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

[bwgood77]

It's funny I've joked about a suns bucks finals for years and recently was saying it would be cool but now that it's actually happening it's kind of a bummer because one team has to lose.

I don't think I've ever said I thought the bucks would beat the suns, I did probably say some over there were way too dismissive of the bucks chances. Wisconsin sports fans are so used to heartbreaking losses some get way too negative all the time. I've been saying it's a toss up of a series and truly believe that.

Who I'm rooting for is a tough one. Hell I used to listen to Bucks games on the radio as a kid in the 80s because I lived on a farm out in the country with no access to cable. My fandom runs deep. It would be cool to see Giannis get a ring after committing to stay there. BUT I think ever so slightly I'm actually rooting for the suns this week. I really really like this current group and Monty Williams. Plus selfishly I would get to enjoy the win a little more living in AZ and getting to go to the parade and all that stuff.

But as I was saying it's awkward and actually not as cool as I would have thought to have both my teams in the finals.

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What is the latest on Giannis? Do you think he will play and if so, be a pretty good percentage of his normal self? Or just no idea?

One thing about the Bucks is that if they don't win they probably have quite a bit better chance of getting back due to the lack of a lot of competition in the east. Sure the Nets are a juggernaut if healthy, but who knows if they will be?

Then the Suns have the LA teams, GS, Utah, Denver, Dallas, etc to try and get through and while they may not all be healthy, some of them should be, plus they won't have Paul too much longer, especially at the level of play of this year which was his best in like 5 years. I think he probably has 1-2 years left at a high level.

My guess is Giannis plays game one but that's just a guess.

Is the East really an easier road back? Brooklyn healthy and with an off-season to add a little depth might be the scariest team in the league. Philly will still be good. Atlanta should be good. The heat will try to add a piece and so will Boston.

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Brooklyn would be the scariest team in the league but they only played like 13 games or something with all their big 3. I can't see them staying healthy...not all at the same time.

Philly is tough but Embiid is also very injury prone. He has missed a ton of time since coming into the league. The Hawks seemed banged up too. They might be the closest to a long time contender but not sure. I don't know after that. Miami may add someone..not sure who..if it's Oladipo long term or who else. The Bucks didn't seem to have a problem with them anyway.

I don't think it's nearly as tough as the west. Boston seems to have no depth. The bottom seeds are not that good. I don't think the Knicks are that good either and they were the 4 seed.

[suns12345]

What is the latest on Giannis? Do you think he will play and if so, be a pretty good percentage of his normal self? Or just no idea?

One thing about the Bucks is that if they don't win they probably have quite a bit better chance of getting back due to the lack of a lot of competition in the east. Sure the Nets are a juggernaut if healthy, but who knows if they will be?

Then the Suns have the LA teams, GS, Utah, Denver, Dallas, etc to try and get through and while they may not all be healthy, some of them should be, plus they won't have Paul too much longer, especially at the level of play of this year which was his best in like 5 years. I think he probably has 1-2 years left at a high level.

My guess is Giannis plays game one but that's just a guess.

Is the East really an easier road back? Brooklyn healthy and with an off-season to add a little depth might be the scariest team in the league. Philly will still be good. Atlanta should be good. The heat will try to add a piece and so will Boston.

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Brooklyn would be the scariest team in the league but they only played like 13 games or something with all their big 3. I can't see them staying healthy...not all at the same time.

Philly is tough but Embiid is also very injury prone. He has missed a ton of time since coming into the league. The Hawks seemed banged up too. They might be the closest to a long time contender but not sure. I don't know after that. Miami may add someone..not sure who..if it's Oladipo long term or who else. The Bucks didn't seem to have a problem with them anyway.

I don't think it's nearly as tough as the west. Boston seems to have no depth. The bottom seeds are not that good. I don't think the Knicks are that good either and they were the 4 seed.

Absolutely I think the East is easier. Although that doesn't mean the East won't have the best team in any given year.

I'm still not sold on the hawks yet... They only beat the knicks and a choking Philly team where Embiid had a sore knee and Simmons had a sore jump shot lol. Not trying to hate on the Hawks but I think a lot depends on one of hunter, reddish, huerter, collins turning into a fringe all star at least to pair with young. Right now it looks like they have some good complimentary players but I personally don't thinks its enough to put them in the genuine contender tier.

[WeekapaugGroove]

Especially now before we know what player movement this off-season holds it's super hard to predict what teams will be real contenders. **** even us suns fans didn't think we'd be contenders before last off-season.

