2021 Playoff and Offseason Speculation - the playoffs. PLAYOFFS????

[ImNotMcDiSwear]

I wonder if we could afford Josh Richardson if he opts out.

I doubt it. But funny you mention. I started to write a post about maybe trading Saric for him, possibly in a 3 way if he opted in. He seems like a guy that might need a new situation but would have to be a guard off the bench. He can handle and has been a decent shooter in the past.

I don't know why he hasn't played as well since Miami though. I thought of Payne though and how our 3 guard rotation is pretty solid so I don't know if we need him unless we were to see injury to one of our 3 guards, or if Payne left for whatever reason.

One thing I've learned about James Jones is that he doesn't take flyers on guys. He brings players in who want to be here, who buy in, who are ready to work in an assigned role and earn their minutes.

Which is all to say, players are either on our short list or they're not, and I don't feel I have any clue who would or wouldn't be on it.

I agree that Saric is the player who is most likely to be sent packing, as pretty much everyone else on the roster seems to be succeeding in their role. I could see us losing Craig or even Frank to a team willing to offer more money, but like most here I expect us to pay Cam Payne. Richardson could be a good add if we lose Craig.

I really hope CP3 doesn't try to break our bank and accepts something closer to $30 per year than to $40, but I'm not counting on it. I supported Sarver's low-cost approach during the tank with the expectation that he would spend big when the time came, but I didn't expect our roster to get so expensive so fast. It's going to be hard to put a supporting cast around these guys if doing so puts us in danger of paying the repeater tax. Then again I hear all the new age factories are being built in AZ, so who knows. Maybe Phoenix is a big enough market now to support that kind of investment. Those Valley jerseys are dope.

[Ghost of Kleine]

Along with #13 (LeVert?) and 27 or 28 (Dejounte Murray?)

Ouch!

Its not like we would have taken those guys

Or ever got him to play for us for that matter.

Fair point!!!

[Frank Lee]

Ah.... the McDarkyears .... they seem so long ago

[Ghost of Kleine]

I wonder if we could afford Josh Richardson if he opts out.

I doubt it. But funny you mention. I started to write a post about maybe trading Saric for him, possibly in a 3 way if he opted in. He seems like a guy that might need a new situation but would have to be a guard off the bench. He can handle and has been a decent shooter in the past.

I don't know why he hasn't played as well since Miami though. I thought of Payne though and how our 3 guard rotation is pretty solid so I don't know if we need him unless we were to see injury to one of our 3 guards, or if Payne left for whatever reason.

One thing I've learned about James Jones is that he doesn't take flyers on guys. He brings players in who want to be here, who buy in, who are ready to work in an assigned role and earn their minutes.

Which is all to say, players are either on our short list or they're not, and I don't feel I have any clue who would or wouldn't be on it.

I agree that Saric is the player who is most likely to be sent packing, as pretty much everyone else on the roster seems to be succeeding in their role. I could see us losing Craig or even Frank to a team willing to offer more money, but like most here I expect us to pay Cam Payne. Richardson could be a good add if we lose Craig.

I really hope CP3 doesn't try to break our bank and accepts something closer to $30 per year than to $40, but I'm not counting on it. I supported Sarver's low-cost approach during the tank with the expectation that he would spend big when the time came, but I didn't expect our roster to get so expensive so fast. It's going to be hard to put a supporting cast around these guys if doing so puts us in danger of paying the repeater tax. Then again I hear all the new age factories are being built in AZ, so who knows. Maybe Phoenix is a big enough market now to support that kind of investment. Those Valley jerseys are dope.

I didn't expect our roster to get so expensive so fast. It's going to be hard to put a supporting cast around these guys if doing so puts us in danger of paying the repeater tax.

Hence wherein it becomes more important to fill out the back end of our roster with cheap cost controlled rookie scale talent that can be developed to become affordable contributors, And/ or be developed as tradable assets for the right trade scenario towards necessary roster alterations. And as they develop and contribute, They'll provide us with more affordable positional options to maintain some modicum of cap flexibility. What I've come to notice is that all of the best franchises as well as the cash strapped super teams will maintain a consistent influx of low cost high upside talent, to be used either as assets in trades, Or to keep roster costs down by providing cheap contributors with upside, In case they're forced to move a contract or two in interest of cap stability! We'll soon be flirting with such considerations. So developing and carrying young cheap talent with upside does have genuine merit.

