2020 Offseason Speculation, free agency, summer trades (keep draft prospect talk in draft thread)

[ImNotMcDiSwear]

Book has no leverage to get a trade to the wolves for a few years, so as long as we’re winning it so be fine. If we’re not winning by at that point then we deserve to lose Booker.

Yeah, it will be even tougher to make the playoffs next year but as long as we keep improving we should be ok. If we do have to trade him though, we might be able to get a package better than the Wolves can give from elsewhere. I'd definitely look elsewhere first....particularly the east. Maybe NY.

It seems that you can still get essentially full value for a star who has just one year of his contract, so long as there's a meaningful chance that player would re-sign the following year. We shouldn't feel any pressure to trade Devin at this point. He's a superstar on the ascension and we've yet to really give him a chance to excel.

FWIW, I also think he's a better fit next to Ayton than Towns, due to Ayton's defense. Not to mention, I don't think Booker's really interested in blending in on offense: I think he wants to be the clear go-to guy. For that reason I have a hard time believing he'd be ecstatic at the thought of partnering with KAT & Russell - particularly not in Minnesota of all places. It's cold up north, and you can leave Phoenix for the summer during the offseason.

.... I've always figured the Knicks would be Book's destination if we shipped him out. But if Masai lands in New York, it's less likely we'd be able to fleece them. Of course, a lot can change in three years.

[BobbieL]

Book has no leverage to get a trade to the wolves for a few years, so as long as we’re winning it so be fine. If we’re not winning by at that point then we deserve to lose Booker.

Yeah, it will be even tougher to make the playoffs next year but as long as we keep improving we should be ok. If we do have to trade him though, we might be able to get a package better than the Wolves can give from elsewhere. I'd definitely look elsewhere first....particularly the east. Maybe NY.

Yes, in some ways it will be tougher to make the playoffs as of course GSW will be better; a team like Portland might get healthier with Nurk and Collins back. But a team like the Spurs really are a year away - unless some team really wants DeRozan or Aldridge of being players in free agency. Memphis of course should get better. A team like the Rockets - they aren't getting younger and the options are limited. OKC - if they lose Danilo, what happens to them

Another thing - the Suns have been competitive and one would think: 1) they will do better in closing out games 2) if injuries happen - it probably won't hit all their bigs.

So, yes it will be tough for the Suns to make the playoffs. But even with a 22-33 record, I think they are moving forward in the right direction. Jones just has to build up his bench for sure.

[bwgood77]

Book has no leverage to get a trade to the wolves for a few years, so as long as we’re winning it so be fine. If we’re not winning by at that point then we deserve to lose Booker.

Yeah, it will be even tougher to make the playoffs next year but as long as we keep improving we should be ok. If we do have to trade him though, we might be able to get a package better than the Wolves can give from elsewhere. I'd definitely look elsewhere first....particularly the east. Maybe NY.

It seems that you can still get essentially full value for a star who has just one year of his contract, so long as there's a meaningful chance that player would re-sign the following year. We shouldn't feel any pressure to trade Devin at this point. He's a superstar on the ascension and we've yet to really give him a chance to excel.

FWIW, I also think he's a better fit next to Ayton than Towns, due to Ayton's defense. Not to mention, I don't think Booker's really interested in blending in on offense: I think he wants to be the clear go-to guy. For that reason I have a hard time believing he'd be ecstatic at the thought of partnering with KAT & Russell - particularly not in Minnesota of all places. It's cold up north, and you can leave Phoenix for the summer during the offseason.

.... I've always figured the Knicks would be Book's destination if we shipped him out. But if Masai lands in New York, it's less likely we'd be able to fleece them. Of course, a lot can change in three years.

I've never been that worried about Booker wanting to leave. Mostly because I don't think he will but also partly because of what you state...he wants to be the clear go to guy on an offense...now this can cut both ways...as a reason he wouldn't want to go somewhere else, or as a reason it might not be the worst thing if he leaves if you don't believe he can be the best player on a great team. Now I think it is possible, however, I think it would have to be a case where there were 3-4 players that one could also argue is more important to the team, to where you have kind of a great group of players, somewhat like the group we had with the 04-05 Suns.

