzingis just pulled the ultimate power play booker could have had he not extended and got moved.

Can't believe anyone thinks it would have been a good idea.

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using RealGM mobile app

I didn’t say I thought it was a good idea, just pointing out the scenario that could have been. I actually think it was the best play for us to offer him the max this past scenario even before No 1 pick KAT got his max. We made the smart move.
And I think the Hayward situation was completely different than the Kawhi thing. It was more similar to D’Lo where the Jazz didn’t feel he deserved the max.

All things being equal, with Oubre coming, the vibe of the team right now, etc, I think had we waited Booker would still sign the same contract this summer. Of course easier to say now but I doubt it would have been a problem. I'm sure he would have jumped at the max.

Imagine the angst and hand-wringing among the fanbase about Booker's fate with the team this year had we not signed that contract this summer.

Pretty sure the deal was, we give you the contract in advance of free agency if you extend for five years. I'm sure Devin was eager to have that additional security. It's a lot of money we're talking about, here.

[ImNotMcDiSwear]

I would love to see Charlotte land Zion. That probably would keep Kemba there and get more fans to show up.

Worst case scenario would be Dallas, followed by the Lakers.
Dallas would have KP, Doncic, and Zion. A possible future West powerhouse. No thank you.

Add too the endless smugness of Cuban?? Ugggh...

[ImNotMcDiSwear]

Read on Twitter

Just not enough offensive firepower without one of TJ or Kelly in the lineup. Forces Booker to do too much.

Can't win unless Dragan finds his "on" switch.

[itlnsunsfan]

Been on the Wizards forum inquiring about a Beal trade. Looks like they want us to trade them this year's pick after we make the selection, our 2020, 2022, and 2024 picks. Told them that was too steep but they're set on making the argument that he's the second most valuable guard in the league next to Harden.

[bwgood77]

Read on Twitter

Just not enough offensive firepower without one of TJ or Kelly in the lineup. Forces Booker to do too much.

Can't win unless Dragan finds his "on" switch.

At least Holmes will play. Every time I check a Pistons box score Drummond has like 20+ rebounds or close to it. Hopefully Ayton/Holmes can get their fair share.

Even Tyler would help some with the firepower...maybe not so much with scoring but just bring more intensity and get guys the ball in good spots, maybe help Ayton get more good looks, and Booker of course.