Free agency and trade ideas: Which wings do we go after this summer?

[sunsbg]

I can’t imagine what it feels like to argue against acquiring good players because they don’t “fit” this team that has been at the bottom of the conference for the better part of a decade. If you think there are actually better realistic options that’s fine, but I disagree. The only thing that’s going to set us back as a franchise is not putting good players around Booker and Ayton asap.

It's not arguing against acquiring good players, it's more about being realistic after reading Jones quotes. There is a huge disproportion between the attention Conley gets on Suns forums vs the likelihood of actually acquiring him. It's much more likely someone like Rubio, Mirotic or Randle wears a Suns uniform next season, though not that good as players.

[grumpysaddle]

I can’t imagine what it feels like to argue against acquiring good players because they don’t “fit” this team that has been at the bottom of the conference for the better part of a decade. If you think there are actually better realistic options that’s fine, but I disagree. The only thing that’s going to set us back as a franchise is not putting good players around Booker and Ayton asap.

It's not arguing against acquiring good players, it's more about being realistic after reading Jones quotes. There is a huge disproportion between the attention Conley gets on Suns forums vs the likelihood of actually acquiring him. It's much more likely someone like Rubio, Mirotic or Randle wears a Suns uniform next season, though not that good as players.

It's a discussion forum. If people didnt bring up anything new, it would be pretty boring. I dont think Conley is as unrealistic as some people think.

[BobbieL]

Read on Twitter

Suns mentioned as a destination. Johnson, Josh, and bucks pick was what proposed. That would be fine by me.


Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using RealGM mobile app

That's the exact deal I threw out....if that is it, it's a no brainer. Gambo talks about his contract, like paying Josh and Tyler are not just as bad the first year (obviously a lot worse), and then next year's free agency isn't much of a class, so having him one more year is fine, especially if we can nab a rookie PG in the deep class next year.

The only issue I might have is if he wouldn't want to be here. But he'd really be a solid vet PG for this young squad if he wanted to play in Phx...in some way better than many of the others people prefer for next year, because he doesn't require a lot of shots and is just a solid player who steps up in bigger games.

Johnson, Jackson and the Bucks pick is a total no brainer for Mike Conley - IF he wants to play in Phoenix. Granted, the Jazz would probably like Conley. I have read the Pacers might like Conley too. But if the above is all it takes and there are not other options - for sure thats a good deal.

The Raptors season might be ending soon - Lowry could be available but its a one year deal so what are you giving up - Tyler and Jackson maybe Okobo or Melton too.

I think a guy like Conley - yes expensive - but if willing to play here - would help the team start learning how to play basketball at a better level. Which should be the goal

[BobbieL]

I would expect the Grizz are going to move Conley to a winning organization if they move him at all. They moved Gasol to Raptors and I suspect Conley to the Jazz makes the most sense. Building and maintaining organizational goodwill with players across the league is pretty important.

I can see either Indiana or Utah being destinations for Conley. Indiana puts COnley with Oladipo and thats pretty stout. Would open up the possibility of Collison to the Suns, or Cory Joseph as well for a "cheaper" option.

I am good with Collison - his shooting % was very good this year.

[darmani]

You know it's a boring off-season when the most discussions on Suns boards are about :

- expensive, not fitting age-wise, not wanting to play here, neither the GM wants such player here in Conley
- most likely an energy guy off the bench in Clarke

Let's hope something interesting happens on draft night.

A lot of people keep saying this, yet when we signed Nash in 2004 he joined a very young Suns squad. Nash was 30 years old, and came to a team with a very young nucleus. Marion being our most experienced quality player having played 5 years. Amare with two years under his belt, Barbosa with one year, Joe Johnson with 3 years, and having signed Quentin Richardson also that summer coming off his rookie contract (4 years of experience). We had Bo Outlaw as our veteran with 11 years of experience, and ended up signing veteran Jim Jackson halfway through the year too.
I'm sure if we traded for Conley we could sell him on the vision of being the team leader as Nash was to our players in 2004-05. He could be disgruntled coming here, but on the flip side he might also welcome the opportunity.


*Compared to our current core players:
Booker (4 years)
Ayton (1 year)
Bridges (1 year)
Oubre (4 years)
Warren (5 years)

The huge difference is that Nash joined the Suns in free agency. Steve wanted to play in Phoenix. Mike Conley all but tweeted "I don't wanna be here" (in his case "here" means "all non-contending teams"). I'm sure he would be ecstatic to play with a bunch of kids on our 19-win team. You are delusional, if you think that Conley wouldn't ask for a trade again instantly.