[ImNotMcDiSwear]

Book has no leverage to get a trade to the wolves for a few years, so as long as we’re winning it so be fine. If we’re not winning by at that point then we deserve to lose Booker.

Yeah, it will be even tougher to make the playoffs next year but as long as we keep improving we should be ok. If we do have to trade him though, we might be able to get a package better than the Wolves can give from elsewhere. I'd definitely look elsewhere first....particularly the east. Maybe NY.

Yes, in some ways it will be tougher to make the playoffs as of course GSW will be better; a team like Portland might get healthier with Nurk and Collins back. But a team like the Spurs really are a year away - unless some team really wants DeRozan or Aldridge of being players in free agency. Memphis of course should get better. A team like the Rockets - they aren't getting younger and the options are limited. OKC - if they lose Danilo, what happens to them

Another thing - the Suns have been competitive and one would think: 1) they will do better in closing out games 2) if injuries happen - it probably won't hit all their bigs.

So, yes it will be tough for the Suns to make the playoffs. But even with a 22-33 record, I think they are moving forward in the right direction. Jones just has to build up his bench for sure.

The re-emergence of GSW and POR will increase competition in the west, but things happen every year. A team might unexpectedly implode due to injury or otherwise. The unexpected happens every year.

But I really don't think our destiny is shaped by other teams. I think we have the talent to be better than pretty much all these teams, save the Lakers and Warriors. Surround our core with solid players, stay healthy, and keep improving. We'll make the playoffs if our guys figure it out.

[DirtyDez]

If we're in the lottery this year, how high a pick would you be willing to give up for Markannen?

E. G. Any pick after the 5th pick, any pick after #8 etc.

Ofcourse it depends on what players are still available so caveats could be added (E.g. Any pick after #8 unless Haliburton is still on the board etc. )

Well I'll easily say any past 4 since if the suns don't jump up to top 4 then they are probably like 10. But I honestly haven't studied the draft enough, if it's really as bad at the top as some seem to think then maybe I'd trade it regardless of where they land.

Like I'm not even sure who I'd take 1. Certainly not Wiseman. Hallibuton? Ball?... Hell I think I'll take Lauri over Ball.

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You're right. Maybe a better way to phrase the question then would be which players would you draft over trading for Markannen - irrespective of where our pick could possibly land (we don't know how the rest of the season plays out).

I haven't studied the draft enough myself, but aside from the names you mentioned people seem to be high on guys like Toppin and Cole Anthony as well.

None of them over Markk for sure but Chicago will get much better offers than Cam and the 12th pick.

I wouldn’t mind seeing Kelly signed to a longterm deal after what we’ve seen. He’s still playing for a contract so in his mind he’s got the green light. When the security of a deal comes I think he can slow down and grow other aspects of his game.

[BobbieL]

Yeah, it will be even tougher to make the playoffs next year but as long as we keep improving we should be ok. If we do have to trade him though, we might be able to get a package better than the Wolves can give from elsewhere. I'd definitely look elsewhere first....particularly the east. Maybe NY.

Yes, in some ways it will be tougher to make the playoffs as of course GSW will be better; a team like Portland might get healthier with Nurk and Collins back. But a team like the Spurs really are a year away - unless some team really wants DeRozan or Aldridge of being players in free agency. Memphis of course should get better. A team like the Rockets - they aren't getting younger and the options are limited. OKC - if they lose Danilo, what happens to them

Another thing - the Suns have been competitive and one would think: 1) they will do better in closing out games 2) if injuries happen - it probably won't hit all their bigs.

So, yes it will be tough for the Suns to make the playoffs. But even with a 22-33 record, I think they are moving forward in the right direction. Jones just has to build up his bench for sure.

The re-emergence of GSW and POR will increase competition in the west, but things happen every year. A team might unexpectedly implode due to injury or otherwise. The unexpected happens every year.