Then again I hear all the new age factories are being built in AZ, so who knows. Maybe Phoenix is a big enough market now to support that kind of investment.

There's also been a fair amount of rumors that alot of the movie studios and tech innovation companies are looking to build in/ around Northwest Phoenix. So we absolutely could be considered a bigger and more competitive market for businesses, etc.

[bwgood77]

I wonder if we could afford Josh Richardson if he opts out.

I doubt it. But funny you mention. I started to write a post about maybe trading Saric for him, possibly in a 3 way if he opted in. He seems like a guy that might need a new situation but would have to be a guard off the bench. He can handle and has been a decent shooter in the past.

I don't know why he hasn't played as well since Miami though. I thought of Payne though and how our 3 guard rotation is pretty solid so I don't know if we need him unless we were to see injury to one of our 3 guards, or if Payne left for whatever reason.

One thing I've learned about James Jones is that he doesn't take flyers on guys. He brings players in who want to be here, who buy in, who are ready to work in an assigned role and earn their minutes.

Which is all to say, players are either on our short list or they're not, and I don't feel I have any clue who would or wouldn't be on it.

I agree that Saric is the player who is most likely to be sent packing, as pretty much everyone else on the roster seems to be succeeding in their role. I could see us losing Craig or even Frank to a team willing to offer more money, but like most here I expect us to pay Cam Payne. Richardson could be a good add if we lose Craig.

I really hope CP3 doesn't try to break our bank and accepts something closer to $30 per year than to $40, but I'm not counting on it. I supported Sarver's low-cost approach during the tank with the expectation that he would spend big when the time came, but I didn't expect our roster to get so expensive so fast. It's going to be hard to put a supporting cast around these guys if doing so puts us in danger of paying the repeater tax. Then again I hear all the new age factories are being built in AZ, so who knows. Maybe Phoenix is a big enough market now to support that kind of investment. Those Valley jerseys are dope.

I was thinking he would be the exact type of guy Jones would take a flyer on if he actually didn't get much interest due to his decline...since he seems to like taking guys other teams have given up on. Also playing with CP3 will help anyone get better.

But we don't really need him at this point and yes, we can't really add salary if we want to keep our core and CP3 past next year. If anything, we will have to dump some, which is what will make those minimum under the radar guys or solid draft picks who could be ready to contribute and have small contracts for 4 years very important.

[Ghost of Kleine]

Coincidentally, Since their elimination this evening, Many on the trade board are suggesting tearing it all down, Having a fire sale of everyone, Anyone not named Doncic!

They're desperate to move Porzingis, Although there don't seem to be any interested parties! But is there/ are there any players that we should have interest in trying to attain from them? I don't really have much interest in Josh Richardson ( with the way he's played since they traded for him). Unless he comes relatively cheap! I actually consider Justin Holiday to currently be better value. However, IF we do consider moving Saric, I do like something around Saric and the 29th pick for Kleber and Tyrell Terry?
https://tradenba.com/trades/TP2JSHoi2

( Kleber didn't have a great showing in their series, So his value should be somewhat diminished in a trade). But I still think he'd be an optimal fit next to Ayton, And would expierence a resurgence of sorts in a new environment!
* Either way, He can't really be any worse than Saric has been for us to date! Also, Terry would be key for me in the deal, As he still.has a very high IQ, And has tremendous shooting potential! I still think he could project along the lines of a bargain version of Trey Young. Which wouldn't at all be bad when mentored by Chris Paul himself!!!

So are there any specific players we should consider in a potential trade with them? Or any potential 3 team trades with another team recieving Porzingis, And we'd get back a veteran asset or two perhaps?

[ImNotMcDiSwear]

I didn't expect our roster to get so expensive so fast. It's going to be hard to put a supporting cast around these guys if doing so puts us in danger of paying the repeater tax.

Hence wherein it becomes more important to fill out the back end of our roster with cheap cost controlled rookie scale talent that can be developed to become affordable contributors, And/ or be developed as tradable assets for the right trade scenario towards necessary roster alterations. And as they develop and contribute, They'll provide us with more affordable positional options to maintain some modicum of cap flexibility. What I've come to notice is that all of the best franchises as well as the cash strapped super teams will maintain a consistent influx of low cost high upside talent, to be used either as assets in trades, Or to keep roster costs down by providing cheap contributors with upside, In case they're forced to move a contract or two in interest of cap stability! We'll soon be flirting with such considerations. So developing and carrying young cheap talent with upside does have genuine merit.

