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

[Revived]

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.

You have a good point. But hypothetically if the Suns don’t bring Bridges back because he got offered some crazy contract, then extending Cam Johnson the following summer becomes an absolute necessity right.

[lilfishi22]

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.

You have a good point. But hypothetically if the Suns don’t bring Bridges back because he got offered some crazy contract, then bringing Cam Johnson back the next year becomes an absolute necessity right.

Cam is still under contract

[Slim Charless]

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.

You have a good point. But hypothetically if the Suns don’t bring Bridges back because he got offered some crazy contract, then bringing Cam Johnson back the next year becomes an absolute necessity right.

Cam is still under contract

...and can be had for much less than 100M I'd be willing to bet. I think Cam would take a 75 for 4 easily when he's up next season, plus the starter's position.

[Revived]

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.

You have a good point. But hypothetically if the Suns don’t bring Bridges back because he got offered some crazy contract, then bringing Cam Johnson back the next year becomes an absolute necessity right.

Cam is still under contract

Meant to say “extending Cam Johnson the following summer”.

[AtheJ415]

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.

Jimmy Butler and Kawhi were defensive role players who showed no more offensive ability than Mikal has early in their careers. We should absolutely not be letting Mikal walk. His defense is a big part of why we are here, and he's not a liability on offense. He moves incredibly well off the ball and shoots at a high level. He's not an offensive creator but could be an 18 PPG scorer with continued ball handling improvement. We should not be letting any of the core walk this offseason. If we're moving anybody, it ought to be Crowder and / or Frank if there's an upgrade to be made at the backup big spots. I do like Crowder but I think Cam has already proven to be the better player and I could easily see him being the starter next year. DA can handle the paint as the lone big.

[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 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.

Jimmy Butler and Kawhi were defensive role players who showed no more offensive ability than Mikal has early in their careers. We should absolutely not be letting Mikal walk. His defense is a big part of why we are here, and he's not a liability on offense. He moves incredibly well off the ball and shoots at a high level. He's not an offensive creator but could be an 18 PPG scorer with continued ball handling improvement. We should not be letting any of the core walk this offseason. If we're moving anybody, it ought to be Crowder and / or Frank if there's an upgrade to be made at the backup big spots. I do like Crowder but I think Cam has already proven to be the better player and I could easily see him being the starter next year. DA can handle the paint as the lone big.

No one said he walks for free. I said trade. More specifically for a top 4 draft pick this year. That's if it HAS to happen-which I don't want it to.

[BobbieL]

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).

I agree. I am not trading Bridges too early with the thought that maybe he doesn't sign a long term deal. I am going to keep him through next season and hope something gets done. Mikal is a good player and will get better. I think something like 5/90-100m seems fair in todays markeplace

Cam - -well thats a decision to be made in two years. But he just gets better and better.

[Barkley6]

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).

I agree. I am not trading Bridges too early with the thought that maybe he doesn't sign a long term deal. I am going to keep him through next season and hope something gets done. Mikal is a good player and will get better. I think something like 5/90-100m seems fair in todays markeplace

Cam - -well thats a decision to be made in two years. But he just gets better and better.

I'd rather sign Mikal to the big deal and bank on him improving (which all signs point to) and then if the finances get tight in a year or two trading him then (if we must). The issue with trading him now, is that while he's a good asset, everyone knows you have to pay him soon which decreases his value. What if a team trades for him, can't reach an extension and then he goes and gets an insane offer in RFA?

If you sign Bridges to 5/$100m, that's not an albatross contract, and still very tradable down the line. He's a top end defender in the league, a top end shooter in the league and is very efficient. Even if he ends up being a 15ppg scorer on offense, he's going to become an All-NBA defender. Jrue Holiday is kind of a good comparison, he got $25m/per in 2017-18. But he had made an all-star team and had shown a lot more on offense than Bridges has to date.

When you look at the haul New Orleans got for Holiday, 3 1sts and Bledsoe, essentially (and Holiday was 30 when the deal was made), That's a WAY better haul than simply getting a 1st this year.

[BobbieL]

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).

I agree. I am not trading Bridges too early with the thought that maybe he doesn't sign a long term deal. I am going to keep him through next season and hope something gets done. Mikal is a good player and will get better. I think something like 5/90-100m seems fair in todays markeplace

Cam - -well thats a decision to be made in two years. But he just gets better and better.

