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

[lilfishi22]

With all the Booker is gonna ask for a trade and we should trade Booker talk, we're currently on track to win 34 games. That's a 15 game win improvement. That's not all Booker but Booker was "the man" in all but 3 games this season when he sat out.

For a first time all-star at 23 to be scoring as much as he does and at his elite efficiency and now his team is beginning to exhibit signs of a turn around, I think it's important to show some patience with this young team. And for all the bad habits Booker plays with, he's had virtually zero good influences and mentors in his time here. There was no one to take him under their wing and learn how to play the right way and certainly having the merry-go-around of coaches didn't help either. He's basically had to learn on his own and step up the only way he knew how (by scoring) when no one was around to help him on or off the court. Yes, he's been in the league for 5 years now and his defense hasn't really improved much (effort has been better this season imo) and his ability to takeover is still questionable but to crucify the kid because he isn't Dame in the clutch, the leader we wish he was or his defense still stinks; it's kind of throwing the baby out with the bath water.

We should cherish what we have in him and what he *still* could be before looking to move him. If a great deal that makes sense comes along or he wants out, then we can have that conversations but I wouldn't be so quick to try and move him.

Man they ain't trading Booker. But I'll tell you this. If James Jones doesnt make significant roster improvements this summer - that actually work - Booker will start pushing his way out. Writing is on the wall. Tbh, short of playing in a finals I have a hard time seeing Booker re-up with the Suns after this contract is over. Players leave teams. It's just what happens.

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No one is saying he can't leave but based on what you're saying, we might as well trade him this offseason then because we're not making a Finals any time soon. Then again, how many players really put this level of expectation around whether to stick around or not? Finals or bust? I mean c'mon, no player is that unrealistic.

IMO, he's looking for sustainable/sustained improvement. We've taken our first step this year and because of our improvement this year, he's been recognized as an all-star (injury reserve or not). I hope Jones makes the right moves to keep us going

[bwgood77]

With all the Booker is gonna ask for a trade and we should trade Booker talk, we're currently on track to win 34 games. That's a 15 game win improvement. That's not all Booker but Booker was "the man" in all but 3 games this season when he sat out.

For a first time all-star at 23 to be scoring as much as he does and at his elite efficiency and now his team is beginning to exhibit signs of a turn around, I think it's important to show some patience with this young team. And for all the bad habits Booker plays with, he's had virtually zero good influences and mentors in his time here. There was no one to take him under their wing and learn how to play the right way and certainly having the merry-go-around of coaches didn't help either. He's basically had to learn on his own and step up the only way he knew how (by scoring) when no one was around to help him on or off the court. Yes, he's been in the league for 5 years now and his defense hasn't really improved much (effort has been better this season imo) and his ability to takeover is still questionable but to crucify the kid because he isn't Dame in the clutch, the leader we wish he was or his defense still stinks; it's kind of throwing the baby out with the bath water.

We should cherish what we have in him and what he *still* could be before looking to move him. If a great deal that makes sense comes along or he wants out, then we can have that conversations but I wouldn't be so quick to try and move him.

Man they ain't trading Booker. But I'll tell you this. If James Jones doesnt make significant roster improvements this summer - that actually work - Booker will start pushing his way out. Writing is on the wall. Tbh, short of playing in a finals I have a hard time seeing Booker re-up with the Suns after this contract is over. Players leave teams. It's just what happens.

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No one is saying he can't leave but based on what you're saying, we might as well trade him this offseason then because we're not making a Finals any time soon. Then again, how many players really put this level of expectation around whether to stick around or not? Finals or bust? I mean c'mon, no player is that unrealistic.

IMO, he's looking for sustainable/sustained improvement. We've taken our first step this year and because of our improvement this year, he's been recognized as an all-star (injury reserve or not). I hope Jones makes the right moves to keep us going

I think if we win a playoff series by the time his contract is up, and we look to be still improving while other teams might be in decline he'd probably stay. It will be tough with other teams stacked. The LAC, Denver, Utah, New Orleans, Dallas and Memphis are all young, and AD is young and LeBron will probably play another 4 years too. So even winning a playoff series will be a tall order, but if Ayton, Booker and Bridges keep improving, we kind of have 3 different specialists. OKC also has a chestload of assets and a pretty good young PG too and GS will be tough for a few more years at least. If we can find a young defensive PF to spread the floor and a long term PG (those things won't be particularly easy but we have picks, so hopefully we nail another one within the next couple of years.

