2019 season speculation including trade ideas

[Ghost of Kleine]

My phone's been acting up! But a few trade considerations that I had before they were erased are:

1- Phoenix/ San Antonio/ Miami.

http://www.espn.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=ubvpz4v .

Phoenix trades:
- Tyler Johnson's expiring ( San Antonio).
- 2020 top 10 lottery protected first ( San Antonio).

Phoenix recieves:
- Meyer's Leonard ( Backup 4) expiring.
- Duncan Robinson ( a 6'7 sharpshooting 2/3). A big shotmaker too.
- Marco Bellinelli.
- Miami's Top 10 2021 lottery protected first.

San Antonio trades:
- LaMarcus Aldridge ( Miami).
- Dejounte Murray ( Miami).
- Marco Bellinelli ( Phoenix).

San Antonio recieves:
- Tyler Johnson's 19 million expiring.
-*** Phoenix suns' 2020 Top 10 Lottery protected first.
- Kelly Olynyk. ( A floor spacing big man that fits San Antonio's playing style).
- Kendrick Nunn ( A sharpshooting guard on a cheap contract).

Miami trades:
- Meyer's Leonard.
- Kelly Olynyk.
- Duncan Robinson.
- Kendrick Nunn.
- ***2021 top 10 lottery protected first.

Miami recieves:
- LaMarcus Aldridge.
- Dejounte Murray.

2- Phoenix/ Portland/ San Antonio.
http://www.espn.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=vwzmeq7 .

Phoenix trades:
- Dario Saric ( San Antonio).
- Jevon Carter ( San Antonio).

Phoenix recieves:
- Zach Collins.
- Dejounte Murray.

Portland trades:
- Hassan Whitesides' 27 million expiring ( San Antonio).
- Zach Collins ( Phoenix).
- 2020 unprotected first ( San Antonio).

Portland recieves:
- LaMarcus Aldridge.

San Antonio trades:
- LaMarcus Aldridge ( Portland).
- Dejounte Murray ( Phoenix).

San Antonio recieves:
- Hassan Whitesides' expiring.
- Dario Saric.
- Jevon Carter.
- ***Portland's 2020 unprotected first.


3- Phoenix / Oklahoma/ Portland. ( Cap space for assets deal).
http://www.espn.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=wgs8g3f .

Phoenix trades:
- Tyler Johnson's expiring ( Portland).

Phoenix recieves:
- Zach Collins ( Sarics' Backup at the 4)? Or cheaper replacement option.
- Anfernee Simons ( Another young scoring guard prospect/ ball handler.
- Oklahoma's 2020 top 5 protected first.

Oklahoma trades:
- Danilo Gallinari ( expiring) To Portland.
- 2020 Top 5 protected first.

Oklahoma recieves:
- Hassan Whitesides' 27 million expiring.


Portland trades:
- Hassan Whitesides' expiring.
- Zach Collins.
- Anfernee Simons.

Portland recieves:
-***( two large expiring contracts) To help them get back in line with the cap.
- Danilo Gallinari ( 22 million expiring) *** Resigned with bird rights.
- Tyler Johnson's expiring ( 19 million).

**Portland now has a decent power forward to compete with, And is able to get back in line with the cap for Christmas. Whilst still competing.

One last crazy trade idea that I came up with. A 4 team Blockbuster.

Phoenix / Miami / Orlando / San Antonio ( Potential firesale for the spurs!).
http://www.espn.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=qmk2ndc .

Phoenix trades:
- Tyler Johnson's expiring ( Orlando).
- Dario Saric ( San Antonio).
- ***2020 top 5 lottery protected first.

Phoenix recieves:
- Aaron Gordon. A supercharged version of Sean Marion for us. Incredible athleticism and defensive potential.
- Duncan Robinson. A sharpshooting guard/ small forward that is a big shot maker.
- Marco Bellinelli. A veteran backup for rubio with solid perimeter shooting.


Miami trades:
- Goran Dragic expiring ( Spurs). *** They always liked him.
- Meyer's Leonard ( San Antonio) Another floor spacing big man that's also expiring.
- Duncan Robinson ( Phoenix).
- Kendrick Nunn ( Orlando).

Miami recieves:
- LaMarcus Aldridge.
- Wes Iwundu.


Orlando trades:
- Aaron Gordon ( Phoenix).
- Wes Iwundu ( Miami).

Orlando recieves:
- Tyler Johnson's expiring.
- Phoenix 2020 top 5 lottery protected first.
- Dejounte Murray.
- Kendrick Nunn.

San Antonio trades:
- LaMarcus Aldridge.
- Dejounte Murray.
- Marco Bellinelli.

San Antonio recieves:
- Goran Dragic ( expiring).
- Meyer's Leonard ( expiring).
And Miami's 2020 unprotected first.