I'd rather sign Mikal to the big deal and bank on him improving (which all signs point to) and then if the finances get tight in a year or two trading him then (if we must). The issue with trading him now, is that while he's a good asset, everyone knows you have to pay him soon which decreases his value. What if a team trades for him, can't reach an extension and then he goes and gets an insane offer in RFA?

If you sign Bridges to 5/$100m, that's not an albatross contract, and still very tradable down the line. He's a top end defender in the league, a top end shooter in the league and is very efficient. Even if he ends up being a 15ppg scorer on offense, he's going to become an All-NBA defender. Jrue Holiday is kind of a good comparison, he got $25m/per in 2017-18. But he had made an all-star team and had shown a lot more on offense than Bridges has to date.

When you look at the haul New Orleans got for Holiday, 3 1sts and Bledsoe, essentially (and Holiday was 30 when the deal was made), That's a WAY better haul than simply getting a 1st this year.

Agreed. Keep this team going as long as you can. Maybe in a couple years you have to trade Crowder and Saric to keep Cam - but thats do-able hopefully.

[Barkley6]

I agree. I am not trading Bridges too early with the thought that maybe he doesn't sign a long term deal. I am going to keep him through next season and hope something gets done. Mikal is a good player and will get better. I think something like 5/90-100m seems fair in todays markeplace

Cam - -well thats a decision to be made in two years. But he just gets better and better.

I'd rather sign Mikal to the big deal and bank on him improving (which all signs point to) and then if the finances get tight in a year or two trading him then (if we must). The issue with trading him now, is that while he's a good asset, everyone knows you have to pay him soon which decreases his value. What if a team trades for him, can't reach an extension and then he goes and gets an insane offer in RFA?

If you sign Bridges to 5/$100m, that's not an albatross contract, and still very tradable down the line. He's a top end defender in the league, a top end shooter in the league and is very efficient. Even if he ends up being a 15ppg scorer on offense, he's going to become an All-NBA defender. Jrue Holiday is kind of a good comparison, he got $25m/per in 2017-18. But he had made an all-star team and had shown a lot more on offense than Bridges has to date.

When you look at the haul New Orleans got for Holiday, 3 1sts and Bledsoe, essentially (and Holiday was 30 when the deal was made), That's a WAY better haul than simply getting a 1st this year.

Agreed. Keep this team going as long as you can. Maybe in a couple years you have to trade Crowder and Saric to keep Cam - but thats do-able hopefully.

Agree. As long as CP3 is the CP3 we know and love, you keep the core group together. Once he leaves, you do some re-evaluating. I think Crowder is great value for money right now. I don't want to deal him. Saric to me is the odd one out, so if there is a deal out there for him, take it.

[BobbieL]

I'd rather sign Mikal to the big deal and bank on him improving (which all signs point to) and then if the finances get tight in a year or two trading him then (if we must). The issue with trading him now, is that while he's a good asset, everyone knows you have to pay him soon which decreases his value. What if a team trades for him, can't reach an extension and then he goes and gets an insane offer in RFA?

If you sign Bridges to 5/$100m, that's not an albatross contract, and still very tradable down the line. He's a top end defender in the league, a top end shooter in the league and is very efficient. Even if he ends up being a 15ppg scorer on offense, he's going to become an All-NBA defender. Jrue Holiday is kind of a good comparison, he got $25m/per in 2017-18. But he had made an all-star team and had shown a lot more on offense than Bridges has to date.

When you look at the haul New Orleans got for Holiday, 3 1sts and Bledsoe, essentially (and Holiday was 30 when the deal was made), That's a WAY better haul than simply getting a 1st this year.

Agreed. Keep this team going as long as you can. Maybe in a couple years you have to trade Crowder and Saric to keep Cam - but thats do-able hopefully.

Agree. As long as CP3 is the CP3 we know and love, you keep the core group together. Once he leaves, you do some re-evaluating. I think Crowder is great value for money right now. I don't want to deal him. Saric to me is the odd one out, so if there is a deal out there for him, take it.