Hopefully this guy doesn't come back to bit us in the ass, or Bender/Chriss...I don't expect it but we did let projects taken with high picks go a very young age.

Spoiler:

Watch on YouTube

;feature=emb_title

[jredsaz]

With all the Booker is gonna ask for a trade and we should trade Booker talk, we're currently on track to win 34 games. That's a 15 game win improvement. That's not all Booker but Booker was "the man" in all but 3 games this season when he sat out.

For a first time all-star at 23 to be scoring as much as he does and at his elite efficiency and now his team is beginning to exhibit signs of a turn around, I think it's important to show some patience with this young team. And for all the bad habits Booker plays with, he's had virtually zero good influences and mentors in his time here. There was no one to take him under their wing and learn how to play the right way and certainly having the merry-go-around of coaches didn't help either. He's basically had to learn on his own and step up the only way he knew how (by scoring) when no one was around to help him on or off the court. Yes, he's been in the league for 5 years now and his defense hasn't really improved much (effort has been better this season imo) and his ability to takeover is still questionable but to crucify the kid because he isn't Dame in the clutch, the leader we wish he was or his defense still stinks; it's kind of throwing the baby out with the bath water.

We should cherish what we have in him and what he *still* could be before looking to move him. If a great deal that makes sense comes along or he wants out, then we can have that conversations but I wouldn't be so quick to try and move him.

Man they ain't trading Booker. But I'll tell you this. If James Jones doesnt make significant roster improvements this summer - that actually work - Booker will start pushing his way out. Writing is on the wall. Tbh, short of playing in a finals I have a hard time seeing Booker re-up with the Suns after this contract is over. Players leave teams. It's just what happens.

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No one is saying he can't leave but based on what you're saying, we might as well trade him this offseason then because we're not making a Finals any time soon. Then again, how many players really put this level of expectation around whether to stick around or not? Finals or bust? I mean c'mon, no player is that unrealistic.

IMO, he's looking for sustainable/sustained improvement. We've taken our first step this year and because of our improvement this year, he's been recognized as an all-star (injury reserve or not). I hope Jones makes the right moves to keep us going

I just think about Paul George. Had a really good team built around him in Indy. Multiple ECF appearances. He asked out.

What super star hasnt left his team? It just happens man. Unless you're winning rings.

Hopefully we have a team good enough for a finals run in the next four years. Honestly, I just hope we get to see 2 or 3 playoff runs before it comes to a head. I hope there is a longer story to tell with Book and the Suns but I thinks it's a realistic expectation.

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[bwgood77]

Man they ain't trading Booker. But I'll tell you this. If James Jones doesnt make significant roster improvements this summer - that actually work - Booker will start pushing his way out. Writing is on the wall. Tbh, short of playing in a finals I have a hard time seeing Booker re-up with the Suns after this contract is over. Players leave teams. It's just what happens.

Sent from my SM-G965U using RealGM mobile app

No one is saying he can't leave but based on what you're saying, we might as well trade him this offseason then because we're not making a Finals any time soon. Then again, how many players really put this level of expectation around whether to stick around or not? Finals or bust? I mean c'mon, no player is that unrealistic.

IMO, he's looking for sustainable/sustained improvement. We've taken our first step this year and because of our improvement this year, he's been recognized as an all-star (injury reserve or not). I hope Jones makes the right moves to keep us going

I just think about Paul George. Had a really good team built around him in Indy. Multiple ECF appearances. He asked out.

What super star hasnt left his team? It just happens man. Unless you're winning rings.

Hopefully we have a team good enough for a finals run in the next four years. Honestly, I just hope we get to see 2 or 3 playoff runs before it comes to a head. I hope there is a longer story to tell with Book and the Suns but I thinks it's a realistic expectation.

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I think he wanted to just go to LA, and then had a change of heart in OKC...also didn't get traded to where he wanted originally. Anyway, Booker is from Michigan, and then his last couple HS years in Mississippi. I don't think he has a place he wants to go back to. Sure, there is a chance we continue to suck, but as many others have said, if that's the case, I don't know that continuing to build around him 3-4 years from now would make a whole lot of sense anyway. I think it will be more of a case like Lillard. People want that super max. I don't know that he will be worth it, but if he is, I think he will want that deal.

