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

[3toheadmelo]

I think long-term, the Ayton-Booker-Bridges core will work only if there's another advanced offensive threat from the perimeter. Has to be either at PG or PF.

100%.

As long ad we have Rubio and Bridges at the PG-SF (both of whom I love for their roles), we need a high level scorer at the other forward spot. Kelly is great - he's really stepped up as a two way player this year but I still have doubts with him being a consistent third scoring banana on a good team. Especially at the 4 Spot where we need a stronger rebounder.

If Bridges was a bit bigger, and could be a consistent 3&D rebounding stretch 4, then we'd be set. But then he'd basically be Jonathan Isaac, instead we have the wing equivalent.

Maybe Kaminsky is the short term answer, given we have 3 plus defenders around him. Cam J could provide some too, but he's light years away and his ceiling is probably more of a role player.

The Oubre for AG trade might work, especially if we retain Baynes - A floor spacing C is the best option next to AG as his long ball is a bit inconsistent. He's a good defender too and can switch reasonably well.

We could look to upgrade Rubio to a Chris Paul type, but we'd have to either mortgage our cap space, or throw in Oubre, all for 2 years of production. His $44m comes off the books the year that Ayton and Bridges' extensions kick in, so I it might not be that big of a deal money wise. I'm not too keen on such a short term solution though.

I'd really prefer a trade of Oubre for Gordon honestly man. Chris Paul is surely a culture changer, But his contract at his age is not something that I'd prefer to be tied to. Now IF we did the Oubre trade, I'd try and work something along the lines of Oubre/ Diallo / 10th pick for Gordon/ 16th pick. This would allow them a much better chance of finding a quality lottery guard prospect. And now with adding Gordon, We can now look at Jaden McDaniels as Oubres' replacement. ** He's 6'10 and in my opinion, has Brandon Ingram potential (* if he reaches his ceiling).

Or we could look at Precious Achiuwa or Jalen Smith at 16, and they can be our rebounding 3 and D backup 4/5. Then we just buy a late first for either Tyrell Terry, Grant Riller, or Kira Lewis?

IF we trade Oubre for Paul's contract, Then I'd look to try for Oubre / Diallo/ future 2nd for Paul / 25th pick. Then:

Option#1-
At 10 we draft either Precious Achiuwa or Patrick Williams to be our rebounding/ shotblocking 3/4 and at 25, We can take Tyrell Terry or Kira Lewis to groom behind Paul.

Option #2-
At 10 we take Jaden McDaniels ( Oubres' replacement). And at 25, We take Jalen Smith ( to be our floor spacing 3 and D backup 4/5.

Option #3-
At 10 we take Patrick Williams, and at 25, We take Tyler Bey. Buy at late first/ early 2nd, And then draft Whoever falls of Riller, Terry, or Lewis.

Overall though, And by far my favorite option is to trade Oubre / Diallo/ 10th pick for Gordon/ and the 16th pick. Then take either Jaden McDaniels or Saddiq Bey. Gordon would provide awesome athleticism and defense at the 4, And Saddiq Bey would provide ( Hield/ Middleton) type offense and defense combination to replace Oubre. I'd still then look to aggressively purchase a late first/ early 2nd for Tyrell Terry or Kira Lewis at that point. Then call it a night. Then in free agency, sign a quality backup veteran guard. Maybe Augustine, Shabazz Napier or Raul Neto?

If you guys get Precious Achiwua and Kira Lewis, that's a really great draft. I think Precious is a perfect fit next to Ayton. I wish we could've seen how he looked like next to a similar big like Wiseman (**** the ncaa). Kira might be better than some of the PG's projected to go in the lottery as well. Make Oubre the 6th man

[RiRuHoops]

Chris Paul? Sometimes there's too much "pure genius" on this board for me to take. Mind blown.

[Ghost of Kleine]

https://cms.megaphone.fm/channel/lockedonsuns?selected=LKN3559184345

The locked on Suns podcast for 4/20/2020. Discussing the latest updates on James Jones, Monty Williams and suns news in general.

[Wilber85]

100%.

