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

[matt131]

Last Flex podcast update, sorry.

He mentioned that something happened yesterday at the league office pertaining to this situation, that he's never seen happen "over his years of having these contacts" without the deal going through.

[darealjuice]

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Westbrook on the Hornets sounds so weird lol

[WeekapaugGroove]

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It's funny I was going to mention I could see charlotte as a westbrook destination. They could use the 'juice' he brings with fan interest.

They also have a few ways to make it work, send out Terry Rozier then either Zeller or Batum both of which expire after this season. Now the question would be will Houston do it for basically Rozier (who wasn't bad last year) and salary relief.

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[49erhokie]

Last Flex podcast update, sorry.

He mentioned that something happened yesterday at the league office pertaining to this situation, that he's never seen happen "over his years of having these contacts" without the deal going through.

What does that even mean haha. I'm so intrigued now lol.

[Ghost of Kleine]

The suns should be in win now mode...if the pick of this years draft is a must to get cp3 to phx then do it and dont think twice. The chances of that rookie making an impact this year and next are way WAY less than cp3 getting the suns into the playoffs....we have our core in place and under contract....its time to go all in and bring in a player that we know can get us over the hump...i could careless about draft picks or what he is owed the next two years....get him here and take the risk of seeing what a cp3/booker backcourt can look like

I get the allure of what Chris Paul " MIGHT DO" for us. But it just feels like your blatantly ignoring the attached risk involved with trading for Paul and giving up to much in a trade. Sure, Chris Paul is still very impressive, And undoubtedly could/ Would make our team better. Good enough to make the playoffs though??? That will remain to be seen. I mean we're talking about a player whose missed on average over 20 games in each of his last 3 seasons. What happens if he continues that pattern this season, When this season is far more condensed and schedule heavy loaded with back to backs and very little opportunities for rest between games? This season will be an absolute bloodbath!

So can we afford to very possibly lose those 20+ games and still have a realistic chance of making the playoffs?please kerp.in mind that in a truncated season with only 72 games, him missing 20 games equates to almost a 3rd of the entire season. So with that being considered, Exactly how many more losses could we afford apart from that before we're mathematically eliminated? Are we even expecting to win ALL OF our games with him?
So when he's out ( injury, load management, Whatever), We're basically paying close to HALF of our cap space to an injured player.

We're already giving up two key starters in this deal, Both that had breakout seasons, AND were also giving them over 41 MILLION in cap savings this yr alone!!! Whilst also surrendering pretty much all of our cap flexibility for this season and very likely 21' as well. So IF this doesn't pan out, We'll have given up two key starters that helped to unify our team, changed our culture, And helped us to a strong 8 game Bubble win streak, Almost all of our cap flexibility for close to two seasons, Meaning no ability to make essential roster adjustments or upgrades, AND if we don't manage to make the playoffs somehow? We've just also wasted two more years off of Booker's contract.


That's an enormous risk assumed by us alone! Aside from the huge highly restrictive cap implications of his contract. Again, His history has indicated a consistent pattern of chronic injuries, Wherein he's missed an average of 20+ games. Do we get a discount for that in any event? Of course not! And at his age, Does anyone really believe that durability and health will improve with age? Or furthermore, With an greatly increased workload in a heavily condensed season? Increased minutes as you age increase the likelihood of injury! Post trade, Our overall depth will be very thin! And again, We'll have almost no money to fill that critically needed depth with actual quality players, As all of our money will be tied up in our new 35 yr old lead guard. Who IF he goes down is now a sunk cost. Obviously he can't help us if he's on the bench now can he.

None of these factors indicate that we should have to add additional assets in a deal for him apart from the ENORMOUS cap savings and the two quality veteran starters at the apex of their respective values that we're already giving up in the deal. The huge risk alone combined with the premium value we're giving up in the deal suggests that any additional value at this point would be a gross overpay on our part. If anything, We should be compensated for the risk we're taking, And the fact that we're bailing OKC out big time! Allowing them to be free from there ENORMOUS contractual obligations. And now freeing them to have close to 2 MAX SLOTS heading into the star laden 2021 free agency. And obviously they could just as easily flip Rubio and Oubre to a number of teams for further draft capital, And other assets. To suggest that we need to add our 10th pick ( which would offer us key low cost positional depth) would be absurd, And honestly, Very poor asset management overall.

So I can absolutely get on board with Chris Paul, But the price has to be right in the deal, Without potentially mortgaging our long term future. Or our short term viability as well.

[BobbieL]

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It's funny I was going to mention I could see charlotte as a westbrook destination. They could use the 'juice' he brings with fan interest.