But I really don't think our destiny is shaped by other teams. I think we have the talent to be better than pretty much all these teams, save the Lakers and Warriors. Surround our core with solid players, stay healthy, and keep improving. We'll make the playoffs if our guys figure it out.

I agree with this. I think you can add the Clippers to that mix too. But the Suns have been VERY competitive with the Nuggets this year. They have been competitive with the Spurs; even the Grizzlies; the Blazers.

One would think with a good draft pick; and a couple of targeted free agents (meaning the 4 and another shooter off the bench at guard), experience for Cam and Jerome and lastly, playing in the same system TWO years in a row - I won't say this makes them a 50 win team - but again, say they finish mid 30's - I can see a push to mid 40's in terms of wins. And if the Warriors are beating teams, that means other teams are losing to them too.

[Ghost of Kleine]

Spoiler:

Read on Twitter

This is very interesting imo. Booker’s brother retweeted that tweet above from VOTS when it was posted. Book is super close with his brother and his brother lives with him and basically attends every single Suns game (both home & away) and also serves as Booker’s manager. In the summer, they basically vacation together every month with their gfs based on their insta stories and such. Point is that their super close.

Booker may keep saying that Russell being in Minnesota with Towns doesn’t mean anything to him but that may just be about protecting the brand and being politically correct (which Book is admirable at doing).

But the person most closest to Booker in the entire world and the person who knows exactly what Book is thinking retweeting that is definitely something to keep an eye on imo.

IF Booker ends up demanding a trade out in a year or two, I think it’s gonna leak out that not trading for DLo when he was available and rolling with a declining/washed up Rubio instead really pissed him off.

I know this topic was already discussed a week or two ago and this tweet itself is few weeks old (I just saw it now though) but I think this is something to keep an eye on imo.

Yeah, i posted about it when the story broke. Wasnt just his brother who re-tweeted it, but his best friend as well.

The thing that scares me isnt that we didn't land DLO, but the reports that we had absolutely no interest in him and didn't even try. Thats twice now hes been available and for relatively cheap and we didn't even bother to try.

Booker is a team player. He has always said the right things to the media when questioned. But you can tell he is frustrated and his patience is wearing thin.

Has anyone though heard the clip from John Calipari on Bickley and Marotta podcast the other day??
https://arizonasports.com/category/podcast_player/?a=cc68dabb-4c5e-434c-854f-ab610140249b&sid=1100&n=Phoenix+Suns+Podcast+Channel

What's really scary is his comments about us fans here in Phoenix needing to enjoy watching Booker play whilst it lasts. Then he goes on to be deflective and says.........." However it plays out with Booker staying or leaving, It will play out as it should " Then he says that Booker wants to win, And finally goes on to cite the "Anthony Davis" situation, Speaking of how he also loved the city ( New Orleans) and it's fans. But in the end, he wanted to win! Then he repeats that Booker wants to win!

So take his laced commentary however you like. But, I'm telling you now that with Leon Rose going to New York, And withboth Booker and KATs' contracts being up at the same time in 2024, And with Russell becoming a free agent in 2023, You'd have to be really naive to think that they aren't discussing teaming up, and planning around that time. And what bigger stage for the new " Big 3" than the Mecca of Basketball itself. Also consider the amazing story line of how the " Big City Boys" came together to resurrect the legendary knicks! The spotlight! The fame! The noteriety! Booker has said himself that he wants to be legendary, Does he have a better chance of doing that here in Phoenix under Sarver? Or side by side with his best buddies in New York? He we done anything in his time here to even remotely convince him that he can achieve that here? .............................
Honestly, Our time is running out!

If we were smart, We'd do our best to build faster around him, And be more aggressive in trying to be a playoff team. But at the same time, Subtly be looking to potentially identify his eventual, inevitable replacement. These next 2-3 drafts will be absolutely critical to find a prospect with star potential that we can pair next to Ayton. This draft we be looking to fill out the roster with players that can add depth. And an additional scoring boost to our bench. But should we get lucky and somehow fall into the top 3-4 of the lottery and take either:

1- James Wiseman.
2- Anthony Edwards.

