2019 season speculation including trade ideas

[Revived]

We need a rebounder badly. If Cleveland is tanking again, why not go after Tristian Thompson?

Tyler Johnson, and Dario Saric for Thompson works. Saric fits the Cavs timeline more and they get to try him out first and potentially get a guy to keep longterm. I’d add a 2nd rd pick to deal if needed.

Thompson’s contract expires after this season and this would actually allow us to start Baynes at PF with Ayton at C or vice versa.

He has familiarity with James Jones too since they played together for 3 or 4 years in Cleveland.

Probably this familiarity is what's holding us back. Seems to be a complete douche, who is now trying to steal money from his next (last) big contract by producing in a contract year. I hope he doesn't succed, and I'm sure whoever signs him this offseason will be sorry quicker than they could say "Kardashian".

That’s fine, I have zero interest in re-signing Thompson. But if he wants to ball hard his this season then I’ll go ahead and trade Tyler Johnson’s worthless ass for him.

Johnson has stole far more money over the duration of his contract than Tristian Thompson did.

[Frank Lee]

Such anamosity toward Tyler Johnson about his contract.... I guess you have forgotten Ryan Anderson and Brandon Knight.

He was picked up as a functional trade asset. Let it play out. TJo is our one raffle ticket to improve this year....and Love is the logical frontrunner.

[bwgood77]

We really need to wait to see how our PFs look when Ayton is back and (hopefully) Baynes is healthy. Ayton/Saric and Baynes/Kaminsky are both solid combos. Even just Kaminsky coming off the bench he was solid. He's not a starting level C obviously, so he's going to let people score at the rim like Ayton did against the University of Buffalo, but next to Baynes he's a fairly solid complement against bench units...or I imagine even next to Diallo.

What? Ayton has the magic power to make them more athletic, grow longer arms and start finish their bunnies at the rim? get quick feet and start playing great defense.? What are you trying to see there? Both are flawed players and have no business being starters on a successful team. They belong on the bench logging maybe 15 mpg, but one of them needs to be traded as they are too similar.

They are stretch 4s, not guys that should be playing primarily inside. With Ayton in there, and Baynes on the 2nd unit, they won't be doing those kinds of things. They will be stretching the floor to allow Ayton to operate inside. Ayton will be finishing at the rim. Hey, I was not a fan of the Frank signing (though he's been better than I expected) and I wanted to keep our 6th pick, though I didn't mind the Saric trade due to our situation at PF and having to play Anderson, Bender or Warren there, so I felt he was an upgrade there and we could get Clarke, or if not him, than PJ Washington in the draft. Cam is a nice player, but him and Saric overall not the kind of consolation a team with 19 wins and the 6th pick after having the 2nd worst record should be getting.

I'd ultimately rather upgrade from Saric (though I do suspect he will improve throughout the year as that is often his MO, plus he will not be forced to help play co-C when he should be a PF) who is used to playing next to Embiid or Towns and was expected to play next to Ayton. I don't however, want to sink a bunch of money into one of the older, declining, injury prone, $30 million PFs people talk about. Aldridge wouldn't be bad due to his ability to hit 3s now, shorter contract, etc, but that's it. I do feel that Monty likes Saric though (and maybe even Frank) and that we will keep those guys through the remainder of this year. We may trade Johnson though for some type of depth there though....not sure about someone who would start over Saric though.

[bwgood77]

We need a rebounder badly. If Cleveland is tanking again, why not go after Tristian Thompson?

Tyler Johnson, and Dario Saric for Thompson works. Saric fits the Cavs timeline more and they get to try him out first and potentially get a guy to keep longterm. I’d add a 2nd rd pick to deal if needed.

Thompson’s contract expires after this season and this would actually allow us to start Baynes at PF with Ayton at C or vice versa.

He has familiarity with James Jones too since they played together for 3 or 4 years in Cleveland.

Well, the Cavs did just say they wanted to re-sign Thompson. He makes a ton too. We are without Ayton for 5 more games. While I wouldn't mind starting Ayton and Baynes together, neither is really a PF and both should be playing C. I highly doubt we will play them together, and if so, more than maybe 5 minutes a game against big units like maybe Philly or a healthy New Orleans...maybe Detroit. We definitely always need one in the game and I am not sure Ayton will get as many as 30 minutes his first month back and Baynes around 20 to keep them fresh. Even Diallo should get some minutes.

[bwgood77]

Such anamosity toward Tyler Johnson about his contract.... I guess you have forgotten Ryan Anderson and Brandon Knight.

He was picked up as a functional trade asset. Let it play out. TJo is our one raffle ticket to improve this year....and Love is the logical frontrunner.

