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

[sunsbg]

Booker reminds me of Gilbert Arenas a heck of a talent but never good enough to take his team to the 2nd round always losing to Lebron's Cavs in three straight first rounds. Maybe I'm overreacting but I don't believe he is a good fit for Ayton moving forward.

Choosing a star big over a star wing/guard in this era of basketball would be really foolish. Unless the big is a Jokic type who can do absolutely everything which Ayton isn’t ever going to be (this isn’t a knock on DA, Jokic is a once in a lifetime player).

It shouldn’t ever come down to Book or Ayton as hopefully in the future, we can have both together playing well and the team winning. But if it becomes a one or the other scenario then the choice should be simple.

Many consider Giannis a big. I guess you'll prefer Booker instead.

At this point Ayton is projecting as a much more versatile player than Devin. Someone wrote after the Raptors game that Siakam is the future at C. Complete nonsense. Ayton can defend Siakam, the other way around - I doubt it, at least in the future with improved DA.

[Saberestar]

Booker reminds me of Gilbert Arenas a heck of a talent but never good enough to take his team to the 2nd round always losing to Lebron's Cavs in three straight first rounds. Maybe I'm overreacting but I don't believe he is a good fit for Ayton moving forward.

Choosing a star big over a star wing/guard in this era of basketball would be really foolish. Unless the big is a Jokic type who can do absolutely everything which Ayton isn’t ever going to be (this isn’t a knock on DA, Jokic is a once in a lifetime player).

It shouldn’t ever come down to Book or Ayton as hopefully in the future, we can have both together playing well and the team winning. But if it becomes a one or the other scenario then the choice should be simple.

Many consider Giannis a big. I guess you'll prefer Booker instead.

At this point Ayton is projecting as a much more versatile player than Devin. Someone wrote Siakam is the future at C the next day. Complete nonsense. Ayton can defend Siakam, the other way around - I doubt it, at least in the future with improved DA.

It all depends on the rules and things that refs and the league allow to happen on the basketball's court.

In the last decade physicality has been punished by the league and pure basketball skills like ball handling and shooting has been rewarded. Big guys can not overpower smaller guys close to the basket anymore, they call a foul really fast. It is so difficult to get an advantage in the post even with a huge difference in size and strength.

So that's why I can really see players like Antetokoumpo, Anthony Davis and Siakam as starting Cs in the next future. They are tall and long ( Siakam is 6'9 barefoot with a tremendous wingspan) and the other team can't take advantage of their light weight because of the current rules that don't allow physicality.

The good news for us is that Ayton can be a really good C in the next future because he doesn't have a bull mentality. His soft touch and his quickness are great skills to have in this new era.

[hollywood6964]

Choosing a star big over a star wing/guard in this era of basketball would be really foolish. Unless the big is a Jokic type who can do absolutely everything which Ayton isn’t ever going to be (this isn’t a knock on DA, Jokic is a once in a lifetime player).

It shouldn’t ever come down to Book or Ayton as hopefully in the future, we can have both together playing well and the team winning. But if it becomes a one or the other scenario then the choice should be simple.

Many consider Giannis a big. I guess you'll prefer Booker instead.

At this point Ayton is projecting as a much more versatile player than Devin. Someone wrote Siakam is the future at C the next day. Complete nonsense. Ayton can defend Siakam, the other way around - I doubt it, at least in the future with improved DA.

It all depends on the rules and things that refs and the league allow to happen on the basketball's court.

In the last decade physicality has been punished by the league and pure basketball skills like ball handling and shooting has been rewarded. Big guys can not overpower smaller guys close to the basket anymore, they call a foul really fast. It is so difficult to get an advantage in the post even with a huge difference in size and strength.

So that's why I can really see players like Antetokoumpo, Anthony Davis and Siakam as a starting Cs in the next future. They are tall and long ( Siakam is 6'9 barefoot with a tremendous wingspan) and the other team can't take advantage of their light weight because of the current rules that don't allow physicality.

The good news for us is that Ayton can be a really good C in the next future because he doesn't have a bull mentality. His soft touch and his quickness are great skills to have in this new era.