... yes, we can't really add salary if we want to keep our core and CP3 past next year. If anything, we will have to dump some, which is what will make those minimum under the radar guys or solid draft picks who could be ready to contribute and have small contracts for 4 years very important.

I don't disagree, but it's just so much easier said than done. The draft is a crap shoot. There were a lot of hits late in last year's draft, though. From #10 on down, teams apparently hit at #11 (Vassell), #12 (Halliburton), #13 (Lewis), #15 (Anthony), #16 (Stewart), #19 (S Bey), #24 (Hampton), #25 (Quickley), #26 (Pritchard), #28 (McDaniels), #29 (Flynn), #30 (Bane), #35 (Tillman), #48 (Mannion), #52 (K Mart Jr) and #58 (Reed). I liked some of those guys (Vassell, Halliburton, Quickley, Bane, Reed) but affirmatively disliked others (Lewis, Anthony, Stewart, Mannion).

From #29 (where we will pick this year) on down, there were 6 players taken who showed signs in their first NBA season. Not saying the book is closed - far from it - but the rest of the lot are still unknowns at best.

Notable players who look like busts after one season are #10 (Jalen Smith - though I'm still optimistic... I always am about our own draftees until it's too late!), #14 (Nesmith - really thought he'd be useful right away), #31 (Terry, GoK liked), #32 (Carey, I liked), #33 (Oturu, GoK liked), #36 (T Bey, who we both liked) and #56 Riller (who I know GoK *loved* but hasn't impressed at all in the G League).

Plus, if you draft them in the second round, that second contract starts at year 3. So, cheaper (because right to match), but still not cheap if they hit.

In my mind, especially when all you have are later picks, hits are something you hope for, not plan for. So while, yes, I want to make our selections, my default assumption is that we will hit on exactly none of the players we draft. So I think it's going to be very, very tough to keep a supporting cast around our core.

[bwgood77]

I didn't expect our roster to get so expensive so fast. It's going to be hard to put a supporting cast around these guys if doing so puts us in danger of paying the repeater tax.

Hence wherein it becomes more important to fill out the back end of our roster with cheap cost controlled rookie scale talent that can be developed to become affordable contributors, And/ or be developed as tradable assets for the right trade scenario towards necessary roster alterations. And as they develop and contribute, They'll provide us with more affordable positional options to maintain some modicum of cap flexibility. What I've come to notice is that all of the best franchises as well as the cash strapped super teams will maintain a consistent influx of low cost high upside talent, to be used either as assets in trades, Or to keep roster costs down by providing cheap contributors with upside, In case they're forced to move a contract or two in interest of cap stability! We'll soon be flirting with such considerations. So developing and carrying young cheap talent with upside does have genuine merit.

... yes, we can't really add salary if we want to keep our core and CP3 past next year. If anything, we will have to dump some, which is what will make those minimum under the radar guys or solid draft picks who could be ready to contribute and have small contracts for 4 years very important.

I don't disagree, but it's just so much easier said than done. The draft is a crap shoot. There were a lot of hits late in last year's draft, though. From #10 on down, teams apparently hit at #11 (Vassell), #12 (Halliburton), #13 (Lewis), #15 (Anthony), #16 (Stewart), #19 (S Bey), #24 (Hampton), #25 (Quickley), #26 (Pritchard), #28 (McDaniels), #29 (Flynn), #30 (Bane), #35 (Tillman), #48 (Mannion), #52 (K Mart Jr) and #58 (Reed). I liked some of those guys (Vassell, Halliburton, Quickley, Bane, Reed) but affirmatively disliked others (Lewis, Anthony, Stewart, Mannion).

From #29 (where we will pick this year) on down, there were 6 players taken who showed signs in their first NBA season. Not saying the book is closed - far from it - but the rest of the lot are still unknowns at best.

Notable players who look like busts after one season are #10 (Jalen Smith - though I'm still optimistic... I always am about our own draftees until it's too late!), #14 (Nesmith - really thought he'd be useful right away), #31 (Terry, GoK liked), #32 (Carey, I liked), #33 (Oturu, GoK liked), #36 (T Bey, who we both liked) and #56 Riller (who I know GoK *loved* but hasn't impressed at all in the G League).