As long ad we have Rubio and Bridges at the PG-SF (both of whom I love for their roles), we need a high level scorer at the other forward spot. Kelly is great - he's really stepped up as a two way player this year but I still have doubts with him being a consistent third scoring banana on a good team. Especially at the 4 Spot where we need a stronger rebounder.

If Bridges was a bit bigger, and could be a consistent 3&D rebounding stretch 4, then we'd be set. But then he'd basically be Jonathan Isaac, instead we have the wing equivalent.

Maybe Kaminsky is the short term answer, given we have 3 plus defenders around him. Cam J could provide some too, but he's light years away and his ceiling is probably more of a role player.

The Oubre for AG trade might work, especially if we retain Baynes - A floor spacing C is the best option next to AG as his long ball is a bit inconsistent. He's a good defender too and can switch reasonably well.

We could look to upgrade Rubio to a Chris Paul type, but we'd have to either mortgage our cap space, or throw in Oubre, all for 2 years of production. His $44m comes off the books the year that Ayton and Bridges' extensions kick in, so I it might not be that big of a deal money wise. I'm not too keen on such a short term solution though.

I'd really prefer a trade of Oubre for Gordon honestly man. Chris Paul is surely a culture changer, But his contract at his age is not something that I'd prefer to be tied to. Now IF we did the Oubre trade, I'd try and work something along the lines of Oubre/ Diallo / 10th pick for Gordon/ 16th pick. This would allow them a much better chance of finding a quality lottery guard prospect. And now with adding Gordon, We can now look at Jaden McDaniels as Oubres' replacement. ** He's 6'10 and in my opinion, has Brandon Ingram potential (* if he reaches his ceiling).

Or we could look at Precious Achiuwa or Jalen Smith at 16, and they can be our rebounding 3 and D backup 4/5. Then we just buy a late first for either Tyrell Terry, Grant Riller, or Kira Lewis?

IF we trade Oubre for Paul's contract, Then I'd look to try for Oubre / Diallo/ future 2nd for Paul / 25th pick. Then:

Option#1-
At 10 we draft either Precious Achiuwa or Patrick Williams to be our rebounding/ shotblocking 3/4 and at 25, We can take Tyrell Terry or Kira Lewis to groom behind Paul.

Option #2-
At 10 we take Jaden McDaniels ( Oubres' replacement). And at 25, We take Jalen Smith ( to be our floor spacing 3 and D backup 4/5.

Option #3-
At 10 we take Patrick Williams, and at 25, We take Tyler Bey. Buy at late first/ early 2nd, And then draft Whoever falls of Riller, Terry, or Lewis.

Overall though, And by far my favorite option is to trade Oubre / Diallo/ 10th pick for Gordon/ and the 16th pick. Then take either Jaden McDaniels or Saddiq Bey. Gordon would provide awesome athleticism and defense at the 4, And Saddiq Bey would provide ( Hield/ Middleton) type offense and defense combination to replace Oubre. I'd still then look to aggressively purchase a late first/ early 2nd for Tyrell Terry or Kira Lewis at that point. Then call it a night. Then in free agency, sign a quality backup veteran guard. Maybe Augustine, Shabazz Napier or Raul Neto?

If you guys get Precious Achiwua and Kira Lewis, that's a really great draft. I think Precious is a perfect fit next to Ayton. I wish we could've seen how he looked like next to a similar big like Wiseman (**** the ncaa). Kira might be better than some of the PG's projected to go in the lottery as well. Make Oubre the 6th man

Why trade Oubre for a guess at #10? We haven't drafted good! Just saying

[3toheadmelo]

I'd really prefer a trade of Oubre for Gordon honestly man. Chris Paul is surely a culture changer, But his contract at his age is not something that I'd prefer to be tied to. Now IF we did the Oubre trade, I'd try and work something along the lines of Oubre/ Diallo / 10th pick for Gordon/ 16th pick. This would allow them a much better chance of finding a quality lottery guard prospect. And now with adding Gordon, We can now look at Jaden McDaniels as Oubres' replacement. ** He's 6'10 and in my opinion, has Brandon Ingram potential (* if he reaches his ceiling).

Or we could look at Precious Achiuwa or Jalen Smith at 16, and they can be our rebounding 3 and D backup 4/5. Then we just buy a late first for either Tyrell Terry, Grant Riller, or Kira Lewis?