While I do think the west will be deeper because it always is I can plays devil's advocate on the west good teams

Lakers- LeBron isn't getting any younger and AD is always hurt

Clippers- Kawhi could leave and Jackson and Batum are FAs. Ibaca might be cooked

Denver- Murray is going to miss a significant part of the season and Barton is a FA

Dallas- dysfunction and Kidd is a bad coach, roster is nothing special

Utah- Conley is a FA and not getting any younger, Gobert continues to get played off the floor in the playoffs

Portland- who the hell knows what that roster will look like

GS- Klay hasn't played in two years and Curry and Draymond are getting older, sure they will look to trade picks/Wiseman but it takes two to tango on that front

Memphis - nice young team but will some of their guys take a leap?



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[Slim Charless]

I really don't think CP came here for one year. Maybe he did, who knows. If he leaves I'd hope out of respect for Jones and Monty he'd work out a sign and trade or something. Losing him for nothing in return would be a bummer.

Can't see him going to NY when he's so close to his family in LA here

Unless the KNicks just offer an insane amount of money - all things -- I think the Suns are a better team for the next three years than the Knicks. But if he moves on and the Suns have won a title - I will not be that disappointed . Get the bling and move on is fine with me

Hope you guys have the same attitude with Bridges, since that's who I think Sarver is gonna cheap out on. I don't see him letting Chris walk and we all know DA is getting paid. I think Mikal might be the odd man out. I think they might trade him for a high pick in this draft. Maybe to get someone like Suggs if we can get into the top 5.

[Slim Charless]

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That makes sense though I also see them as the main guys to get Dame-if Portland actually pulls the trigger on that. They have the picks and youth to make that happen I think.

[bwgood77]

Especially now before we know what player movement this off-season holds it's super hard to predict what teams will be real contenders. **** even us suns fans didn't think we'd be contenders before last off-season.

While I do think the west will be deeper because it always is I can plays devil's advocate on the west good teams

Lakers- LeBron isn't getting any younger and AD is always hurt

Clippers- Kawhi could leave and Jackson and Batum are FAs. Ibaca might be cooked

Denver- Murray is going to miss a significant part of the season and Barton is a FA

Dallas- dysfunction and Kidd is a bad coach, roster is nothing special

Utah- Conley is a FA and not getting any younger, Gobert continues to get played off the floor in the playoffs

Portland- who the hell knows what that roster will look like

GS- Klay hasn't played in two years and Curry and Draymond are getting older, sure they will look to trade picks/Wiseman but it takes two to tango on that front

Memphis - nice young team but will some of their guys take a leap?

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Unless you think Kawhi or Paul are leaving which are very improbable, or Conley which I think is improbably as well, that just leaves Lowry, but I am not sure about cap space there. Could be the Knicks (though they seem after Ball) and he would help Dallas and some think he goes back to Toronto. I have heard Philly as well which would be a nice spot for him. I don't really see much movement. Kawhi loves LA too much and the team hasn't pressured him, shown they are a contender and even a tough time without him and have done what he wants, getting George to sign and giving up a lot to do so. Unless he would want to go to Miami, I don't see him moving, though I'd welcome that move.

[Saberestar]

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[bwgood77]

Can't see him going to NY when he's so close to his family in LA here

Unless the KNicks just offer an insane amount of money - all things -- I think the Suns are a better team for the next three years than the Knicks. But if he moves on and the Suns have won a title - I will not be that disappointed . Get the bling and move on is fine with me

Hope you guys have the same attitude with Bridges, since that's who I think Sarver is gonna cheap out on. I don't see him letting Chris walk and we all know DA is getting paid. I think Mikal might be the odd man out. I think they might trade him for a high pick in this draft. Maybe to get someone like Suggs if we can get into the top 5.

Why is there always an odd man out? They will not trade Bridges..they will not hit the tax yet.

They will currently be about $12 million under the luxury tax with all their holds, including CP3 at over $44 million. Sarver has even said he is willing to go into the tax.

They will stay under it...even if they give Cam $10 million and definitely if they give Paul a longer contract but reduced cap hit...they would then likely have enough for the MLE and/or Craig, though they should probably not use it unless it's a one year deal.

Sarver has said time and time again that he has learned from the Joe Johnson situation and Bridges is the exact player every team needs..that glue guy who is high character, very high iq on both sides, extremely efficient, doesn't need the ball in his hands, but also can be effective with the ball in his hands if needed.