Ppl don't understand that this is the reality. Id take the 90s era in A heartbeat. I loved the physicality combined with skills. This soft crap is hard to watch at times. I could see them being pretty successful with siakam at C. Not ideal, and a little slight, but pretty decent. In the 90s he'd be laughed off the court at center.

[sunsbg]

Many consider Giannis a big. I guess you'll prefer Booker instead.

At this point Ayton is projecting as a much more versatile player than Devin. Someone wrote Siakam is the future at C the next day. Complete nonsense. Ayton can defend Siakam, the other way around - I doubt it, at least in the future with improved DA.

It all depends on the rules and things that refs and the league allow to happen on the basketball's court.

In the last decade physicality has been punished by the league and pure basketball skills like ball handling and shooting has been rewarded. Big guys can not overpower smaller guys close to the basket anymore, they call a foul really fast. It is so difficult to get an advantage in the post even with a huge difference in size and strength.

So that's why I can really see players like Antetokoumpo, Anthony Davis and Siakam as a starting Cs in the next future. They are tall and long ( Siakam is 6'9 barefoot with a tremendous wingspan) and the other team can't take advantage of their light weight because of the current rules that don't allow physicality.

The good news for us is that Ayton can be a really good C in the next future because he doesn't have a bull mentality. His soft touch and his quickness are great skills to have in this new era.

Ppl don't understand that this is the reality. Id take the 90s era in A heartbeat. I loved the physicality combined with skills. This soft crap is hard to watch at times. I could see them being pretty successful with siakam at C. Not ideal, and a little slight, but pretty decent. In the 90s he'd be laughed off the court at center.

The game has certainly become softer, no doubt about it. Yet, teams are still playing 7 footers next to Giannis and AD, who are pretty big as well, so not exactly wings. Everybody on this board was crying about being constantly outrebounded when Ayton was suspended. There is the lack of quality Cs like those from the 90s, otherwise people will laugh at Rockets experiment of playing wings at C. Actually most knowledgeable fans do it already.

[Revived]

Booker reminds me of Gilbert Arenas a heck of a talent but never good enough to take his team to the 2nd round always losing to Lebron's Cavs in three straight first rounds. Maybe I'm overreacting but I don't believe he is a good fit for Ayton moving forward.

Choosing a star big over a star wing/guard in this era of basketball would be really foolish. Unless the big is a Jokic type who can do absolutely everything which Ayton isn’t ever going to be (this isn’t a knock on DA, Jokic is a once in a lifetime player).

It shouldn’t ever come down to Book or Ayton as hopefully in the future, we can have both together playing well and the team winning. But if it becomes a one or the other scenario then the choice should be simple.

Many consider Giannis a big. I guess you'll prefer Booker instead.

At this point Ayton is projecting as a much more versatile player than Devin. Someone wrote after the Raptors game that Siakam is the future at C. Complete nonsense. Ayton can defend Siakam, the other way around - I doubt it, at least in the future with improved DA.

I don’t consider Giannis a big. I see him as a wing player.

And if Ayton can defend Siakam, then how the hell did Siakam drop 37 and only miss like 4 shots for the night? I’m genuinely asking because I didn’t watch that game.

[Saberestar]

It all depends on the rules and things that refs and the league allow to happen on the basketball's court.

In the last decade physicality has been punished by the league and pure basketball skills like ball handling and shooting has been rewarded. Big guys can not overpower smaller guys close to the basket anymore, they call a foul really fast. It is so difficult to get an advantage in the post even with a huge difference in size and strength.

So that's why I can really see players like Antetokoumpo, Anthony Davis and Siakam as a starting Cs in the next future. They are tall and long ( Siakam is 6'9 barefoot with a tremendous wingspan) and the other team can't take advantage of their light weight because of the current rules that don't allow physicality.

The good news for us is that Ayton can be a really good C in the next future because he doesn't have a bull mentality. His soft touch and his quickness are great skills to have in this new era.

