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

[BobbieL]

He was really inconsistent this year. He could go out and give you 20/5 one night and end up 2/4 and 9/2 the next two nights. I understand the drop in Assists as Wade was on his farewell tour and handling the ball a bit more than in years past, but Dragic's stats have seriously been all over the place this season. Take a quick look at his Game Log (http://www.espn.com/nba/player/gamelog/_/id/3423/goran-dragic), its kinda crazy. Even his shooting, one month shooting a very respectable 46% and 40% from 3.....and by April he's at 37% and 29% from 3. I didnt watch enough HEAT games this season to be able to tell how good his defense was (I cant imagine it was that solid), so i dont know if i would offer him a 3 year deal if he did decided to opt out. It would have to be something real cheap, like 3years/$30M or something (Thats $12M more than what he would make if he just opted in, so its like he is getting his $18M for next season, and $6M for each additional season).

Would Tyler Johnson take 3/33 ?

No, Tyler will gladly accept his $19.2 million and then see what he can get next summer.

I know - I know - I forgot the wink emoji

[bwgood77]

IF we have Kokoskov as a HC next season I would be confident enough to give him a long term contract. I think he can be efficient and well motivated.

Something like $42M / 3 years can be fair.

There was a time this offseason - before the Anderson deal - I was willing to do I think Ariza and Anderson for Dragic and James Johnson. Suns would have gotten a PG and a PF.

I think they need to go younger with Tyler Johnson and Kelly Oubre added to the mix. Maybe Dragic at PG - but still think I would prefer a guy like Collison. Granted, if he opts out, he is turning down 19m so he better know whats out there for his sake.

I think 3/30 makes sense because to me Collison is better and is probably around 3/30 - if the Pacers do not sign him

Do you honestly think that Collison is better than Dragic?

Collison is a better on the ball defender, but other than that I think Dragic is on another level.

He had an injury this season, but he was healthy and on track at the end of the season. He played pretty well when healthy.

I think Collison is better right now. At just about everything. More assists, fewer turnovers, more steals, way better 3 pt shooter, way better from 2, way better from the line, etc.

Especially when you think of pairing with Book because he's the better defender and better shooter...good ast/to. One could maybe argue, moreso last year, that Dragic was better as a lead guy...but still not really, despite being a replacement all star.

I think Collison is pretty underrated. I think Indy will keep him though. Beverley might ultimately be our best bet when it comes down to it, considering the money and everything.

[BobbieL]

IF we have Kokoskov as a HC next season I would be confident enough to give him a long term contract. I think he can be efficient and well motivated.

Something like $42M / 3 years can be fair.

There was a time this offseason - before the Anderson deal - I was willing to do I think Ariza and Anderson for Dragic and James Johnson. Suns would have gotten a PG and a PF.

I think they need to go younger with Tyler Johnson and Kelly Oubre added to the mix. Maybe Dragic at PG - but still think I would prefer a guy like Collison. Granted, if he opts out, he is turning down 19m so he better know whats out there for his sake.

I think 3/30 makes sense because to me Collison is better and is probably around 3/30 - if the Pacers do not sign him

Do you honestly think that Collison is better than Dragic?

Collison is a better on the ball defender, but other than that I think Dragic is on another level.

He had an injury this season, but he was healthy and on track at the end of the season. He played pretty well when healthy.

I really like Dragic - but the age is a concern with how the team is going. Collison is younger. And like you said a better on the ball defender. And I think his 3 point shooting was pretty good as well.

[Saberestar]

There was a time this offseason - before the Anderson deal - I was willing to do I think Ariza and Anderson for Dragic and James Johnson. Suns would have gotten a PG and a PF.

I think they need to go younger with Tyler Johnson and Kelly Oubre added to the mix. Maybe Dragic at PG - but still think I would prefer a guy like Collison. Granted, if he opts out, he is turning down 19m so he better know whats out there for his sake.

I think 3/30 makes sense because to me Collison is better and is probably around 3/30 - if the Pacers do not sign him

Do you honestly think that Collison is better than Dragic?

