2021-22 Season/Offseason Speculation

[bwgood77]

I mean....I like Cam too but come on, Chris Paul was [*]slightly[*] better at the same age. I think we can agree on that.....?

I think you miss my point. Not anti CP… but giving him a chunky 3 yr deal could pinch us. Why not front load it ( his current deal) then he can/should sign for a much smaller amount yrly as Bridges and Ayton then get paid. If you are afraid of him walking, we’ll then it would be because he doesn’t want to be here. Then that’s fine too. Dude has already cashed in 100+ mill. Highly doubt he is all about the $ at this point.

I wouldn’t be surprised to see a front loaded deal or a declining one when they hash out the details of Paul's final contract. If it's gonna be the 100M we expect then maybe a 40>30>30 or something similar.

Max reductions are 8%. If 3/$90, may frontload/declining is like $32/$30/$28. That's why and opt in and extension ($44/$24/$22) makes since.

[bwgood77]

Am I wrong to think that a guy like Jonathan Isaac would be worth pursuing in a trade? He's a huge injury risk ofcourse, but he's also a potential DPOY player with a respectable three point stroke at the power forward position. I'm wondering if a package of Cam Johnson, Jae Crowder, #29 and a future first draft pick would be enough to entice Orlando.

Bridges, Ayton + Isaac would be suffocating defensively.

Love him, but too injury prone.

[Slim Charless]

I mean....I like Cam too but come on, Chris Paul was [*]slightly[*] better at the same age. I think we can agree on that.....?

I think you miss my point. Not anti CP… but giving him a chunky 3 yr deal could pinch us. Why not front load it ( his current deal) then he can/should sign for a much smaller amount yrly as Bridges and Ayton then get paid. If you are afraid of him walking, we’ll then it would be because he doesn’t want to be here. Then that’s fine too. Dude has already cashed in 100+ mill. Highly doubt he is all about the $ at this point.

The only way to front load it is have him opt in with extension. Ideally it would be a total of 3/$90 (or less obviously)...but the second $46 could be declining like around $24/$22...or better yet, if he'd do it, a one year extension for $26 or something for a total of 3/70. He could potentially get one more contract after that somewhere if we didn't want to give him another one year deal then...maybe 2 more years somewhere or more.

He's not gonna do these things though. People keep bringing this up about him opting in and risking nothing next summer-or this idea of him signing 1 yr extension. In hopes of what, someone giving him a 3 yr deal at age 38? He's gonna roll the dice on himself again-AFTER he just made another all nba team and finished top 5 MVP?

That's just not gonna happen. Would you do that if you were him? Why would he not take a 3/100....

Front-loading a 100Mish deal that declines is the best we're gonna get and that's still a pretty sweet deal imo.

[bwgood77]

I'm surprised by how many Suns fans would be open with parting ways with CP3 this offseason. He was our best player in the playoffs despite freak stinger and dealing with Covid. He's stayed pretty damn healthy for 2 seasons now and clearly still has game. He didn't play as well against Jrue, but he's one of the best defenders in the league for a reason. If it happens, it happens, but I don't think the grass is greener on the other side based on the options that appear to be available.

Yeah, it would be different if we were already a playoff team without him. But a few somehow blame him for the finals for whatever reason. While he wasn't quite as good in the turnover dept, his shooting #s were better overall. And yes, maybe he didn't assert himself shooting earlier in games trying to get people going, and then shooting more in 2nd half and 4th..but that is what he did all season. He carried us in game 1, much of game 2, did well in game 3, but suffered in game 4 before bouncing back big in game 5 with 11 ast/1 turnover, 60% shooting, 50% from 3..unfortuntely despite our team being on fire, and being the best shooting team ever to lose a playoff game (I mean we can't blame people for losing...Booker had the strip but had a great game overall)...then game 6 practically the whole team was awful...Paul was good but can only do so much with the rest of our team playing like that...and Giannis had one of best finals, especially elimination games ever.

[bwgood77]

I'm surprised by how many Suns fans would be open with parting ways with CP3 this offseason. He was our best player in the playoffs despite freak stinger and dealing with Covid. He's stayed pretty damn healthy for 2 seasons now and clearly still has game. He didn't play as well against Jrue, but he's one of the best defenders in the league for a reason. If it happens, it happens, but I don't think the grass is greener on the other side based on the options that appear to be available.