Then we need to package either player with our 2023 pick, top 5 protected plus a player or two for Markannen, To help offset the eventual departure of Booker, And the drop in scoring too.

And if not Markannen, Then perhaps we look to trade some package of Wiseman / Bridges/ a pick or two to Washington for Beal and a filler. Or maybe Anthony Edwards and a pick to Portland for McCollum and a filler? Or maybe Wiseman/ Rubio/Oubre and a protected first to New Orleans for Holiday ( resigned)Ingram and Naw, Sacramento for Bagley/ Holmes/ and Bogdanovic ( resigned), Boston for Marcus Smart/Romeo Langford/ the Memphis pick/ A top 6 protected 2021 first. Or maybe even Detroit for a package of Kennard/ Christian Wood/ and their 2021 unprotected first.

Just find the very best contributing package return of players with high potential to become stars, and also veterans that can contribute now to winning if possible. And IF we discover Bookers' plans to leave for New York, Or maybe they all look to head to L.A. by then. But I'd look to squeeze the very best return that I could for Booker and a potential top 3- 4 pick from the 2020 draft.

Heck, Id even consider trading Wiseman or Edwards to a very minimally protected to top 3 (max) protected 2021 pick to another lottery team needing a center........ie; Charlotte, Detroit, Brooklyn, Sacramento or maybe even Boston In return for a good player and a potential lottery pick in 2021.

[JDJ26]

Yeah, it will be even tougher to make the playoffs next year but as long as we keep improving we should be ok. If we do have to trade him though, we might be able to get a package better than the Wolves can give from elsewhere. I'd definitely look elsewhere first....particularly the east. Maybe NY.

It seems that you can still get essentially full value for a star who has just one year of his contract, so long as there's a meaningful chance that player would re-sign the following year. We shouldn't feel any pressure to trade Devin at this point. He's a superstar on the ascension and we've yet to really give him a chance to excel.

FWIW, I also think he's a better fit next to Ayton than Towns, due to Ayton's defense. Not to mention, I don't think Booker's really interested in blending in on offense: I think he wants to be the clear go-to guy. For that reason I have a hard time believing he'd be ecstatic at the thought of partnering with KAT & Russell - particularly not in Minnesota of all places. It's cold up north, and you can leave Phoenix for the summer during the offseason.

.... I've always figured the Knicks would be Book's destination if we shipped him out. But if Masai lands in New York, it's less likely we'd be able to fleece them. Of course, a lot can change in three years.

I've never been that worried about Booker wanting to leave. Mostly because I don't think he will but also partly because of what you state...he wants to be the clear go to guy on an offense...now this can cut both ways...as a reason he wouldn't want to go somewhere else, or as a reason it might not be the worst thing if he leaves if you don't believe he can be the best player on a great team. Now I think it is possible, however, I think it would have to be a case where there were 3-4 players that one could also argue is more important to the team, to where you have kind of a great group of players, somewhat like the group we had with the 04-05 Suns.

Which is why I'm wouldn't be too upset if Booker was traded.

If Booker is hinting at any indication he is going to request a trade or leave after his contract, the Suns need to trade him while his value is high.

The Knicks would be the perfect team to fleece.

[WeekapaugGroove]

Few things.

There will always be good teams out West. Just need to worry about getting good themselves and not the competition.

All players want to win. Star players coming up on that 3rd contract will leave of they aren't winning and frankly with how insanely expensive those vet incumbent super max deals are you better already be good if you have a player sign one because they limit what you can do moving forward. So basically 2 summers from now the suns either need to be good or they should trade Devin with 2 years left to maximize the return.

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using RealGM mobile app

[bwgood77]

Few things.

There will always be good teams out West. Just need to worry about getting good themselves and not the competition.