IF we trade Oubre for Paul's contract, Then I'd look to try for Oubre / Diallo/ future 2nd for Paul / 25th pick. Then:

Option#1-
At 10 we draft either Precious Achiuwa or Patrick Williams to be our rebounding/ shotblocking 3/4 and at 25, We can take Tyrell Terry or Kira Lewis to groom behind Paul.

Option #2-
At 10 we take Jaden McDaniels ( Oubres' replacement). And at 25, We take Jalen Smith ( to be our floor spacing 3 and D backup 4/5.

Option #3-
At 10 we take Patrick Williams, and at 25, We take Tyler Bey. Buy at late first/ early 2nd, And then draft Whoever falls of Riller, Terry, or Lewis.

Overall though, And by far my favorite option is to trade Oubre / Diallo/ 10th pick for Gordon/ and the 16th pick. Then take either Jaden McDaniels or Saddiq Bey. Gordon would provide awesome athleticism and defense at the 4, And Saddiq Bey would provide ( Hield/ Middleton) type offense and defense combination to replace Oubre. I'd still then look to aggressively purchase a late first/ early 2nd for Tyrell Terry or Kira Lewis at that point. Then call it a night. Then in free agency, sign a quality backup veteran guard. Maybe Augustine, Shabazz Napier or Raul Neto?

If you guys get Precious Achiwua and Kira Lewis, that's a really great draft. I think Precious is a perfect fit next to Ayton. I wish we could've seen how he looked like next to a similar big like Wiseman (**** the ncaa). Kira might be better than some of the PG's projected to go in the lottery as well. Make Oubre the 6th man

Why trade Oubre for a guess at #10? We haven't drafted good! Just saying

I actually read the post wrong. It was to trade Oubre for Chris paul and the 25th pick. Which I would still do and take Kira Lewis so Chris Paul can groom him. You guys already have your #10 pick. It's not to trade Oubre for it. I take Precious Achiwua with the #10 pick if he's still there.

[lilfishi22]

https://cms.megaphone.fm/channel/lockedonsuns?selected=LKN3559184345

The locked on Suns podcast for 4/20/2020. Discussing the latest updates on James Jones, Monty Williams and suns news in general.

Anything of note?

[Ghost of Kleine]

I'd really prefer a trade of Oubre for Gordon honestly man. Chris Paul is surely a culture changer, But his contract at his age is not something that I'd prefer to be tied to. Now IF we did the Oubre trade, I'd try and work something along the lines of Oubre/ Diallo / 10th pick for Gordon/ 16th pick. This would allow them a much better chance of finding a quality lottery guard prospect. And now with adding Gordon, We can now look at Jaden McDaniels as Oubres' replacement. ** He's 6'10 and in my opinion, has Brandon Ingram potential (* if he reaches his ceiling).

Or we could look at Precious Achiuwa or Jalen Smith at 16, and they can be our rebounding 3 and D backup 4/5. Then we just buy a late first for either Tyrell Terry, Grant Riller, or Kira Lewis?

IF we trade Oubre for Paul's contract, Then I'd look to try for Oubre / Diallo/ future 2nd for Paul / 25th pick. Then:

Option#1-
At 10 we draft either Precious Achiuwa or Patrick Williams to be our rebounding/ shotblocking 3/4 and at 25, We can take Tyrell Terry or Kira Lewis to groom behind Paul.

Option #2-
At 10 we take Jaden McDaniels ( Oubres' replacement). And at 25, We take Jalen Smith ( to be our floor spacing 3 and D backup 4/5.

Option #3-
At 10 we take Patrick Williams, and at 25, We take Tyler Bey. Buy at late first/ early 2nd, And then draft Whoever falls of Riller, Terry, or Lewis.

Overall though, And by far my favorite option is to trade Oubre / Diallo/ 10th pick for Gordon/ and the 16th pick. Then take either Jaden McDaniels or Saddiq Bey. Gordon would provide awesome athleticism and defense at the 4, And Saddiq Bey would provide ( Hield/ Middleton) type offense and defense combination to replace Oubre. I'd still then look to aggressively purchase a late first/ early 2nd for Tyrell Terry or Kira Lewis at that point. Then call it a night. Then in free agency, sign a quality backup veteran guard. Maybe Augustine, Shabazz Napier or Raul Neto?