[Slim Charless]

Man they ain't trading Booker. But I'll tell you this. If James Jones doesnt make significant roster improvements this summer - that actually work - Booker will start pushing his way out. Writing is on the wall. Tbh, short of playing in a finals I have a hard time seeing Booker re-up with the Suns after this contract is over. Players leave teams. It's just what happens.

Sent from my SM-G965U using RealGM mobile app

No one is saying he can't leave but based on what you're saying, we might as well trade him this offseason then because we're not making a Finals any time soon. Then again, how many players really put this level of expectation around whether to stick around or not? Finals or bust? I mean c'mon, no player is that unrealistic.

IMO, he's looking for sustainable/sustained improvement. We've taken our first step this year and because of our improvement this year, he's been recognized as an all-star (injury reserve or not). I hope Jones makes the right moves to keep us going

I think if we win a playoff series by the time his contract is up, and we look to be still improving while other teams might be in decline he'd probably stay. It will be tough with other teams stacked. The LAC, Denver, Utah, New Orleans, Dallas and Memphis are all young, and AD is young and LeBron will probably play another 4 years too. So even winning a playoff series will be a tall order, but if Ayton, Booker and Bridges keep improving, we kind of have 3 different specialists. OKC also has a chestload of assets and a pretty good young PG too and GS will be tough for a few more years at least. If we can find a young defensive PF to spread the floor and a long term PG (those things won't be particularly easy but we have picks, so hopefully we nail another one within the next couple of years.

Hopefully this guy doesn't come back to bit us in the ass, or Bender/Chriss...I don't expect it but we did let projects taken with high picks go a very young age.

Spoiler:

Watch on YouTube

;feature=emb_title

Which makes this whole give up on/trade Booker thing crazy. We're finally showing some small signs of improvement and now we need to get rid of Booker-the only guy on our team who might interest other all star quality players?? Crazy talk. We need to do the opposite and take a gamble a la OKC and try and buy low on some former all-star that teams have given up on and wanna get rid of.

Grab someone for .25 cents on the dollar and hopefully get a pick or 2 for taking him. Sort of like Indy did to us with Warren or Memphis did to us with JJ. I think you're right on that btw. I think at least 1 out of that JJ/Bender/Chriss combo will end up a good player. This is all the more reason to hold onto our young guys and try and grab similar players from other teams.

[Saberestar]

Booker is the best player that we have and is only 23 years old. And people want to trade him?

Crazy talk to me.

Good teams put good players around their great players, that is the way. Booker and Ayton are our fundation and we need to ADD to those two, not trade them.

Easy as that. There are a lot of spots and positions to improve on our roster, James Jones needs to focus on that.

We can be a playoff team as soon as next season, we are on the right track now.

23 wins already in this season is pretty good knowing how terrible we have been for the last four years. The improvement is real.

[Saberestar]

Read on Twitter

I would try to trade for Dinwiddie or LeVert. We need a player like that on our roster, as a starter or 6th man.

LeVert has a $52M / 3 years contract. That is a fair value for his production and he is just entering his prime. He can play some PG and obviously SG/SF, so there will be minutes for him for sure.

If the Nets want cap space we can absorb his contract and give them a protected first round pick for him. They can use that pick for a bigger fish like Bradley Beal or whoever. IDK.

[King4Day]

Read on Twitter

I would try to trade for Dinwiddie or LeVert. We need a player like that on our roster, as a starter or 6th man.

LeVert has a $52M / 3 years contract. That is a fair value for his production and he is just entering his prime. He can play some PG and obviously SG/SF, so there will be minutes for him for sure.

If the Nets want cap space we can absorb his contract and give them a protected first round pick for him. They can use that pick for a bigger fish like Bradley Beal or whoever. IDK.

I believe our best chance of improving is via trade this summer. LaVert I would take a chance on.
I think they'd only do it as part of a 3 team deal that values picks more than the high contract of someone like LaVert.

[GoodBehavior]

Read on Twitter

I would try to trade for Dinwiddie or LeVert. We need a player like that on our roster, as a starter or 6th man.

