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

[saintEscaton]

This offseason will be fairly simple. Get the best backup big you can, retain Payne and Paul, Ayton, Bridges (yes, we'll be operating over the cap. Key is keeping Paul's years down). Cut Frank. Replace with vet min ring chaser who can do literally anything on the court.

Develop Smith. If he's not playing next year he's likely a complete bust. He really should be the backup 5 to be honest but we see him as a 4 apparently so who knows. He should be playing both spots.

I could see a small move for a 2 way guy or rotation player if teams need to make rooms for other signees (like what happened with Craig). Would love to get Grant Riller somehow.

We should also transition to Cam Johnson at the 4 as the starter. It's our best lineup. Has been all year. Ayton's value is you don't need a traditional big next to him.

Crowder is a pro so should be mature enough not to throw a fit for coming off the bench.

I think Dario is a cap casualty though if injury issues drive down the market I wonder if we could get him to stay 1 more year for the minimum or an exception. He isn't amazing but is a proven NBA level rotation player.

Also a part of me wonders if a Cam Johnson + Jalen Smith + picks could net Siakam at the 4, who would be pretty lethal with Paul, Booker, Bridges, Siakam, Ayton.

Cam Johnson in two years could be better than Siakam. Cam Johnson is a pretty darn good shooter

But agree, get Paul back; I think Payne is back; get Craig back and use the veterans minimum and possibly the Dario injury exception to get better at the back up 5 and maybe an upgrade over Langston or Etwaun.

One other thing - the continued growth and improvement of Booker, Ayton, Bridges and Cam will also help the win column.

Cam Johnson could be a above replacement level two-way Strech 4 who could be more of an offensive threat if he works on his finishing through contact, handle and off the bounce skills but I can pretty definitely say Siakam is the better player in 2 years especially with a change of scenery he needs in a place he can thrive more in

[saintEscaton]

No, Sarver will want to trade Bridges to save money obviously and not get another quality player in return just cash considerations and meddling picks. He won't change his miserly ways much to the detriment of our team

[saintEscaton]

I really hope we keep Bridges though unless we can offer the max to a more deserving better quality wing

[lilfishi22]

Also a part of me wonders if a Cam Johnson + Jalen Smith + picks could net Siakam at the 4, who would be pretty lethal with Paul, Booker, Bridges, Siakam, Ayton.

That's a terrible low-ball offer for a bonafide star at a premium position who probably is not even on the block and you know that. Raps would laugh us out of the building

He also makes $33 million next year, $35.5 million in 22-23 and $38 million in 23-24. We could offer Bridges but I'd prefer Bridges at $20-$22 million or so.

Anyway, as there is talk about fear of not paying Bridges in addition to Ayton, Booker and Paul, no way could we pay Siakam plus those 3. And if it was Cam in the trade, that would mean we'd have to pay Paul, Booker, Bridges, Siakam and Ayton.

Now THAT I don't think Sarver would do. I don't even think the trade is possible and we may hit the hard cap and it might not be allowed...unless we did like Bridges and Crowder or something.

That isn't worth it. I probably wouldn't trade Bridges for him if salaries were the same..he is older and regressed.

We are in the finals with our team. What is the urgency in changing up the team and adding salary that makes it harder to keep core together. Don't get it.

Yeah I'm not keen on Siakam. I think he's a good fit for the team but it would cost more than just Cam and + Smith to get him. I think It would probably take both Cam and Bridges. Also agree, I like Bridges at 20-22m vs Siakam at 35m. There's potential Bridges could become a Siakam lite.

[bwgood77]

Booker is our only bonafide star currently, CP is still close to being a Top 15 player and a MVP candidate in the regular season and our best player but I think at the age of 36 despite maintaining such a high level of play is well past his prime and is no longer regarded as a star around the league despite being an undeniably ATG PG and Top 20 All Time player if he started out his career with a beterr team in the right place

I don't know. This has been Paul's team this year.