[bwoolf2]

if anyone is interested you can stream the Naz suns game watched a little, good thing as soon as Jerome was on the floor he looked like the best player on either team, just looks and plays at a different pace than the other guys

[bwgood77]

More from Gina

“I’m really learning the way he sees the game,” Okobo said of Rubio. “He’s a playmaker, and I really like it. I see it every day at practice and in games. It’s helping me a lot.

“I pick up by observing. This is what I do the best. (Rubio) just tells me to be patient and make sure I watch everything all the time. Make sure I get my guys set for plays.”

When Phoenix coach Monty Williams stopped by Talking Stick Resort Arena around 5 p.m. last Wednesday, he ran into Okobo. There were no organized team activities on the day following a back-to-back set of games. But Okobo wanted to work on his jumper, and recruited assistant coaches to run a workout.

Okobo’s philosophy is to do something to help his game every day, a contributor to his ability to stay ready even when he does not receive consistent minutes. But “confidence” was the buzzword uttered over and over again by teammates, Williams and Okobo himself while describing what is most different about the second-year Frenchman this season.

“Last year I was hesitating a lot in almost all the aspects of the game,” Okobo said of a rookie season in which he averaged 5.7 points and 2.4 assists over 53 games as a part-time starter for Phoenix’s depleted point-guard group. “Now, I feel like I can do the playmaking for my teammates.

“Running (the offense). Be aggressive and attacking the rim. Get some open looks. Be vocal on the court and talk to my teammates and make sure we all have the energy for the entire game.”

Okobo said that mental boost should first be attributed to his offseason, when he toggled back and forth between Phoenix and his home country.

The natural combo guard studied film on Rubio (even before the Suns signed him), Rajon Rondo and James Harden.

...........

Then, Okobo was a final cut from the French national team prior to the FIBA World Cup. It was an experience Okobo called “a little frustrating,” yet constructive because he could “feel” the competitiveness and knowledge of NBA veterans Rudy Gobert, Nic Batum and Evan Fournier while sharing the court. Okobo also continued to lean on mentor and former Sun Boris Diaw, who recently visited with Okobo at his locker following a home game.

When Okobo returned to Phoenix for August pickup games with the bulk of the Suns’ revamped roster, Williams noticed “a different swag.” Okobo was more aggressive with the ball in his hands, the coach said. He had improved his jump shot. And he remained a willing, get-in-your-body, on-ball defender.

“He’s been like this the whole time since he’s come back,” Williams said.

But even following Okobo’s strong showing in limited preseason minutes, the coach acknowledged there was not much room for Okobo in the backcourt rotation behind Rubio, Tyler Johnson and, at the time, Jevon Carter and a pre-injury Jerome.

When Rubio exited Tuesday’s game at Sacramento due to lingering back issues, however, Williams turned to Okobo.

He helped fuel a furious second-half rally to trim a 26-point deficit to one possession. Two nights later against New Orleans, Okobo fearlessly converted a transition layup against elite defender Jrue Holiday — “I’m going to the rim and I’m gonna score,” he thought in the moment — and established rhythm in the two-man game with Cheick Diallo, another recent surprise player. In Saturday’s tight win over Minnesota, Okobo was a team-best plus-20 despite going 1-of-7 from the floor.

Most recently against the 12-3 Nuggets, Okobo buried a 3-pointer at the first-quarter buzzer, made 6-of-11 shots (including 3-of-4 from beyond the arc). When his driving layup in the closing seconds of the third quarter rimmed out, he punched the padding under the basket in frustration. He played stretch-run minutes until Denver pulled away.

But perhaps the soft-spoken Okobo has best demonstrated this newfound confidence in how he now manages his teammates. Coming out of a timeout against New Orleans, he pulled Kelly Oubre Jr. aside to relay directions. When Devin Booker tried to take over the ballhandling duties at Sacramento, Okobo told his team’s star to run down the floor.

“Elie was like, ‘I got it,’” Williams recalled. “Everybody got to their spots and we started running our ‘auto’ (motion offense) more efficiently.”

Added Okobo: “I feel like I can talk to the guys the way I want to. I can help them get better and make sure they’re locked in.”

[bwgood77]

A little more...

While sidelined, Jerome and assistant coach Steve Blake regularly broke down Rubio’s game film, focusing on how he sees ball screens and delivers passes. While on the bench during games, Jerome studied where teammates prefer to catch the ball and how they come off cuts. Going on his first road trip last weekend made him finally feel like he was “really, 100 percent part of the team.”

“This time didn’t really go to waste,” Jerome said. “There’s a lot of different ways I can try to help and also try to better myself.”

Soon, Jerome will aim to prove why the Suns traded back into the draft’s first round to select the point guard who last season helped lead Virginia to a national championship.

