2021-22 Season Discussion and Speculation

[BobbieL]

Like BWG is saying - the chemistry is so good now, the team is just rolling. The suns do not need to make a trade. Granted injuries or COVID could happen so they might have to adapt at that time. But they are in such a good spot right now - I still only see a smaller trade. Maybe Stix for Craig - but that means taking on 5m next year.

I can see the Suns as a team ready for the buyout market just to have one extra player that could be beneficial in spot duty - but not a regular. The 9 player rotation is pretty much nails. Why fix what ain't broke.

It'd be nice to deal for Justin Holiday (for Smith) and then pick up Thad Young on the buyout market. Our depth would be even more insane.

Holiday, like Craig, is signed through 2023 but the figure is 6m . Well its not my luxury tax bill but its not a lot.

That would be quite the combo to get. Young would have suitors -- and maybe he plays more for other teams. But you add Holiday and Young for a playoff push - you are right, the depth would be off the charts good.

[Revived]

I’d leave the team as-is. I wouldn’t trade for Thad Young either. I know he’s a great locker room guy and everything but what if he comes here and has an issue with playing time or something else. Or guys in the locker just don’t get along as well with him for whatever reason.

I mentioned before the only deal I’d made is trading Crowder for Grant (because Grant is young and can be part of the future nucleus) but I wouldn’t do that anymore either.

This team is just clicking on all cylinders. I wouldn’t even make the slightest of moves right now. Stay PAT.

[Slim Charless]

Like BWG is saying - the chemistry is so good now, the team is just rolling. The suns do not need to make a trade. Granted injuries or COVID could happen so they might have to adapt at that time. But they are in such a good spot right now - I still only see a smaller trade. Maybe Stix for Craig - but that means taking on 5m next year.

I can see the Suns as a team ready for the buyout market just to have one extra player that could be beneficial in spot duty - but not a regular. The 9 player rotation is pretty much nails. Why fix what ain't broke.

It'd be nice to deal for Justin Holiday (for Smith) and then pick up Thad Young on the buyout market. Our depth would be even more insane.

I wouldn't mind a Payne upgrade. Levert or Smart would be awesome for offense and defense respectively. Either one would be a great addition and could take us to another level.

[King4Day]

I’d leave the team as-is. I wouldn’t trade for Thad Young either. I know he’s a great locker room guy and everything but what if he comes here and has an issue with playing time or something else. Or guys in the locker just don’t get along as well with him for whatever reason.

I mentioned before the only deal I’d made is trading Crowder for Grant (because Grant is young and can be part of the future nucleus) but I wouldn’t do that anymore either.

This team is just clicking on all cylinders. I wouldn’t even make the slightest of moves right now. Stay PAT.

Nothing significant. But if you can get a piece like Craig for Smith, why not do it? He already knows the team and system and the players liked him. Can't be assured the team won't get hurt. Need to fill in any blanks we can. Nader is a blank and Payton is a blank.
If neither is happy with little playing time, we can move either next offseason.

[ImNotMcDiSwear]

I wouldn't mind a Payne upgrade. Levert or Smart would be awesome for offense and defense respectively. Either one would be a great addition and could take us to another level.

Smart is done. I know Payne's efficiency is down, but the bench unit is playing well, and he's been key to that. I think his shooting will revert to the mean. LeVert's also incredibly inconsistent as a shooter and always has been - not to mention the health concerns, which are persistent with him. I have no interest in moving or demoting Payne.

I’d leave the team as-is. I wouldn’t trade for Thad Young either. I know he’s a great locker room guy and everything but what if he comes here and has an issue with playing time or something else. Or guys in the locker just don’t get along as well with him for whatever reason.

I mentioned before the only deal I’d made is trading Crowder for Grant (because Grant is young and can be part of the future nucleus) but I wouldn’t do that anymore either.

This team is just clicking on all cylinders. I wouldn’t even make the slightest of moves right now. Stay PAT.

Nothing significant. But if you can get a piece like Craig for Smith, why not do it? He already knows the team and system and the players liked him. Can't be assured the team won't get hurt. Need to fill in any blanks we can. Nader is a blank and Payton is a blank.
If neither is happy with little playing time, we can move either next offseason.