Ppl don't understand that this is the reality. Id take the 90s era in A heartbeat. I loved the physicality combined with skills. This soft crap is hard to watch at times. I could see them being pretty successful with siakam at C. Not ideal, and a little slight, but pretty decent. In the 90s he'd be laughed off the court at center.

The game has certainly become softer, no doubt about it. Yet, teams are still playing 7 footers next to Giannis and AD, who are pretty big as well, so not exactly wings. Everybody on this board was crying about being constantly outrebounded when Ayton was suspended. There is the lack of quality Cs like those from the 90s, otherwise people will laugh at Rockets experiment of playing wings at C. Actually most knowledgeable fans do it already.

Yeah, these three players (Davis, Anteto and Siakam) are playing PF for now, but what I was saying in my last post is that I can really see them as a starting Cs in the next future.

And that makes sense watching the trend in the last few years, but obviously it is not a sure thing.

For our team these are good news because Ayton does not have the mentality of a conventional C. He is a finesse player who can really move his feet and that would allow him to play effective ball even against smaller and skilled players.

[sunsbg]

Choosing a star big over a star wing/guard in this era of basketball would be really foolish. Unless the big is a Jokic type who can do absolutely everything which Ayton isn’t ever going to be (this isn’t a knock on DA, Jokic is a once in a lifetime player).

It shouldn’t ever come down to Book or Ayton as hopefully in the future, we can have both together playing well and the team winning. But if it becomes a one or the other scenario then the choice should be simple.

Many consider Giannis a big. I guess you'll prefer Booker instead.

At this point Ayton is projecting as a much more versatile player than Devin. Someone wrote after the Raptors game that Siakam is the future at C. Complete nonsense. Ayton can defend Siakam, the other way around - I doubt it, at least in the future with improved DA.

I don’t consider Giannis a big. I see him as a wing player.

And if Ayton can defend Siakam, then how the hell did Siakam drop 37 and only miss like 4 shots for the night? I’m genuinely asking because I didn’t watch that game.

Well, Giannis is playing at PF, scores mostly close to the basket, so he's hardly a traditional wing.

From what I remember Ayton ended on 2-3 plays defending Siakam and he didn't score on him. He was scoring with easy on all our wings though. Personally I don't have any doubt Ayton can stick with Siakam, he's doing it with much smaller players, and obviously will defend him much better in the paint. He's done fine against Giannis and Lebron on a few occasions as we know.

[Revived]

Many consider Giannis a big. I guess you'll prefer Booker instead.

At this point Ayton is projecting as a much more versatile player than Devin. Someone wrote after the Raptors game that Siakam is the future at C. Complete nonsense. Ayton can defend Siakam, the other way around - I doubt it, at least in the future with improved DA.

I don’t consider Giannis a big. I see him as a wing player.

And if Ayton can defend Siakam, then how the hell did Siakam drop 37 and only miss like 4 shots for the night? I’m genuinely asking because I didn’t watch that game.

Well, Giannis is playing at PF, scores mostly close to the basket, so he's hardly a traditional wing.

From what I remember Ayton ended on 2-3 plays defending Siakam and he didn't score on him. He was scoring with easy on all our wings though. Personally I don't have any doubt Ayton can stick with Siakam, he's doing it with much smaller players, and obviously will defend him much better in the paint. He's done fine against Giannis and Lebron on a few occasions as we know.

Giannis attacks from the perimeter though. He’s not a big man otherwise you would have to say prime LeBron James back in 2006-2013 was a big man as well. Their just super big athletic SF/PFs.

I said “bigs” in the original post but I should’ve said Centers because that’s what I meant.

And Ayton does a decent job on Giannis and LeBron on limited plays. I don’t think Ayton can defend either one for the course of a full game. Also, both these guys are bad/below average 3pt shooters especially with even a late contest. I don’t think Ayton would be able to guard other wings like Kawhi, George, Tatum, Durant etc who are excellent shooters because he can’t sag off them like he does with Bron & Giannis.

[sunsbg]

Ppl don't understand that this is the reality. Id take the 90s era in A heartbeat. I loved the physicality combined with skills. This soft crap is hard to watch at times. I could see them being pretty successful with siakam at C. Not ideal, and a little slight, but pretty decent. In the 90s he'd be laughed off the court at center.

