2019 season speculation including trade ideas

[Bob8]

Why do people respond to Bob8 on the General Board? It's a waste of time. It will be a never ending pointless argument. I suggest if not putting him on ignore (making him a FOE) then just ignoring his posts like he doesn't exist.

I will make it easier, I won’t participate in any discussion involving Suns or Suns players.

[Saberestar]

Why do people respond to Bob8 on the General Board? It's a waste of time. It will be a never ending pointless argument. I suggest if not putting him on ignore (making him a FOE) then just ignoring his posts like he doesn't exist.

I will make it easier, I won’t participate in any discussion involving Suns or Suns players.

Personally I do not think this is needed.

[Saberestar]

So. We could get to about $32 million in cap space IF:

We decline TJohnson, Saric, Baynes, Carter, and Harper.
We use the team options to decline Kaminsky and Diallo.
We trade away our draft picks.

The problem with that is that a lot of the team culture we have just built walks out the door.

We could be in business for a sign and trade for the right FA. I am convinced that if there was a FA we really wanted, we could get it done. For instance, if AD suddenly he wants a reunion with Monty and to create a dynasty in Phoenix, we could get his signing done somehow (just an example).

I've always felt continuity should be a big factor in the makeup of a good team. Once you have a winning culture bringing in 2-3 new players max with one being a rookie would seem to be a better way to go. During SSOL there was so much turnover from year-to-year-to-year. Now if we go out and trade for a superstar then a big roster change will happen; otherwise let these guys learn to play together.

I agree.

I would prefer to have Saric and Baynes back rather than signing a someone like Harrell.

It is true that Harrell is the better overall player, but you never know the fit and how he is gonna play on a different team/city. That risk it is no needed if we are not talking about bringing a superstar.

[Bob8]

Why do people respond to Bob8 on the General Board? It's a waste of time. It will be a never ending pointless argument. I suggest if not putting him on ignore (making him a FOE) then just ignoring his posts like he doesn't exist.

I will make it easier, I won’t participate in any discussion involving Suns or Suns players.

Personally I do not think this is needed.

Sure it is needed. Different options, heated discussions are welcomed and even encouraged, where I come from. Here you can make a post on others team’s board only, if you have very positive opinion about a team or a player. And like we can see even if you post a slightly negative opinion about a team or a player on GB, moderators are calling people to put you on ignore list. Like someone’s opinion, true or wrong, will change reality? What is this, Orwell’s 1984 ? I know there are many normal people like you, but unfortunately vast majority doesn’t want to hear anything even slightly unpleasant. I have no desire to participate in that kind of totalitarian environment. Moderator was very clear and I have no intention to fight windmills.

[sunsbg]

I will make it easier, I won’t participate in any discussion involving Suns or Suns players.

Personally I do not think this is needed.

Sure it is needed. Different options, heated discussions are welcomed and even encouraged, where I come from. Here you can make a post on others team’s board only, if you have very positive opinion about a team or a player. And like we can see even if you post a slightly negative opinion about a team or a player on GB, moderators are calling people to put you on ignore list. Like someone’s opinion, true or wrong, will change reality? What is this, Orwell’s 1984 ? I know there are many normal people like you, but unfortunately vast majority doesn’t want to hear anything even slightly unpleasant. I have no desire to participate in that kind of totalitarian environment. Moderator was very clear and I have no intention to fight windmills.

Are you sure you are not one of those people ? You surely pop out immediately someone mentions something slightly negative about Luka, say he's not good at D or plays hero ball here or there, etc. (and good stats don't change that).

Heated discussions are usually a sign of not respecting other people's opinion, which is in a way a bit totalitarian if you ask me.

Anyway, enjoy your boy. I (and Hawks fans) will not miss bringing down our 2018 rookies.

[Bob8]

Personally I do not think this is needed.

Sure it is needed. Different options, heated discussions are welcomed and even encouraged, where I come from. Here you can make a post on others team’s board only, if you have very positive opinion about a team or a player. And like we can see even if you post a slightly negative opinion about a team or a player on GB, moderators are calling people to put you on ignore list. Like someone’s opinion, true or wrong, will change reality? What is this, Orwell’s 1984 ? I know there are many normal people like you, but unfortunately vast majority doesn’t want to hear anything even slightly unpleasant. I have no desire to participate in that kind of totalitarian environment. Moderator was very clear and I have no intention to fight windmills.