Booker had some of the talking heads talking about him. But Paul has commercials, got voted to All NBA team, the all star game, etc.

I think more people know who Chris Paul is than Booker. Paul is almost always the main guy they go to for interviews post game, etc. He had also played for 5 teams so a lot of non Suns fans out there probably still like him, or at least know him very well.

[WeekapaugGroove]

I think it's becoming a legit question on who you would choose if you can only keep one of Cam Johnson or Bridges long-term.

Sent from my SM-G986U using RealGM mobile app

[saintEscaton]

Booker is our only bonafide star currently, CP is still close to being a Top 15 player and a MVP candidate in the regular season and our best player but I think at the age of 36 despite maintaining such a high level of play is well past his prime and is no longer regarded as a star around the league despite being an undeniably ATG PG and Top 20 All Time player if he started out his career with a beterr team in the right place

I don't know. This has been Paul's team this year.

Booker had some of the talking heads talking about him. But Paul has commercials, got voted to All NBA team, the all star game, etc.

I think more people know who Chris Paul is than Booker. Paul is almost always the main guy they go to for interviews post game, etc. He had also played for 5 teams so a lot of non Suns fans out there probably still like him, or at least know him very well.

He is more popular for sure and has more of a legacy, but if he continues to play at this level in the postseason and falls off a cliff(his 5 turnovers I believe was him being out of position and making costly mental mistakes under pressure than due to his torn ligament in his finger) we should offer him the veteran's minimum.

[BobbieL]

I think it's becoming a legit question on who you would choose if you can only keep one of Cam Johnson or Bridges long-term.

Sent from my SM-G986U using RealGM mobile app

This is a very good point. But I will say this --I still would be more inclined to see what I can do with Bridges on an extension knowing I have Cam for two more years. So run this group back at least two more years. And in a couple years - if Bridges continues to get better - he will have value - especially if he has a good contract

Cam can really shoot the ball - -thats quite a skillset. I thought a comp for Cam when I read up on him after the draft was Dougie Buckets, Korver type player. - meaning a spot up shooter; off the bench type. He is more than that. He could turn into an NBA 4 at this point

[saintEscaton]

I think it's becoming a legit question on who you would choose if you can only keep one of Cam Johnson or Bridges long-term.

Sent from my SM-G986U using RealGM mobile app

I think Bridges is closer to being a finished product than Cam who has more room to grow into whoever he will become and thus has more untapped potential. Bridges is basically a rich man's Trevor Ariza with more offense

[Slim Charless]

I think it's becoming a legit question on who you would choose if you can only keep one of Cam Johnson or Bridges long-term.

Sent from my SM-G986U using RealGM mobile app

I think Bridges is closer to being a finished product than Cam who has more room to grow into whoever he will become and thus has more untapped potential. Bridges is basically a rich man's Trevor Ariza with more offense

Yeah but does trading Bridges and let's say our current 1st round pick get you into the top 5 and a shot at getting Jalen Suggs? I think it does and I think the Suns need to take a long, hard look at doing just that.

We put Cam into the SF, resign Craig to back him up and then draft one of the better PG prospects to come out in the last few years. His size, speed, intelligence and leadership qualities make him a younger CP3 in my book. Most draft projections I see say he's Jason Kidd/Chauncy Billups 2.0

He'd be a great fit on this team and could learn from Chris for the next cpl years. Worth thinking about-especially if a Cam/Craig tag team can give you Mikal's numbers and defense.

[saintEscaton]

I think it's becoming a legit question on who you would choose if you can only keep one of Cam Johnson or Bridges long-term.

Sent from my SM-G986U using RealGM mobile app

I think Bridges is closer to being a finished product than Cam who has more room to grow into whoever he will become and thus has more untapped potential. Bridges is basically a rich man's Trevor Ariza with more offense

Yeah but does trading Bridges and let's say our current 1st round pick get you into the top 5 and a shot at getting Jalen Suggs? I think it does and I think the Suns need to take a long, hard look at doing just that.

