2020 Season/Offseason (FA/Trade) Speculation - the Season Resumes

[darmani]

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[Damkac]

Players wants to stay on the Suns? Is this real life?

[sunskerr]

This could bode really well for our free agent prospects this offseason and next, which are really critical years. Good timing.

[bwoolf2]

Good chance if Milwaukee loses Giannis wants out, Ayton, Oubre, and #10 get it done? I know Milwaukee would want more but I don't think there is a better deal out there at least I can't think of one for them.

[WeekapaugGroove]

Good chance if Milwaukee loses Giannis wants out, Ayton, Oubre, and #10 get it done? I know Milwaukee would want more but I don't think there is a better deal out there at least I can't think of one for them.

I'm biased, Bucks are my other favorite team but I don't see Giannis wanting out.

Now hypothetically speaking even if he did I wouldn't trade him anyway. In that scenario I'd rather take one more season of being a sure contender than trade a superstar like that. It's just so hard to get in that true title contender range you can go decades without that opportunity again. The Raptors basically did that last season with Leonard and they are happy they did.

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[Barkley6]

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Credit to Monty Williams. Not only has he made smart decisions about rotations and lineup combinations, and coached his a$$ off in the bubble but he's created a culture the players love.

I think finally people realize that something is happening in Phoenix. Not sure how far we'll go, but you can tell its going to be a fun ride.

[ImNotMcDiSwear]

Just looking at the first picks OKC is owed (was wondering about a Chris Paul + picks for Ben Simmons trade). They have quite the war chest. How happy would you be Ghost if we had this many picks?

I guess for me man, It would depend upon the particular draft and it's talent level/ depth/ etc.

I don't know man. You seem to think every other player in this draft is "elite" in some respect or another!

j/k GoK. You know I love you.

[Barkley6]

The more I study this offseason, the more I think it's setting up pretty perfectly for the Suns.

There was an article posted further up about the Suns operating as an over the cap team, and that seems to make the most sense to me based on the exceptions we'd get if we did so. If I were the Suns, I would be looking to run my offseason in the following manner:

Draft:
For me, I'm all in on Obi Toppin. The Suns need an above the rim finisher. He does enough well that I'm sold on him as a guy that can work well within our offense (good BBIQ, moves the ball well, finishes strong), and play a nice two man game with Rubio. Will he be there at 10? I dont know, but I'd be willing to trade some future draft capital to make sure we can move up to get him. I think this will be one of the easier drafts to move up in, because its not a super attractive class, and teams are concerned with finances in the Corona Era. Jumping from 10 to 5 or so could be fairly cheap and easy.

Free Agency:
We bring back Dario, Carter and pick up the option on Cam Payne. We let Diallo and Kaminsky walk, and waive Okobo. This is less about cap room and more about finding upgrades to those guys. I wouldn't be opposed to a Baynes return, but it depends on the length of the deal and the money involved (This is another advantage of operating as an over the cap team, we don't have to renounce his rights to make space)

I think we make Goran Dragic the priority signing with the MLE. We make a STRONG pitch for him to become our 6th man and floor general when Rubio sits. He fits our team well, gets a chance to finish his Phoenix story on a positive and he won't get offered more money elsewhere.

Next, we have the BAE, and I think we go with a 4 or 5 for that. Some names that stand out are, Jahlil Okafor, Jabari Parker, and Rondae-Hollis Jefferson. Not sure what the market for big men will be, but it's a deep, if unspectacular, class and most teams are probably keeping their powder dry for 2021. These guys can get bigger contracts with teams like Sacramento or Atlanta, but if they want to be in it with a chance to make some playoff noise, the Suns might be the better option. All three of them are still young and could continue to grow. My preference of the group would be Parker. Considering he's made some decent money so far, and has some serious flashes in his game.

If this all plays out the way I laid out, (no guarantee of that) we'd have a lineup of the following.

Rubio-Payne-Carter
Booker-Dragic
Mikal-Oubre
Cam-Parker-Toppin
Ayton-Saric-Baynes?

That's an incredibly solid rotation, and allows Monty to genuinely play the hot hand. Further we have cover at every position in case of a long or short term injury. The second unit is easily the best in the league, and you could play lineups like Carter, Payne, Oubre, Mikal, Saric lineup if you wanted to really hustle and hound the opposition (think about playing against that group on the second night of a back to back). You've got plenty of shooting, good rebounding, and good shot creation.