Collison is a better on the ball defender, but other than that I think Dragic is on another level.

He had an injury this season, but he was healthy and on track at the end of the season. He played pretty well when healthy.

I think Collison is better right now. At just about everything. More assists, fewer turnovers, more steals, way better 3 pt shooter, way better from, way better from the line, etc.

Especially when you think of pairing with Book because he's the better defender and better shooter...good ast/to. One could maybe argue, moreso last year, that Dragic was better as a lead guy...but still not really, despite being a replacement all star.

I think Collison is pretty underrated. I think Indy will keep him though. Beverley might ultimately be our best bet when it comes down to it, considering the money and everything.

Collison probably has been slightly better than Dragic this last season, but that was because of his injury.

But what about the last seven seasons before this last one?

Since 2011/12 Dragic has been the better player, and both are around the same age. Collison one year younger.

I like Collison and he is solid, but Dragic can get you to another level and he would love to play for Kokoskov.

[BobbieL]

There was a time this offseason - before the Anderson deal - I was willing to do I think Ariza and Anderson for Dragic and James Johnson. Suns would have gotten a PG and a PF.

I think they need to go younger with Tyler Johnson and Kelly Oubre added to the mix. Maybe Dragic at PG - but still think I would prefer a guy like Collison. Granted, if he opts out, he is turning down 19m so he better know whats out there for his sake.

I think 3/30 makes sense because to me Collison is better and is probably around 3/30 - if the Pacers do not sign him

Do you honestly think that Collison is better than Dragic?

Collison is a better on the ball defender, but other than that I think Dragic is on another level.

He had an injury this season, but he was healthy and on track at the end of the season. He played pretty well when healthy.

I think Collison is better right now. At just about everything. More assists, fewer turnovers, more steals, way better 3 pt shooter, way better from 2, way better from the line, etc.

Especially when you think of pairing with Book because he's the better defender and better shooter...good ast/to. One could maybe argue, moreso last year, that Dragic was better as a lead guy...but still not really, despite being a replacement all star.

I think Collison is pretty underrated. I think Indy will keep him though. Beverley might ultimately be our best bet when it comes down to it, considering the money and everything.

For the money - Pat Bev might be the best option. A lot of the scenarios that are cap related - trading Warren, or Josh or the FRP - there needs to 1) be a partner 2) the right trade to get cap space or the player

So the Suns - say they can only move Josh Jackson for cap space. That leaves only about 13-14m. Thats pretty tight to get two players. So maybe Beverly and Aminu fit under that.

[WeekapaugGroove]

Aminu is my favorite realistic target in FA and would be the 1st call of 7/1.

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[BobbieL]

Aminu is my favorite realistic target in FA and would be the 1st call of 7/1.

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using RealGM mobile app

forget calling - I would have Bukstein, Bowers or Jones at his doorstep

if Rubio is a target - I would have Igor, if still the coach, in Seville Spain buying that guy some Paella and Sangria

So that leaves two more guys to be on the doorsteps of these players

But I do agree - even if the Suns get Clarke - it would be nice to have a more veteran PF. That being said, if the Suns don't get Zion, would prefer to dump that pick for nothing but cap space or a small contract and a future 1st to get the cap space.

[Crives]

Do you honestly think that Collison is better than Dragic?

Collison is a better on the ball defender, but other than that I think Dragic is on another level.

He had an injury this season, but he was healthy and on track at the end of the season. He played pretty well when healthy.

I think Collison is better right now. At just about everything. More assists, fewer turnovers, more steals, way better 3 pt shooter, way better from 2, way better from the line, etc.

Especially when you think of pairing with Book because he's the better defender and better shooter...good ast/to. One could maybe argue, moreso last year, that Dragic was better as a lead guy...but still not really, despite being a replacement all star.

I think Collison is pretty underrated. I think Indy will keep him though. Beverley might ultimately be our best bet when it comes down to it, considering the money and everything.