Cavs look to be far under the salary cap next year so they don't need to shed salary. Love may be a frontrunner because of the connection with Jones, but not too logical with his contract of $30 million a year through 2023. No defense, old, out last year the whole year due to injury, etc.

I don't know that Tyler was picked up as a trade asset either. We basically took on more salary last year to plug a hole and give us less cap space last summer...instead of let Anderson expire. Didn't make a ton of sense other than Tyler being an upgrade who Monty talked about keeping. Due to the improvement of Okobo and his current spot in the rotation, putting him on the trade block makes sense, but as we've seen with guys we'd had to buy out, Greg Monroe, etc, these expirings don't quite hold the value they once did unless a team is far over the salary cap. Cleveland is this year but doesn't look to be close next year.

[RiRuHoops]

They are stretch 4s, not guys that should be playing primarily inside. With Ayton in there, and Baynes on the 2nd unit, they won't be doing those kinds of things. They will be stretching the floor to allow Ayton to operate inside. Ayton will be finishing at the rim. Hey, I was not a fan of the Frank signing (though he's been better than I expected) and I wanted to keep our 6th pick, though I didn't mind the Saric trade due to our situation at PF and having to play Anderson, Bender or Warren there, so I felt he was an upgrade there and we could get Clarke, or if not him, than PJ Washington in the draft. Cam is a nice player, but him and Saric overall not the kind of consolation a team with 19 wins and the 6th pick after having the 2nd worst record should be getting.

I'd ultimately rather upgrade from Saric (though I do suspect he will improve throughout the year as that is often his MO, plus he will not be forced to help play co-C when he should be a PF) who is used to playing next to Embiid or Towns and was expected to play next to Ayton. I don't however, want to sink a bunch of money into one of the older, declining, injury prone, $30 million PFs people talk about. Aldridge wouldn't be bad due to his ability to hit 3s now, shorter contract, etc, but that's it. I do feel that Monty likes Saric though (and maybe even Frank) and that we will keep those guys through the remainder of this year. We may trade Johnson though for some type of depth there though....not sure about someone who would start over Saric though.

But Saric played next to Baynes plenty who' a real center. Half of his FGs are 3s, he barely draws any fouls. So he plays exactly like a stretch PF already. He played next to Ayton in preseason and game #1 and looked exactly the same. In fact in preseason he looked better when he played next to Baynes.

EDIT.

I watched some bits Wolves games last season as the usually play an hour earlier. And I saw same Saric. And I wasn't a fan of the trade.

[Dual]

Of course after last game against the Magic, Gordon should be the guy, but, why Orlando would do that? I know they have been doing crazy moves last years to erase roster competition from Aaron, and now, after all, they will trade him?
I know Isaac is there, but Aaron's contract is not bad in my opinion, and is better next two years.
I guess they will only do that if they get a great offer.

[bwgood77]

They are stretch 4s, not guys that should be playing primarily inside. With Ayton in there, and Baynes on the 2nd unit, they won't be doing those kinds of things. They will be stretching the floor to allow Ayton to operate inside. Ayton will be finishing at the rim. Hey, I was not a fan of the Frank signing (though he's been better than I expected) and I wanted to keep our 6th pick, though I didn't mind the Saric trade due to our situation at PF and having to play Anderson, Bender or Warren there, so I felt he was an upgrade there and we could get Clarke, or if not him, than PJ Washington in the draft. Cam is a nice player, but him and Saric overall not the kind of consolation a team with 19 wins and the 6th pick after having the 2nd worst record should be getting.

I'd ultimately rather upgrade from Saric (though I do suspect he will improve throughout the year as that is often his MO, plus he will not be forced to help play co-C when he should be a PF) who is used to playing next to Embiid or Towns and was expected to play next to Ayton. I don't however, want to sink a bunch of money into one of the older, declining, injury prone, $30 million PFs people talk about. Aldridge wouldn't be bad due to his ability to hit 3s now, shorter contract, etc, but that's it. I do feel that Monty likes Saric though (and maybe even Frank) and that we will keep those guys through the remainder of this year. We may trade Johnson though for some type of depth there though....not sure about someone who would start over Saric though.

But Saric played next to Baynes plenty who' a real center. Half of his FGs are 3s, he barely draws any fouls. So he plays exactly like a stretch PF already. He played next to Ayton in preseason and game #1 and looked exactly the same. In fact in preseason he looked better when he played next to Baynes.