I'm definitely in the keep him camp personally. But for the right price that doesn't severely hamstring us once we extend Ayton and Bridges. I'm thinking 90/3 with a 3rd yr team option ( partial guarantee for 15 million) ? Would be best and still allow us to upgrade the roster a bit and continue our contention with Paul during his tenure here! But if he does intend to move on, Then I'd hope that he does us a solid and gets us a nice return in a sign 'n' trade. Ideally though, I'd hope for him to finish his career here with us, And maybe move into coaching as Monty's assistant, or into a front office role to further promote our franchise alongside Jones.

Oh yeah, I mentioned partial guarantee in 3rd season too. That is a way to really decline 3rd year hit if he is done...but give us option to keep him if he looks good.

[bwgood77]

I think you miss my point. Not anti CP… but giving him a chunky 3 yr deal could pinch us. Why not front load it ( his current deal) then he can/should sign for a much smaller amount yrly as Bridges and Ayton then get paid. If you are afraid of him walking, we’ll then it would be because he doesn’t want to be here. Then that’s fine too. Dude has already cashed in 100+ mill. Highly doubt he is all about the $ at this point.

The only way to front load it is have him opt in with extension. Ideally it would be a total of 3/$90 (or less obviously)...but the second $46 could be declining like around $24/$22...or better yet, if he'd do it, a one year extension for $26 or something for a total of 3/70. He could potentially get one more contract after that somewhere if we didn't want to give him another one year deal then...maybe 2 more years somewhere or more.

He's not gonna do these things though. People keep bringing this up about him opting in and risking nothing next summer-or this idea of him signing 1 yr extension. In hopes of what, someone giving him a 3 yr deal at age 38? He's gonna roll the dice on himself again-AFTER he just made another all nba team and finished top 5 MVP?

That's just not gonna happen. Would you do that if you were him? Why would he not take a 3/100....

Front-loading a 100Mish deal that declines is the best we're gonna get and that's still a pretty sweet deal imo.

You just can't do much front loading. Opting in with agreed extension is the biggest front load...and we arrive at same conclusion. $44/$29/$27...rather than new contract of max decline from 1st to 2nd to 3rd of $35.333/$33.333/$32.333

[RaisingArizona]

How do we try and get Siakam?

[Blonde]

How do we try and get Siakam?

Saric, Crowder, Cam Johnson for Siakam works salary wise. We lose serious depth but get the best player in the deal. I’m confident there will be better offers than ours.

Maybe Toronto sees something in Jalen Smith or really likes a prospect at 29 in the draft.

[Slim Charless]

How do we try and get Siakam?

He's kinda pricey and with us not having Saric to help match salaries it'll be tough. Plus, I kinda think that Stix still will surprise us all next season. Maybe he can be like a young Ibaka was for OKC.

[bwgood77]

If people are worried about a bunch of high priced contracts, we can't go after Siakam. He makes almost $38 million in 23-24. That would probably be like $160+ for 5 guys that year.

[bwgood77]

Spoiler:

"He knows he has to make a decision before the draft," one source with direct knowledge of Beal's thinking told Bleacher Report.

While Beal has been adamant he wants to remain with the Wizards, a second source described the situation as now fluid.

If Beal were to request a trade, he would want to end up with a team with an established winning environment. Beal doesn't have a list of preferred destinations, but he would welcome a trade to the Boston Celtics, Golden State Warriors, Miami Heat or Philadelphia 76ers.

"Beal's the guy right now," one assistant general manager said. "The one guy that could be available, that could help you win the whole thing."

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2946317-sources-bradley-beal-considering-trade-request-before-nba-draft

If Beal is traded, out of these 4 teams, where would you anticipate he ends up? Everyone has brought up Simmons trades, but him for Beal would be nice for both teams. Washington should demand Curry...maybe give up Hutchison or something. But they have 3 pt shooters in Bertans and Bryant, who surprsingly hit over 40% 2 years ago on over 2 attempts per game and 43% last year. Then they would have Curry maybe. Also they have a couple 2 way guys who shot well when they came up and played... Cassiuss Winston best on team at 47% and Garrison Matthew at 38%.