They will not let him go. At least not now...if they had to for whatever reason, over a 37 year old Paul NEXT summer, they could, but in an earlier poll it was like 29-1 that it would be dumb to choose Paul next summer over Bridges, and I think the front office knows that. One guy you have a least 5 more years and the other guy maybe 2.

[BobbieL]

Unless the KNicks just offer an insane amount of money - all things -- I think the Suns are a better team for the next three years than the Knicks. But if he moves on and the Suns have won a title - I will not be that disappointed . Get the bling and move on is fine with me

Hope you guys have the same attitude with Bridges, since that's who I think Sarver is gonna cheap out on. I don't see him letting Chris walk and we all know DA is getting paid. I think Mikal might be the odd man out. I think they might trade him for a high pick in this draft. Maybe to get someone like Suggs if we can get into the top 5.

Why is there always an odd man out? They will not trade Bridges..they will not hit the tax yet.

They will currently be about $12 million under the luxury tax with all their holds, including CP3 at over $44 million. Sarver has even said he is willing to go into the tax.

They will stay under it...even if they give Cam $10 million and definitely if they give Paul a longer contract but reduced cap hit...they would then likely have enough for the MLE and/or Craig, though they should probably not use it unless it's a one year deal.

Sarver has said time and time again that he has learned from the Joe Johnson situation and Bridges is the exact player every team needs..that glue guy who is high character, very high iq on both sides, extremely efficient, doesn't need the ball in his hands, but also can be effective with the ball in his hands if needed.

They will not let him go. At least not now...if they had to for whatever reason, over a 37 year old Paul NEXT summer, they could, but in an earlier poll it was like 29-1 that it would be dumb to choose Paul next summer over Bridges, and I think the front office knows that. One guy you have a least 5 more years and the other guy maybe 2.

Agreed. I think Mikal Bridges is a keeper with Ayton and Booker. Now maybe Bridges wants the Max - so not sure how that plays out but the Suns have a year to figure that I do believe.

[Slim Charless]

Unless the KNicks just offer an insane amount of money - all things -- I think the Suns are a better team for the next three years than the Knicks. But if he moves on and the Suns have won a title - I will not be that disappointed . Get the bling and move on is fine with me

Hope you guys have the same attitude with Bridges, since that's who I think Sarver is gonna cheap out on. I don't see him letting Chris walk and we all know DA is getting paid. I think Mikal might be the odd man out. I think they might trade him for a high pick in this draft. Maybe to get someone like Suggs if we can get into the top 5.

Why is there always an odd man out? They will not trade Bridges..they will not hit the tax yet.

They will currently be about $12 million under the luxury tax with all their holds, including CP3 at over $44 million. Sarver has even said he is willing to go into the tax.

They will stay under it...even if they give Cam $10 million and definitely if they give Paul a longer contract but reduced cap hit...they would then likely have enough for the MLE and/or Craig, though they should probably not use it unless it's a one year deal.

Sarver has said time and time again that he has learned from the Joe Johnson situation and Bridges is the exact player every team needs..that glue guy who is high character, very high iq on both sides, extremely efficient, doesn't need the ball in his hands, but also can be effective with the ball in his hands if needed.

They will not let him go. At least not now...if they had to for whatever reason, over a 37 year old Paul NEXT summer, they could, but in an earlier poll it was like 29-1 that it would be dumb to choose Paul next summer over Bridges, and I think the front office knows that. One guy you have a least 5 more years and the other guy maybe 2.

I don't think that the Suns FO cares much about RealGM polls but I'm happy you brought them up as I think that CP3 will be working alongside JJ in about 4 years as a higher up in our front office. He's not leaving and is retiring here. As to Sarver, I know what he said but we'll see what he does. I do know that paying 4 guys 30M a year is tough for any owner-much less a guy like Sarver. The Bobby Sarver I know would trade Bridges and draft Suggs-allowing him to cheap out on Payne as well since the 2 play the same position. Still, there is more money coming down the pike soon for everyone and there's gonna be a ton of pressure on him to not cheap out like he did previously.

Either way, I hope Mikal crushes these Finals and shows his value today by shutting down Middleton.

[Slim Charless]

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I like how they have Frank as a key acquisition in that timeline.