All players want to win. Star players coming up on that 3rd contract will leave of they aren't winning and frankly with how insanely expensive those vet incumbent super max deals are you better already be good if you have a player sign one because they limit what you can do moving forward. So basically 2 summers from now the suns either need to be good or they should trade Devin with 2 years left to maximize the return.

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And we can't still be bad and do that early super max extension like the Wizards did with Wall. It didn't even kick in for a year and a half or so, and at that time, they may have still been a playoff team and it still killed them. Obviously partially because he's injured, but their team hadn't been that great as of late when he was healthy.

[BobbieL]

Few things.

There will always be good teams out West. Just need to worry about getting good themselves and not the competition.

All players want to win. Star players coming up on that 3rd contract will leave of they aren't winning and frankly with how insanely expensive those vet incumbent super max deals are you better already be good if you have a player sign one because they limit what you can do moving forward. So basically 2 summers from now the suns either need to be good or they should trade Devin with 2 years left to maximize the return.

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using RealGM mobile app

Two years is a good time frame. Will know by than if James Jones is building something or not.

This summer though he needs to hit a home run - Jones really needs to nail this.

[Ghost of Kleine]

Here's the thread discussing the varying opinions of Markannens' current value.
viewtopic.php?f=2&t=1941582&start=40

Seems pretty interesting though, A lot of varying opinions. But overall , None too pricey really if the consensus holds of a mid first round pick and cap space or a solid young player and a first round pick ( around wherein he was drafted as a measure of his respective value)? But maybe his value is at it's lowest point additionally due to this:
https://clutchpoints.com/bulls-rumors-lauri-markkanen-wants-out-of-chicago-if-things-dont-change/
Now i understand that it's been argued that it's mere random speculation. However, here's a source for it.

Read on Twitter

?s=19

I know that some on here believe that he can't be had unless we drastically overpay. However, I do believe he can be had reasonably for the right trade package beneficial to their positional roster needs.

[SunsRback4Good]

Here's the thread discussing the varying opinions of Markannens' current value.
viewtopic.php?f=2&t=1941582&start=40

Seems pretty interesting though, A lot of varying opinions. But overall , None too pricey really if the consensus holds of a mid first round pick and cap space or a solid young player and a first round pick ( around wherein he was drafted as a measure of his respective value)? But maybe his value is at it's lowest point additionally due to this:
https://clutchpoints.com/bulls-rumors-lauri-markkanen-wants-out-of-chicago-if-things-dont-change/
Now i understand that it's been argued that it's mere random speculation. However, here's a source for it.

Read on Twitter

?s=19

I know that some on here believe that he can't be had unless we drastically overpay. However, I do believe he can be had reasonably for the right trade package beneficial to their positional roster needs.

What would we have to give up to get a player like
Markannens here?

[Bogyo]

Here's the thread discussing the varying opinions of Markannens' current value.
viewtopic.php?f=2&t=1941582&start=40

Seems pretty interesting though, A lot of varying opinions. But overall , None too pricey really if the consensus holds of a mid first round pick and cap space or a solid young player and a first round pick ( around wherein he was drafted as a measure of his respective value)? But maybe his value is at it's lowest point additionally due to this:
https://clutchpoints.com/bulls-rumors-lauri-markkanen-wants-out-of-chicago-if-things-dont-change/
Now i understand that it's been argued that it's mere random speculation. However, here's a source for it.

Read on Twitter

?s=19

I know that some on here believe that he can't be had unless we drastically overpay. However, I do believe he can be had reasonably for the right trade package beneficial to their positional roster needs.

What would we have to give up to get a player like
Markannens here?

Well, Oubre for Markaannen+Satoransky works in the trade machine. I'm not sure about values, and who gives up what kind of pick (or exchange pick?) after this. We would give them a surfire SF next to Lavine, and the best player in the deal, but with only 1 year on his contract, then they would have to PAY him, but they would have a ton of cap space for 2021. We would get a nice backup PG (maybe even a finisher, if Rubio's shot is still so fugly) for 3 years, and young PF prospect to balance out our roster, and still have a good draft pick this year to fully round out our roster, either with a 2/3 or a 3/4 wing from the draft. Speaking of which: I think I'd be happy if they added a pick swap this year, which would likely mean a 7th-8th pick instead of 11-13th, with double chance of getting a top 4 pick. Not sure they would do that... But I guess the fact that I don't feel very good for either team clearly "wining" this trade makes it somewhat realistic.