Are you sure you are not one of those people ? You surely pop out immediately someone mentions something slightly negative about Luka, say he's not good at D or plays hero ball here or there, etc. (and good stats don't change that).

Heated discussions are usually a sign of not respecting other people's opinion, which is in a way a bit totalitarian if you ask me.

Anyway, enjoy your boy. I (and Hawks fans) will not miss bringing down our 2018 rookies.

I’m first to admit that he’s bad in D. But if someone says that 30/10/10 and good efficiency man doesn’t have positive impact I will for sure fight this nonsense. About yesterday’s discussion about Ayton. It was you bringing me back several times. And I even didn’t say anything negative about Ayton, except that it’s wings league not Cs anymore. No need to answer that. I’m out.

[sunsbg]

Sure it is needed. Different options, heated discussions are welcomed and even encouraged, where I come from. Here you can make a post on others team’s board only, if you have very positive opinion about a team or a player. And like we can see even if you post a slightly negative opinion about a team or a player on GB, moderators are calling people to put you on ignore list. Like someone’s opinion, true or wrong, will change reality? What is this, Orwell’s 1984 ? I know there are many normal people like you, but unfortunately vast majority doesn’t want to hear anything even slightly unpleasant. I have no desire to participate in that kind of totalitarian environment. Moderator was very clear and I have no intention to fight windmills.

Are you sure you are not one of those people ? You surely pop out immediately someone mentions something slightly negative about Luka, say he's not good at D or plays hero ball here or there, etc. (and good stats don't change that).

Heated discussions are usually a sign of not respecting other people's opinion, which is in a way a bit totalitarian if you ask me.

Anyway, enjoy your boy. I (and Hawks fans) will not miss bringing down our 2018 rookies.

I’m first to admit that he’s bad in D. But if someone says that 30/10/10 and good efficiency man doesn’t have positive impact I will for sure fight this nonsense. About yesterday’s discussion about Ayton. It was you bringing me back several times. And I even didn’t say anything negative about Ayton, except that it’s wings league not Cs anymore. No need to answer that. I’m out.

Bye, that's what I learned from you, it's Josh Jackson's league.

[Bob8]

Are you sure you are not one of those people ? You surely pop out immediately someone mentions something slightly negative about Luka, say he's not good at D or plays hero ball here or there, etc. (and good stats don't change that).

Heated discussions are usually a sign of not respecting other people's opinion, which is in a way a bit totalitarian if you ask me.

Anyway, enjoy your boy. I (and Hawks fans) will not miss bringing down our 2018 rookies.

I’m first to admit that he’s bad in D. But if someone says that 30/10/10 and good efficiency man doesn’t have positive impact I will for sure fight this nonsense. About yesterday’s discussion about Ayton. It was you bringing me back several times. And I even didn’t say anything negative about Ayton, except that it’s wings league not Cs anymore. No need to answer that. I’m out.

Bye, that's what I learned from you, it's Josh Jackson's league.

Please obey your moderator.

[BobbieL]

I've always felt continuity should be a big factor in the makeup of a good team. Once you have a winning culture bringing in 2-3 new players max with one being a rookie would seem to be a better way to go. During SSOL there was so much turnover from year-to-year-to-year. Now if we go out and trade for a superstar then a big roster change will happen; otherwise let these guys learn to play together.

Yeah, if we have a really good team that somehow makes the playoffs, why make changes? Now if someone like Tyler Johnson gets a big offer (doubtful) than we could let him go since we have other guys to back up Booker and Jerome back to be backup PG, but no need to add much other than a 1st round draft pick...wouldn't be surprised if we take another guy with a few years of college experience who could contribute immediately.

I agree that continuity is a major reason for a team's overall success from year to year. The main concern for me is if guys are comfortable in the role they are in or if they want an increased bigger role. For example, I'm not certain Kaminsky came here on a two-year deal to play backup minutes when he is going to enter his prime soon. If he is okay with the limited minutes, then great, but I can see him looking for a bigger payday once his contract is up. We brought Kaminsky in so he can resurrect his career since he has been a disappointment so far. The guys Jones has brought in I feel have been carefully vetted as guys that may have been overlooked and want a chance at redemption through hard work and discipline.