[bwgood77]

Hope you guys have the same attitude with Bridges, since that's who I think Sarver is gonna cheap out on. I don't see him letting Chris walk and we all know DA is getting paid. I think Mikal might be the odd man out. I think they might trade him for a high pick in this draft. Maybe to get someone like Suggs if we can get into the top 5.

Why is there always an odd man out? They will not trade Bridges..they will not hit the tax yet.

They will currently be about $12 million under the luxury tax with all their holds, including CP3 at over $44 million. Sarver has even said he is willing to go into the tax.

They will stay under it...even if they give Cam $10 million and definitely if they give Paul a longer contract but reduced cap hit...they would then likely have enough for the MLE and/or Craig, though they should probably not use it unless it's a one year deal.

Sarver has said time and time again that he has learned from the Joe Johnson situation and Bridges is the exact player every team needs..that glue guy who is high character, very high iq on both sides, extremely efficient, doesn't need the ball in his hands, but also can be effective with the ball in his hands if needed.

They will not let him go. At least not now...if they had to for whatever reason, over a 37 year old Paul NEXT summer, they could, but in an earlier poll it was like 29-1 that it would be dumb to choose Paul next summer over Bridges, and I think the front office knows that. One guy you have a least 5 more years and the other guy maybe 2.

I don't think that the Suns FO cares much about RealGM polls but I'm happy you brought them up as I think that CP3 will be working alongside JJ in about 4 years as a higher up in our front office. He's not leaving and is retiring here. As to Sarver, I know what he said but we'll see what he does. I do know that paying 4 guys 30M a year is tough for any owner-much less a guy like Sarver. The Bobby Sarver I know would trade Bridges and draft Suggs-allowing him to cheap out on Payne as well since the 2 play the same position. Still, there is more money coming down the pike soon for everyone and there's gonna be a ton of pressure on him to not cheap out like he did previously.

Either way, I hope Mikal crushes these Finals and shows his value today by shutting down Middleton.

I doubt he will break up a championship core to draft Suggs...and a rebuilding team probably wouldn't even make that trade.

I don't think he will make $30 million either though.

I expect CP3 to be a coach fairy quickly. A head coach.

Sarver has obviously improved a great deal in spending, getting the right guys in place for culture, etc.

I think we can work it to where we only pay the tax 1 year anyway. We won't have to this coming year unless we make an unnecessary MLE signing in addition to Payne. The following year we will have to pay it if Paul is here, and then the year after that, even if Paul is still her, Crowder and Saric will expire, which will likely put us under the tax again.

Then you have Paul expiring if he gets 3 years this summer. After that, 3 pretty big salaries isn't that big of a deal.

And as far as polls go, I think it's a pretty good indication of what is the smart thing to do if you had to choose..Mikal Bridges for 5+ years AFTER next year or Paul for maybe 2 years AFTER next year.

Who wil be improving? Who will be declining? Who will help us win more long term? These answers are all obvious. But I think they can keep both for 3 years or for sure 2.

I'd probably offer Paul 2/$65 and Bridges 5/$100 and negotiate from there.

[Slim Charless]

Why is there always an odd man out? They will not trade Bridges..they will not hit the tax yet.

They will currently be about $12 million under the luxury tax with all their holds, including CP3 at over $44 million. Sarver has even said he is willing to go into the tax.

They will stay under it...even if they give Cam $10 million and definitely if they give Paul a longer contract but reduced cap hit...they would then likely have enough for the MLE and/or Craig, though they should probably not use it unless it's a one year deal.

Sarver has said time and time again that he has learned from the Joe Johnson situation and Bridges is the exact player every team needs..that glue guy who is high character, very high iq on both sides, extremely efficient, doesn't need the ball in his hands, but also can be effective with the ball in his hands if needed.

They will not let him go. At least not now...if they had to for whatever reason, over a 37 year old Paul NEXT summer, they could, but in an earlier poll it was like 29-1 that it would be dumb to choose Paul next summer over Bridges, and I think the front office knows that. One guy you have a least 5 more years and the other guy maybe 2.

I don't think that the Suns FO cares much about RealGM polls but I'm happy you brought them up as I think that CP3 will be working alongside JJ in about 4 years as a higher up in our front office. He's not leaving and is retiring here. As to Sarver, I know what he said but we'll see what he does. I do know that paying 4 guys 30M a year is tough for any owner-much less a guy like Sarver. The Bobby Sarver I know would trade Bridges and draft Suggs-allowing him to cheap out on Payne as well since the 2 play the same position. Still, there is more money coming down the pike soon for everyone and there's gonna be a ton of pressure on him to not cheap out like he did previously.