Jerome’s basketball IQ most impresses Williams, joking the son of two former college basketball players has probably concocted three or four plays that Williams should add to Phoenix’s system. Jerome’s sharp decision-making was on display during the preseason, when he both fed teammates and found his own shot off the dribble.

“I don’t have to get him up to speed on the plays,” Williams said. “It’s gonna be conditioning and instincts that are gonna have to kick in for him.”

It will be interesting to see how — or if — Okobo and/or Jerome factor into the rotation once Rubio returns.

Before the barrage of injuries, Williams deliberately shortened his rotation from 10 players to nine in an effort to get Tyler Johnson and Cam Johnson more consistent minutes. That squeezed out Carter, who started last Monday’s loss to Boston in place or Rubio but has since primarily been used at Denver on the second night of a back-to-back.

The Suns have struggled without Rubio (and starting center Aron Baynes), going 1-4 during a rare stretch of five games in seven nights. Phoenix misses the veteran’s floor vision, pinpoint playmaking, disruptive defense and calm leadership.

But while Rubio is on the mend, two of Phoenix’s young ballhandlers have taken significant developmental steps — at least partially because of Rubio’s trickle-down impact.

“I was excited for this year for me, because it’s important,” Okobo said. “I know I can do something in this league.”

[GreatSunnyNorth]

Any interest in Johnson/2nd for Iguodala if the Grizz don’t find a better deal for him? Iggy doesn’t bring value past this season, but could be an ideal glue guy if the Suns are still in playoff contention.

[WeekapaugGroove]

Kevin Love is sort of like a super-Saric so it would be a pretty natural fit. But the money. Oof. Hard to imagine a clever FO couldn't find a better, cheaper, younger option.

It would be nice to watch the Spurs endure a long rebuild. Please, basketball gods, let justice fall upon San Antonio!

I'm actually kind of intrigued with the idea of either love or Griffin if the asset cost wasn't too high. With one huge caveat, sarver would need to agree to be a tax paying team in two years when aytons and maybe Bridges extensions kick in.

Kind of feel the same about Galo because I'd only want to trade for him if the intention was to resign him this summer. Suns are in no spot to pay much of anything for a 1 year run this postseason.

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using RealGM mobile app

[bwgood77]

Kevin Love is sort of like a super-Saric so it would be a pretty natural fit. But the money. Oof. Hard to imagine a clever FO couldn't find a better, cheaper, younger option.

It would be nice to watch the Spurs endure a long rebuild. Please, basketball gods, let justice fall upon San Antonio!

I'm actually kind of intrigued with the idea of either love or Griffin if the asset cost wasn't too high. With one huge caveat, sarver would need to agree to be a tax paying team in two years when aytons and maybe Bridges extensions kick in.

Kind of feel the same about Galo because I'd only want to trade for him if the intention was to resign him this summer. Suns are in no spot to pay much of anything for a 1 year run this postseason.

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using RealGM mobile app

I think we need to see what kind of defense Ayton brings the next couple of months before committing to Love, or Griffin for that matter.

I didn't realize Blake's deal was shorter...but of course he is more expensive. I don't think I'd want to give up a bunch of assets for these guys though. They'd have to want cap relief. I wouldn't want to give up 1sts or key players....unless it was someone at their position like Saric (along with Tyler) and maybe a protected pick that converts to 2 2nds at some point.

I still don't think we will do something like this unless someone like Love wants out and the Cavs realize going younger makes sense. Saric would make sense there but I don't know if he would be very happy (not that it would matter with RFA rights).

But ultimately, Saric is probably just a better 3 pt shooting guy that will be less than half the price, much younger, and the only thing he is probably worse at is rebounding, which I don't expect to be much of a problem when Ayton returns.

I don't expect Blake to be available, but I guess with only one more year after this (then a player option) it could be ok, but he'd be making $37-$38 million.

Being that the 2nd place team in the west with 3 losses, only beat us AT HOME where they have probably the best home court advantage in the NBA, TWICE, once in OT after 3 guys fouled out, and the other, when they pulled away late after we led most of the game, the first game missing Ayton, Jerome and 3 guys fouling out in OT, and in the second game missing Ayton, Jerome, Rubio and Baynes, and seeing how we played other teams, like beating the Clippers and Sixers and playing the Jazz tough, I can't imagine we are going to be eager to make any trades.

Of course guys like Tyler and Kaminsky look worse when forced to start against starting caliber players, and out of position, but they are good backup players...and having a nice big expiring is good, not just for trade, but for having cap flexibility.

[lilfishi22]

Any interest in Johnson/2nd for Iguodala if the Grizz don’t find a better deal for him? Iggy doesn’t bring value past this season, but could be an ideal glue guy if the Suns are still in playoff contention.