We put Cam into the SF, resign Craig to back him up and then draft one of the better PG prospects to come out in the last few years. His size, speed, intelligence and leadership qualities make him a younger CP3 in my book. Most draft projections I see say he's Jason Kidd/Chauncy Billups 2.0

He'd be a great fit on this team and could learn from Chris for the next cpl years. Worth thinking about-especially if a Cam/Craig tag team can give you Mikal's numbers and defense.

I'm all up for it. But the question should be whether CP3 is willing to stick around for that long to take someone under his tutelage? Does he care enough about this Suns organization or is he gunna go ring chasing and leave us for the Lakers if he thinks they have better odds next year

[darealjuice]

Mikal's disappointing postseason with his postseason stats being down across the board certainly makes his extension discussions more interesting. I think he still has plenty of room for improvement as a ball handler and by developing his body, and he supposedly has the work ethic, but he has not risen to the occasion in the postseason.

I never bought the max contract talk though. 13/4/2 with good defense and very little self-creation does not get you a max contract. $18-20M felt right then, and feels even more right now. I'd also say the chances of us trading a young key contributing starter for a draft pick are nil with this front office. I don't think he gets us in the top 4 or 5 anyways.

[WeekapaugGroove]

Mikal's disappointing postseason with his postseason stats being down across the board certainly makes his extension discussions more interesting. I think he still has plenty of room for improvement as a ball handler and by developing his body, and he supposedly has the work ethic, but he has not risen to the occasion in the postseason.

I never bought the max contract talk though. 13/4/2 with good defense and very little self-creation does not get you a max contract. $18-20M felt right then, and feels even more right now. I'd also say the chances of us trading a young key contributing starter for a draft pick are nil with this front office. I don't think he gets us in the top 4 or 5 anyways.

Agree on all this. Before the postseason Bridges was easily ahead of Cam but it's evened up the past month. Cam is just more talented offensively but it's his mindset on that side that's really stood out to me. Hes taken it upon himself to go get a bucket and make a play when they are floundering and I'm not sure Bridges will ever be wired like that. Defensively bridges is better but Cam isn't that far off and is bigger and stronger.

Now the good thing is they don't have to make this decision now but it's going to be something to monitor over the next year or so.

Sent from my SM-G986U using RealGM mobile app

[Slim Charless]

Mikal's disappointing postseason with his postseason stats being down across the board certainly makes his extension discussions more interesting. I think he still has plenty of room for improvement as a ball handler and by developing his body, and he supposedly has the work ethic, but he has not risen to the occasion in the postseason.

I never bought the max contract talk though. 13/4/2 with good defense and very little self-creation does not get you a max contract. $18-20M felt right then, and feels even more right now. I'd also say the chances of us trading a young key contributing starter for a draft pick are nil with this front office. I don't think he gets us in the top 4 or 5 anyways.

Agree on all this. Before the postseason Bridges was easily ahead of Cam but it's evened up the past month. Cam is just more talented offensively but it's his mindset on that side that's really stood out to me. Hes taken it upon himself to go get a bucket and make a play when they are floundering and I'm not sure Bridges will ever be wired like that. Defensively bridges is better but Cam isn't that far off and is bigger and stronger.

Now the good thing is they don't have to make this decision now but it's going to be something to monitor over the next year or so.

Sent from my SM-G986U using RealGM mobile app

I think he's gonna want 30 and will settle for 26 or so. I'm also of the opinion that someone would give him that without hesitation. Someone like Orlando-who is coincidentally enough picking in the top 5 this yr and have an extra pick at 8, so they might be more inclined to give up their 5th pick....

[darealjuice]

Mikal's disappointing postseason with his postseason stats being down across the board certainly makes his extension discussions more interesting. I think he still has plenty of room for improvement as a ball handler and by developing his body, and he supposedly has the work ethic, but he has not risen to the occasion in the postseason.