BTW, the age gap between Nash and the rest of the team was substantially smaller than it would be between Conley and the 2019 Suns core (on average 6 years vs 9 years).

[Saberestar]

You know it's a boring off-season when the most discussions on Suns boards are about :

- expensive, not fitting age-wise, not wanting to play here, neither the GM wants such player here in Conley
- most likely an energy guy off the bench in Clarke

Let's hope something interesting happens on draft night.

A lot of people keep saying this, yet when we signed Nash in 2004 he joined a very young Suns squad. Nash was 30 years old, and came to a team with a very young nucleus. Marion being our most experienced quality player having played 5 years. Amare with two years under his belt, Barbosa with one year, Joe Johnson with 3 years, and having signed Quentin Richardson also that summer coming off his rookie contract (4 years of experience). We had Bo Outlaw as our veteran with 11 years of experience, and ended up signing veteran Jim Jackson halfway through the year too.
I'm sure if we traded for Conley we could sell him on the vision of being the team leader as Nash was to our players in 2004-05. He could be disgruntled coming here, but on the flip side he might also welcome the opportunity.


*Compared to our current core players:
Booker (4 years)
Ayton (1 year)
Bridges (1 year)
Oubre (4 years)
Warren (5 years)

The huge difference is that Nash joined the Suns in free agency. Steve wanted to play in Phoenix. Mike Conley all but tweeted "I don't wanna be here" (in his case "here" means "all non-contending teams"). I'm sure he would be ecstatic to play with a bunch of kids on our 19-win team. You are delusional, if you think that Conley wouldn't ask for a trade again instantly.

BTW, the age gap between Nash and the rest of the team was substantially smaller than it would be between Conley and the 2019 Suns core (on average 6 years vs 9 years).

I think that our roster is gonna change a lot before the start of the season.

I think that we are done with young rosters.
The only players that are gonna be on the team for sure are Booker and Ayton.

In the last few interviews when James Jones talks about the team he just mentions Book and Ayton, so other than these two every player can be traded or waived.

I think that Bender, Jackson, Melton, King, Spalding and Okobo would be out. They probably are gonna be replaced by veteran players in their prime or past their prime.

Players who just get minimun contracts but are not rookies or second year players.

We will see, but our team can be a veteran team next year (or at least not young) and with Monty Williams on board I would not be surprised if someone like Conley or Lowry would like to play for us.

[Ghost of Kleine]

You know it's a boring off-season when the most discussions on Suns boards are about :

- expensive, not fitting age-wise, not wanting to play here, neither the GM wants such player here in Conley
- most likely an energy guy off the bench in Clarke

Let's hope something interesting happens on draft night.

A lot of people keep saying this, yet when we signed Nash in 2004 he joined a very young Suns squad. Nash was 30 years old, and came to a team with a very young nucleus. Marion being our most experienced quality player having played 5 years. Amare with two years under his belt, Barbosa with one year, Joe Johnson with 3 years, and having signed Quentin Richardson also that summer coming off his rookie contract (4 years of experience). We had Bo Outlaw as our veteran with 11 years of experience, and ended up signing veteran Jim Jackson halfway through the year too.
I'm sure if we traded for Conley we could sell him on the vision of being the team leader as Nash was to our players in 2004-05. He could be disgruntled coming here, but on the flip side he might also welcome the opportunity.


*Compared to our current core players:
Booker (4 years)
Ayton (1 year)
Bridges (1 year)
Oubre (4 years)
Warren (5 years)

Exactly! Some people on here are really overplaying the whole age angle on this, whilst also understating the overall positive impact he could have on our team. All our young team has been accustomed to knowing is losing.

Conley can teach them how to have a winjing and competitive mindset and more competitive attitude. And in that, our culture will change, And will improve dramatically.

And as Qwigglez has already mentioned, IF, ( nobody honestly knows yet! ) he doesn't want to come here, we can look elsewhere.......fine.

Of course Jones will confirm these important considerations prior.

But some people on here seriously underrate his potential impact and value he could have to our team honestly.

And again, his contract whilst massive, would equally become a massive expiring contract and trade chip tool for us to improve our roster.

To sidestep that important factor is being really shortsighted and not able to see the overall big picture.

[sunsbg]

Saw on a Grizzlies board they are fine with trading Conley for Warren. Also hoping they can steal the 6th pick if the Suns are dumb enough to use it instead. It's OK if the team upgrades the veterans or signs such in free agency. Not so much if this is done in expense of the future by giving up a lottery pick. It made more sense in Sarver's early years when the team was good, and he has always been criticized for that.