Plus, if you draft them in the second round, that second contract starts at year 3. So, cheaper (because right to match), but still not cheap if they hit.

In my mind, especially when all you have are later picks, hits are something you hope for, not plan for. So while, yes, I want to make our selections, my default assumption is that we will hit on exactly none of the players we draft. So I think it's going to be very, very tough to keep a supporting cast around our core.

I don't think you plan for, but you use the pick as wisely as possible and take the type of guy that has been taken late and succeeded, which are guys that have played 3 or 4 years like Draymond, Brogdon, Boozer and Millsap. Jones typically likes guys with college experience that he thinks are ready to play.

I think you have probably a 20% chance on getting a rotation guy there...though even in the top 10 it's probably only 60% unless you are like top 3-5.

I think it's way too early to judge this draft class yet unless you are talking about obvious hits like LaMelo, Edwards and Haliburton and then others look like good rotation players like Bey, Bane and Quickley.

But many didn't see playing time (like Jalen) or were injured (Killian Hayes).

[Ghost of Kleine]

I didn't expect our roster to get so expensive so fast. It's going to be hard to put a supporting cast around these guys if doing so puts us in danger of paying the repeater tax.

Hence wherein it becomes more important to fill out the back end of our roster with cheap cost controlled rookie scale talent that can be developed to become affordable contributors, And/ or be developed as tradable assets for the right trade scenario towards necessary roster alterations. And as they develop and contribute, They'll provide us with more affordable positional options to maintain some modicum of cap flexibility. What I've come to notice is that all of the best franchises as well as the cash strapped super teams will maintain a consistent influx of low cost high upside talent, to be used either as assets in trades, Or to keep roster costs down by providing cheap contributors with upside, In case they're forced to move a contract or two in interest of cap stability! We'll soon be flirting with such considerations. So developing and carrying young cheap talent with upside does have genuine merit.

... yes, we can't really add salary if we want to keep our core and CP3 past next year. If anything, we will have to dump some, which is what will make those minimum under the radar guys or solid draft picks who could be ready to contribute and have small contracts for 4 years very important.

I don't disagree, but it's just so much easier said than done. The draft is a crap shoot. There were a lot of hits late in last year's draft, though. From #10 on down, teams apparently hit at #11 (Vassell), #12 (Halliburton), #13 (Lewis), #15 (Anthony), #16 (Stewart), #19 (S Bey), #24 (Hampton), #25 (Quickley), #26 (Pritchard), #28 (McDaniels), #29 (Flynn), #30 (Bane), #35 (Tillman), #48 (Mannion), #52 (K Mart Jr) and #58 (Reed). I liked some of those guys (Vassell, Halliburton, Quickley, Bane, Reed) but affirmatively disliked others (Lewis, Anthony, Stewart, Mannion).

From #29 (where we will pick this year) on down, there were 6 players taken who showed signs in their first NBA season. Not saying the book is closed - far from it - but the rest of the lot are still unknowns at best.

Notable players who look like busts after one season are #10 (Jalen Smith - though I'm still optimistic... I always am about our own draftees until it's too late!), #14 (Nesmith - really thought he'd be useful right away), #31 (Terry, GoK liked), #32 (Carey, I liked), #33 (Oturu, GoK liked), #36 (T Bey, who we both liked) and #56 Riller (who I know GoK *loved* but hasn't impressed at all in the G League).

Plus, if you draft them in the second round, that second contract starts at year 3. So, cheaper (because right to match), but still not cheap if they hit.

In my mind, especially when all you have are later picks, hits are something you hope for, not plan for. So while, yes, I want to make our selections, my default assumption is that we will hit on exactly none of the players we draft. So I think it's going to be very, very tough to keep a supporting cast around our core.

So many great points as always man!
For my part, with this draft, I'm specifically looking for size, length, athleticism and rim protection, *** Bonus if they have a good shooting skillset or playmaking ability too!

Now I haven't really done extensive research I to many prospects as I have done the previous years. Happily since we're finally a playoff team once again. And FINALLY out of the lottery for a change! So I'm currently looking for translatable skills that could benefit us positionally. For me, the easiest and most translatable skill overall is the size, length, explosive athleticism, A unique talent or ability. But also tenacity. As our bigs in Saric and Kaminsky are really subpar In terms of defense, athleticism.