Agree about Crowder over Saric. Hopefully Paul takes the 3/100m contract that has been discussed - would be nice for the team. And I think he probably will. The only other team mentioned seems to be the Knicks and are they really a better situation - if the dollars are there - than the Suns. The Suns have a very good situation going forward. Key young players signed; Bridges, Ayton, Cam J, Cam P - all should be getting better. Booker will probably continue to evolve his game as well - getting better,. Team is ascending to be sure.

[Barkley6]

Agreed. Keep this team going as long as you can. Maybe in a couple years you have to trade Crowder and Saric to keep Cam - but thats do-able hopefully.

Agree. As long as CP3 is the CP3 we know and love, you keep the core group together. Once he leaves, you do some re-evaluating. I think Crowder is great value for money right now. I don't want to deal him. Saric to me is the odd one out, so if there is a deal out there for him, take it.

Agree about Crowder over Saric. Hopefully Paul takes the 3/100m contract that has been discussed - would be nice for the team. And I think he probably will. The only other team mentioned seems to be the Knicks and are they really a better situation - if the dollars are there - than the Suns. The Suns have a very good situation going forward. Key young players signed; Bridges, Ayton, Cam J, Cam P - all should be getting better. Booker will probably continue to evolve his game as well - getting better,. Team is ascending to be sure.

the Knicks are as appealing as they've ever been, but I doubt CP3 leaves us for New York for a few reasons.
1. It would be incredibly far away from his kids in LA. He likes to be able to hop a quick flight and visit them on off days. He can't do that in NYC.
2. The Knicks are a young team that can benefit from his leadership, but there is ZERO guarantee they will buy into him the way that Phoenix's young players have.
3. He has a great relationship with Monty Williams

The only real threat I could see would be if the Lakers somehow clear up some space and make a run at him in that $33m range. They'd have to decline all their cap holds, and deal Kuzma and KCP to free up the necessary space, which is a lot of moves to be made without some kind of assurances from CP3 that he'd sign there.

Aside from that I don't see any other scenarios in which CP3 would be close to his kids, and contending.

[ImNotMcDiSwear]

I'd rather sign Mikal to the big deal and bank on him improving (which all signs point to) and then if the finances get tight in a year or two trading him then (if we must). The issue with trading him now, is that while he's a good asset, everyone knows you have to pay him soon which decreases his value. What if a team trades for him, can't reach an extension and then he goes and gets an insane offer in RFA?

If you sign Bridges to 5/$100m, that's not an albatross contract, and still very tradable down the line. He's a top end defender in the league, a top end shooter in the league and is very efficient. Even if he ends up being a 15ppg scorer on offense, he's going to become an All-NBA defender. Jrue Holiday is kind of a good comparison, he got $25m/per in 2017-18. But he had made an all-star team and had shown a lot more on offense than Bridges has to date.

When you look at the haul New Orleans got for Holiday, 3 1sts and Bledsoe, essentially (and Holiday was 30 when the deal was made), That's a WAY better haul than simply getting a 1st this year.

Agreed. Keep this team going as long as you can. Maybe in a couple years you have to trade Crowder and Saric to keep Cam - but thats do-able hopefully.

Agree. As long as CP3 is the CP3 we know and love, you keep the core group together. Once he leaves, you do some re-evaluating. I think Crowder is great value for money right now. I don't want to deal him. Saric to me is the odd one out, so if there is a deal out there for him, take it.

Saric's issue seems to be mental. He lacks confidence. I don't know what team would be particularly interested in him, though his deal isn't too bad for what he gives you. The big reason I don't see a trade materializing is that we need him. He's our only capable bench big ATM. And when he's on, he's useful as a scorer, passer, shooter, who gives you some toughness as well, decent defender against heavy plodders like Val. I think Robin Lopez might actually be a better player and can be had cheap, but he doesn't give you another look - just a lesser Ayton.

So if you trade Saric, you're probably taking on another guy who's struggled. And maybe a guy like Josh Richardson (whom others have mentioned) can step in for Torrey Craig if he walks. So I'm not saying a deal isn't possible, it's just that his trade value probably isn't significant and he's a rotation guy who has chemistry with this squad, so you'd not only need to replace him but you're unlikely to get much value in return, and you'd likely lose a couple more games just finding rhythm/chemistry with the new guy. I'm sure a trade could be done, I just doubt whether there's a deal out there that improves us.