The game has certainly become softer, no doubt about it. Yet, teams are still playing 7 footers next to Giannis and AD, who are pretty big as well, so not exactly wings. Everybody on this board was crying about being constantly outrebounded when Ayton was suspended. There is the lack of quality Cs like those from the 90s, otherwise people will laugh at Rockets experiment of playing wings at C. Actually most knowledgeable fans do it already.

Yeah, these three players (Davis, Anteto and Siakam) are playing PF for now, but what I was saying in my last post is that I can really see them as a starting Cs in the next future.

And that makes sense watching the trend in the last few years, but obviously it is not a sure thing.

For our team these are good news because Ayton does not have the mentality of a conventional C. He is a finesse player who can really move his feet and that would allow him to play effective ball even against smaller and skilled players.

Trends change. I can't even imagine what it means for the league to become even softer than right now. You only need 2-3 skilled 7+ footers like those in the 90s. Size, length (and skill of course) will always be a big plus in the game of basketball. In my first post I expressed same opinion about Ayton.

[sunsbg]

I don’t consider Giannis a big. I see him as a wing player.

And if Ayton can defend Siakam, then how the hell did Siakam drop 37 and only miss like 4 shots for the night? I’m genuinely asking because I didn’t watch that game.

Well, Giannis is playing at PF, scores mostly close to the basket, so he's hardly a traditional wing.

From what I remember Ayton ended on 2-3 plays defending Siakam and he didn't score on him. He was scoring with easy on all our wings though. Personally I don't have any doubt Ayton can stick with Siakam, he's doing it with much smaller players, and obviously will defend him much better in the paint. He's done fine against Giannis and Lebron on a few occasions as we know.

Giannis attacks from the perimeter though. He’s not a big man otherwise you would have to say prime LeBron James back in 2006-2013 was a big man as well. Their just super big athletic SF/PFs.

I said “bigs” in the original post but I should’ve said Centers because that’s what I meant.

And Ayton does a decent job on Giannis and LeBron on limited plays. I don’t think Ayton can defend either one for the course of a full game. Also, both these guys are bad/below average 3pt shooters especially with even a late contest. I don’t think Ayton would be able to guard other wings like Kawhi, George, Tatum, Durant etc who are excellent shooters because he can’t sag off them like he does with Bron & Giannis.

I doubt those SFs will ever play the C spot though. This is the non-sense I'm talking about. If we discuss Ayton defending them, then we need to discuss them trying to outrebound/defend him in the post. Specifically about Siakam, he's not that fast like Giannis or Lebron, so I find it unlikely he dominates DA in a head-to-head matchup. Ayton was certainly a factor in two games vs Bucks. In last one it was obvious Giannis was hesitant to drive when Deandre was on the floor, while he was doing it regularly with Diallo in there.

[Damkac]

Booker looks miserable on this team. I wouldn't be surprised if he asks to be traded privately after this season.

I wouldn't be to upset if he requested one. He's an amazing player but this team isnt going anywhere unless they get rid of Oubre and pick up some tough minded defensive players as well. Also, noticed how Booker & Ayton dont gel well on the court similar to when i watch Philly games with Embiid & Simmons. Difference is Philly is a contender but doesnt seem like they are making the finals either this year (Bucks, Raptors) or next either ( Bucks, Raptors, Celtics).

Jones/Monty will get fired immediately if Booker requests a trade. Followed up by Sarver selling the team to a local buyer that won't relocate.

If this happens then Booker deserves a statue in Phoenix and his jersey retired.

[Damkac]

If Booker asks for a trade it will be to Minnesota and their pieces to trade with are utter crap. We won't trade with them unless a third team gets majorly fleeced.

Then let's see how long before Russell and KAT are a failure when that happens its gonna get nasty. Oh when the Wolves can't trade Russell as he is with KAT and KAT demands action to improve their roster when they have joke assets.

It depends what their pick looks like this year and how their current players develop. Beasley has been beasting since the trade to minny and culver is improving too.