[Ghost of Kleine]

You know it's a boring off-season when the most discussions on Suns boards are about :

- expensive, not fitting age-wise, not wanting to play here, neither the GM wants such player here in Conley
- most likely an energy guy off the bench in Clarke

Let's hope something interesting happens on draft night.

A lot of people keep saying this, yet when we signed Nash in 2004 he joined a very young Suns squad. Nash was 30 years old, and came to a team with a very young nucleus. Marion being our most experienced quality player having played 5 years. Amare with two years under his belt, Barbosa with one year, Joe Johnson with 3 years, and having signed Quentin Richardson also that summer coming off his rookie contract (4 years of experience). We had Bo Outlaw as our veteran with 11 years of experience, and ended up signing veteran Jim Jackson halfway through the year too.
I'm sure if we traded for Conley we could sell him on the vision of being the team leader as Nash was to our players in 2004-05. He could be disgruntled coming here, but on the flip side he might also welcome the opportunity.


*Compared to our current core players:
Booker (4 years)
Ayton (1 year)
Bridges (1 year)
Oubre (4 years)
Warren (5 years)

Two years make a difference at that age, also Nash had connection with the team and probably still trusted the organization back then. All I have read is there are playoff teams with interest in Conley, also quotes above from Jones suggest there is no base whatsoever to consider Conley a realistic target. Yet for some reason Suns fans are all over it. I guess there is not much choice being that the top FAs will never consider joining the Suns. For that to change, an internal culture change and player improvement is required, which I'm most interested in at this point. The poor rookie class and meh free agency will not change anything.

But again, That's primarily where Conley's greatest value lies.....In his ability to help change the culture, perspective and attitude of our team.


His positive attitude, work ethic, vast experience and reputation will help to greatly improve our young players mentality, attitude, and perspective to a winning one as opposed to the current apathetic accepting failure as the standard for our team.

He will be a true leader that will teach them what it takes and what it means to win. After 10 years of losing, what is that worth to our team really????

And can anyone on here, show me any instances of Conley being toxic, bitter or unprofessional towards his situation and team???......Anyone???

You hit the nail on the head, when you said we aren't a free agent destination ( currently) Conley however helps to change that narrative ( by association).

And sends the message to the rest of the league that were serious about changing our culture and invested in competing.

Lastly, people are citing Nash's comfortability and familiarity with the franchise. But with the same respect,

Why are people on here underselling or ignoring the fact that Conley did in fact play under Monty Williams for team USA from 2014-2016? ( meaning he has familiarity with our coach).

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.nba.com/amp/grizzlies/news/conley-olympic-team-finalist-160118. Monty Williams was an assistant for the team ( from his time with the Thunder) during that time.

And they have a good relationship with each other. These things still are important factors to consider too.

And still waiting for anyone to actually share any evidence of Conley saying He doesn't want or is unwillingto play here???

Also still waiting for anyone to post more realistic options given our poor league image and severely limited cap space???

[Waylay13]

A lot of people keep saying this, yet when we signed Nash in 2004 he joined a very young Suns squad. Nash was 30 years old, and came to a team with a very young nucleus. Marion being our most experienced quality player having played 5 years. Amare with two years under his belt, Barbosa with one year, Joe Johnson with 3 years, and having signed Quentin Richardson also that summer coming off his rookie contract (4 years of experience). We had Bo Outlaw as our veteran with 11 years of experience, and ended up signing veteran Jim Jackson halfway through the year too.
I'm sure if we traded for Conley we could sell him on the vision of being the team leader as Nash was to our players in 2004-05. He could be disgruntled coming here, but on the flip side he might also welcome the opportunity.


*Compared to our current core players:
Booker (4 years)
Ayton (1 year)
Bridges (1 year)
Oubre (4 years)
Warren (5 years)

The huge difference is that Nash joined the Suns in free agency. Steve wanted to play in Phoenix. Mike Conley all but tweeted "I don't wanna be here" (in his case "here" means "all non-contending teams"). I'm sure he would be ecstatic to play with a bunch of kids on our 19-win team. You are delusional, if you think that Conley wouldn't ask for a trade again instantly.

BTW, the age gap between Nash and the rest of the team was substantially smaller than it would be between Conley and the 2019 Suns core (on average 6 years vs 9 years).

I think that our roster is gonna change a lot before the start of the season.

I think that we are done with young rosters.
The only players that are gonna be on the team for sure are Booker and Ayton.