[ImNotMcDiSwear]

Agree. As long as CP3 is the CP3 we know and love, you keep the core group together. Once he leaves, you do some re-evaluating. I think Crowder is great value for money right now. I don't want to deal him. Saric to me is the odd one out, so if there is a deal out there for him, take it.

Agree about Crowder over Saric. Hopefully Paul takes the 3/100m contract that has been discussed - would be nice for the team. And I think he probably will. The only other team mentioned seems to be the Knicks and are they really a better situation - if the dollars are there - than the Suns. The Suns have a very good situation going forward. Key young players signed; Bridges, Ayton, Cam J, Cam P - all should be getting better. Booker will probably continue to evolve his game as well - getting better,. Team is ascending to be sure.

the Knicks are as appealing as they've ever been, but I doubt CP3 leaves us for New York for a few reasons.
1. It would be incredibly far away from his kids in LA. He likes to be able to hop a quick flight and visit them on off days. He can't do that in NYC.
2. The Knicks are a young team that can benefit from his leadership, but there is ZERO guarantee they will buy into him the way that Phoenix's young players have.
3. He has a great relationship with Monty Williams

The only real threat I could see would be if the Lakers somehow clear up some space and make a run at him in that $33m range. They'd have to decline all their cap holds, and deal Kuzma and KCP to free up the necessary space, which is a lot of moves to be made without some kind of assurances from CP3 that he'd sign there.

Aside from that I don't see any other scenarios in which CP3 would be close to his kids, and contending.

If CP3 wins a championship with this squad, I can't see him leaving. He's built something here. These relationships and this chemistry won't be easily replicated. He'll be the #1 guy on a championship squad with support, youth, depth, the right culture. I can't imagine he's interested in wearing another jersey given what's transpired. He's made his money, he'll make more, and whether it's us or another team that would pay him, it'll be because of this team's success that he gets paid. Personally, I don't even think it's worth considering.

[BobbieL]

Agreed. Keep this team going as long as you can. Maybe in a couple years you have to trade Crowder and Saric to keep Cam - but thats do-able hopefully.

Agree. As long as CP3 is the CP3 we know and love, you keep the core group together. Once he leaves, you do some re-evaluating. I think Crowder is great value for money right now. I don't want to deal him. Saric to me is the odd one out, so if there is a deal out there for him, take it.

Saric's issue seems to be mental. He lacks confidence. I don't know what team would be particularly interested in him, though his deal isn't too bad for what he gives you. The big reason I don't see a trade materializing is that we need him. He's our only capable bench big ATM. And when he's on, he's useful as a scorer, passer, shooter, who gives you some toughness as well, decent defender against heavy plodders like Val. I think Robin Lopez might actually be a better player and can be had cheap, but he doesn't give you another look - just a lesser Ayton.

So if you trade Saric, you're probably taking on another guy who's struggled. And maybe a guy like Josh Richardson (whom others have mentioned) can step in for Torrey Craig if he walks. So I'm not saying a deal isn't possible, it's just that his trade value probably isn't significant and he's a rotation guy who has chemistry with this squad, so you'd not only need to replace him but you're unlikely to get much value in return, and you'd likely lose a couple more games just finding rhythm/chemistry with the new guy. I'm sure a trade could be done, I just doubt whether there's a deal out there that improves us.

With respect to DArio - I would agree. And with DArio - you always will get maximum effort (even when I wish he wouldnt' dribble the ball -nothing good comes from that!). But you are right- but he does bring value on other areas than Ayton. I think they keep him.

I truly just see the end of the bench being changed - whether upgraded or not is to be determined.

[BobbieL]

Agree. As long as CP3 is the CP3 we know and love, you keep the core group together. Once he leaves, you do some re-evaluating. I think Crowder is great value for money right now. I don't want to deal him. Saric to me is the odd one out, so if there is a deal out there for him, take it.