Would need Rui and Deni to get better though..they are at 31% and 32%. Of course Westbrook is a bad fit with Simmons but he only has a year or two left there.

But apparently the Lakers are looking at Westbrook and here it details how they could trade Schroder, Kuzma and KCP for him. Though thought you couldn't combine a S&T with other players..

Spoiler:

With Westbrook it's different. He's already under contract with Washington. If the Lakers sign and trade Schroder, it's the Wizards who would be hard-capped, not the Lakers. Westbrook is set to make $44.2 million next season. Let's say Schroder signs for $15 million annually, or in that range. Add Kuzma and KCP, who make $13 million each, and the money works.

https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/lakers-mulling-russell-westbrook-trade-for-kyle-kuzma-dennis-schroder-and-talen-horton-tucker-per-report/

[BobbieL]

Per Shams and than Kellan Olson, Jeff Bower leaving the organization:

Read on Twitter

Now with Jones in the building this shouldn't be like the summer of 2010. Oh the Summer of 2010
Kerrs contract ends on 6/30
Free agency started 7/1

Out goes Amare
In comes Warrick, Childress Frye (who wasn't bad) and the Barbosa for Hedo trade

[Blonde]

If people are worried about a bunch of high priced contracts, we can't go after Siakam. He makes almost $38 million in 23-24. That would probably be like $160+ for 5 guys that year.

I know you and I aren’t worried about Sarvers pockets. Do you think adding Siakam makes us favorites in the west next year? If so then you eat the contract and pay the consequences later. I think he’d be fantastic with us and we’d basically have a roster construction like Milwaukee where nearly everything is invested into the starting 5 and you scrap together whatever you can for the bench. Our championship window is now, I think Sarver recognizes he’ll never be closer as an owner.

As for Beal, the Sixers have been the obvious spot for him for years now. Simmons + Maxey for Beal makes sense for everyone.

[BobbieL]

The latest tweet from Flex

Read on Twitter

Now not sure how accurate good old Flex from NJ will be. But -- I do think they have a chance to improve as more players will want to play for them this offseason than any offseason since like 2009 or thereabouts.

So I hope Flex is right in that they have a plan and hopefully execute it!

[Saberestar]

Spoiler:

"He knows he has to make a decision before the draft," one source with direct knowledge of Beal's thinking told Bleacher Report.

While Beal has been adamant he wants to remain with the Wizards, a second source described the situation as now fluid.

If Beal were to request a trade, he would want to end up with a team with an established winning environment. Beal doesn't have a list of preferred destinations, but he would welcome a trade to the Boston Celtics, Golden State Warriors, Miami Heat or Philadelphia 76ers.

"Beal's the guy right now," one assistant general manager said. "The one guy that could be available, that could help you win the whole thing."

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2946317-sources-bradley-beal-considering-trade-request-before-nba-draft

If Beal is traded, out of these 4 teams, where would you anticipate he ends up? Everyone has brought up Simmons trades, but him for Beal would be nice for both teams. Washington should demand Curry...maybe give up Hutchison or something. But they have 3 pt shooters in Bertans and Bryant, who surprsingly hit over 40% 2 years ago on over 2 attempts per game and 43% last year. Then they would have Curry maybe. Also they have a couple 2 way guys who shot well when they came up and played... Cassiuss Winston best on team at 47% and Garrison Matthew at 38%.

Would need Rui and Deni to get better though..they are at 31% and 32%. Of course Westbrook is a bad fit with Simmons but he only has a year or two left there.

But apparently the Lakers are looking at Westbrook and here it details how they could trade Schroder, Kuzma and KCP for him. Though thought you couldn't combine a S&T with other players..

Spoiler:

With Westbrook it's different. He's already under contract with Washington. If the Lakers sign and trade Schroder, it's the Wizards who would be hard-capped, not the Lakers. Westbrook is set to make $44.2 million next season. Let's say Schroder signs for $15 million annually, or in that range. Add Kuzma and KCP, who make $13 million each, and the money works.

https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/lakers-mulling-russell-westbrook-trade-for-kyle-kuzma-dennis-schroder-and-talen-horton-tucker-per-report/

Bradley Beal is one of my favorite players in the league, it would be so amazing to watch him as a Sun.