If you guys get Precious Achiwua and Kira Lewis, that's a really great draft. I think Precious is a perfect fit next to Ayton. I wish we could've seen how he looked like next to a similar big like Wiseman (**** the ncaa). Kira might be better than some of the PG's projected to go in the lottery as well. Make Oubre the 6th man

Why trade Oubre for a guess at #10? We haven't drafted good! Just saying

Well technically, We already have the 10th pick,
so we wouldn't need to be trading Oubre for it, Also, Orlando wouldn't likely entertain the idea of trading Gordon for the 10th pick alone anyways either. But in trading both Oubre and the 10th pick, We give them maximum value for Gordon, They neither team loses a pick in the trade, But Orlando gets slightly greater value in their draft flexibility by moving up. So, That's why my preferred trade proposal has us trading Oubre AND the 10 for Gordon AND the 16th pick from Orlando. And to be fair, I'm not too sure that Gordon is really worth the 10 alone.


Also since I don't prefer to see us have to potentially pay Oubre upwards of 20+ million or more in the free agent market, I see getting Gordon ( a known commodity) Who's bigger, stronger, more athletic and on a descending contract that expires in 2022/ and the 15th pick as a really good value trade, Especially when you consider Oubres' recent knee injury. So Phoenix gets a bigger, stronger, more athletic power forward in Gordon. And Orlando gets their offense oriented 3 in Oubre, And the ability to move up 5 spots higher in the lottery, Which now improves their chances of getting a higher value guard in the lotto. Maybe even Haliburton or Anthony even.

They of course include their 16th picks fair compensation, In order to move up higher in the lottery for a more premium lotto prospect, That might otherwise not still be there at 15. It's equal value in a productive young veteran player (Oubre)and a lotto pick, for a productive young veteran player ( Gordon) and a slightly later mid first.

Now, We have addressed our needs at the 4, And can now use the 15th pick for one of 3 VERY UNDERRATED guards outside of the lottery:

1- Grant Riller.
2- Kira Lewis.
3- Tyrell Terry.
Any one of these 3 guards actually have the potential to become steals in this draft. And would provide maximum value contractually outside of the lottery. Which becomes increasingly important with the likelihood of a descending and restrictive cap over the next couple of seasons. As well as the importance of providing additional cap space for the impending extensions of both Ayton and Bridges. Not to mention that it now would allow Bridges to actually have a starting role too.

So ultimately, We need to trade back, get a KEY VETERANplayer at a position of need, Then use the returning pick to address our other need at backup point guard position with better depth, But at a lower cost effective contractual price. Giving us more cap flexibility heading into free agency, and with regard to our looming core extensions.

So we could walk out of draft night with Gordon AND a high potential backup guard. Then in free agency, We just fill the gaps with a shooting guard and a small forward. There's just so many directions that we could actually go for the draft and free agency.

[Revived]

Mikal Bridges is such a dumbass. I thought being a high level defender would mean he has high basketball IQ as well but guess not.

The giving up 2 first round picks to move up for him looks like another atrocious move by the idiot McDonough every single day....

[Saberestar]

Mikal Bridges is such a dumbass. I thought being a high level defender would mean he has high basketball IQ as well but guess not.

The giving up 2 first round picks to move up for him looks like another atrocious move by the idiot McDonough every single day....

What has happened?

[RedIndian]

If you guys get Precious Achiwua and Kira Lewis, that's a really great draft. I think Precious is a perfect fit next to Ayton. I wish we could've seen how he looked like next to a similar big like Wiseman (**** the ncaa). Kira might be better than some of the PG's projected to go in the lottery as well. Make Oubre the 6th man

Why trade Oubre for a guess at #10? We haven't drafted good! Just saying

I actually read the post wrong. It was to trade Oubre for Chris paul and the 25th pick. Which I would still do and take Kira Lewis so Chris Paul can groom him. You guys already have your #10 pick. It's not to trade Oubre for it. I take Precious Achiwua with the #10 pick if he's still there.