I never bought the max contract talk though. 13/4/2 with good defense and very little self-creation does not get you a max contract. $18-20M felt right then, and feels even more right now. I'd also say the chances of us trading a young key contributing starter for a draft pick are nil with this front office. I don't think he gets us in the top 4 or 5 anyways.

Agree on all this. Before the postseason Bridges was easily ahead of Cam but it's evened up the past month. Cam is just more talented offensively but it's his mindset on that side that's really stood out to me. Hes taken it upon himself to go get a bucket and make a play when they are floundering and I'm not sure Bridges will ever be wired like that. Defensively bridges is better but Cam isn't that far off and is bigger and stronger.

Now the good thing is they don't have to make this decision now but it's going to be something to monitor over the next year or so.

Sent from my SM-G986U using RealGM mobile app

I think he's gonna want 30 and will settle for 26 or so. I'm also of the opinion that someone would give him that without hesitation. Someone like Orlando-who is coincidentally enough picking in the top 5 this yr and have an extra pick at 8, so they might be more inclined to give up their 5th pick....

I don't think anyone is paying him that much money but I guess we'll see

[Saberestar]

Mikal's disappointing postseason with his postseason stats being down across the board certainly makes his extension discussions more interesting. I think he still has plenty of room for improvement as a ball handler and by developing his body, and he supposedly has the work ethic, but he has not risen to the occasion in the postseason.

I never bought the max contract talk though. 13/4/2 with good defense and very little self-creation does not get you a max contract. $18-20M felt right then, and feels even more right now. I'd also say the chances of us trading a young key contributing starter for a draft pick are nil with this front office. I don't think he gets us in the top 4 or 5 anyways.

Agree on all this. Before the postseason Bridges was easily ahead of Cam but it's evened up the past month. Cam is just more talented offensively but it's his mindset on that side that's really stood out to me. Hes taken it upon himself to go get a bucket and make a play when they are floundering and I'm not sure Bridges will ever be wired like that. Defensively bridges is better but Cam isn't that far off and is bigger and stronger.

Now the good thing is they don't have to make this decision now but it's going to be something to monitor over the next year or so.

Sent from my SM-G986U using RealGM mobile app

I think he's gonna want 30 and will settle for 26 or so. I'm also of the opinion that someone would give him that without hesitation. Someone like Orlando-who is coincidentally enough picking in the top 5 this yr and have an extra pick at 8, so they might be more inclined to give up their 5th pick....

Those numbers are too much, no one is paying that for Bridges.

If he wants something like that we will wait until next season, no problem.

If he agrees on a fair deal ($100M/5 years) he will get his contract extension this summer.

[BobbieL]

I think it's becoming a legit question on who you would choose if you can only keep one of Cam Johnson or Bridges long-term.

Sent from my SM-G986U using RealGM mobile app

I think Bridges is closer to being a finished product than Cam who has more room to grow into whoever he will become and thus has more untapped potential. Bridges is basically a rich man's Trevor Ariza with more offense

Yeah but does trading Bridges and let's say our current 1st round pick get you into the top 5 and a shot at getting Jalen Suggs? I think it does and I think the Suns need to take a long, hard look at doing just that.

We put Cam into the SF, resign Craig to back him up and then draft one of the better PG prospects to come out in the last few years. His size, speed, intelligence and leadership qualities make him a younger CP3 in my book. Most draft projections I see say he's Jason Kidd/Chauncy Billups 2.0

He'd be a great fit on this team and could learn from Chris for the next cpl years. Worth thinking about-especially if a Cam/Craig tag team can give you Mikal's numbers and defense.

I am not taking a step back next year. Bridges is a good player. His value will be what his value is but if the Suns have Paul the next two years - they are a better team with Bridges than with Suggs. We have been building for a team that can compete - not blowing it up rosterbating for Jalen Suggs. Bridges is a good fit now; Cam is a good player

Lets give this thing another year and see what happens. Also see what happens these next three games

[bwgood77]

Booker is our only bonafide star currently, CP is still close to being a Top 15 player and a MVP candidate in the regular season and our best player but I think at the age of 36 despite maintaining such a high level of play is well past his prime and is no longer regarded as a star around the league despite being an undeniably ATG PG and Top 20 All Time player if he started out his career with a beterr team in the right place

I don't know. This has been Paul's team this year.