I'd be open to it if we're in the mix

[bwgood77]

Any interest in Johnson/2nd for Iguodala if the Grizz don’t find a better deal for him? Iggy doesn’t bring value past this season, but could be an ideal glue guy if the Suns are still in playoff contention.

I'd be open to it if we're in the mix

I like him but that's our most loaded position and I wouldn't want to give him minutes over any of our other wings.

[lilfishi22]

Any interest in Johnson/2nd for Iguodala if the Grizz don’t find a better deal for him? Iggy doesn’t bring value past this season, but could be an ideal glue guy if the Suns are still in playoff contention.

I'd be open to it if we're in the mix

I like him but that's our most loaded position and I wouldn't want to give him minutes over any of our other wings.

I actually would use him in the Tyler Johnson role. Off the bench, 1st guard off the bench who can defend, pass and still (maybe) shoot. I wouldn't be giving Iggy any of our wing's minutes.

[bwgood77]

I'd be open to it if we're in the mix

I like him but that's our most loaded position and I wouldn't want to give him minutes over any of our other wings.

I actually would use him in the Tyler Johnson role. Off the bench, 1st guard off the bench who can defend, pass and still (maybe) shoot. I wouldn't be giving Iggy any of our wing's minutes.

Even though I love Iggy, being a UA guy, wish we would have kept our pick and drafted him, Tyler Johnson is better at this point in their careers. Tyler isn't a guy you want starting, just like Iggy isn't, and if he was, people would complain about how much he sucked. Tyler, in a bench role, is good. Especially when he has a role when we get our better bench back instead of having to go to 3rd/4th stringers. Monty shortened the rotation specifically to get him and Cam more minutes.

[GreatSunnyNorth]

I'd be open to it if we're in the mix

I like him but that's our most loaded position and I wouldn't want to give him minutes over any of our other wings.

I actually would use him in the Tyler Johnson role. Off the bench, 1st guard off the bench who can defend, pass and still (maybe) shoot. I wouldn't be giving Iggy any of our wing's minutes.

Interesting. While he can help in that role, I’d see the main benefit being his ability to defend stronger opponents as a combo forward or small-ball 4. Even if we’re not likely beating the Lakers or Clippers in a playoff series, it would be nice to have somebody who isn’t physically overmatched against their stars - and all of our current rotation forwards give up a lot of strength (Oubre, C. Johnson, Bridges) or quickness (Saric, Kaminsky).

[lilfishi22]

I like him but that's our most loaded position and I wouldn't want to give him minutes over any of our other wings.

I actually would use him in the Tyler Johnson role. Off the bench, 1st guard off the bench who can defend, pass and still (maybe) shoot. I wouldn't be giving Iggy any of our wing's minutes.

Interesting. While he can help in that role, I’d see the main benefit being his ability to defend stronger opponents as a combo forward or small-ball 4. Even if we’re not likely beating the Lakers or Clippers in a playoff series, it would be nice to have somebody who isn’t physically overmatched against their stars - and all of our current rotation forwards give up a lot of strength (Oubre, C. Johnson, Bridges) or quickness (Saric, Kaminsky).

The key is that he's versatile so he could play 1 to 4 really. But with Tyler gone, we would be down a guard so having him as a ball handler would be useful

[Revived]

I don’t think Igoudala will have interest in coming to the Suns anyway, based on all the reports from the summer and now he seems to want to go a title contender.

It’s gonna be the Lakers, Clippers, Bucks, or Rockets. Nuggets and Sixers being underdogs.

[MathiasPW]

richard's back tomorrow, according to brightside!

lol Richard

Dick Rubio

Dick Rub for the close friends

[bwgood77]

http://www.espn.com/nba/stats/rpi/_/sort/SOS

[suns12345]

http://www.espn.com/nba/stats/rpi/_/sort/SOS

Pretty encouraging. Especially considering we have been down an average of 2 key rotation players every game this season.

[spanishninja]

check out this article on nba.com regarding the impact of 15 offseason additions on their new teams so far. how does this guy claim to be a journalist and include Terry friggin Rozier but not Ricky Rubio?

https://www.nba.com/article/2019/11/25/early-returns-nba-offseason-additions

[suns12345]

check out this article on nba.com regarding the impact of 15 offseason additions on their new teams so far. how does this guy claim to be a journalist and include Terry friggin Rozier but not Ricky Rubio?

https://www.nba.com/article/2019/11/25/early-returns-nba-offseason-additions

By contract size, Rubio shouldn't be on that list.

Take it as a win that our guy has made a bigger impact that most on that list and we are paying him less.

[lilfishi22]

http://www.espn.com/nba/stats/rpi/_/sort/SOS

Does it take into account the home games? Feels like we've played like most of our games at home. We have played some quality teams though