I like the philosophy James Jones has brought in when it comes to drafting, grabbing 1st round picks with quality college backgrounds instead of these one and done guys that have been more or less bust than boom (at least for us anyway). It appears we are going the route that has made the Spurs so successful over the course of the last 20 years. Have our core guys and replace the role players.

The thing about this off-season is we are over the cap if we maintain our current roster. We'd have to renounce our bird rights to Tyler Johnson, Dario Saric, Aron Baynes, and decline our team option on Frank Kaminsky if we want to have any significant cap space. I'd prefer to keep everyone and use our MLE on a free agent that can help bolster our bench unit. Belinelli would be a savvy veteran sniper, but I feel he is too old. Crabbe or Hood could be an interesting option. Two way players would be harder to come by and would likely want a much larger role than we'd be able to give. I'd love to somehow get Ibaka and keep Saric but I don't think that is feasible.

Unlike the past twoyears - and especially last year where on November 17, many of us werealready looking at December 15 - I am going to let more of the year play out to assess team needs, cap space, etc.

As a big factor is the development of Ayton. If he truly can be that person with Booker, that change the dynamic of the team. Today, I think I want Saric back. Not sure the cost. Tyler might have to find a new team. A player like Jerome - might allow the team to have three guard rotation of Booker, Jerome and Rubio and than you find another off-guard in the offseason. Baynes is a good solid player - who is also going to be 33.

But all in good time. I am going to enjoy this season a bit more.

[bwgood77]

I've always felt continuity should be a big factor in the makeup of a good team. Once you have a winning culture bringing in 2-3 new players max with one being a rookie would seem to be a better way to go. During SSOL there was so much turnover from year-to-year-to-year. Now if we go out and trade for a superstar then a big roster change will happen; otherwise let these guys learn to play together.

Yeah, if we have a really good team that somehow makes the playoffs, why make changes? Now if someone like Tyler Johnson gets a big offer (doubtful) than we could let him go since we have other guys to back up Booker and Jerome back to be backup PG, but no need to add much other than a 1st round draft pick...wouldn't be surprised if we take another guy with a few years of college experience who could contribute immediately.

I agree that continuity is a major reason for a team's overall success from year to year. The main concern for me is if guys are comfortable in the role they are in or if they want an increased bigger role. For example, I'm not certain Kaminsky came here on a two-year deal to play backup minutes when he is going to enter his prime soon. If he is okay with the limited minutes, then great, but I can see him looking for a bigger payday once his contract is up. We brought Kaminsky in so he can resurrect his career since he has been a disappointment so far. The guys Jones has brought in I feel have been carefully vetted as guys that may have been overlooked and want a chance at redemption through hard work and discipline.

I like the philosophy James Jones has brought in when it comes to drafting, grabbing 1st round picks with quality college backgrounds instead of these one and done guys that have been more or less bust than boom (at least for us anyway). It appears we are going the route that has made the Spurs so successful over the course of the last 20 years. Have our core guys and replace the role players.

The thing about this off-season is we are over the cap if we maintain our current roster. We'd have to renounce our bird rights to Tyler Johnson, Dario Saric, Aron Baynes, and decline our team option on Frank Kaminsky if we want to have any significant cap space. I'd prefer to keep everyone and use our MLE on a free agent that can help bolster our bench unit. Belinelli would be a savvy veteran sniper, but I feel he is too old. Crabbe or Hood could be an interesting option. Two way players would be harder to come by and would likely want a much larger role than we'd be able to give. I'd love to somehow get Ibaka and keep Saric but I don't think that is feasible.

People often talk about wanting a bigger role or not being happy not starting and stuff like that, but sometimes players may not have a choice. Charlotte (one of the worst teams) didn't even want to keep him after his rookie contract. He signed a dirt cheap deal with a team option, which means he didn't have many or any other options. Many even thought it was a bad signing.

Now after playing well, if he continues to play well, he may get bigger offers, and he probably should, and that's when we should/would decide if we want to keep him. Perhaps after this year we think he is a better investment than keeping Saric and is a better fit anyway.