I agree we need an upgrade, but he is a big one from last year, and I don't know if one that makes sense is available. I'm not arguing as much as saying I expect him to improve when we have a full roster, C's back, and more chemistry with the whole team. At least he can hit 3s and is a decent passer. Some feel he plays adequate defense as well. Probably as much as you could expect from a Love or Blake, for example. I probably wouldn't pay him long term after this season but I know we have been in much worse PF situations as of late and I am not sure who will be available, so the grass may not be greener.

[bwgood77]

Of course after last game against the Magic, Gordon should be the guy, but, why Orlando would do that? I know they have been doing crazy moves last years to erase roster competition from Aaron, and now, after all, they will trade him?
I know Isaac is there, but Aaron's contract is not bad in my opinion, and is better next two years.
I guess they will only do that if they get a great offer.

I doubt they do it any time before they have to pay Isaac, if they do it at all. They did draft a PF this past draft though, who is out for the season, and signed Aminu, but I don't know that they need to trade him. I think they would for a solid guard who could hit a lot of 3s, like a McCollum though.

[RiRuHoops]

OK. How about Steven Adams? He's probably available? 2 years at 25 mil left. Ayton would have to play a ton of PF but he likes to call himself a 4 anyway. He fits on paper with Baynes as AB is a shooter and DA can guard on the perimeter. Then Adams comes off the bench, him and Ayton share the court a little, not ideal offensively but boy are we formidable in the paint and never get abused there?! Defense would be good. Craziest center rotation in the league.

edit.

The idea about playing big is also that Rubio and Booker need good screens to operate. And there aren't better screeners than Adam, Baynes and Ayton.

[WeekapaugGroove]

OK. How about Steven Adams? He's probably available? 2 years at 25 mil left. Ayton would have to play a ton of PF but he likes to call himself a 4 anyway. He fits on paper with Baynes as AB is a shooter and DA can guard on the perimeter. Then Adams comes off the bench, him and Ayton share the court a little, not ideal offensively but boy are we formidable in the paint and never get abused there?! Defense would be good. Craziest center rotation in the league.

edit.

The idea about playing big is also that Rubio and Booker need good screens to operate. And there aren't better screeners than Adam, Baynes and Ayton.

It would absolutely cripple their spacing.

Everyone who says the suns need more rebounding is right.... but in 5 games they will be getting a guy back who damn well better be one of the leaders in the whole league in that category.

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[Dual]

Only 5 more games after all we suffer, they say time cure everything, is true!

[BobbieL]

I agree that when Ayton returns, the team should be a better rebounding team. Meaning he should get like 12 rebounds per game.

Tyler hasn’t played - not sure holding for a trade or what. I don’t see Jones taking back Love or Gallo. I think he wants younger. Would be nice to see how the team plays wwith Ayton - especially Saric not having to defend the five.

[RiRuHoops]

OK. How about Steven Adams? He's probably available? 2 years at 25 mil left. Ayton would have to play a ton of PF but he likes to call himself a 4 anyway. He fits on paper with Baynes as AB is a shooter and DA can guard on the perimeter. Then Adams comes off the bench, him and Ayton share the court a little, not ideal offensively but boy are we formidable in the paint and never get abused there?! Defense would be good. Craziest center rotation in the league.

edit.

The idea about playing big is also that Rubio and Booker need good screens to operate. And there aren't better screeners than Adam, Baynes and Ayton.

It would absolutely cripple their spacing.

Everyone who says the suns need more rebounding is right.... but in 5 games they will be getting a guy back who damn well better be one of the leaders in the whole league in that category.

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using RealGM mobile app

In what way it would cripple the spacing? You mean Ayton and Adams? You can separate their minutes so they play maybe 10 minutes a game together, it won't kill us and is nothing in comparison to the added defense and injury crisis security.

[Jsbath]

http://tradenba.com/trades/BJNr0y_TS

[hollywood6964]

Johnson should be traded for a backup pg if they could swing it. Once we're healthy, include Saric or Kaminsky, there might be some dope GM who sees Frank having 20 pt games and looks at basic +/- n thinks he's actually a net positive player, in any situation.

Ayton and Baynes should be starting. Call whichever the pf.
There's no way Saric should start over Baynes. Baynes is a quicker footed defender, defends the perimeter better on switches n bigs who can play out there, and can hit 3's at a far better rate. He also sets much better screens, and is an equal rebounder, along with the fact that he boxes out far better, so then someone else can get the rebound.

I can see someone saying "well then you'll have frank n saric together on the 2nd unit!". No. You don't have to hockey-style lineup change, it's called staggering minutes. Besides, Frank shouldn't be getting many minutes, so when he's out there, you could always have him with Baynes, Ayton or even Diallo (who should take some of Kaminsky's minutes anyway).