They also have a few ways to make it work, send out Terry Rozier then either Zeller or Batum both of which expire after this season. Now the question would be will Houston do it for basically Rozier (who wasn't bad last year) and salary relief.

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I wrote about the Knicks but Charlotte makes a lot of sense

First, Charlotte can send Rozier and like was said Zeller or Batum. That probably is better than what the Knicks can send (Randle, Portis, Ellington, Taj Gibson plus Frank N or Dennis Smith type of pupu platter) to Houston plus draft pick or two. Plus I think with Harden being so ball dominant in Houston - Rozier and say Batum, might be solid players to round out the roster.

Second, he would bring some attention to the franchise. I was going to say "some buzz"

third - they might have some cap space to overpay to bring somebody to play with Westbrook.

It makes a lot of sense

[Ghost of Kleine]

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[WeekapaugGroove]

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It's funny I was going to mention I could see charlotte as a westbrook destination. They could use the 'juice' he brings with fan interest.

They also have a few ways to make it work, send out Terry Rozier then either Zeller or Batum both of which expire after this season. Now the question would be will Houston do it for basically Rozier (who wasn't bad last year) and salary relief.

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I wrote about the Knicks but Charlotte makes a lot of sense

First, Charlotte can send Rozier and like was said Zeller or Batum. That probably is better than what the Knicks can send (Randle, Portis, Ellington, Taj Gibson plus Frank N or Dennis Smith type of pupu platter) to Houston plus draft pick or two. Plus I think with Harden being so ball dominant in Houston - Rozier and say Batum, might be solid players to round out the roster.

Second, he would bring some attention to the franchise. I was going to say "some buzz"

third - they might have some cap space to overpay to bring somebody to play with Westbrook.

It makes a lot of sense

From the Houston side Rozier while a downgrade would be able to fill Russ' spot in the rotation. Zeller isn't great or anything but he'd give them big man depth. Also getting really cap nerdy this also drops Houston down salary wise where they could use the full MLE next week without hitting the apron and getting hard capped. It would also create a 7-8 mil trade exemption that could be used later on to aquire some depth (although they don't really have picks to make such a deal)

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[BobbieL]

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It's funny I was going to mention I could see charlotte as a westbrook destination. They could use the 'juice' he brings with fan interest.

They also have a few ways to make it work, send out Terry Rozier then either Zeller or Batum both of which expire after this season. Now the question would be will Houston do it for basically Rozier (who wasn't bad last year) and salary relief.

Sent from my SM-G986U using RealGM mobile app

I wrote about the Knicks but Charlotte makes a lot of sense

First, Charlotte can send Rozier and like was said Zeller or Batum. That probably is better than what the Knicks can send (Randle, Portis, Ellington, Taj Gibson plus Frank N or Dennis Smith type of pupu platter) to Houston plus draft pick or two. Plus I think with Harden being so ball dominant in Houston - Rozier and say Batum, might be solid players to round out the roster.

Second, he would bring some attention to the franchise. I was going to say "some buzz"

third - they might have some cap space to overpay to bring somebody to play with Westbrook.

It makes a lot of sense

From the Houston side Rozier while a downgrade would be able to fill Russ' spot in the rotation. Zeller isn't great or anything but he'd give them big man depth. Also getting really cap nerdy this also drops Houston down salary wise where they could use the full MLE next week without hitting the apron and getting hard capped. It would also create a 7-8 mil trade exemption that could be used later on to aquire some depth (although they don't really have picks to make such a deal)

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But its the Rockets - why would they want big man depth when they can add Batum and still be small ball!. Though Zeller does make more sense.

I was trying to see how we could get Tucker - there really is no chance of that happening. I just love that guy though.

[Jarlaxle0204]

I wonder if Paul's constant flopping would help us get into the bonus faster which might help tremendously. We are a very good free throw shooting team.

[matt131]

I wonder if Paul's constant flopping would help us get into the bonus faster which might help tremendously. We are a very good free throw shooting team.

Honestly, if his presence got the refs to respect us, add on another 5 wins just from that haha

[ImNotMcDiSwear]

I wonder if Paul's constant flopping would help us get into the bonus faster which might help tremendously. We are a very good free throw shooting team.

Honestly, if his presence got the refs to respect us, add on another 15 wins just from that haha

ftfy

It's a good thing Paul will help us attract cheap vet free agents, because we won't have any money left once we add him!

Also, will this forestall any Bobby Sarver is cheap talk? You know, spending $80 million for two seasons in a time of widespread losses?

[bwgood77]

There are not that many key free agents that we could afford...or would move the needle a ton. We simply don't have that much money. We will either have the MLE or maybe a little more if we renounce everyone.