[sunsbg]

I’m first to admit that he’s bad in D. But if someone says that 30/10/10 and good efficiency man doesn’t have positive impact I will for sure fight this nonsense. About yesterday’s discussion about Ayton. It was you bringing me back several times. And I even didn’t say anything negative about Ayton, except that it’s wings league not Cs anymore. No need to answer that. I’m out.

Bye, that's what I learned from you, it's Josh Jackson's league.

Please obey your moderator.

Won't be easy, but I'll try my best.

[bwgood77]

That mention wasn't an invitation by the way. This request comes from reports of spamming every Luka thread with the same stuff. People get tired of it. I imagine most skip those posts anyway. But lets get back to the Suns here. I didn't mean for it to turn into a discussion about the guy here or him to visit and complain here.

[Blonde]

Thoughts on trading Tyler/Frank/1st round pick for LaMarcus Aldridge? Deadline trade if we’re looking playoff bound and Jerome has looked good off the bench.

Why for Suns? LMA is still an above average scorer and rim protector with only this year and next on contract. Helps this team with interior defense, getting to the line, and defensive rebounding - all things we are currently terrible at. Can play 2 positions. Great playoff performer throughout his career and stays relatively healthy/injury free. Insurance and leverage depending on what happens in Baynes & Saric negotiations this summer. He’ll expire the same time as Kelly for the huge 2021 free agency class. We turn our expiring assets into something worthwhile.

Cons for Suns? Not an ideal pairing next to Ayton because he isn’t a willing 3pt shooter (maybe that changes under Monty). Best thing would be to play him as backup 4/5 but would he accept such a role? Probably not. Why mess with what seems to be working? Already 34 years old.

Why for Spurs? They are a fringe playoff team at best and take back expiring salary to clear cap room for a re-tooling next year. Maybe this isn’t enough incentive for them but I’m not sure how to gauge his value. I think he has already expressed some interest in leaving San Antonio.

[bwgood77]

Thoughts on trading Tyler/Frank/1st round pick for LaMarcus Aldridge? Deadline trade if we’re looking playoff bound and Jerome has looked good off the bench.

Why for Suns? LMA is still an above average scorer and rim protector with only this year and next on contract. Helps this team with interior defense, getting to the line, and defensive rebounding - all things we are currently terrible at. Can play 2 positions. Great playoff performer throughout his career and stays relatively healthy/injury free. Insurance and leverage depending on what happens in Baynes & Saric negotiations this summer. He’ll expire the same time as Kelly for the huge 2021 free agency class. We turn our expiring assets into something worthwhile.

Cons for Suns? Not an ideal pairing next to Ayton because he isn’t a willing 3pt shooter (maybe that changes under Monty). Best thing would be to play him as backup 4/5 but would he accept such a role? Probably not. Why mess with what seems to be working? Already 34 years old.

Why for Spurs? They are a fringe playoff team at best and take back expiring salary to clear cap room for a re-tooling next year. Maybe this isn’t enough incentive for them but I’m not sure how to gauge his value. I think he has already expressed some interest in leaving San Antonio.

No, not for me, as you mentioned LMA not a good fit with Ayton...they are too similar. I like Kaminsky anyway. I really don't want to trade any first round picks either. We need to add guys on rookie contracts to keep cheap ones. Plus, being 34 is WAY out of the age range we want players to be at. Don't want to trade with the Spurs anyway, and this is they guy that chose them over us (though at this point that wouldn't be something I cared about if I otherwise liked the trade).

[Crives]

Ideally we bring back Saric on a 3/4 year deal, Baynes on a big 1 year deal and Tyler with the MLE.

Culture is important and we are finally building it.

[Dual]

The thing with Tyler is that he is such a good trading piece this year that it will be hard to not trade him to try to improve the roster.

[Ghost of Kleine]

So. We could get to about $32 million in cap space IF:

We decline TJohnson, Saric, Baynes, Carter, and Harper.
We use the team options to decline Kaminsky and Diallo.
We trade away our draft picks.

The problem with that is that a lot of the team culture we have just built walks out the door.

We could be in business for a sign and trade for the right FA. I am convinced that if there was a FA we really wanted, we could get it done. For instance, if AD suddenly he wants a reunion with Monty and to create a dynasty in Phoenix, we could get his signing done somehow (just an example).