While I'm not opposed to a minor trade, moving only players who are not part of our top 11 (Paul/Booker/Bridges/Crowder/Ayton---Payne/Shamet/Nader/Johnson/McGee---Frank), I think it's too early to make a move. Anything we do will likely involve moving a draft pick - and we don't have much of value to offer, so we must be judicious. The thing is, an injury could still occur. We should wait until we're closer to the deadline to give us the max amount of time for an injury to occur, so we know what to prioritize. If we don't suffer an injury, I could see us being interested in upgrading Payton for someone who can shoot, though I doubt even that - I think we'll roll with him. So most likely it would be a wing, or a 2, or a 4.

Those who say we shouldn't do anything at all seem to think we're not going to face an injury in the playoffs. We will. It's inevitable. If we had even one additional big or shooter, that could have made all the difference against the Bucks. Craig made a huge difference against the Clippers, since Bridges really struggled guarding Paul George. I don't see why we wouldn't be interested in adding one more guy to bolster our depth - insurance for when we need it.

I'm also not completely foreclosed to a bigger deal to add one major piece - specifically, a bench scorer. I'm not advocating for it, but a highly-efficient scorer could put us over the top (though we may be already - we do have the best record in the league, after all). The coaching staff and front office know who is critical to our chemistry and who isn't. Pretty clear that in ANY case, we won't move anyone in our top 8 (starters + Payne/CamJo/McGee) or Frank, and I think it's highly, highly unlikely we'll deal Shamet, too.

But no matter how much Monty loves Saric, I don't see a place for him in our rotation. Stix won't crack it either, so those are the two I think we could possibly move. Then again, if McGee goes down, we'll be looking at Saric as that insurance. My issue there is I think Frank is better. Still, you'd want both if McGee went down.

TL;DR: We'll do something. Probably small, close to the deadline.

[bwgood77]

Like BWG is saying - the chemistry is so good now, the team is just rolling. The suns do not need to make a trade. Granted injuries or COVID could happen so they might have to adapt at that time. But they are in such a good spot right now - I still only see a smaller trade. Maybe Stix for Craig - but that means taking on 5m next year.

I can see the Suns as a team ready for the buyout market just to have one extra player that could be beneficial in spot duty - but not a regular. The 9 player rotation is pretty much nails. Why fix what ain't broke.

It'd be nice to deal for Justin Holiday (for Smith) and then pick up Thad Young on the buyout market. Our depth would be even more insane.

You guys mentioning this...why do you think they would (possibly) trade Craig or Holiday for Stix? I don't think they are close to the tax or need to dump salary or that Smith has nearly the player value as those guys (and is an UFA anyway who they would have less leverage on). Maybe if they deal one of their bigs it would be a tad more likely but they also have that one backup big who had the empty table at the draft while everyone was at Zion's (forget his name)...plus they often played TJ at the 4 (though he may want a trade too or did...maybe they changed coaches since then)...I think they kind of like to play small though and Smith is more of a 5, not that they could keep him..but it seems more likely they would deal one of those guys if they were looking for cap relief. They just went out and signed Craig and then I think they like Holiday.

Having said all that, i don't think the Suns will want to take on extra salary next year. They already vastly overpaid Shamet with his near $11 million a year deal. Wonder what Crowder thinks of that.

[handsome salary]

This team as it's run right now should be a big free agent destination. I would think a lot of decent to great players around the league are less than interested playing for teams where if you win one guy gets all the praise and if you lose it's your fault for not supporting said guy. Teams with guys named Lebron or Luka. Maybe Trae will be one. That situation must get real old.

[bwgood77]

I’d leave the team as-is. I wouldn’t trade for Thad Young either. I know he’s a great locker room guy and everything but what if he comes here and has an issue with playing time or something else. Or guys in the locker just don’t get along as well with him for whatever reason.

I mentioned before the only deal I’d made is trading Crowder for Grant (because Grant is young and can be part of the future nucleus) but I wouldn’t do that anymore either.

This team is just clicking on all cylinders. I wouldn’t even make the slightest of moves right now. Stay PAT.

Nothing significant. But if you can get a piece like Craig for Smith, why not do it? He already knows the team and system and the players liked him. Can't be assured the team won't get hurt. Need to fill in any blanks we can. Nader is a blank and Payton is a blank.
If neither is happy with little playing time, we can move either next offseason.

Luxury tax next year (the extra $5 is more like an extra $15) and chemistry that allows us to be 25-5 right now (over a 68 win pace).

[bwgood77]

I wouldn't mind a Payne upgrade. Levert or Smart would be awesome for offense and defense respectively. Either one would be a great addition and could take us to another level.