Anyone who thinks Saric should start, I'd really like to know why, as I see no reason for it.

[Waylay13]

Such anamosity toward Tyler Johnson about his contract.... I guess you have forgotten Ryan Anderson and Brandon Knight.

He was picked up as a functional trade asset. Let it play out. TJo is our one raffle ticket to improve this year....and Love is the logical frontrunner.

If love was 5 years younger he might be a player that I would say go get him, but with his age and that team killing contract I wouldnt touch Love with a ten foot pole. So there is no logic behind going after Love.

[WeekapaugGroove]

OK. How about Steven Adams? He's probably available? 2 years at 25 mil left. Ayton would have to play a ton of PF but he likes to call himself a 4 anyway. He fits on paper with Baynes as AB is a shooter and DA can guard on the perimeter. Then Adams comes off the bench, him and Ayton share the court a little, not ideal offensively but boy are we formidable in the paint and never get abused there?! Defense would be good. Craziest center rotation in the league.

edit.

The idea about playing big is also that Rubio and Booker need good screens to operate. And there aren't better screeners than Adam, Baynes and Ayton.

It would absolutely cripple their spacing.

Everyone who says the suns need more rebounding is right.... but in 5 games they will be getting a guy back who damn well better be one of the leaders in the whole league in that category.

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using RealGM mobile app

In what way it would cripple the spacing? You mean Ayton and Adams? You can separate their minutes so they play maybe 10 minutes a game together, it won't kill us and is nothing in comparison to the added defense and injury crisis security.

Just keep Baynes as the backup C for 20 mil less and similar if not better impact.

I should note I love me some Steven Adams just don't really see him and his contract as a good fit.

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[RiRuHoops]

It would absolutely cripple their spacing.

Everyone who says the suns need more rebounding is right.... but in 5 games they will be getting a guy back who damn well better be one of the leaders in the whole league in that category.

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using RealGM mobile app

In what way it would cripple the spacing? You mean Ayton and Adams? You can separate their minutes so they play maybe 10 minutes a game together, it won't kill us and is nothing in comparison to the added defense and injury crisis security.

Just keep Baynes as the backup C for 20 mil less and similar if not better impact.

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using RealGM mobile app

You didn't really address my question and just tooted your own horn.

As currently constructed Suns defense lagging behind the offense. Defense was really bad in games Baynes was out. Baynes isn't reliable and Ayton is far from good on D. Having another top end defensive big isn't going to hurt us in any way.

[bwgood77]

They are stretch 4s, not guys that should be playing primarily inside. With Ayton in there, and Baynes on the 2nd unit, they won't be doing those kinds of things. They will be stretching the floor to allow Ayton to operate inside. Ayton will be finishing at the rim. Hey, I was not a fan of the Frank signing (though he's been better than I expected) and I wanted to keep our 6th pick, though I didn't mind the Saric trade due to our situation at PF and having to play Anderson, Bender or Warren there, so I felt he was an upgrade there and we could get Clarke, or if not him, than PJ Washington in the draft. Cam is a nice player, but him and Saric overall not the kind of consolation a team with 19 wins and the 6th pick after having the 2nd worst record should be getting.

I'd ultimately rather upgrade from Saric (though I do suspect he will improve throughout the year as that is often his MO, plus he will not be forced to help play co-C when he should be a PF) who is used to playing next to Embiid or Towns and was expected to play next to Ayton. I don't however, want to sink a bunch of money into one of the older, declining, injury prone, $30 million PFs people talk about. Aldridge wouldn't be bad due to his ability to hit 3s now, shorter contract, etc, but that's it. I do feel that Monty likes Saric though (and maybe even Frank) and that we will keep those guys through the remainder of this year. We may trade Johnson though for some type of depth there though....not sure about someone who would start over Saric though.

But Saric played next to Baynes plenty who' a real center. Half of his FGs are 3s, he barely draws any fouls. So he plays exactly like a stretch PF already. He played next to Ayton in preseason and game #1 and looked exactly the same. In fact in preseason he looked better when he played next to Baynes.

EDIT.

I watched some bits Wolves games last season as the usually play an hour earlier. And I saw same Saric. And I wasn't a fan of the trade.

Yeah, I know he played poorly in Minnesota after being unhappy with the trade. I do think that if we had been healthy all year, even without Ayton, but especially if we did have Ayton, and were playing like we started the year, no one would be complaining about these players because they wouldn't be playing out of position.

Having said that. I am not a big fan of re-signing him, but I am not sure if there are upgrades out there in FA either or if teams want to trade guys that would be considered upgrades, still have upside, and are not vastly overpaid, older and/or injury prone.