Either way, I hope Mikal crushes these Finals and shows his value today by shutting down Middleton.

I doubt he will break up a championship core to draft Suggs...and a rebuilding team probably wouldn't even make that trade.

I don't think he will make $30 million either though.

I expect CP3 to be a coach fairy quickly. A head coach.

Sarver has obviously improved a great deal in spending, getting the right guys in place for culture, etc.

I think we can work it to where we only pay the tax 1 year anyway. We won't have to this coming year unless we make an unnecessary MLE signing in addition to Payne. The following year we will have to pay it if Paul is here, and then the year after that, even if Paul is still her, Crowder and Saric will expire, which will likely put us under the tax again.

Then you have Paul expiring if he gets 3 years this summer. After that, 3 pretty big salaries isn't that big of a deal.

And as far as polls go, I think it's a pretty good indication of what is the smart thing to do if you had to choose..Mikal Bridges for 5+ years AFTER next year or Paul for maybe 2 years AFTER next year.

Who wil be improving? Who will be declining? Who will help us win more long term? These answers are all obvious. But I think they can keep both for 3 years or for sure 2.

I'd probably offer Paul 2/$65 and Bridges 5/$100 and negotiate from there.

General consensus of Bridges is he's worth the 6th pick...that's almost in the general range of where you can get Suggs.

Paul wants 3/100 I doubt he settles for less. Idk about him being a head coach. He seems too abrasive to me for a sport where you have to kiss player's asses.

[irish22022]

Can't see him going to NY when he's so close to his family in LA here

Unless the KNicks just offer an insane amount of money - all things -- I think the Suns are a better team for the next three years than the Knicks. But if he moves on and the Suns have won a title - I will not be that disappointed . Get the bling and move on is fine with me

Hope you guys have the same attitude with Bridges, since that's who I think Sarver is gonna cheap out on. I don't see him letting Chris walk and we all know DA is getting paid. I think Mikal might be the odd man out. I think they might trade him for a high pick in this draft. Maybe to get someone like Suggs if we can get into the top 5.

I suspect you're right but not because we won't offer him a fair deal. Someone will absolutely overpay him. And he'll be gone. A trade for a top 7 pick and a decent 3+d guy now may be prudent if you can't extend him this summer. Harsh facts

[Slim Charless]

Unless the KNicks just offer an insane amount of money - all things -- I think the Suns are a better team for the next three years than the Knicks. But if he moves on and the Suns have won a title - I will not be that disappointed . Get the bling and move on is fine with me

Hope you guys have the same attitude with Bridges, since that's who I think Sarver is gonna cheap out on. I don't see him letting Chris walk and we all know DA is getting paid. I think Mikal might be the odd man out. I think they might trade him for a high pick in this draft. Maybe to get someone like Suggs if we can get into the top 5.

I suspect you're right but not because we won't offer him a fair deal. Someone will absolutely overpay him. And he'll be gone. A trade for a top 7 pick and a decent 3+d guy now may be prudent if you can't extend him this summer. Harsh facts

We're in the finals and projected to win so no one wants to hear this.....

But it's true. There are some tough choices that will be made on this team in the next 12 months. Selling high on a guy who will want 25+ and getting a primo prospect for him in return might be a reality. We'll see though. Sarver said he'll pay, let's see if he means he'll pay EVERYONE.

[ImNotMcDiSwear]

Hope you guys have the same attitude with Bridges, since that's who I think Sarver is gonna cheap out on. I don't see him letting Chris walk and we all know DA is getting paid. I think Mikal might be the odd man out. I think they might trade him for a high pick in this draft. Maybe to get someone like Suggs if we can get into the top 5.

I suspect you're right but not because we won't offer him a fair deal. Someone will absolutely overpay him. And he'll be gone. A trade for a top 7 pick and a decent 3+d guy now may be prudent if you can't extend him this summer. Harsh facts

We're in the finals and projected to win so no one wants to here this.....

But it's true. There are some tough choices that will be made on this team in the next 12 months. Selling high on a guy who will want 25+ and getting a primo prospect for him in return might be a reality. We'll see though. Sarver said he'll pay, let's see if he means he'll pay EVERYONE.

I think Bridges has a lot of money at stake in these finals.