Oubre for Paul wouldn't work because of salary. We'd have to add Rubio and someone like Kaminsky to make the salaries work.

Not sure if I'd pull the trigger.

Now if you could guarantee that Paul has two perfectly healthy seasons left in him, I'd bite simply because of the culture change he'd bring, and how he'd elevate the play of our young guys. I think 7th, 8th seed is a legit possibility with a healthy Paul, which frankly at this stage as a Phoenix fan is something I'd kill for.

The #10 and #25 can be used to draft your future PG and PF.

#10 on either Haliburton, Hayes, Cole Anthony or Kira Lewis

#25 on either Paul Reed, Tyler Bey, Pokusevski or Patrick Williams

Re-sign Baynes to something like 2 years/15 mil.

Re-sign Saric to 3 years/21 mil.

Ayton / Baynes
Saric / Rookie PF
Bridges / Cam
Booker / Jerome
Paul / Rookie PG

[3toheadmelo]

Why trade Oubre for a guess at #10? We haven't drafted good! Just saying

I actually read the post wrong. It was to trade Oubre for Chris paul and the 25th pick. Which I would still do and take Kira Lewis so Chris Paul can groom him. You guys already have your #10 pick. It's not to trade Oubre for it. I take Precious Achiwua with the #10 pick if he's still there.

Oubre for Paul wouldn't work because of salary. We'd have to add Rubio and someone like Kaminsky to make the salaries work.

Not sure if I'd pull the trigger.

Now if you could guarantee that Paul has two perfectly healthy seasons left in him, I'd bite simply because of the culture change he'd bring, and how he'd elevate the play of our young guys. I think 7th, 8th seed is a legit possibility with a healthy Paul, which frankly at this stage as a Phoenix fan is something I'd kill for.

The #10 and #25 can be used to draft your future PG and PF.

#10 on either Haliburton, Hayes, Cole Anthony or Kira Lewis

#25 on either Paul Reed, Tyler Bey, Pokusevski or Patrick Williams

Re-sign Baynes to something like 2 years/15 mil.

Re-sign Saric to 3 years/21 mil.

Ayton / Baynes
Saric / Rookie PF
Bridges / Cam
Booker / Jerome
Paul / Rookie PG

I would trade Rubio for Paul as well. I wouldn’t resign Saric though. I think his poor defense limits him to a backup in this league imo. How about Paul Millsap? Good defender, can stretch the floor, fits well next to Ayton and provides leadership.

[Wilber85]

Mikal needs to be drug tested!

Lebron cant even score over 60 in this high offensive league!

Lost my respect ! Cant state opinion on things you dont know , And thats offense !

[RedIndian]

I actually read the post wrong. It was to trade Oubre for Chris paul and the 25th pick. Which I would still do and take Kira Lewis so Chris Paul can groom him. You guys already have your #10 pick. It's not to trade Oubre for it. I take Precious Achiwua with the #10 pick if he's still there.

Oubre for Paul wouldn't work because of salary. We'd have to add Rubio and someone like Kaminsky to make the salaries work.

Not sure if I'd pull the trigger.

Now if you could guarantee that Paul has two perfectly healthy seasons left in him, I'd bite simply because of the culture change he'd bring, and how he'd elevate the play of our young guys. I think 7th, 8th seed is a legit possibility with a healthy Paul, which frankly at this stage as a Phoenix fan is something I'd kill for.

The #10 and #25 can be used to draft your future PG and PF.

#10 on either Haliburton, Hayes, Cole Anthony or Kira Lewis

#25 on either Paul Reed, Tyler Bey, Pokusevski or Patrick Williams

Re-sign Baynes to something like 2 years/15 mil.

Re-sign Saric to 3 years/21 mil.

Ayton / Baynes
Saric / Rookie PF
Bridges / Cam
Booker / Jerome
Paul / Rookie PG

I would trade Rubio for Paul as well. I wouldn’t resign Saric though. I think his poor defense limits him to a backup in this league imo. How about Paul Millsap? Good defender, can stretch the floor, fits well next to Ayton and provides leadership.

I like Millsap, but he's 35, and he's been struggling to stay fit for an 82 game season for a while now.