LeVert has a $52M / 3 years contract. That is a fair value for his production and he is just entering his prime. He can play some PG and obviously SG/SF, so there will be minutes for him for sure.

If the Nets want cap space we can absorb his contract and give them a protected first round pick for him. They can use that pick for a bigger fish like Bradley Beal or whoever. IDK.

Levert would be a nice addition, but he's a 30 minute player at the wing position, which is getting pretty crowded. Cam is likely to eat up more minutes next year. So I don't think that's a possibility unless Oubre or Bridges is moved. Levert fits in well with Booker. Extremely well-rounded player (drive, shoot the 3, good D). I like what Oubre brings to the team, but Levert is just a better player and fit. I don't think the Net will be interested in Oubre. So this might be a pipe dream of mine.

Dinwiddie would be amazing, but him and Booker will be god-awful on D. Not league worse, but all-time worse defensive backcourt ever put together.

[RunDogGun]

With the contracts of Irving and KD, it makes sense that BLK would want to move Din and LeVert, probably in hopes to get decent role players around their two stars. Allen, I am a little surprised about. It seems like he doesn't take the ball out of the two star's hands and isn't redundant like the two other guys mentioned.

Overall, I just don't see us having the pieces to make that trade happen, unless they wanted our draft pick.

[Frank Lee]

Jesus Kerrsed... you have DeKlein ghost writing your trades? Those are mighty steep hauls for a disgruntled trade demander. Teams aren’t going to gut their squads to add the mighty Book.

They're significant packages, but I'm surprised you feel they're so unreasonable. What do you think Bradley Beal would fetch in trade?

A quick answer is Booker.....

Book and Beal arent apples to oranges...but more like Fiji's to McIntosh. Both would have to ask to be traded and the public disclosure of that would not help the value. Beal is also a FA after 20/21 season, where as Book has to wait till 2024. That could come into play next yr if Beal wants to walk. Book? not so much for a couple years. Why are we talking about Beal? Are you implying he should join the Suns ? Dueling Matadors is not something Id like to see.

In a vacuum, Id say Book is worth a prospect, a good pick, and salary fodder. but its not a vacuum. Especially if he disgruntles for a deal. May be a couple teams get in a bidding battle, may be not. Second line of thought would be a deal for another top player... but those deals are few and far between.

Fan bases' tendencies are to over rate these two (Beal/Book) similarly efficient AlloNod chuckers. Its not so much as who you'd get, but more so, who would want them bad enough to give up a tasty enough package to get these sidekicks. Batmen they are not. Furthermore, I doubt either team would get sufficient replacement value to offset the loss. But if it comes down to trade them or lose them for nothing, then who knows. At least with Book, we dont have that leverage threat till 2023-4

Dealing Book is not going to do anything but delay our next playoff appearance, IMO.

[bwgood77]

Jesus Kerrsed... you have DeKlein ghost writing your trades? Those are mighty steep hauls for a disgruntled trade demander. Teams aren’t going to gut their squads to add the mighty Book.

They're significant packages, but I'm surprised you feel they're so unreasonable. What do you think Bradley Beal would fetch in trade?

A quick answer is Booker.....

Book and Beal arent apples to oranges...but more like Fiji's to McIntosh. Both would have to ask to be traded and the public disclosure of that would not help the value. Beal is also a FA after 20/21 season, where as Book has to wait till 2024. That could come into play next yr if Beal wants to walk. Book? not so much for a couple years. Why are we talking about Beal? Are you implying he should join the Suns ? Dueling Matadors is not something Id like to see.

In a vacuum, Id say Book is worth a prospect, a good pick, and salary fodder. but its not a vacuum. Especially if he disgruntles for a deal. May be a couple teams get in a bidding battle, may be not. Second line of thought would be a deal for another top player... but those deals are few and far between.

Fan bases' tendencies are to over rate these two (Beal/Book) similarly efficient AlloNod chuckers. Its not so much as who you'd get, but more so, who would want them bad enough to give up a tasty enough package to get these sidekicks. Batmen they are not. Furthermore, I doubt either team would get sufficient replacement value to offset the loss. But if it comes down to trade them or lose them for nothing, then who knows. At least with Book, we dont have that leverage threat till 2023-4

Dealing Book is not going to do anything but delay our next playoff appearance, IMO.