I've always felt continuity should be a big factor in the makeup of a good team. Once you have a winning culture bringing in 2-3 new players max with one being a rookie would seem to be a better way to go. During SSOL there was so much turnover from year-to-year-to-year. Now if we go out and trade for a superstar then a big roster change will happen; otherwise let these guys learn to play together.

I agree.

I would prefer to have Saric and Baynes back rather than signing a someone like Harrell.

It is true that Harrell is the better overall player, but you never know the fit and how he is gonna play on a different team/city. That risk it is no needed if we are not talking about bringing a superstar.

I agree with keeping Saric AND Baynes. And my proposal is again in using the full midlevel exception ( 10 million?) To offer to Harrell. I think IF he would accept that price, then it would be fully worth it, as he's interchangeable at both the 4 and 5. I would like to see some very deep lineups interchangeable such as........

Saric/ Ayton.
Harrell/Ayton.
Saric/Baynes.
Harrell/Baynes. ( as Baynes can draw out and hit the 3.
Harrell can also reasonably hit the 3, But my general mode of thinking is to Bolster our frontcourt defense and rim protection at at all times whether it be Harrell or Baynes next to Ayton or Saric or even beside Kaminsky, Whilst Saric or Kaminsky or even Baynes bomb away from 3. And I reviewed the list of available power forwards in our potential price range that could help our frontcourt issues, but there's not really many quality options for 10 million or less ( midlevel exception).

-Milsapp. Unlikely at this point to leave Denver ( high seated playoff team) to play for us( still unproven) for that pricetag.
- Serge Ibaka. The same situation as Milsapp in that he'd be taking a major discount to go from a contending playoff team to a team that hasn't yet made the playoffs in over a decade. And based upon his performance last season, He'll probably be looking for his last big deal too.
- Derrick Favors. He'd have to take a discount, But actually might be willing to play for us?

Overall, I wouldn't sign any free agent forward over resigning Saric and Baynes( they are critical to our recent success). And honestly, I don't think that the suns have any intention of not resigning them both anyways. I'm just proposing using our exceptions to further add to our roster depth, whilst also addressing our glaring frontcourt issues ( rim protection and rebounding) with the highest quality veteran that we can afford. I also really like the intensity and toughness that Baynes has instilled in our team, and really think that Harrell could add further to that toughness, and intensity. As well as maintain our toughness as Baynes may get in foul trouble at times. So basically we could just interchange tough guys constantly to help maintain that toughness and killer instinct.

Now I'd offer Harrell the full midlevel 10 million, as he only made 6-7 million last year, and he may accept it. However, IF he declines, We then go down that list above and make the offer to each, And if they all decline, Then no big deal!

We then switch to the best tough bargain big man options available ( Vonleh, Patterson, Giles?). But no matter what, We still resign both Saric and Baynes obviously. In the end, I think Baynes will command around 10-12 IF he's able to maintain his production. And Saric will likely command around 8-10 depending upon his production and sustainability.

[bwgood77]

Clippers will re-sign Harrell. Milsap is too old.

[Saberestar]

Clippers will re-sign Harrell. Milsap is too old.

Yeah, and no way Harrell signs for just the MLE. I think he will get around $20M per year from the Clippers.

Millsap...I wouldn't sign him. I have been a fan of him for years, but he is too old. He is playing OK this season, but he will be 35 next year and he has had a lot of injuries in the last couple of years.

[bigfoot]

The thing with Tyler is that he is such a good trading piece this year that it will be hard to not trade him to try to improve the roster.

Tyler is only a good trading piece if Jerome is better than him. Otherwise we are too thin a guard to get rid of him. Devon Carter is a rehash of Canaan, Ullis, and all the other point guards we've run over the past three years.

Also, a few people seem (not you) seem to think because Tyler is expiring we can get assets (picks) back for him. We definitely don't want to take on crappy contracts and picks in order to move Johnson. Thank goodness James Jones is the anti-McD and doesn't value picks over decent players.

The only good trade would be moving Tyler for a star player. Making a lateral move doesn't make sense. It likely to be February before any star players hit the market.

Finally, people should start seeing that culture is a huge part of winning. This extends to the front office treating players like humans as opposed to assets. James Jones, as a past player, probably sees this more than most GMs. Letting Chandler and Rivers walk are perfect examples of this. Moving Tyler simply because his contract is up has the potential to disrupt the cultural foundation Monty and Jones are laying.