If a trade has to happen I'd check with orlando on isaac and Fournier.
Ayton and isaac defense would be fun.

Rubio, Fournier, Bridges, Isaac, Ayton
Wouldn't mind that. It would be nice for once to see a defense oriented Suns team.

[Sunsdeuce]

If Booker asks for a trade it will be to Minnesota and their pieces to trade with are utter crap. We won't trade with them unless a third team gets majorly fleeced.

Then let's see how long before Russell and KAT are a failure when that happens its gonna get nasty. Oh when the Wolves can't trade Russell as he is with KAT and KAT demands action to improve their roster when they have joke assets.

It depends what their pick looks like this year and how their current players develop. Beasley has been beasting since the trade to minny and culver is improving too.

If a trade has to happen I'd check with orlando on isaac and Fournier.
Ayton and isaac defense would be fun.

Rubio, Fournier, Bridges, Isaac, Ayton
Wouldn't mind that. It would be nice for once to see a defense oriented Suns team.

I’m probably in the minority but I’m actually ready to move on from Booker. In his 5+ years of playing for Phx he has not improved this team. That’s enough of a sample size to realize, he is not a franchise player. The “get him help” excuse has run its course. He’s not a “franchise player”. He’s an injuried reserve replacement all-star. I’d like to sale high right now on Booker. Find a team willing to over pay.

[Fo-Real]

If Booker ever requested a trade it would be to Minny or the Knicks. So trade scenarios where we end up with Orlando players need to 3 way through those teams.

[Damkac]

With his contract Booker can't demand where he wants to be traded. Magic may not be his dream destination but he would have much better chance of making the playoffs there.

[Fo-Real]

With his contract Booker can't demand where he wants to be traded. Magic may not be his dream destination but he would have much better chance of making the playoffs there.

Our front office is trying to rehab their image so they would attempt to accommodate him on where he wanted to go rather than callously ship him off in spite. Reasons that a three way would come into play.

[hollywood6964]

It depends what their pick looks like this year and how their current players develop. Beasley has been beasting since the trade to minny and culver is improving too.

If a trade has to happen I'd check with orlando on isaac and Fournier.
Ayton and isaac defense would be fun.

Rubio, Fournier, Bridges, Isaac, Ayton
Wouldn't mind that. It would be nice for once to see a defense oriented Suns team.

I’m probably in the minority but I’m actually ready to move on from Booker. In his 5+ years of playing for Phx he has not improved this team. That’s enough of a sample size to realize, he is not a franchise player. The “get him help” excuse has run its course. He’s not a “franchise player”. He’s an injuried reserve replacement all-star. I’d like to sale high right now on Booker. Find a team willing to over pay.

I'm with that. Guys who are not clutch and are terrible defenders on top of that are not what winning is attracted to. Suns could find a a team that wants to make a splash and are willing to give the farm for him. Then they can be disappointed, tight game after tight game.

[alamin330]

You guys need a hobby. I think you’re in too deep with the suns and their day to day. Lol. Bookers not going anywhere for a while. Move on

[Wilber85]

If booker asks for a trade to Minny. We should let him sit for the rest of his contract

Minny has nothing that would be worth booker . Screw him. He doesnt have the right to demand a trade . Dude is Kevin Martin

[ImNotMcDiSwear]

As of today, I'd happily trade Ty Jerome and Aron Baynes for De'Anthony Melton, Josh Jackson, MIL '20 and two of our own second rounders.

... Then again, everyone (save Oubre) looks worse when they're wearing our unis. Maybe Jerome is the second coming. Maybe Okobo would be legit on any other roster. Saric has looked worse for us than he did his rookie season in Philly.

I don't know what the cure is, but it ain't selling draft picks or adding more shooters.

I was talking about dealing Book several months ago, when I concluded that he might just be at the core of our struggles, and that may yet be true, but I'm not convinced that our max potential doesn't involve him. I love Book, but I won't be sad if he gets Nanced. The core of this team's future is, without a doubt in my mind, Deandre Ayton. We'll only go as far as he takes us.