Smart is done. I know Payne's efficiency is down, but the bench unit is playing well, and he's been key to that. I think his shooting will revert to the mean. LeVert's also incredibly inconsistent as a shooter and always has been - not to mention the health concerns, which are persistent with him. I have no interest in moving or demoting Payne.

I’d leave the team as-is. I wouldn’t trade for Thad Young either. I know he’s a great locker room guy and everything but what if he comes here and has an issue with playing time or something else. Or guys in the locker just don’t get along as well with him for whatever reason.

I mentioned before the only deal I’d made is trading Crowder for Grant (because Grant is young and can be part of the future nucleus) but I wouldn’t do that anymore either.

This team is just clicking on all cylinders. I wouldn’t even make the slightest of moves right now. Stay PAT.

Nothing significant. But if you can get a piece like Craig for Smith, why not do it? He already knows the team and system and the players liked him. Can't be assured the team won't get hurt. Need to fill in any blanks we can. Nader is a blank and Payton is a blank.
If neither is happy with little playing time, we can move either next offseason.

While I'm not opposed to a minor trade, moving only players who are not part of our top 11 (Paul/Booker/Bridges/Crowder/Ayton---Payne/Shamet/Nader/Johnson/McGee---Frank), I think it's too early to make a move. Anything we do will likely involve moving a draft pick - and we don't have much of value to offer, so we must be judicious. The thing is, an injury could still occur. We should wait until we're closer to the deadline to give us the max amount of time for an injury to occur, so we know what to prioritize. If we don't suffer an injury, I could see us being interested in upgrading Payton for someone who can shoot, though I doubt even that - I think we'll roll with him. So most likely it would be a wing, or a 2, or a 4.

Those who say we shouldn't do anything at all seem to think we're not going to face an injury in the playoffs. We will. It's inevitable. If we had even one additional big or shooter, that could have made all the difference against the Bucks. Craig made a huge difference against the Clippers, since Bridges really struggled guarding Paul George. I don't see why we wouldn't be interested in adding one more guy to bolster our depth - insurance for when we need it.

I'm also not completely foreclosed to a bigger deal to add one major piece - specifically, a bench scorer. I'm not advocating for it, but a highly-efficient scorer could put us over the top (though we may be already - we do have the best record in the league, after all). The coaching staff and front office know who is critical to our chemistry and who isn't. Pretty clear that in ANY case, we won't move anyone in our top 8 (starters + Payne/CamJo/McGee) or Frank, and I think it's highly, highly unlikely we'll deal Shamet, too.

But no matter how much Monty loves Saric, I don't see a place for him in our rotation. Stix won't crack it either, so those are the two I think we could possibly move. Then again, if McGee goes down, we'll be looking at Saric as that insurance. My issue there is I think Frank is better. Still, you'd want both if McGee went down.

TL;DR: We'll do something. Probably small, close to the deadline.

k
I don't think Saric comes back this year..he may but certainly no guarantee JaVale does. I think we could rather keep him than Saric unless we like Saric as 4 insurance but Monty has also stated that Saric is very important to team chemistry, heart of the team, stuff like that, even while out. They may not feel they can spend money on McGee or another C next year and another team may give McGee more than the MLE or at least the full one...which I don't think we'd match. We could just feel Saric, Frank and even a cheap Smith (by then) will serve us fine at the backup 5 and maybe they feel Saric will get back to bubble type play (maybe not over 50% from 3 but close to 40%). They can always get a bruiser type backup C too who rebounds, etc...McGee has phenomenal chemistry but is main add is rebounding and often efficient scoring off the bench which a cheap big can usually do 70-80% of for a fraction of the price.

[ImNotMcDiSwear]

I wouldn't mind a Payne upgrade. Levert or Smart would be awesome for offense and defense respectively. Either one would be a great addition and could take us to another level.

Smart is done. I know Payne's efficiency is down, but the bench unit is playing well, and he's been key to that. I think his shooting will revert to the mean. LeVert's also incredibly inconsistent as a shooter and always has been - not to mention the health concerns, which are persistent with him. I have no interest in moving or demoting Payne.

Nothing significant. But if you can get a piece like Craig for Smith, why not do it? He already knows the team and system and the players liked him. Can't be assured the team won't get hurt. Need to fill in any blanks we can. Nader is a blank and Payton is a blank.
If neither is happy with little playing time, we can move either next offseason.