That's what I was thinking. And I will preface it by saying I am not suggesting we trade him and I don't think he will ask out. And as I've mentioned, most people talking about trade packages are only doing so when it is mentioned he is going to ask out..not because they think we should put him on the block, outside of 1-2 people maybe.

But yes, a package like Nance got. A nice young prospect and maybe a couple vets and a pick, possibly 2 protected ones (though 2 is probably pushing it). As you mentioned, teams won't gut their core to trade for him..it will be to add to him.

But obviously no reason to think about trading him any time soon with the way Ayton and Bridges are improving...along with Booker himself now that he has a legit PG and can play more off ball.

[ImNotMcDiSwear]

They're significant packages, but I'm surprised you feel they're so unreasonable. What do you think Bradley Beal would fetch in trade?

A quick answer is Booker.....

Book and Beal arent apples to oranges...but more like Fiji's to McIntosh. Both would have to ask to be traded and the public disclosure of that would not help the value. Beal is also a FA after 20/21 season, where as Book has to wait till 2024. That could come into play next yr if Beal wants to walk. Book? not so much for a couple years. Why are we talking about Beal? Are you implying he should join the Suns ? Dueling Matadors is not something Id like to see.

In a vacuum, Id say Book is worth a prospect, a good pick, and salary fodder. but its not a vacuum. Especially if he disgruntles for a deal. May be a couple teams get in a bidding battle, may be not. Second line of thought would be a deal for another top player... but those deals are few and far between.

Fan bases' tendencies are to over rate these two (Beal/Book) similarly efficient AlloNod chuckers. Its not so much as who you'd get, but more so, who would want them bad enough to give up a tasty enough package to get these sidekicks. Batmen they are not. Furthermore, I doubt either team would get sufficient replacement value to offset the loss. But if it comes down to trade them or lose them for nothing, then who knows. At least with Book, we dont have that leverage threat till 2023-4

Dealing Book is not going to do anything but delay our next playoff appearance, IMO.

That's what I was thinking. And I will preface it by saying I am not suggesting we trade him and I don't think he will ask out. And as I've mentioned, most people talking about trade packages are only doing so when it is mentioned he is going to ask out..not because they think we should put him on the block, outside of 1-2 people maybe.

But yes, a package like Nance got. A nice young prospect and maybe a couple vets and a pick, possibly 2 protected ones (though 2 is probably pushing it). As you mentioned, teams won't gut their core to trade for him..it will be to add to him.

But obviously no reason to think about trading him any time soon with the way Ayton and Bridges are improving...along with Booker himself now that he has a legit PG and can play more off ball.

I actually think that the right team might just gut their core youth group for Booker. It's gotta be a team that either already has a co-star for Book or a team that believes they can leverage Booker's presence to attract one or two major free agents.

While the Bulls and Magic are poor fits for this kind of scenario, the Knicks are not. They've been unable to add a star via any means since Melo departed.

When I say that Booker should get a return like Nance got, I don't mean we're settling for scraps and unknown prospects and hoping that one of them busts out like KJ. I think about a major package closer to what Kerrsed was proposing in terms of value. I think Booker is a superstar, that other teams value him that way, and that the league consensus is that our struggles have to do with everything Phoenix Suns and not Booker himself.

All of this is moot, for at least one more season. Once we blow our load in free agency, Deandre enters year 3 and Oubre is set to enter free agency, if we're not a playoff squad by then, Booker may well conclude that there is no light at the end of this tunnel. But I don't think the FO will start thinking along the lines of a Booker trade until we approach the last two years of his deal unless he requests a trade.

[GoodBehavior]

There's nothing to suggest that Booker is going to be traded or asking to be traded. If anything, I think this season's success should pursue him and management to continue on the course. We might not make the playoff this year, but the future looks really bright.

This team is a 40ish win team with our starting lineup, healthy. And that's despite an awful bench and countless close game losses. Admittedly, Booker has been terrible in the fourth and clutch situation. But this is really his first year where they're competitive in the fourth quarter. Kid is just wet behind the ear. He's going back to the lab in the off season and I expect him to improve in that department.