For the money - Pat Bev might be the best option. A lot of the scenarios that are cap related - trading Warren, or Josh or the FRP - there needs to 1) be a partner 2) the right trade to get cap space or the player

So the Suns - say they can only move Josh Jackson for cap space. That leaves only about 13-14m. Thats pretty tight to get two players. So maybe Beverly and Aminu fit under that.

Hopefully we address one of PF/PG through the draft (Morant/Zion/Clarke), so we can spend all of our remaining cap on a FA. I would also like to see us trade 3/4 down to pick up Clarke and a pg.

[bwgood77]

Do you honestly think that Collison is better than Dragic?

Collison is a better on the ball defender, but other than that I think Dragic is on another level.

He had an injury this season, but he was healthy and on track at the end of the season. He played pretty well when healthy.

I think Collison is better right now. At just about everything. More assists, fewer turnovers, more steals, way better 3 pt shooter, way better from, way better from the line, etc.

Especially when you think of pairing with Book because he's the better defender and better shooter...good ast/to. One could maybe argue, moreso last year, that Dragic was better as a lead guy...but still not really, despite being a replacement all star.

I think Collison is pretty underrated. I think Indy will keep him though. Beverley might ultimately be our best bet when it comes down to it, considering the money and everything.

Collison probably has been slightly better than Dragic this last season, but that was because of his injury.

But what about the last seven seasons before this last one?

Since 2011/12 Dragic has been the better player, and both are around the same age. Collison one year younger.

I like Collison and he is solid, but Dragic can get you to another level and he would love to play for Kokoskov.

Dragic was quite a bit better 2 years ago and any time before that. But over the last two years Collison has gotten much better and Dragic has gone in serious decline.

I was going to mention the one plus Dragic might have here is the Igor connection (and Suns connection) and knowing the offense and stuff. Collison seems to be a vet getting better with age. We've done ok with that before.

I am not sure why Dragic has declined, but just because he's only a year older than Collison and he's been better most of his career, I'm not sure I'd bet on him probably going back to being better. I'd be surprised if he opts out though. I think he only might if he knew we'd give him a good deal or something...if that was the case it would probably mean we were paying/offering him too much.

[bwgood77]

Aminu is my favorite realistic target in FA and would be the 1st call of 7/1.

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using RealGM mobile app

forget calling - I would have Bukstein, Bowers or Jones at his doorstep

if Rubio is a target - I would have Igor, if still the coach, in Seville Spain buying that guy some Paella and Sangria

So that leaves two more guys to be on the doorsteps of these players

But I do agree - even if the Suns get Clarke - it would be nice to have a more veteran PF. That being said, if the Suns don't get Zion, would prefer to dump that pick for nothing but cap space or a small contract and a future 1st to get the cap space.

I'll be surprised if the Blazers let Aminu go. Lillard will probably make it a condition he sticks around when he signs his supermax.

he put on a sheer, short-sleeve cream-colored shirt and a gold chain, he talked extensively about his relationship with Lakers assistant Brian Shaw, and, after praising Al-Farouq Aminu’s defensive flexibility, told a story about what Aminu has meant to the Blazers.

“I never forget we had a game in Miami like [three] years ago,” Lillard said about Aminu, whom the Blazers refer to as “Chief.” “He had 16 points in the first half, and he was the best player we had on offense, and in the second half, he got one shot. […] After the game, I didn’t know until I looked at [the box score], I was like, ‘This dude is killing it and we didn’t even let him get the ball.’ But if I hadn’t noticed it, he would have never said anything. I think that sums up who he is. […] It’s the best part about him.”

and more quotes...maybe our team should take something to learn from...

Their secret to success? A consistent core, steady improvement, and good chemistry.

Or, as Lillard puts it: “We actually like each other.”

Amid the never-ending soap opera of transactions and trade rumors it can be hard to see the power of continuity.

https://www.theringer.com/nba/2018/11/23/18106449/trail-blazers-damian-lillard-cj-mccollum

[ImNotMcDiSwear]

Am I the only one who isn't keen on Aminu?

