Here it goes
Trading Warren : Clearly he was identified as expendable. The question being for what? As the draft grew nearer, it became more evident teams were more interested in hanging onto their cap space, than absorbing a 3 yr 10+ deal for this oft injured efficient somewhat 1 dimensional scorer. A proverbial sixth man, our 'Black Hole Sun' had a very limited market. Indy became interested as they anticipated losing Bogdan (he got 4yr/73mil). They warmed up to TJ and come draft day, the Pacers saw there were not many takers. They upped their price... TJ and the 32nd. The Suns FO, with very little leverage, but determined to have extra cap space going into the draft, agreed and parted with the second. Essentially, we could barely give TJ away, at least not before/on draft day/free agency. Had we waited for a trade to emerge, it may not have happened by free agency time, causing a cascading negative effect on the over all plan. Essentially, dumping TJ was the #1 thing on the 'To Do' list. It cost us a second. Could we have gained a player/pick??? May be but not in that time line. Temporay back step... till the cap space was used.
Result.....Extra cap space moving forward. So mission accomplished.
Trading #6 for #11 and Saric : For beat to death reasons, this transaction got nailed from the get go, then crucified with the selection of Cam Johnson. The horror. Clearly, draft fever induced hysteria as everyone's mock board titled. However, I think there is a clear picture to see. The FO targeted Johnson as the player they wanted. Thats that, period. Argue right or wrong, but its fact. Knowing they could trade down for CJ, they dangled out #6. Perhaps offers of this yrs pick plus future 2nds or(?) came up, but when Minny agreed to Saric (salary dump for them) and #11, it was a no brainer. I really think Monty was the trigger in this one. Sure, CJohnson may have dropped to #20+ (tho reports have said the magic at 16 were highly interested) but here was a chance to draft the player they wanted AND gain a legit starting PF on a reasonable expiring (RFA) deal. This simple move of drafting Johnson blew the dog pile whistle to the media mob. It was on. Buck Buck #19 on the way, hey hey hey. It was the first eyebrow raising, unpredicted pick of the day and the talking squawking heads loved it. They were in wait. Drama, controversy, Teed up to smack down. All these draft day experts had Johnson much lower on their mocks so they had to point that out. How could they be that wrong on Johnson? It must be the Suns. They are a mess, have been for yrs. So lets call this the dumbest move of the day... because they are the Suns right?
Result.... FO drafted the player they wanted AND filled a position of need with a solid young player. FO is off and running... and grinning. Rib kicking media delighted, significant portion of Clarke-less fan base declaring disaster.
Traded Milw 1st for #24 and Aron Baynes : Nobody saw this particular deal coming but then again, they wanted back into the draft to get target #2...Ty Jerome. No doubt it was worked out ahead of time based on if 'Jerome was available'. IDK about you, but this deal looked like a flat out giveaway to the Suns. We swapped picks, got a back up PG AND upgraded back up C ? So Jones again, sticking to his criteria of drafting smart, good shooting, high floor guys again got his guy... but wait, we had to take on Baynes too ? A solid vet who fits the criteria as well? Another Good move right? It wasn't a few moments before the cap hold criticism began. The **** on the Suns slope was already slippery, so it was deemed another mistake on an error filled day. (Gasp... hands up in the air) Forget about Holmes essentially signed for the same a what Baynes cost. Forget that hes better than Holmes. Forget about Baynes' positive impact on Ayton. Forget about the talents of Ty Jerome, who's been touted in several mocks as a top playmaker, top shooter, a sure sleeper pick. You know, The one that played in the ACC. That wily coach's son who led his team to the championship. Nope, the pickpot was coming to a boil as personal choices /favs were sidestepped .
Result : Got another targeted player and upgraded back up C. Jones and Williams seen old school high fiving... Fans gathering pitchforks and torches.
Signed Jalen LecQue : From out of no where, he selects Phnx and inks up for 2+. A highly touted prepper slated for a one and done at NCST. What is there not to like ? No pressure but to improve in Prescott. The G league is the overall winner here. The NBA minor leagues have begun. a sigh of relief and a consolational 'finally' but with a head shake from the naysayers. Result : dynamic prospect in the wings. Sarver leads the fist bumps around the room.