With a deeper roster (aka a bench that doesn't suck), and close game experience, this team is a legitimate top-tier contender.

[Wilber85]

Booker doesn't have the right to demand a trade, especially to the Timberwolves.

Love to say it but the Suns > Timberwolves with current roster

Ayton = KAT .... @ me but I think Ayton will be better on the defensive end , and better rebounder
Bridges Oubre > Culver
Booker > DLO

imagine Booker, KAT, DLO all maxing the cap out with avg role players. That team would be horrible. Yeah they will be happy playing together

but even when you move in with your BF, sometimes it doesnt turn out right!

[BobbieL]

Rankin just tweeted the Suns will not be signing Bolden to another 10 day contract

Unless they have another player to sign - this makes no sense to me.

Suns are gonna Sun under Sarver...

[BobbieL]

There's nothing to suggest that Booker is going to be traded or asking to be traded. If anything, I think this season's success should pursue him and management to continue on the course. We might not make the playoff this year, but the future looks really bright.

This team is a 40ish win team with our starting lineup, healthy. And that's despite an awful bench and countless close game losses. Admittedly, Booker has been terrible in the fourth and clutch situation. But this is really his first year where they're competitive in the fourth quarter. Kid is just wet behind the ear. He's going back to the lab in the off season and I expect him to improve in that department.

With a deeper roster (aka a bench that doesn't suck), and close game experience, this team is a legitimate top-tier contender.

I won't say top tier contender but I will say push for the 8th spot
I agree that the lack of consistent bench has been a problem
And yes, not only Booker but all the players need to learn how to "finish games"
finally, Booker will finally get to play for a head coach for TWO years.
Jones though does have a big summer ahead. More than last year.

[RunDogGun]

Rankin just tweeted the Suns will not be signing Bolden to another 10 day contract

Unless they have another player to sign - this makes no sense to me.

Suns are gonna Sun under Sarver...

With our players returning from injury, maybe he just isn't seen as needed enough to offer him a roster spot. Maybe another team is interested in offering him a contract for the remainder of the season, and us not signing him to another ten day, helps facilitate another signing.

Maybe better options are rumored to become available?

Hopefully it means our guys are recovering nicely, and the minutes will go back to them.

One thing we do know is Sarver spends money on this team. Its just unfortunate that he often spends unwisely.

[BobbieL]

Rankin just tweeted the Suns will not be signing Bolden to another 10 day contract

Unless they have another player to sign - this makes no sense to me.

Suns are gonna Sun under Sarver...

With our players returning from injury, maybe he just isn't seen as needed enough to offer him a roster spot. Maybe another team is interested in offering him a contract for the remainder of the season, and us not signing him to another ten day, helps facilitate another signing.

Maybe better options are rumored to become available?

Hopefully it means our guys are recovering nicely, and the minutes will go back to them.

One thing we do know is Sarver spends money on this team. Its just unfortunate that he often spends unwisely.

Those are all valid points... but it seems like a low risk player that might show enough for next year would be wise to stick around

The Suns do have cap space - but getting a guy for the minimum - like Nunn with the Heat - seems like a good way to stretch the dollar and bench.

[RunDogGun]

Rankin just tweeted the Suns will not be signing Bolden to another 10 day contract

Unless they have another player to sign - this makes no sense to me.

Suns are gonna Sun under Sarver...

With our players returning from injury, maybe he just isn't seen as needed enough to offer him a roster spot. Maybe another team is interested in offering him a contract for the remainder of the season, and us not signing him to another ten day, helps facilitate another signing.

Maybe better options are rumored to become available?

Hopefully it means our guys are recovering nicely, and the minutes will go back to them.

One thing we do know is Sarver spends money on this team. Its just unfortunate that he often spends unwisely.

Those are all valid points... but it seems like a low risk player that might show enough for next year would be wise to stick around

The Suns do have cap space - but getting a guy for the minimum - like Nunn with the Heat - seems like a good way to stretch the dollar and bench.

I just don't know. Maybe his agent has more than one offer on the table, and we just don't want to match for a deep bench player?

I liked his efforts, and he got some burn in the Chicago game despite having both Baynes and Saric healthy. I feel bad for Diallo. He seems to be doing alright when he gets minutes, and isn't seeing the floor unless all our bigs are injured.