I'm specifically looking for size and shotblocking, In order to backup Ayton, And address our frontcourt defensive issues and lack of rim protection from our bigs besides Ayton of course. And in finding someone that shows the ability to be fast ( mobile), long ( wingspan) explosive ( good vertical burst), and defensive consistency ( rim protection) will allow that prospect to have an impact either defensively in a half court setting, OR as an explosive rim runner drawing fouls, blocking shots and throwing down lobs in a fast break scenario.

Then we can better afford to put our full cap flexibility towards a more tangible veteran guard option IF necessary for once Paul leaves? If you get some time, You should really check out some of the mid to late 2nd and undrafted range of high talent centers that I've broached in the draft thread!

Ideally though, I'm hoping to fill the end of our roster with cost controlled young talent positionally. So that we can hopefully maintain a modicum of critical cap flexibility once Bridges, Aytons' and Payne's extensions come due! As I really hope to not have to split up.our core if things get too expensive otherwise!

** By the way, Bgood has come across a few really good center considerations as well. And if any of these minimum cost rookie scale bigs can have a better defensive impact than what Saric or Kaminsky have offered, Then their value will already be considered a success to our team!

[Barkley6]

Something I just remembered in terms of Torrey Craig....he was a target for the Suns this last offseason. He obviously chose Milwaukee over us, but I think that likely had to do with the perceived trajectory of each team. Milwaukee was an early favorite to come out of the East (pre-Harden to Brooklyn), and Craig had gotten to the conference finals the previous year with Denver. He was clearly looking to go to a contending team.

The Suns were projected by a lot to be a 6th or 7th seed, and no one thought we'd be this good.

I think those factors will play a large role in whether or not Craig comes back. We wanted him this offseason, and even when his play in Milwaukee was bad/limited, we were still high on him. Coupled with the fact that he is clearly looking to be on a winning/contending team, I think we have a pretty good shot of retaining him. I think he's a perfect candidate for the BAE as I've stated before, since we don't have his Bird rights, but a minimum deal likely won't get it done with the way he's performed for us. Additionally, I think we'd like to have him for two seasons, that way we don't have to worry about possibly re-signing him next offseason when we are also trying to extend Mikal and DA.

[BobbieL]

Something I just remembered in terms of Torrey Craig....he was a target for the Suns this last offseason. He obviously chose Milwaukee over us, but I think that likely had to do with the perceived trajectory of each team. Milwaukee was an early favorite to come out of the East (pre-Harden to Brooklyn), and Craig had gotten to the conference finals the previous year with Denver. He was clearly looking to go to a contending team.

The Suns were projected by a lot to be a 6th or 7th seed, and no one thought we'd be this good.

I think those factors will play a large role in whether or not Craig comes back. We wanted him this offseason, and even when his play in Milwaukee was bad/limited, we were still high on him. Coupled with the fact that he is clearly looking to be on a winning/contending team, I think we have a pretty good shot of retaining him. I think he's a perfect candidate for the BAE as I've stated before, since we don't have his Bird rights, but a minimum deal likely won't get it done with the way he's performed for us. Additionally, I think we'd like to have him for two seasons, that way we don't have to worry about possibly re-signing him next offseason when we are also trying to extend Mikal and DA.

Its not just Torrey Craig -- is other free agents that will see the Suns getting better. Especially if CP3 comes back for a few years. The Suns could be that team for veteran minimum guys to pick to have a chance to win

I do like Craig a lot. Think he is the type of player teams that win always have.

[Barkley6]

Something I just remembered in terms of Torrey Craig....he was a target for the Suns this last offseason. He obviously chose Milwaukee over us, but I think that likely had to do with the perceived trajectory of each team. Milwaukee was an early favorite to come out of the East (pre-Harden to Brooklyn), and Craig had gotten to the conference finals the previous year with Denver. He was clearly looking to go to a contending team.

The Suns were projected by a lot to be a 6th or 7th seed, and no one thought we'd be this good.