Signed Frank Kaminsky : First off the dude needs a nickname. FKam or something. Too confusing for me
This was a puzzler as it happened early and at a price that was wtf ? you kidding ? But Quirky FKam did have a strong finish to his season and I think the FO was determined not to get shut out in the limited PF FA market. We were not going to be players for the bigger names as we had already secured Saric. As it turns out, 5 mill for a back up was the market price so it wasn't an overpay per say. https://www.spotrac.com/nba/free-agents/power-forward/. again, Jones' criteria of BBIQ and shooting was exercised. Im not not expecting much than 15-20 minutes a night from this guy. And he has some upside. I dont think he'll hurt us. Heck, he may even challenge Saric for starting mins. But that also says a lot about the need to eventually upgrade PF if neither steps up significantly. Result : 2 year bandaid at PF. Lets just hope we dont have to see an FKam/Ayton dance off. Meanwhile, In the FO.... All quiet on the Western front. Sarver (only one standing) left hanging on his high fiving attempts. "we did do the right thing right? murmer heard' Traded Josh Jackson, Melton, next yrs second, future protected second : How this move got so much flack is beyond me, except for the draft groupies. We were dumping Jackson probably since his Miami Vice experience. We needed cap space and to get rid of this kid who clearly does not value the privileged position he is and has been in. A dude that actually played himself into a statistical abyss. We did swap out Melton for Carter a literal wash, stat, $, and skill wise. Oh yeah, we gave them 2 2nds as well. Oh my goodness... 2 of them ? Face it...2nd round draft picks will never be deal killers. They are swapped like duplicate baseball cards. Triplicate perhaps.... but I date myself. (perhaps pokeman cards, for you youthers) Result : Cap space needs solved. Removed bad player. Sighs of relief from entire room. Seconds of remorse over Jackson till Jones reminded he had to buy beer for jilted fans. J*** J****** added to the cant be mentioned 'L**L****** list'
Signed Ricky Rubio : Holy smokes... perhaps the best FA signing we've had in the past decade.. and it was a lead ballooned.
Should of been icing on the cake, but for many around here, it was spreading manure on a turd. Seems like this move was judged on who we didnt get rather than Rubio himself. I think its easy to see DLo, Brogdon, Walker, Irving etc had no interest in signing here. Trading for Holiday or Ball wasnt happening. All these Xmas in July wishlists crushed when Rubio decided to join up. This could have been Rozier or Joseph, massively underwhelming. Or unprovens Tyrus and Delon. We should of had a GD parade considering the problems we've had at PG since for-Fn-ever, but the Suns Dark Cloud Crowd had to make it rain, canceling the celebration. Makes no difference. The locker room was partying. Result : Best pure PG since Nash. (Sorry Goran) And a built in Fan Club of TBD talents 
a prueba estará en el pudÃnSigned Oubre : A little delayed by negotiations. At least the deal was done. many hoping for a longer one, but cautious on the amount. Apparently the FO had a # they were sticking to. So be it. He is here for two, wants to be here for more, but knows he has to play to stay. Would have been a numbing blow to lose him and Im sure cause a minor riot here from the dark side and the ladies
. Lets hope his mind stays on basketball as he had a strong run with us. He's eyeballing a raise, but will have to play his socks off. I hope he doesnt try to do too much to get there. There's a lot of talent around him. But its his time to shine. Lets hope for more than glitter. Result : The lead Valley Boy (or whatever) comes back to spark the team ... everyone is happy and we are better. Sarver leads hiphip horray cheer. Unsung move .... Not trading Tyler Johnson : His 19mil was tempting to play with on the trade machine, but keeping this glue guy (hopefully) into the season allows these young PGs to get playing time at the discretion of CoachW. TJo is our back up PG/SG for 25 mins per game. He had the second highest winning % on this team (not hard to do) and his impact was easily noticeable. He does everything well enough to play for any team, contending or not. His chunky deal is still there, still a nice trade chip. What this gym rat does on the court is equaled in practice and locker room. Im all for inking him next yr too.... but think this kid Jerome is eventually slated for his spot. Result : we retain a savvy quiet leader who keeps this team grounded and focused while bringing that bootstrapping toughness. (too much love ? I do need a cigarette
)Coaching staff/Front Office : I dont know a whole lot about these guys, but I sense that Jones and Monty really like and respect each other. They are from the same era, both smart, no BS, do the right thingers. Its clear culture is important... not just winning, but overall positive behavior. Williams reminds me of Tony Dungee. High standard, morally sound, square shooter, and general honest concern for people as people. Bowers had been around long enough and obviously had some positive ties to these guys working with/hired Williams at one time. The true turnaround looks to be Robert Sarver. I think he hit the wall last yr, and finally embraced the 'Let the basketball guys handle the basketball team'. Jones, Williams, Bowers, and the rest are basketball guys. They have been around the sport for their entirety. They're not some former agent, some current coach playing temp GM, or front office intern or a 'This is easy I can do this Owner'.
Result : For once, In the past decade, I think we are in good hands. The easy part done. Lets hope Williams can connect and get the most out of this squad. I think there are about 12-15 teams with clearly better talent, but we'll be 50/50 with all the rest. Gone should be the regular 25+ pt defecits. Booker alone will win us 10+ games outright. And he is not alone....finally. For good or bad, this team is fully in the hands of Booker, Rubio, and Ayton. I dont think we have had a more complete roster in 7-8 yrs.
There is the plan, the execution, the results as I imagined it unfolding.
Thats all I got boys. That, some rosey shades and the bandwagon. Departing early October. Tickets... tickets ...Get your tickets. May be Miyagi will drive it... I dont have the experience.... and its likely my last trip.
+1