I know that is a LONG shot, but I would offer Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson, #29 and a couple of FRPs for him without hesitation.

Not happening, I know, but CP3, Beal, Book, Crowder and Ayton would be a terrific starting five and we would get some good veterans signing on minimun deals and BAE.

[Ghost of Kleine]

How do we try and get Siakam?

He's kinda pricey and with us not having Saric to help match salaries it'll be tough. Plus, I kinda think that Stix still will surprise us all next season. Maybe he can be like a young Ibaka was for OKC.

Maybe he can be like a young Ibaka was for OKC.

In his 3rd season, He will be!

[BobbieL]

If people are worried about a bunch of high priced contracts, we can't go after Siakam. He makes almost $38 million in 23-24. That would probably be like $160+ for 5 guys that year.

I know you and I aren’t worried about Sarvers pockets. Do you think adding Siakam makes us favorites in the west next year? If so then you eat the contract and pay the consequences later. I think he’d be fantastic with us and we’d basically have a roster construction like Milwaukee where nearly everything is invested into the starting 5 and you scrap together whatever you can for the bench. Our championship window is now, I think Sarver recognizes he’ll never be closer as an owner.

As for Beal, the Sixers have been the obvious spot for him for years now. Simmons + Maxey for Beal makes sense for everyone.

The key thing is Sarver paying attention to the lux tax in future years or is he flying by the seat of his pants. There were times (especially when he gave away Kurt Thomas) - it seemed he wasn't thinking even a year ahead. If he is thinking about this not only the next year but also the future 3-5 years - can than ascertain how much he can afford in Lux TAx and is willing to spend.

Now a guy like Ballmer - he makes so much pocket money from his money in the stock market - he can fund the Clippers payroll /luxury tax for a long damn time. Sarver - worth maybe $500m - doesn't have that cash flow option. Even the new Jazz owner - has the same type of potential cash flow if they have any money in the stock market.

[bwgood77]

If people are worried about a bunch of high priced contracts, we can't go after Siakam. He makes almost $38 million in 23-24. That would probably be like $160+ for 5 guys that year.

I know you and I aren’t worried about Sarvers pockets. Do you think adding Siakam makes us favorites in the west next year? If so then you eat the contract and pay the consequences later. I think he’d be fantastic with us and we’d basically have a roster construction like Milwaukee where nearly everything is invested into the starting 5 and you scrap together whatever you can for the bench. Our championship window is now, I think Sarver recognizes he’ll never be closer as an owner.

As for Beal, the Sixers have been the obvious spot for him for years now. Simmons + Maxey for Beal makes sense for everyone.

Yes, Siakam makes us better. I don't think the Raps will trade him though. He's a pretty young piece of their core and I don't the Cam, Crowder, Saric, etc makes sense. They already have a Bridges type in OG.

[bwgood77]

If people are worried about a bunch of high priced contracts, we can't go after Siakam. He makes almost $38 million in 23-24. That would probably be like $160+ for 5 guys that year.

I know you and I aren’t worried about Sarvers pockets. Do you think adding Siakam makes us favorites in the west next year? If so then you eat the contract and pay the consequences later. I think he’d be fantastic with us and we’d basically have a roster construction like Milwaukee where nearly everything is invested into the starting 5 and you scrap together whatever you can for the bench. Our championship window is now, I think Sarver recognizes he’ll never be closer as an owner.

As for Beal, the Sixers have been the obvious spot for him for years now. Simmons + Maxey for Beal makes sense for everyone.

Yes, Siakam makes us better. I don't think the Raps will trade him though. He's a pretty young piece of their core and I don't the Cam, Crowder, Saric, etc makes sense. They already have a Bridges type in OG.

[bwgood77]

The latest tweet from Flex

Read on Twitter

Now not sure how accurate good old Flex from NJ will be. But -- I do think they have a chance to improve as more players will want to play for them this offseason than any offseason since like 2009 or thereabouts.

So I hope Flex is right in that they have a plan and hopefully execute it!

Some great info there.