[sunsbum]

If Lauri is is available you gotta make a play. Anyone or thing outside of book, bridges and Ayton is on the table for him.

[BobbieL]

If Lauri is is available you gotta make a play. Anyone or thing outside of book, bridges and Ayton is on the table for him.

Like was said above Oubre for Sato/Markkanen works cap wise. Not sure if the Suns would need to throw in a draft pick or not

The Bulls are set up for cap space in the summer of 2021 as it is now as Felicio is done and Young/Sato both have options in the summer of 2021. They might want Oubre to play the 3 so Carter can play the 4.

I think the Suns need to look into this one if true ML wants out of Chicago.

I would prefer to keep Oubre but understand to get you have to give .

[ImNotMcDiSwear]

Man, the way Aaron Gordon gets screwed by the refs, it's like he's a Phoenix Sun already.

[Ghost of Kleine]

Here's the thread discussing the varying opinions of Markannens' current value.
viewtopic.php?f=2&t=1941582&start=40

Seems pretty interesting though, A lot of varying opinions. But overall , None too pricey really if the consensus holds of a mid first round pick and cap space or a solid young player and a first round pick ( around wherein he was drafted as a measure of his respective value)? But maybe his value is at it's lowest point additionally due to this:
https://clutchpoints.com/bulls-rumors-lauri-markkanen-wants-out-of-chicago-if-things-dont-change/
Now i understand that it's been argued that it's mere random speculation. However, here's a source for it.

Read on Twitter

?s=19

I know that some on here believe that he can't be had unless we drastically overpay. However, I do believe he can be had reasonably for the right trade package beneficial to their positional roster needs.

What would we have to give up to get a player like
Markannens here?

Honestly man, Even though the Gar / Pax leadership contingent is purportedly really terrible and they supposedly value cap space and draft assets, and young promising players over a win now mentality, And in considering Markannens' current struggles and his openly public statements, as well as injury inconsistencies, I'd have to say the most realistic/ best possible trade value that they could get/ expect coming back from us would be something along the lines of :

- 2020 top 3 protected first.
- 2023 Top 4 Protected first.
- one of- Kelly Oubre, Cam Johnson or Mikhail Bridges. ( ** personally I'd give Oubre, Only because he's likely due a massive payday in 2021) And thusly would eat up a majority of our cap space for free agency. Also, Bridges is better starting than coming off the bench anyways.
- Frank Kaminsky maybe??? ( for their center / floor spacing needs).

And we'd take back maybe Markannen/ Dunn/ Thaddeus Young OR Felicio Christiano ( expiring contract) perhaps. And that's honestly a really generous offer from us. And very likely the richest / best offer they'll likely get in 2020.

[ImNotMcDiSwear]

Am I the only one who doesn't think Lauri's a good fit for us? Not a vet, not a defender, injury-prone, inconsistent, will be re-signed at a huge premium to his production due to potential, will cost real assets in a trade. He could form part of some very good team's core one day, but we don't really need a guy like that.

[Revived]

Man, the way Aaron Gordon gets screwed by the refs, it's like he's a Phoenix Sun already.

Dwayne Wade **** him over badly. All the judges agreed on making it a tie and DWade changed his score at the last second to give his old teammate a win.

DJJ is a smug idiot too based on his disgraceful comments after the dunk contest. He did the same exact dunk like 5 times in a row and didn’t even clear the FT line on his last one.

On the plus side, Aaron Gordon is an actual NBA starter while DJJ is a nobody that’s only ever relevant during the dunk contest. DJJ’s stats for his last game is hilarious, 0 pts, 0 assists, 2 rebounds and 5 fouls in 24 mins. At the end of day, Gordon still wins.