Agree about Crowder over Saric. Hopefully Paul takes the 3/100m contract that has been discussed - would be nice for the team. And I think he probably will. The only other team mentioned seems to be the Knicks and are they really a better situation - if the dollars are there - than the Suns. The Suns have a very good situation going forward. Key young players signed; Bridges, Ayton, Cam J, Cam P - all should be getting better. Booker will probably continue to evolve his game as well - getting better,. Team is ascending to be sure.

the Knicks are as appealing as they've ever been, but I doubt CP3 leaves us for New York for a few reasons.
1. It would be incredibly far away from his kids in LA. He likes to be able to hop a quick flight and visit them on off days. He can't do that in NYC.
2. The Knicks are a young team that can benefit from his leadership, but there is ZERO guarantee they will buy into him the way that Phoenix's young players have.
3. He has a great relationship with Monty Williams

[color=#000000][color=#000000]The only real threat I could see would be if the Lakers somehow clear up some space and make a run at him in that $33m range. They'd have to decline all their cap holds, and deal Kuzma and KCP to free up the necessary space, which is a lot of moves to be made without some kind of assurances from CP3 that he'd sign there.
[/color][/color]
Aside from that I don't see any other scenarios in which CP3 would be close to his kids, and contending.

Haven't you heard - the Lakers are going to use KCP, Kuzma, Horton Tucker and Harrell to get Damian Lillard. Lakers might have to throw in a 2nd but according to their fans on twitter (some of them) - thats a deal ready made to happen!

[Barkley6]

Agreed. Keep this team going as long as you can. Maybe in a couple years you have to trade Crowder and Saric to keep Cam - but thats do-able hopefully.

Agree. As long as CP3 is the CP3 we know and love, you keep the core group together. Once he leaves, you do some re-evaluating. I think Crowder is great value for money right now. I don't want to deal him. Saric to me is the odd one out, so if there is a deal out there for him, take it.

Saric's issue seems to be mental. He lacks confidence. I don't know what team would be particularly interested in him, though his deal isn't too bad for what he gives you. The big reason I don't see a trade materializing is that we need him. He's our only capable bench big ATM. And when he's on, he's useful as a scorer, passer, shooter, who gives you some toughness as well, decent defender against heavy plodders like Val. I think Robin Lopez might actually be a better player and can be had cheap, but he doesn't give you another look - just a lesser Ayton.

So if you trade Saric, you're probably taking on another guy who's struggled. And maybe a guy like Josh Richardson (whom others have mentioned) can step in for Torrey Craig if he walks. So I'm not saying a deal isn't possible, it's just that his trade value probably isn't significant and he's a rotation guy who has chemistry with this squad, so you'd not only need to replace him but you're unlikely to get much value in return, and you'd likely lose a couple more games just finding rhythm/chemistry with the new guy. I'm sure a trade could be done, I just doubt whether there's a deal out there that improves us.

Something I proposed previously in terms of Saric is:
Saric, #29 and Carter to Chicago
Markkanen S/T ~$14m to Phoenix

Money is essentially a wash, but Chicago gets some decent assets for Markkanen, including a first. Carter seems to fit the mold of the guards Chicago likes (tough and gritty, even if not the most skilled), and is probably an upgrade over Arcidiacono, who they could decline their $3m option on. Saric is serviceable rotation big man, and could replace some of what Markkanen does in terms of floor spacing.

From the Suns POV, Markkanen is an overall better player with a higher ceiling than Saric. He's not a great defender, but is a good offensive weapon, has more size and is a much more efficient shooter and scorer.

[ImNotMcDiSwear]

Agree. As long as CP3 is the CP3 we know and love, you keep the core group together. Once he leaves, you do some re-evaluating. I think Crowder is great value for money right now. I don't want to deal him. Saric to me is the odd one out, so if there is a deal out there for him, take it.

Saric's issue seems to be mental. He lacks confidence. I don't know what team would be particularly interested in him, though his deal isn't too bad for what he gives you. The big reason I don't see a trade materializing is that we need him. He's our only capable bench big ATM. And when he's on, he's useful as a scorer, passer, shooter, who gives you some toughness as well, decent defender against heavy plodders like Val. I think Robin Lopez might actually be a better player and can be had cheap, but he doesn't give you another look - just a lesser Ayton.

So if you trade Saric, you're probably taking on another guy who's struggled. And maybe a guy like Josh Richardson (whom others have mentioned) can step in for Torrey Craig if he walks. So I'm not saying a deal isn't possible, it's just that his trade value probably isn't significant and he's a rotation guy who has chemistry with this squad, so you'd not only need to replace him but you're unlikely to get much value in return, and you'd likely lose a couple more games just finding rhythm/chemistry with the new guy. I'm sure a trade could be done, I just doubt whether there's a deal out there that improves us.