In crunch time against PG in Game 6, we went to Torrey Craig on PG. Now, Craig isn't the shooter Bridges is, and not as good defensively overall, but he's not that far off. And he rebounds. And he'll be much, much cheaper. Cam Jo is another 3&D type. As is Jae. Bridges is the youngest among them, and the best, but not by leaps and bounds.

Trading Bridges for a draft pick, though? I just can't see that. I imagine we won't extend him this offseason unless it's on a relatively team-friendly deal in the $17 mil range - or he balls out in these finals. Short of an outstanding performance or a team-friendly deal, I think we're looking at Mikal being an RFA next offseason and assessing our options then.

[Slim Charless]

I suspect you're right but not because we won't offer him a fair deal. Someone will absolutely overpay him. And he'll be gone. A trade for a top 7 pick and a decent 3+d guy now may be prudent if you can't extend him this summer. Harsh facts

We're in the finals and projected to win so no one wants to here this.....

But it's true. There are some tough choices that will be made on this team in the next 12 months. Selling high on a guy who will want 25+ and getting a primo prospect for him in return might be a reality. We'll see though. Sarver said he'll pay, let's see if he means he'll pay EVERYONE.

I think Bridges has a lot of money at stake in these finals.

In crunch time against PG in Game 6, we went to Torrey Craig on PG. Now, Craig isn't the shooter Bridges is, and not as good defensively overall, but he's not that far off. And he rebounds. And he'll be much, much cheaper. Cam Jo is another 3&D type. As is Jae. Bridges is the youngest among them, and the best, but not by leaps and bounds.

Trading Bridges for a draft pick, though? I just can't see that. I imagine we won't extend him this offseason unless it's on a relatively team-friendly deal in the $17 mil range - or he balls out in these finals. Short of an outstanding performance or a team-friendly deal, I think we're looking at Mikal being an RFA next offseason and assessing our options then.

It wouldn't be any draft pick though. If it had to happen I think to Cleveland for their #3 or Orlando for #5 would be best. Both teams have need of a SF who can hit the 3 and don't need anymore kids on the team.

Like I said, either pick would get us a top flight guy. I think they'd go Suggs as our CP3 replacement, but who knows.

Mikal definitely can make himself some major cash in these finals if he can shut down Middleton and hit some of the open shots he'll be getting.

[bwgood77]

Unless the KNicks just offer an insane amount of money - all things -- I think the Suns are a better team for the next three years than the Knicks. But if he moves on and the Suns have won a title - I will not be that disappointed . Get the bling and move on is fine with me

Hope you guys have the same attitude with Bridges, since that's who I think Sarver is gonna cheap out on. I don't see him letting Chris walk and we all know DA is getting paid. I think Mikal might be the odd man out. I think they might trade him for a high pick in this draft. Maybe to get someone like Suggs if we can get into the top 5.

I suspect you're right but not because we won't offer him a fair deal. Someone will absolutely overpay him. And he'll be gone. A trade for a top 7 pick and a decent 3+d guy now may be prudent if you can't extend him this summer. Harsh facts

So you trade him under the assumption someone might give him the max next summer? Does he wait and hope that happens? Or secure $100 million with an extension this summer? Most everyone takes the extension unless they think they are lowballed, and often when they don't it comes back to bit them (see Nerlens Noel and others).

[MrMiyagi]

Cap is always going up. Just lock everyone in.

[Revived]

Especially now before we know what player movement this off-season holds it's super hard to predict what teams will be real contenders. **** even us suns fans didn't think we'd be contenders before last off-season.

While I do think the west will be deeper because it always is I can plays devil's advocate on the west good teams

Lakers- LeBron isn't getting any younger and AD is always hurt

Clippers- Kawhi could leave and Jackson and Batum are FAs. Ibaca might be cooked

Denver- Murray is going to miss a significant part of the season and Barton is a FA

Dallas- dysfunction and Kidd is a bad coach, roster is nothing special

Utah- Conley is a FA and not getting any younger, Gobert continues to get played off the floor in the playoffs

Portland- who the hell knows what that roster will look like

GS- Klay hasn't played in two years and Curry and Draymond are getting older, sure they will look to trade picks/Wiseman but it takes two to tango on that front

Memphis - nice young team but will some of their guys take a leap?



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Memphis will probably do what the Suns did in terms of bringing in vets (CP3/Crowder) to guide the young guys.

But their young guys aren’t ready to win yet. Their not at the same point that Booker/Ayton/Bridges/Johnson were in the bubble last year.

Give it 2-3 more years and they’ll be ready.