I know Saric has his flaws (perimeter defense in particular), but he's a tough, durable player, and is strong in his fundamentals. I think that's worth having as a rotation guy. The hope of course will be that the PF we draft will eventually be good enough to oust him from the starting lineup.

[Ghost of Kleine]

https://cms.megaphone.fm/channel/lockedonsuns?selected=LKN3559184345

The locked on Suns podcast for 4/20/2020. Discussing the latest updates on James Jones, Monty Williams and suns news in general.

Anything of note?

They discussed quite a few things actually man:

- Monty regretting not experimenting with " Point Book more during the season. And the interest in experimenting with Booker at the 1, And Rubio moving to the backup guard role.

- How they collectively believe that Point Book added to the teams' scoring punch and overall offensive output. And that they could potentially envision Booker in a " Harden" style role primarily.

- How having Rubio potentially back up Booker would help stabilize the bench more, And lessen the load on Rubio going into his final contract years.

- Also discussed how the roster would benefit from the return of Oubre and Kaminsky, Adding to their overall depth.

- How James Jones believes it would realistically take around 5-7 weeks for the teams and players to get fully ready , conditioned and reestablish optimal chemistry together.

- They discussed how excited James Jones is for the draft, Not because it's viewed as having elite talent, But that he believes that there are still many great players with elite individual skillsets that have genuine longterm starter/ core potential. But also that with respect to this draft, scouting has been made increasingly difficult due to the Coronavirus lockdown and lack of personal interaction and availability for team workouts.

- They then discussed, How running point Book would affect their plans for this coming summer, in terms of free agency preferences, and in the draft specifically. Especially with respect to the potential interest in a versatile offensive/ defensive playmaking 2/3 ( wing) that could compliment both Booker and Rubio, should they man the guard position full time.

So to be honest, I'm not at all a fan of the "Point Book" experiment. I think that he doesn't have nearly enough advanced ballhandling skills to be a starting point guard. Moreover, I think that it wears him down much faster, and that contributes not only to his turnovers, But to his reduced efficiency throughout the game. Also, As we have already seen, He's not a willing facilitator to Ayton in the post, Thus negating Aytons' effectiveness and also further stunting his development. Lastly, the increased pressure of running the point, would possibly increase the likelihood of Book potentially reaggravating his hamstring injury once again.

However, If they are set on having Booker as the starting point guard, Then I'll be really intrigued to ponder which wing players in our range would best fit and compliment Booker's skillset. My money would be one of these 5 prospects. In order of preference they are as follows:
*** Assuming we stay at #10 or move back??

1- Isaac Okoro
Has Jimmy Butler ( relentless) defensive potential.

2- Devin Vassell
Another elite 3 and D wing that like Bridges, Except with better offense and shotblocking.

3- Saddiq Bey
He's got great offense, and plays tough defense as well. And he has solid playmaking skills. He checks all of the boxes, And has Khris Middleton/ Buddy Hield potential. But also is very similar in scoring / playing style as former suns favorite TJ Warren.

4- Jaden McDaniels-
A 6' 10 version of Oubre. Has plus athleticism and really good shooting stroke. Advanced ballhandling skills and solid defense. He has Oubre/ Brandon Ingram potential * ( If he reaches his ceiling).
** Drafting him, would allow us to more easily trade Oubre for a veteran starting 4 like either Gordon or Markannen, etc.

5- TylerBey-
A 2/3 with ELITE REBOUNDING and ELITE SHOTBLOCKING potential. Is super athletic and fast, with a great defensive IQ and defensive playmaking ability. He's got Matisse Thybulle/ Shawn Marion potential.

I'm really intrigued to see how the suns front office and Monty Williams are planning to revise the roster with this potential concept of Point Booker.

[Ghost of Kleine]

Why trade Oubre for a guess at #10? We haven't drafted good! Just saying

I actually read the post wrong. It was to trade Oubre for Chris paul and the 25th pick. Which I would still do and take Kira Lewis so Chris Paul can groom him. You guys already have your #10 pick. It's not to trade Oubre for it. I take Precious Achiwua with the #10 pick if he's still there.