With respect to DArio - I would agree. And with DArio - you always will get maximum effort (even when I wish he wouldnt' dribble the ball -nothing good comes from that!). But you are right- but he does bring value on other areas than Ayton. I think they keep him.

I truly just see the end of the bench being changed - whether upgraded or not is to be determined.

I agree. I think we'll be looking to improve internally with the continued improvement of Bridges, Ayton and Johnson, and with Stix. If we get an upgrade over Dario next season, it'll be because Stix has filled out and figured it out. We can also hope for Tyshon to become useful, for our '21 pick to develop in a few years, and to hit on an undrafted or G League player. One huge benefit of contention is that in-demand prospects will prefer you to most other teams that come calling.

[ImNotMcDiSwear]

Agree. As long as CP3 is the CP3 we know and love, you keep the core group together. Once he leaves, you do some re-evaluating. I think Crowder is great value for money right now. I don't want to deal him. Saric to me is the odd one out, so if there is a deal out there for him, take it.

Saric's issue seems to be mental. He lacks confidence. I don't know what team would be particularly interested in him, though his deal isn't too bad for what he gives you. The big reason I don't see a trade materializing is that we need him. He's our only capable bench big ATM. And when he's on, he's useful as a scorer, passer, shooter, who gives you some toughness as well, decent defender against heavy plodders like Val. I think Robin Lopez might actually be a better player and can be had cheap, but he doesn't give you another look - just a lesser Ayton.

So if you trade Saric, you're probably taking on another guy who's struggled. And maybe a guy like Josh Richardson (whom others have mentioned) can step in for Torrey Craig if he walks. So I'm not saying a deal isn't possible, it's just that his trade value probably isn't significant and he's a rotation guy who has chemistry with this squad, so you'd not only need to replace him but you're unlikely to get much value in return, and you'd likely lose a couple more games just finding rhythm/chemistry with the new guy. I'm sure a trade could be done, I just doubt whether there's a deal out there that improves us.

Something I proposed previously in terms of Saric is:
Saric, #29 and Carter to Chicago
Markkanen S/T ~$14m to Phoenix

Money is essentially a wash, but Chicago gets some decent assets for Markkanen, including a first. Carter seems to fit the mold of the guards Chicago likes (tough and gritty, even if not the most skilled), and is probably an upgrade over Arcidiacono, who they could decline their $3m option on. Saric is serviceable rotation big man, and could replace some of what Markkanen does in terms of floor spacing.

From the Suns POV, Markkanen is an overall better player with a higher ceiling than Saric. He's not a great defender, but is a good offensive weapon, has more size and is a much more efficient shooter and scorer.

Markkanen's not a good fit for us. Inconsistent, soft, probably still eyes a starting role. You can't slide him over to C, which means he's gotta be taking minutes from Cam Jo and Crowder. No thanks.

[Slim Charless]

Agreed. Keep this team going as long as you can. Maybe in a couple years you have to trade Crowder and Saric to keep Cam - but thats do-able hopefully.

Agree. As long as CP3 is the CP3 we know and love, you keep the core group together. Once he leaves, you do some re-evaluating. I think Crowder is great value for money right now. I don't want to deal him. Saric to me is the odd one out, so if there is a deal out there for him, take it.

Saric's issue seems to be mental. He lacks confidence. I don't know what team would be particularly interested in him, though his deal isn't too bad for what he gives you. The big reason I don't see a trade materializing is that we need him. He's our only capable bench big ATM. And when he's on, he's useful as a scorer, passer, shooter, who gives you some toughness as well, decent defender against heavy plodders like Val. I think Robin Lopez might actually be a better player and can be had cheap, but he doesn't give you another look - just a lesser Ayton.

So if you trade Saric, you're probably taking on another guy who's struggled. And maybe a guy like Josh Richardson (whom others have mentioned) can step in for Torrey Craig if he walks. So I'm not saying a deal isn't possible, it's just that his trade value probably isn't significant and he's a rotation guy who has chemistry with this squad, so you'd not only need to replace him but you're unlikely to get much value in return, and you'd likely lose a couple more games just finding rhythm/chemistry with the new guy. I'm sure a trade could be done, I just doubt whether there's a deal out there that improves us.

Speaking of Dario, anyone hear his status yet?