In the last few interviews when James Jones talks about the team he just mentions Book and Ayton, so other than these two every player can be traded or waived.

I think that Bender, Jackson, Melton, King, Spalding and Okobo would be out. They probably are gonna be replaced by veteran players in their prime or past their prime.

Players who just get minimun contracts but are not rookies or second year players.

We will see, but our team can be a veteran team next year (or at least not young) and with Monty Williams on board I would not be surprised if someone like Conley or Lowry would like to play for us.

So what you are saying that the hiring of people from the best development schools mean that we are going to give up on young players? you are kidding yourself.

[Fo-Real]

With them saying they wont tread AD, drafting Zion, having picked up and having the rights to Christian Wood, expecting Randle to leave but until it happens he is on their salary, what does NO do with Diallo needing to be resigned?? I want that dude!!

[jredsaz]

Read on Twitter

Suns mentioned as a destination. Johnson, Josh, and bucks pick was what proposed. That would be fine by me.


Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using RealGM mobile app

That's the exact deal I threw out....if that is it, it's a no brainer. Gambo talks about his contract, like paying Josh and Tyler are not just as bad the first year (obviously a lot worse), and then next year's free agency isn't much of a class, so having him one more year is fine, especially if we can nab a rookie PG in the deep class next year.

The only issue I might have is if he wouldn't want to be here. But he'd really be a solid vet PG for this young squad if he wanted to play in Phx...in some way better than many of the others people prefer for next year, because he doesn't require a lot of shots and is just a solid player who steps up in bigger games.

Johnson, Jackson and the Bucks pick is a total no brainer for Mike Conley - IF he wants to play in Phoenix. Granted, the Jazz would probably like Conley. I have read the Pacers might like Conley too. But if the above is all it takes and there are not other options - for sure thats a good deal.

The Raptors season might be ending soon - Lowry could be available but its a one year deal so what are you giving up - Tyler and Jackson maybe Okobo or Melton too.

I think a guy like Conley - yes expensive - but if willing to play here - would help the team start learning how to play basketball at a better level. Which should be the goal

You can make that trade in July. That's the key. I think Conley improves the Suns but its not my favorite move with those assets. I'm fine if that's where it ends up but I would prefer they pursued other options first.

Sent from my SM-G965U using RealGM mobile app

[Ghost of Kleine]

The huge difference is that Nash joined the Suns in free agency. Steve wanted to play in Phoenix. Mike Conley all but tweeted "I don't wanna be here" (in his case "here" means "all non-contending teams"). I'm sure he would be ecstatic to play with a bunch of kids on our 19-win team. You are delusional, if you think that Conley wouldn't ask for a trade again instantly.

BTW, the age gap between Nash and the rest of the team was substantially smaller than it would be between Conley and the 2019 Suns core (on average 6 years vs 9 years).

I think that our roster is gonna change a lot before the start of the season.

I think that we are done with young rosters.
The only players that are gonna be on the team for sure are Booker and Ayton.

In the last few interviews when James Jones talks about the team he just mentions Book and Ayton, so other than these two every player can be traded or waived.

I think that Bender, Jackson, Melton, King, Spalding and Okobo would be out. They probably are gonna be replaced by veteran players in their prime or past their prime.

Players who just get minimun contracts but are not rookies or second year players.

We will see, but our team can be a veteran team next year (or at least not young) and with Monty Williams on board I would not be surprised if someone like Conley or Lowry would like to play for us.

So what you are saying that the hiring of people from the best development schools mean that we are going to give up on young players? you are kidding yourself.

I would argue that hiring the player development personnel is BOTH for the development of our core players, and also for the development of any potential rookies that we're looking at in this draft and going forward as well.

And with that, wouldn't play a factor in us looking at veteran additions such as Conley, Beverly, Collison, Whoever.

[Fo-Real]

I think Diallo can be the Pf we play next to Ayton if we have a good point guard!!

[Ghost of Kleine]

Saw on a Grizzlies board they are fine with trading Conley for Warren. Also hoping they can steal the 6th pick if the Suns are dumb enough to use it instead. It's OK if the team upgrades the veterans or signs such in free agency. Not so much if this is done in expense of the future by giving up a lottery pick. It made more sense in Sarver's early years when the team was good, and he has always been criticized for that.

I wouldn't give up the 6th pick. I would at most give up a package of Warren/ Johnson's expiring/ a Phoenix top 8 lottery protected first/ and the Milwaukee pick.

The Grizz are of course going to ask for that pick, because they are looking to offset the pick that they gave up to Boston in the Jeff Green trade.