I think those factors will play a large role in whether or not Craig comes back. We wanted him this offseason, and even when his play in Milwaukee was bad/limited, we were still high on him. Coupled with the fact that he is clearly looking to be on a winning/contending team, I think we have a pretty good shot of retaining him. I think he's a perfect candidate for the BAE as I've stated before, since we don't have his Bird rights, but a minimum deal likely won't get it done with the way he's performed for us. Additionally, I think we'd like to have him for two seasons, that way we don't have to worry about possibly re-signing him next offseason when we are also trying to extend Mikal and DA.

Its not just Torrey Craig -- is other free agents that will see the Suns getting better. Especially if CP3 comes back for a few years. The Suns could be that team for veteran minimum guys to pick to have a chance to win

I do like Craig a lot. Think he is the type of player teams that win always have.

Fully agree. I'm not sure who it would be that would come, but I definitely think that guys might choose the Phoenix lifestyle over say, the Milwaukee or Philadelphia lifestyle, all things being equal.

A guy that intrigues me a little is DeMar DeRozan. He's 32, has made a boatload of money and hasn't really won much in his career. 6 playoff seasons out of 12, only has been out of the second round once. He probably wouldn't play for the minimum, but the MLE? MAYBE if our vets can sell him on this being his best chance to win a ring.

Another possibility in the probably won't happen category would be Derrick Rose. He would play for the MLE (made $7.5m last season), and might be sold on the chance to win, (7 first round exits in 10 playoff seasons), a warm weather city, and the opportunity to play with some top end young talent.

a more realistic target would be a guy like Carmelo Anthony, particularly since Portland seems to be ready to make some serious changes. Would come in and be a good quality PF option and someone that can easily get hot from the bench.

[Saberestar]

Something I just remembered in terms of Torrey Craig....he was a target for the Suns this last offseason. He obviously chose Milwaukee over us, but I think that likely had to do with the perceived trajectory of each team. Milwaukee was an early favorite to come out of the East (pre-Harden to Brooklyn), and Craig had gotten to the conference finals the previous year with Denver. He was clearly looking to go to a contending team.

The Suns were projected by a lot to be a 6th or 7th seed, and no one thought we'd be this good.

I think those factors will play a large role in whether or not Craig comes back. We wanted him this offseason, and even when his play in Milwaukee was bad/limited, we were still high on him. Coupled with the fact that he is clearly looking to be on a winning/contending team, I think we have a pretty good shot of retaining him. I think he's a perfect candidate for the BAE as I've stated before, since we don't have his Bird rights, but a minimum deal likely won't get it done with the way he's performed for us. Additionally, I think we'd like to have him for two seasons, that way we don't have to worry about possibly re-signing him next offseason when we are also trying to extend Mikal and DA.

Its not just Torrey Craig -- is other free agents that will see the Suns getting better. Especially if CP3 comes back for a few years. The Suns could be that team for veteran minimum guys to pick to have a chance to win

I do like Craig a lot. Think he is the type of player teams that win always have.

Fully agree. I'm not sure who it would be that would come, but I definitely think that guys might choose the Phoenix lifestyle over say, the Milwaukee or Philadelphia lifestyle, all things being equal.

A guy that intrigues me a little is DeMar DeRozan. He's 32, has made a boatload of money and hasn't really won much in his career. 6 playoff seasons out of 12, only has been out of the second round once. He probably wouldn't play for the minimum, but the MLE? MAYBE if our vets can sell him on this being his best chance to win a ring.

Another possibility in the probably won't happen category would be Derrick Rose. He would play for the MLE (made $7.5m last season), and might be sold on the chance to win, (7 first round exits in 10 playoff seasons), a warm weather city, and the opportunity to play with some top end young talent.

a more realistic target would be a guy like Carmelo Anthony, particularly since Portland seems to be ready to make some serious changes. Would come in and be a good quality PF option and someone that can easily get hot from the bench.

DeRozan is yet an amazing player. He will get a ton of offers over $20M per year.

If he wants to play for the Suns for the full MLE Adam Silver can give us the trophy before the start of the season.

[BobbieL]

Something I just remembered in terms of Torrey Craig....he was a target for the Suns this last offseason. He obviously chose Milwaukee over us, but I think that likely had to do with the perceived trajectory of each team. Milwaukee was an early favorite to come out of the East (pre-Harden to Brooklyn), and Craig had gotten to the conference finals the previous year with Denver. He was clearly looking to go to a contending team.

The Suns were projected by a lot to be a 6th or 7th seed, and no one thought we'd be this good.