I know the biggest flaw in the plan is: would one of those big men play for the BAE? My thinking is this, you play for 2 years on the BAE, get into the playoffs with Phoenix and either force the Suns to pay you well, or, for all those guys, you're still in your mid-20s and can easily get a big contract somewhere else.

Alright, that's enough roster-bating for one day.

[Saberestar]

Goran Dragic for the mid-level exceptiom is more of a dream than reality.

Have you seen his play so far in the playoffs? He played very well in the regular season, but now he is playing GREAT.

The Heat are for real and they will not let him go easily.They have his Bird rights, so they can pay him whatever they want.

We would need to offer him something like $40M/2 years (if we clear salaries) and the Heat probably will not match that big contract, but a cheap salary...IDK, I can not see it.

[BobbieL]

I dont think you can get a 1 year deal for Saric. He played decent all season and was huge off the bench in the bubble. He's a FA for the first time and will want to have some stability. Also, keep in mind, he's going to get offers from other teams. What if, say, Miami comes and offers him 35 million over 3 years? That's not terrible value, but it does eat up future space.

So the question becomes, are you willing to let Dario walk to preserve future space? Letting him leave creates a big hole in our roster as he's probably our second best rebounder, best bench player and one of our only serviceable big men. It would also wreck the continuity we've created, and possibly force a rookie big to take on a bigger role in his first season.

What if we let Dario walk, putting all our eggs in the 2021 basket, and we end up striking out with the big names? Then what's the plan?

I liked the way SAric played - really did. My thought was always a two year deal, team option in year 2 where the Suns overpay in Year 1. Meaning if the market as Bobby Marks wrote was 25/3 (I think) - so AAV of $8.33 - the Suns would give him $25 for two - giving him $13m in the first year so basically 150% for the one year deal.

If Saric is at 25/3 - I think I am fine giving up future cap space. If he is higher, hmm - would have to think about that. He was a solid player who really found his niche in Orlando.

The question is, did you feel he was worthy of a long term contract based on the way he played in the regular season pre-bubble or just bubble? Against the two healthy teams playing all their starters, he didn't play all that well. He played better against the teams that sat starters or were missing Sabonis/Porzingis...remember, we didn't play any teams fighting for the playoffs in the bubble but many teams treating it more like the preseason...so I guess the question is, how much stock do you put in it, especially off the bench against some of these teams, missing their starters, so likely were deep into their benches.

I don't really know the answer to this because I kind of liked Saric this year, but always felt I am fine either way. I would love to do a one year deal or 2 year team option one. I would be a little worried to go longer if we want a chance to add a star level player in 21, even though it may be unlikely, because it's likely our last chance for a long while to be able to add someone in FA.

Thats a fair question and good observation. I probably used the results against the Bubble and teams resting playings too strongly. My idea for Saric is still one year deal -- nothing longer term. If he wants three years and can get it from another team, I would be fine if he moved on

I think the Suns need to play it smart -- set themselves up for 2021. I see the core guys as Bridges, Book, DA, Cam. So the key, unless you get that super duper star - is finding the right players to fill in and around. And from the FA list, its the 2021 offseason that has the talent the Suns need to be ready for. So if that means moving on from Saric and signing, I would have to see a list but a player for one year - so be it.

[BobbieL]

Goran Dragic for the mid-level exceptiom is more of a dream than reality.

Have you seen his play so far in the playoffs? He played very well in the regular season, but now he is playing GREAT.

The Heat are for real and they will not let him go easily.They have his Bird rights, so they can pay him whatever they want.

We would need to offer him something like $40M/2 years (if we clear salaries) and the Heat probably will not match that big contract, but a cheap salary...IDK, I can not see it.

The Heat will be the only team giving Dragic a ton of money. Not too many teams will have the cap space. Plus, if the cap is lowered, even a team like the Suns will have less. So for Goran, the MLE might be all he gets. I guess there can be sign and trades but Riley is pretty smart

If say Saric moves on and they don't bring back Baynes, I could see Dragic getting a decent salary for one year. Than using the vet minimum for back up center and the 4 position. I wouldn't overpay Dragic for multiple years because again, 2021.

[WeekapaugGroove]

Goran Dragic for the mid-level exceptiom is more of a dream than reality.

Have you seen his play so far in the playoffs? He played very well in the regular season, but now he is playing GREAT.