Oubre for Paul wouldn't work because of salary. We'd have to add Rubio and someone like Kaminsky to make the salaries work.

Not sure if I'd pull the trigger.

Now if you could guarantee that Paul has two perfectly healthy seasons left in him, I'd bite simply because of the culture change he'd bring, and how he'd elevate the play of our young guys. I think 7th, 8th seed is a legit possibility with a healthy Paul, which frankly at this stage as a Phoenix fan is something I'd kill for.

The #10 and #25 can be used to draft your future PG and PF.

#10 on either Haliburton, Hayes, Cole Anthony or Kira Lewis

#25 on either Paul Reed, Tyler Bey, Pokusevski or Patrick Williams

Re-sign Baynes to something like 2 years/15 mil.

Re-sign Saric to 3 years/21 mil.

Ayton / Baynes
Saric / Rookie PF
Bridges / Cam
Booker / Jerome
Paul / Rookie PG

I'd have Saric as a backup 4 and look for a floor spacing 3 and D big ( power forward) with a strong rebounding and shotblocking skillset.

Honestly, IF " POINT BOOK" is the intended direction that Jones/ Williams is preferring, Then I'd prefer to trade Oubre/ Diallo/ 10th pick for Gordon/ 15th pick. Then draft Jaden McDaniels or Saddiq Bey *( To replace Oubre). Then buy a late first/ early 2nd AND draft one of: Jordan Nwora, Desmond Bane, Isiah Joe or Emmanuel Quickly to be our backup shooting guard next to Rubio. So heading into free agency, our roster could look like:

- Booker/ Rubio/ Carter.
- **Free agent/ Bane/ Jerome.
- Bridges/Cam / McDaniels.
- Gordon/ Saric/ Kaminsky.
- Ayton/ Baynes/ **Free agent.

So in free agency we go after a starting shooting guard, And a 3rd string center.

Shooting guard options-

1- Joe Harris.
2- Bryn Forbes.
3- Furkan Korkmaz.

3rd string Center-

1- Nerlens Noel.
2- Dwight Howard.
3- Willy Hernangomez.

[RedIndian]

This Point Book nonsense doesn't fill me with any excitement. Harden is an elite ball handler, which is why it works. Booker isn't.

Booker almost always needs screen action to create, so this idea is a non starter. It's even worse because his PnR chemistry with Ayton is really poor.

Rubio is not the long-term answer at PG, but neither is Point Book. We need to find a long term PG in the draft or through trade /FA.

[nevetsov]

Are we sure this isn't a late April fools joke? Point Book has been done to death, and it's a disaster. He's a Damn fine SG and PGs are a dime a dozen. So why on earth are we over thinking it?

[RedIndian]

No idea, my confidence in Jones & Bower ever building a playoff roster isn't pretty high. Bower in particular has a useless drafting record.

Jones so far seems to only care about high floor, low ceiling role players. We're only going to treadmill with that sort of recruitment profile

[3toheadmelo]

Oubre for Paul wouldn't work because of salary. We'd have to add Rubio and someone like Kaminsky to make the salaries work.

Not sure if I'd pull the trigger.

Now if you could guarantee that Paul has two perfectly healthy seasons left in him, I'd bite simply because of the culture change he'd bring, and how he'd elevate the play of our young guys. I think 7th, 8th seed is a legit possibility with a healthy Paul, which frankly at this stage as a Phoenix fan is something I'd kill for.

The #10 and #25 can be used to draft your future PG and PF.

#10 on either Haliburton, Hayes, Cole Anthony or Kira Lewis

#25 on either Paul Reed, Tyler Bey, Pokusevski or Patrick Williams

Re-sign Baynes to something like 2 years/15 mil.

Re-sign Saric to 3 years/21 mil.

Ayton / Baynes
Saric / Rookie PF
Bridges / Cam
Booker / Jerome
Paul / Rookie PG

I would trade Rubio for Paul as well. I wouldn’t resign Saric though. I think his poor defense limits him to a backup in this league imo. How about Paul Millsap? Good defender, can stretch the floor, fits well next to Ayton and provides leadership.

I like Millsap, but he's 35, and he's been struggling to stay fit for an 82 game season for a while now.