I think those factors will play a large role in whether or not Craig comes back. We wanted him this offseason, and even when his play in Milwaukee was bad/limited, we were still high on him. Coupled with the fact that he is clearly looking to be on a winning/contending team, I think we have a pretty good shot of retaining him. I think he's a perfect candidate for the BAE as I've stated before, since we don't have his Bird rights, but a minimum deal likely won't get it done with the way he's performed for us. Additionally, I think we'd like to have him for two seasons, that way we don't have to worry about possibly re-signing him next offseason when we are also trying to extend Mikal and DA.

Its not just Torrey Craig -- is other free agents that will see the Suns getting better. Especially if CP3 comes back for a few years. The Suns could be that team for veteran minimum guys to pick to have a chance to win

I do like Craig a lot. Think he is the type of player teams that win always have.

Fully agree. I'm not sure who it would be that would come, but I definitely think that guys might choose the Phoenix lifestyle over say, the Milwaukee or Philadelphia lifestyle, all things being equal.

A guy that intrigues me a little is DeMar DeRozan. He's 32, has made a boatload of money and hasn't really won much in his career. 6 playoff seasons out of 12, only has been out of the second round once. He probably wouldn't play for the minimum, but the MLE? MAYBE if our vets can sell him on this being his best chance to win a ring.

Another possibility in the probably won't happen category would be Derrick Rose. He would play for the MLE (made $7.5m last season), and might be sold on the chance to win, (7 first round exits in 10 playoff seasons), a warm weather city, and the opportunity to play with some top end young talent.

a more realistic target would be a guy like Carmelo Anthony, particularly since Portland seems to be ready to make some serious changes. Would come in and be a good quality PF option and someone that can easily get hot from the bench.

I think DeRozan will get paid

Derrick Rose -interesting name but my guess the Knicks bring him back'

Carmelo - now there could be the option. As you are right - he can still score the ball on occasion

Suns are ascending - metaphorically, they seem to have risen from the ashes - good young core of players that should get better.

[Barkley6]

Its not just Torrey Craig -- is other free agents that will see the Suns getting better. Especially if CP3 comes back for a few years. The Suns could be that team for veteran minimum guys to pick to have a chance to win

I do like Craig a lot. Think he is the type of player teams that win always have.

Fully agree. I'm not sure who it would be that would come, but I definitely think that guys might choose the Phoenix lifestyle over say, the Milwaukee or Philadelphia lifestyle, all things being equal.

A guy that intrigues me a little is DeMar DeRozan. He's 32, has made a boatload of money and hasn't really won much in his career. 6 playoff seasons out of 12, only has been out of the second round once. He probably wouldn't play for the minimum, but the MLE? MAYBE if our vets can sell him on this being his best chance to win a ring.

Another possibility in the probably won't happen category would be Derrick Rose. He would play for the MLE (made $7.5m last season), and might be sold on the chance to win, (7 first round exits in 10 playoff seasons), a warm weather city, and the opportunity to play with some top end young talent.

a more realistic target would be a guy like Carmelo Anthony, particularly since Portland seems to be ready to make some serious changes. Would come in and be a good quality PF option and someone that can easily get hot from the bench.

I think DeRozan will get paid

Derrick Rose -interesting name but my guess the Knicks bring him back'

Carmelo - now there could be the option. As you are right - he can still score the ball on occasion

Suns are ascending - metaphorically, they seem to have risen from the ashes - good young core of players that should get better.

Here's the thing with DeRozan....he CAN get paid. Definitely. BUT the teams in a position to pay him PROBABLY aren't going to be competing any time soon. As it stands, Charlotte, Toronto, SAS, OKC and the Knicks have over $20m in cap space. The Knicks would be the ones I'd be most worried about going after him, but they have guys of their own to bring back. If he decides winning is more important (he's already had a couple decent contracts in his career) I could see him signing for the Suns, Lakers, or Milwaukee for the MLE.

My guess the Knicks will bring back Rose too, but again, you never know what is going to happen in FA. He might be swayed by a project that is further along, and the chance to live in the warm weather.

Melo to me seems the most likely. He'll be cheap, and he can easily get you 20 on a lot of nights. He's also gotten very used to playing with two ball dominant guards in Portland, so the transition to Phoenix should be fairly seamless.