4pointplay brought up something I hadn't thought of where the suns could sign FAs with their cap space THEN execute the paul trade afterwards. In that scenario they would have the $17M or so to use.

I could absolutely see Paul recruiting Galo to join him. Now maybe the suns would prefer a younger target like Grant or Wood.

I still think there's a chance they go the over the cap route, keep Saric and Carter and then use the MLE.

But they have options.

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Oh yeah, in that scenario the trade makes total sense. If they can get Gallo, they should go for him. Just hope they keep their draft pick.

I still wouldn't mind keeping Saric either and going after a lesser FA due to age and familiarity, but if Gallo and Paul expire in 2 years we could reset and hopefully use that space to sign others before re-signing Ayton and Bridges.

[darmani]

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[El Hespiritu]

Just look on Papi's face.

Try to figure out what he's thinking.

See what I mean?

[BobbieL]

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Clippers make no sense as the contracts really don't match. Well they would have to send out five players. Plus I really do think if this CP3 deal goes through and they got Rubio - that would be a really good move for them

Pistons - interesting - they can take a lot of that contract with cap space

Suns - I don't see it

Bucks - Bledsoe Brook and Hill get it done - still dont see it

[GoodBehavior]

Small market teams like the Suns have to make calculated gamble to win a championship. Keeping Oubre and Rubio would likely result in middle-of-the-pack mediocrity. Love them both, but if you have a chance to be a title contender, you take that chance. People are way, way underselling Chris Paul. He took a ragtag, mishmash of OKC talents to almost upsetting the Rockets. We're taking about a second-team all-nba player here, who is frankly better than Booker at this point.

Paul-Booker-Ayton is probably the best trio of stars in the league right now. Better than the Dubs trio IMO since few (if any teams) have two defensive guards that can keep up with Paul and Book, and there's few big men who can defend Ayton on the PNR. If Ayton can shoot the three (and it looks promising) and Bridges can lock down (or slow down) bigger forwards, I really, really like our chances.

Now there are risks... First, it keeps us paper-thin at the power forward position. Jones is going to have to find a cheap solution here. Maybe a Millsap and hope you can be okay with Millsap/Cam/Saric. Second, Booker's willingness to play second fiddle and sacrifice his personal goals (all star etc). Chris Paul is going to be 1a on this team, unlike a Rubio, he's going to be looking for his shot. Point Book and Booker usage is going to fall. I don't think Chris, after going through with what happened in Houston and Harden, will want to be 1B again.

[sasquatchBob]

If the CP3 trade goes through it will be EJ that is most excited about it. He has always talked very highly of Paul.

[Djedefre]

Suns are not small market team

[Slim Charless]

The suns should be in win now mode...if the pick of this years draft is a must to get cp3 to phx then do it and dont think twice. The chances of that rookie making an impact this year and next are way WAY less than cp3 getting the suns into the playoffs....we have our core in place and under contract....its time to go all in and bring in a player that we know can get us over the hump...i could careless about draft picks or what he is owed the next two years....get him here and take the risk of seeing what a cp3/booker backcourt can look like

I disgree about the pick. I think you need players on the roster on rookie deals. In the trade Kerrsed proposed, Suns drop from 10 to 18 - I can live with that. But I want a FRP . The Suns are taking on that contract, that should count for something!

But if CP3 can make Booker, Ayton, Cam and Mikal better - look what he did in OKC - maybe he can do the same in Phoenix. If CP3 can get the Suns the playoffs the next two years - thats the goal right there. And improving the young core.

If Paul is better equipped to take Ayton to another level - that has to be a part of the process. Though I was very comfortable running back the team from the Summer but adding a 2G and maybe a new 4 too. I like Rubio.

This is where I'm at with the trade. I'm getting over my reservations about CP3. If he can help light a fire under Ayton and give that much more veteran guidance to the of our young guys its a plus. Rubio was great for this team and a motivated, healthy Chris Paul will be twice as good...if he stays healthy. That last part is key, too bad we don't still have the same medical staff, I'd feel way better about this with those guys here to patch up Paul if need be.

If we do this I want to keep that 10th preferably and hopefully grab Toppin. Baynes and Saric are gone so we would need a big man. With CP3 here we should hopefully be able to land a decent FA with our mid-level exception. Gasol, Ibaka or even Tristan Kardashian could go along way. That last one we might have to run by Booker of course lol.

If this needs to be a 3 teamer than would this work:

GS: Wiggins and 2nd--> OKC
PHX: Rubio and Oubre-->GS
OKC: CP3-->PHX

Seems to get everyone what they need.