The Heat are for real and they will not let him go easily.They have his Bird rights, so they can pay him whatever they want.

We would need to offer him something like $40M/2 years (if we clear salaries) and the Heat probably will not match that big contract, but a cheap salary...IDK, I can not see it.

The Heat will be the only team giving Dragic a ton of money. Not too many teams will have the cap space. Plus, if the cap is lowered, even a team like the Suns will have less. So for Goran, the MLE might be all he gets. I guess there can be sign and trades but Riley is pretty smart

If say Saric moves on and they don't bring back Baynes, I could see Dragic getting a decent salary for one year. Than using the vet minimum for back up center and the 4 position. I wouldn't overpay Dragic for multiple years because again, 2021.

Even with the Heat I'd expect they only try to give him a 1 year deal because they are trying to go big game hunting in 21.

The team that should throw a huge 1 year deal at him is NY. They are similar to last year's suns team where they just need some competency at PG to even be able to properly evaluate their young guys at other positions.

I'm not sure what to make of Gorans market. He's been good lately but earlier in the season he wasn't as good and he's been banged up. He's also 34 so that has to scare some teams from offering more than a year or two.

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[phx#7]

Good chance if Milwaukee loses Giannis wants out, Ayton, Oubre, and #10 get it done? I know Milwaukee would want more but I don't think there is a better deal out there at least I can't think of one for them.

I'm biased, Bucks are my other favorite team but I don't see Giannis wanting out.

Now hypothetically speaking even if he did I wouldn't trade him anyway. In that scenario I'd rather take one more season of being a sure contender than trade a superstar like that. It's just so hard to get in that true title contender range you can go decades without that opportunity again. The Raptors basically did that last season with Leonard and they are happy they did.

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And even if he did demand a trade that package is pretty light and pretty much any offers that would be available in the offseason would still be on the table at the trade deadline. So may as well wait to see if you can convince him to stay or see where the team stands at that point.

Even as a FA he could bring back value in a S&T if he wanted to go to a team without enough capspace or that team wanted additional flexibility to sign other free agents.

[phx#7]

Players wants to stay on the Suns? Is this real life?

Are we sure they are talking about the Suns and don't just really enjoy being at the salon?

[King4Day]

Good chance if Milwaukee loses Giannis wants out, Ayton, Oubre, and #10 get it done? I know Milwaukee would want more but I don't think there is a better deal out there at least I can't think of one for them.

I think we'd have to add at least 2 more future firsts and maybe even pick swaps.
LA is where AD wanted to go and was an expiring deal and they raked the Lakers over the coals. It'd be even worse with Giannis.

[Crives]

Good chance if Milwaukee loses Giannis wants out, Ayton, Oubre, and #10 get it done? I know Milwaukee would want more but I don't think there is a better deal out there at least I can't think of one for them.

I think we'd have to add at least 2 more future firsts and maybe even pick swaps.
LA is where AD wanted to go and was an expiring deal and they raked the Lakers over the coals. It'd be even worse with Giannis.

Let’s not get our hopes up. Please just stay in the east

[Blonde]

Sixers swept. I have to think they’ll be looking to make some big changes. Not the least of which would be firing Brett Brown. It would be pretty incredible if we could get him on our staff considering the Monty connection, but he deserves to be a head coach in this league.

[Barkley6]

Goran Dragic for the mid-level exceptiom is more of a dream than reality.

Have you seen his play so far in the playoffs? He played very well in the regular season, but now he is playing GREAT.

The Heat are for real and they will not let him go easily.They have his Bird rights, so they can pay him whatever they want.

We would need to offer him something like $40M/2 years (if we clear salaries) and the Heat probably will not match that big contract, but a cheap salary...IDK, I can not see it.

The Heat will be the only team giving Dragic a ton of money. Not too many teams will have the cap space. Plus, if the cap is lowered, even a team like the Suns will have less. So for Goran, the MLE might be all he gets. I guess there can be sign and trades but Riley is pretty smart

If say Saric moves on and they don't bring back Baynes, I could see Dragic getting a decent salary for one year. Than using the vet minimum for back up center and the 4 position. I wouldn't overpay Dragic for multiple years because again, 2021.

Even with the Heat I'd expect they only try to give him a 1 year deal because they are trying to go big game hunting in 21.