James Jones didn't say much specific about his roster change goals during his last interview w/AZSports, but he did mention wanting to add some toughness at the 4 next to Ayton. Which was nice, because I agree.

[WeekapaugGroove]

Am I the only one who isn't keen on Aminu?

James Jones didn't say much specific about his roster change goals during his last interview w/AZSports, but he did mention wanting to add some toughness at the 4 next to Ayton. Which was nice, because I agree.

Aminu would bring toughness. He's a very good and versitle defender and a good enough 3pt shooter to not kill spacing.

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[bwgood77]

This is a good interview...

Read on Twitter

[BobbieL]

Am I the only one who isn't keen on Aminu?

James Jones didn't say much specific about his roster change goals during his last interview w/AZSports, but he did mention wanting to add some toughness at the 4 next to Ayton. Which was nice, because I agree.

Aminu would bring toughness. He's a very good and versitle defender and a good enough 3pt shooter to not kill spacing.

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using RealGM mobile app

I think with Booker and Ayton - the Suns potentially have the tow "Stars" - now just need good solid NBA players, in their prime years, who can help the team. Aminu seems like he would be a very good fit at the 4 position. PG - so many options. Just depends on cap, fit and who is willing to come to Phoenix.

[bwgood77]

Read on Twitter

[Blonde]

Read on Twitter

He gone

[Blonde]

Am I the only one who isn't keen on Aminu?

James Jones didn't say much specific about his roster change goals during his last interview w/AZSports, but he did mention wanting to add some toughness at the 4 next to Ayton. Which was nice, because I agree.

Aminu would bring toughness. He's a very good and versitle defender and a good enough 3pt shooter to not kill spacing.

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using RealGM mobile app

I think with Booker and Ayton - the Suns potentially have the tow "Stars" - now just need good solid NBA players, in their prime years, who can help the team. Aminu seems like he would be a very good fit at the 4 position. PG - so many options. Just depends on cap, fit and who is willing to come to Phoenix.

I would like Aminu quite a bit more if we were a better team. It feels a lot like an Ariza move in my opinion... who knows how engaged he will be on a rebuilding team.

[WeekapaugGroove]

Read on Twitter

Oh my sarver still taking advice from the frog man.

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[lilfishi22]

Woj confirmed his initial report about Bowers today. I guess Gambo had the deal done a couple days ago.

Obviously waiting for the season to end for the .org chart to be finalized.

Joerger getting fired
Luke might get fired
If a guy like Stotts flames out maybe he is out there


So the final Igor decision could take time

Don't know why people are surprised that Divac fired Joerger after he guided a young Kings team to their most successful season since 2006. Remember Divac is the same arse clown that cost the Kings a NBA title by smacking the ball straight into Horry's hand and he of course hit the game winning shot instead of just collecting the rebound

I can't blame Divac for the slap. The game is hectic and you aren't processing thoughts when a play moves as fast as it does.

Agreed. With time winding down and you're not able to secure the rebound with a beast like Shaq in the post, you're just trying to get the ball away from the guys around your vicinity. Just so happened that Horry was perfectly positioned to grab that loose ball

[lilfishi22]

It's official.

Read on Twitter

Weird they don't have it on their front page. Have to click 'news' to see it.
I hope there is a presser at some point.

I don't mind this. Keep Jones in the higher position to keep the players happy in this superstar controlled league, but hire a X's and O's guy to come up with trade ideas and draft picks.

This is actually how it should have been structured with McDonough. I loved McDonough's creativity, we just needed someone like Jones as the face of the team and to keep McDonough in line from time to time.

+1

McD seemed far more like assistant GM material (like Bukstein) who's creative, understands the salary cap well but in terms of actual team building abilities, understanding nuances of working the phone with veteran GM's and being a personable "face" of the front office, I get a feeling having a true vet like Bower and a decorated and respected former player like Jones just fills that front office better.