I know Saric has his flaws (perimeter defense in particular), but he's a tough, durable player, and is strong in his fundamentals. I think that's worth having as a rotation guy. The hope of course will be that the PF we draft will eventually be good enough to oust him from the starting lineup.

I think Saric is fine as a backup but I am not a fan of him as a starter. Milsap played 70 games last season and he's played the majority of this year's games as well.. so maybe he's finally healthy? Not sure. But imo I think Milsap would be great as a starter for one year and can help perhaps groom the PF that is drafted so he can be ready to start in the season after. And of course, he provides leadership and experience to the Suns team which can be great for the young guys. That's how I look at it lol

[Ghost of Kleine]

This Point Book nonsense doesn't fill me with any excitement. Harden is an elite ball handler, which is why it works. Booker isn't.

Booker almost always needs screen action to create, so this idea is a non starter. It's even worse because his PnR chemistry with Ayton is really poor.

Rubio is not the long-term answer at PG, but neither is Point Book. We need to find a long term PG in the draft or through trade /FA.

I do agree with the opinions of both You and Nevetsov Red.................There's simply way too many better options than to reheat an old turd concept when this draft and/or free agency renders the concept unnecessary. But again, Adverse as I am to this idea being resurrected again , IF their intent is to make this happen, Then I have interest in exploring ways to negate the impending negatives as best as possible.

That then becomes finding a quality 3and D playmaking 2/3 to play alongside of Booker, And a potent offensive scoring backup shooting guard to play next to Rubio. So again, IF this concept is inevitable, Then I still believe that the best solution might:

- Option 1 Oubre for Gordon

Oubre and the 10 for Gordon and the 15th. Gordon fills our need at the starting 4. And Saric becomes the backup 4. *** IF WE KEEP THE 15TH PICK, Then we take Saddiq Bey! IF NOT, Then you move the 15 and Diallo? To Boston (They need more frontcourt size) for the 26th and 30th picks. At 26, You take Jaden McDaniels
(Oubres' replacement) And at 30, You take Aaron Nesmith or Desmond Bane (** backup shooting guard next to Rubio). Also would add a huge scoring punch around Gordon and also to our bench.

Aaron Nesmith-
Projects as a Michael Redd/ Alec Burks knockdown shooter/ scorer skillset.

Desmond Bane-
Projects as an Eric Gordon ( offense) and Marcus Smart ( defense) skillset.

So with Option 1, We walk out of draft night with Aaron Gordon / Jaden McDaniels/ and Aaron Nesmith or Desmond Bane. Then in free agency, We would pursue Joe Harris or Bryn Forbes (to be the starting shooting guard). Our post free agency roster could look like:

- Booker/ Rubio/ Carter.
- Harris / Bane/ Jerome.
Bridges/ Cam/ McDaniels.
- Gordon/ Saric/ Kaminsky.
Ayton/ Baynes/ Free agent? *** Nerlens Noel or O'Quinn??

Option 2 Keep Oubre

Phoenix/Boston:
In this scenario, We keep Oubre, But move the 10th pick and Diallo? to Boston for the 17th and 30th picks. At 17, We take Jalen Smith. And at 30, We take Aaron Nesmith or Desmond Bane. Finally, We purchase an early 2nd from the 76ers or Sacramento, And draft Daniel Oturu.

- Booker/ Rubio/ Carter.
- Bridges/ Bane / Jerome.
- Oubre/ Cam/ Bridges.
- Saric/ Smith/ Kaminsky.
- Ayton/ Baynes/ Oturu.

Or

Phoenix/ Dallas:
In this scenario, We trade pick 10 for the 18th and 31st pick. Dallas would do this in a heartbeat. At 18, We take Jalen Smith or Patrick Williams. And at 30, Aaron Nesmith or Desmond Bane.

My preference though is to trade Oubre/ Diallo/ 10th pick to Orlando for Gordon/15th pick. Then take Jaden McDaniels or Saddiq Bey to replace Oubre. And then purchase a late first/ early 2nd round pick, And take one of Riller, Lewis, Or Terry. So I really hope that they aren't serious about this point book thing. But if they are, They need to have a contingency plan.