The team that should throw a huge 1 year deal at him is NY. They are similar to last year's suns team where they just need some competency at PG to even be able to properly evaluate their young guys at other positions.

I'm not sure what to make of Gorans market. He's been good lately but earlier in the season he wasn't as good and he's been banged up. He's also 34 so that has to scare some teams from offering more than a year or two.

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The difference for the Suns with Rubio vs the Knicks with Goran is that Goran is 5 years older. Rubio has time to adjust to a long term project and grow over the next few years with the team. Goran is a guy who needs to be making moves in the playoffs in the next year or two. The MLE is going to be all he gets from anyone that's not Miami, unless he wants to on a terrible Hawks team for the last few years of his career. The issue with Miami, is they only have about 20 million to spend, so it's either they bring Dragic back and no one else, essentially standing pat with their roster, or they let him walk. Now, it's not out of the question that a playoff team offers him the MLE, but you'd have to think the Suns at least get a good sit down and a chance to make their pitch.

[Saberestar]

The Heat will be the only team giving Dragic a ton of money. Not too many teams will have the cap space. Plus, if the cap is lowered, even a team like the Suns will have less. So for Goran, the MLE might be all he gets. I guess there can be sign and trades but Riley is pretty smart

If say Saric moves on and they don't bring back Baynes, I could see Dragic getting a decent salary for one year. Than using the vet minimum for back up center and the 4 position. I wouldn't overpay Dragic for multiple years because again, 2021.

Even with the Heat I'd expect they only try to give him a 1 year deal because they are trying to go big game hunting in 21.

The team that should throw a huge 1 year deal at him is NY. They are similar to last year's suns team where they just need some competency at PG to even be able to properly evaluate their young guys at other positions.

I'm not sure what to make of Gorans market. He's been good lately but earlier in the season he wasn't as good and he's been banged up. He's also 34 so that has to scare some teams from offering more than a year or two.

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The difference for the Suns with Rubio vs the Knicks with Goran is that Goran is 5 years older. Rubio has time to adjust to a long term project and grow over the next few years with the team. Goran is a guy who needs to be making moves in the playoffs in the next year or two. The MLE is going to be all he gets from anyone that's not Miami, unless he wants to on a terrible Hawks team for the last few years of his career. The issue with Miami, is they only have about 20 million to spend, so it's either they bring Dragic back and no one else, essentially standing pat with their roster, or they let him walk. Now, it's not out of the question that a playoff team offers him the MLE, but you'd have to think the Suns at least get a good sit down and a chance to make their pitch.

They can sign a FA with those $20M to spend and AFTER that sign Dragic for whatever they want going over the cap. I just don't see the problem. They can sign Dragic for $30M / 2 years, guaranteeing only an small part of that second year.

The Heat are a really smart organization. They will not lose a player like Dragic for nothing.

[BobbieL]

Even with the Heat I'd expect they only try to give him a 1 year deal because they are trying to go big game hunting in 21.

The team that should throw a huge 1 year deal at him is NY. They are similar to last year's suns team where they just need some competency at PG to even be able to properly evaluate their young guys at other positions.

I'm not sure what to make of Gorans market. He's been good lately but earlier in the season he wasn't as good and he's been banged up. He's also 34 so that has to scare some teams from offering more than a year or two.

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The difference for the Suns with Rubio vs the Knicks with Goran is that Goran is 5 years older. Rubio has time to adjust to a long term project and grow over the next few years with the team. Goran is a guy who needs to be making moves in the playoffs in the next year or two. The MLE is going to be all he gets from anyone that's not Miami, unless he wants to on a terrible Hawks team for the last few years of his career. The issue with Miami, is they only have about 20 million to spend, so it's either they bring Dragic back and no one else, essentially standing pat with their roster, or they let him walk. Now, it's not out of the question that a playoff team offers him the MLE, but you'd have to think the Suns at least get a good sit down and a chance to make their pitch.

They can sign a FA with those $20M to spend and AFTER that sign Dragic for whatever they want going over the cap. I just don't see the problem. They can sign Dragic for $30M / 2 years, guaranteeing only an small part of that second year.

The Heat are a really smart organization. They will not lose a player like Dragic for nothing.

they have to renounce his rights to get under the cap if I am reading this correctly. Renouncing everybody but Dragic still leaves them about 6m over the cap unless Olynyk declines his option

https://www.spotrac.com/nba/miami-heat/cap/2020/