Booker had some of the talking heads talking about him. But Paul has commercials, got voted to All NBA team, the all star game, etc.

I think more people know who Chris Paul is than Booker. Paul is almost always the main guy they go to for interviews post game, etc. He had also played for 5 teams so a lot of non Suns fans out there probably still like him, or at least know him very well.

He is more popular for sure and has more of a legacy, but if he continues to play at this level in the postseason and falls off a cliff(his 5 turnovers I believe was him being out of position and making costly mental mistakes under pressure than due to his torn ligament in his finger) we should offer him the veteran's minimum.

What level? In the first 3 finals games he was shooting 57% in the first 3 games including 50% from 3 averaging 25 ppg, and still averaged 9 assists.

In the Nuggets entire series he averaged 63% from the field and 60% from 3 averaging over 25 ppg, 10 assists per game and 1.25 turnovers per game.

Closing out the Clippers he had 41 on 67% shooting including 87.5% from 3 (7/8), 8 assists and 0 turnovers.

Have you and Revived been watching the whole playoffs or just this last game?

[Saberestar]

Booker is our only bonafide star currently, CP is still close to being a Top 15 player and a MVP candidate in the regular season and our best player but I think at the age of 36 despite maintaining such a high level of play is well past his prime and is no longer regarded as a star around the league despite being an undeniably ATG PG and Top 20 All Time player if he started out his career with a beterr team in the right place

I don't know. This has been Paul's team this year.

Booker had some of the talking heads talking about him. But Paul has commercials, got voted to All NBA team, the all star game, etc.

I think more people know who Chris Paul is than Booker. Paul is almost always the main guy they go to for interviews post game, etc. He had also played for 5 teams so a lot of non Suns fans out there probably still like him, or at least know him very well.

He is more popular for sure and has more of a legacy, but if he continues to play at this level in the postseason and falls off a cliff(his 5 turnovers I believe was him being out of position and making costly mental mistakes under pressure than due to his torn ligament in his finger) we should offer him the veteran's minimum.

LOL

Enough said.

[Slim Charless]

I think Bridges is closer to being a finished product than Cam who has more room to grow into whoever he will become and thus has more untapped potential. Bridges is basically a rich man's Trevor Ariza with more offense

Yeah but does trading Bridges and let's say our current 1st round pick get you into the top 5 and a shot at getting Jalen Suggs? I think it does and I think the Suns need to take a long, hard look at doing just that.

We put Cam into the SF, resign Craig to back him up and then draft one of the better PG prospects to come out in the last few years. His size, speed, intelligence and leadership qualities make him a younger CP3 in my book. Most draft projections I see say he's Jason Kidd/Chauncy Billups 2.0

He'd be a great fit on this team and could learn from Chris for the next cpl years. Worth thinking about-especially if a Cam/Craig tag team can give you Mikal's numbers and defense.

I am not taking a step back next year. Bridges is a good player. His value will be what his value is but if the Suns have Paul the next two years - they are a better team with Bridges than with Suggs. We have been building for a team that can compete - not blowing it up rosterbating for Jalen Suggs. Bridges is a good fit now; Cam is a good player

Lets give this thing another year and see what happens. Also see what happens these next three games

FTR......

I still think we win. In 6. They needed a **** game from everyone not named Devin Booker, 17 turnovers, along 40 from Mids to barely pull this out. I still think this season ends with Chris holding the title, hugging Monty while Book and Ayton cheer in the background.

None of the that changes financials. I also have faith that the Cam/Craig combo can do a good Mikal impression. Suggs locks down our biggest off-season need (a real replacement for Chris and someone to spell him when he sits) as we can grab a vet big man easily imo. We need a young PG and a old(er) big. One of those is easier to grab than the other.