But that package, is far and away the best offer that they're likely to see for Conley, due mainly to the factors that some are arguing against Conley for.

Having said that, I think that the package of Warren/Johnson's expiring/ and the Milwaukee pick. Is more than fair value. If it happens cool, if they want more than that, we can find other options as well.

[Stark]

If Memphis draft Ja, instead of helping them with the Conley we should go after Delon Wright. He was one of my biggest pg candidate last off season before he got traded to Memphis and he was pretty decent with them as a starter.

I also believe that a pg is our biggest need right now but in the current NBA you can find a lot of guy to fill that position but on the other hand our second biggest problem in the roster is lack of stud pf who can defend and shoot which is way more valuable in the NBA right now. We desperately need a player like that next to Ayton or we will never get the most out of Ayton.

Sent from my ONEPLUS A5000 using RealGM mobile app

[BobbieL]

That's the exact deal I threw out....if that is it, it's a no brainer. Gambo talks about his contract, like paying Josh and Tyler are not just as bad the first year (obviously a lot worse), and then next year's free agency isn't much of a class, so having him one more year is fine, especially if we can nab a rookie PG in the deep class next year.

The only issue I might have is if he wouldn't want to be here. But he'd really be a solid vet PG for this young squad if he wanted to play in Phx...in some way better than many of the others people prefer for next year, because he doesn't require a lot of shots and is just a solid player who steps up in bigger games.

Johnson, Jackson and the Bucks pick is a total no brainer for Mike Conley - IF he wants to play in Phoenix. Granted, the Jazz would probably like Conley. I have read the Pacers might like Conley too. But if the above is all it takes and there are not other options - for sure thats a good deal.

The Raptors season might be ending soon - Lowry could be available but its a one year deal so what are you giving up - Tyler and Jackson maybe Okobo or Melton too.

I think a guy like Conley - yes expensive - but if willing to play here - would help the team start learning how to play basketball at a better level. Which should be the goal

You can make that trade in July. That's the key. I think Conley improves the Suns but its not my favorite move with those assets. I'm fine if that's where it ends up but I would prefer they pursued other options first.

Sent from my SM-G965U using RealGM mobile app

I agree. Nothing has to be done at 9pm ET on June 30 or whenever they put the starting time. Plus, there can be discussions today about things since many teams are preparing for the draft and what not. So between these discussions, talks with agents, etc - the Suns should have a good idea of there plan to upgrade the roster by draft time. No need to rush anything.

I think the only move that would need to be made between now and June 30 is a potential JR Smith trade so he is waived before the new fiscal season opens.

[BobbieL]

Saw on a Grizzlies board they are fine with trading Conley for Warren. Also hoping they can steal the 6th pick if the Suns are dumb enough to use it instead. It's OK if the team upgrades the veterans or signs such in free agency. Not so much if this is done in expense of the future by giving up a lottery pick. It made more sense in Sarver's early years when the team was good, and he has always been criticized for that.

I wouldn't give up the 6th pick. I would at most give up a package of Warren/ Johnson's expiring/ a Phoenix top 8 lottery protected first/ and the Milwaukee pick.

The Grizz are of course going to ask for that pick, because they are looking to offset the pick that they gave up to Boston in the Jeff Green trade.

But that package, is far and away the best offer that they're likely to see for Conley, due mainly to the factors that some are arguing against Conley for.

Having said that, I think that the package of Warren/Johnson's expiring/ and the Milwaukee pick. Is more than fair value. If it happens cool, if they want more than that, we can find other options as well.

I am not giving up the 6th pick for Conley or even Lowry. They can have the Bucks pick or even the Suns SRP this year. But that 6th pick has more value than Conley to me. That doesn't mean I am opposed to trading it though

[WeekapaugGroove]

If Memphis draft Ja, instead of helping them with the Conley we should go after Delon Wright. He was one of my biggest pg candidate last off season before he got traded to Memphis and he was pretty decent with them as a starter.

I also believe that a pg is our biggest need right now but in the current NBA you can find a lot of guy to fill that position but on the other hand our second biggest problem in the roster is lack of stud pf who can defend and shoot which is way more valuable in the NBA right now. We desperately need a player like that next to Ayton or we will never get the most out of Ayton.

Sent from my ONEPLUS A5000 using RealGM mobile app

Yeah I've been thinking wright might be a good under the radar target this summer.

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using RealGM mobile app

[dremill24]

I think Diallo can be the Pf we play next to Ayton if we have a good point guard!!

..Why?