[BobbieL]

Fully agree. I'm not sure who it would be that would come, but I definitely think that guys might choose the Phoenix lifestyle over say, the Milwaukee or Philadelphia lifestyle, all things being equal.

A guy that intrigues me a little is DeMar DeRozan. He's 32, has made a boatload of money and hasn't really won much in his career. 6 playoff seasons out of 12, only has been out of the second round once. He probably wouldn't play for the minimum, but the MLE? MAYBE if our vets can sell him on this being his best chance to win a ring.

Another possibility in the probably won't happen category would be Derrick Rose. He would play for the MLE (made $7.5m last season), and might be sold on the chance to win, (7 first round exits in 10 playoff seasons), a warm weather city, and the opportunity to play with some top end young talent.

a more realistic target would be a guy like Carmelo Anthony, particularly since Portland seems to be ready to make some serious changes. Would come in and be a good quality PF option and someone that can easily get hot from the bench.

I think DeRozan will get paid

Derrick Rose -interesting name but my guess the Knicks bring him back'

Carmelo - now there could be the option. As you are right - he can still score the ball on occasion

Suns are ascending - metaphorically, they seem to have risen from the ashes - good young core of players that should get better.

Here's the thing with DeRozan....he CAN get paid. Definitely. BUT the teams in a position to pay him PROBABLY aren't going to be competing any time soon. As it stands, Charlotte, Toronto, SAS, OKC and the Knicks have over $20m in cap space. The Knicks would be the ones I'd be most worried about going after him, but they have guys of their own to bring back. If he decides winning is more important (he's already had a couple decent contracts in his career) I could see him signing for the Suns, Lakers, or Milwaukee for the MLE.

My guess the Knicks will bring back Rose too, but again, you never know what is going to happen in FA. He might be swayed by a project that is further along, and the chance to live in the warm weather.

Melo to me seems the most likely. He'll be cheap, and he can easily get you 20 on a lot of nights. He's also gotten very used to playing with two ball dominant guards in Portland, so the transition to Phoenix should be fairly seamless.

Good point about DeRozan - he might want to win more than cash in. Will be an interesting offseason but hopefully thats not anytime soon for the Suns.

[King4Day]

I wonder if Denver will pursue Lillard this offseason.
Send them Murray and 3 1sts + pick swaps. Denver will never have as good a chance to win than they do now

[King4Day]

Seeing this comment from Porzingis, makes you realize we really did draft the right guy in DA.

Sources tell Tim MacMahon of ESPN that Porzingis has been frustrated as Doncic dominates the ball and the spotlight. Porzingis frequently made thinly veiled references during his postgame media availabilities, such as saying the "ball actually moved tonight" after high-scoring performances or stating that the offense didn't involve him on low-scoring nights.

He and Book would have never made it work. Probably the same with Trae.

I wonder if the Cavs and Mavs would do a Love/KP swap.
Love has one less year than KP. Cavs could get a future first in return as well to help mitigate that extra year.
Then the Cavs could maybe be a better fit for KP. I think Sexton and Garland could be easier to move if it becomes necessary.

[BobbieL]

I wonder if Denver will pursue Lillard this offseason.
Send them Murray and 3 1sts + pick swaps. Denver will never have as good a chance to win than they do now

That might make some sense if Portland is ready to "change things." Granted, wouldn't have Murray until probably spring of 2022.

Though I do think more likely to be traded is CJ McCollum

[BobbieL]

Seeing this comment from Porzingis, makes you realize we really did draft the right guy in DA.

Sources tell Tim MacMahon of ESPN that Porzingis has been frustrated as Doncic dominates the ball and the spotlight. Porzingis frequently made thinly veiled references during his postgame media availabilities, such as saying the "ball actually moved tonight" after high-scoring performances or stating that the offense didn't involve him on low-scoring nights.

He and Book would have never made it work. Probably the same with Trae.

I wonder if the Cavs and Mavs would do a Love/KP swap.
Love has one less year than KP. Cavs could get a future first in return as well to help mitigate that extra year.
Then the Cavs could maybe be a better fit for KP. I think Sexton and Garland could be easier to move if it becomes necessary.

That would be an interesting trade. But when I see Porzingis I do see a pretty tall small forward though. So you wrote Love for Porz. I have seen Kemba for Porz speculated.

Doncic is a heckuva player but he is a bit like Harden and he likes the ball in his hands.