While I'm not opposed to a minor trade, moving only players who are not part of our top 11 (Paul/Booker/Bridges/Crowder/Ayton---Payne/Shamet/Nader/Johnson/McGee---Frank), I think it's too early to make a move. Anything we do will likely involve moving a draft pick - and we don't have much of value to offer, so we must be judicious. The thing is, an injury could still occur. We should wait until we're closer to the deadline to give us the max amount of time for an injury to occur, so we know what to prioritize. If we don't suffer an injury, I could see us being interested in upgrading Payton for someone who can shoot, though I doubt even that - I think we'll roll with him. So most likely it would be a wing, or a 2, or a 4.

Those who say we shouldn't do anything at all seem to think we're not going to face an injury in the playoffs. We will. It's inevitable. If we had even one additional big or shooter, that could have made all the difference against the Bucks. Craig made a huge difference against the Clippers, since Bridges really struggled guarding Paul George. I don't see why we wouldn't be interested in adding one more guy to bolster our depth - insurance for when we need it.

I'm also not completely foreclosed to a bigger deal to add one major piece - specifically, a bench scorer. I'm not advocating for it, but a highly-efficient scorer could put us over the top (though we may be already - we do have the best record in the league, after all). The coaching staff and front office know who is critical to our chemistry and who isn't. Pretty clear that in ANY case, we won't move anyone in our top 8 (starters + Payne/CamJo/McGee) or Frank, and I think it's highly, highly unlikely we'll deal Shamet, too.

But no matter how much Monty loves Saric, I don't see a place for him in our rotation. Stix won't crack it either, so those are the two I think we could possibly move. Then again, if McGee goes down, we'll be looking at Saric as that insurance. My issue there is I think Frank is better. Still, you'd want both if McGee went down.

TL;DR: We'll do something. Probably small, close to the deadline.

k
I don't think Saric comes back this year..he may but certainly no guarantee JaVale does. I think we could rather keep him than Saric unless we like Saric as 4 insurance but Monty has also stated that Saric is very important to team chemistry, heart of the team, stuff like that, even while out. They may not feel they can spend money on McGee or another C next year and another team may give McGee more than the MLE or at least the full one...which I don't think we'd match. We could just feel Saric, Frank and even a cheap Smith (by then) will serve us fine at the backup 5 and maybe they feel Saric will get back to bubble type play (maybe not over 50% from 3 but close to 40%). They can always get a bruiser type backup C too who rebounds, etc...McGee has phenomenal chemistry but is main add is rebounding and often efficient scoring off the bench which a cheap big can usually do 70-80% of for a fraction of the price.

The drop off from McGee to Saric/Frank/Stix would be huge. Not willing to contemplate that future. Trade Saric with draft picks if necessary to clear the space to re-sign McGee. Simply put, we need him, and I don't see another player out there who can replace him.

[Slim Charless]

Smart is done. I know Payne's efficiency is down, but the bench unit is playing well, and he's been key to that. I think his shooting will revert to the mean. LeVert's also incredibly inconsistent as a shooter and always has been - not to mention the health concerns, which are persistent with him. I have no interest in moving or demoting Payne.



While I'm not opposed to a minor trade, moving only players who are not part of our top 11 (Paul/Booker/Bridges/Crowder/Ayton---Payne/Shamet/Nader/Johnson/McGee---Frank), I think it's too early to make a move. Anything we do will likely involve moving a draft pick - and we don't have much of value to offer, so we must be judicious. The thing is, an injury could still occur. We should wait until we're closer to the deadline to give us the max amount of time for an injury to occur, so we know what to prioritize. If we don't suffer an injury, I could see us being interested in upgrading Payton for someone who can shoot, though I doubt even that - I think we'll roll with him. So most likely it would be a wing, or a 2, or a 4.

Those who say we shouldn't do anything at all seem to think we're not going to face an injury in the playoffs. We will. It's inevitable. If we had even one additional big or shooter, that could have made all the difference against the Bucks. Craig made a huge difference against the Clippers, since Bridges really struggled guarding Paul George. I don't see why we wouldn't be interested in adding one more guy to bolster our depth - insurance for when we need it.

I'm also not completely foreclosed to a bigger deal to add one major piece - specifically, a bench scorer. I'm not advocating for it, but a highly-efficient scorer could put us over the top (though we may be already - we do have the best record in the league, after all). The coaching staff and front office know who is critical to our chemistry and who isn't. Pretty clear that in ANY case, we won't move anyone in our top 8 (starters + Payne/CamJo/McGee) or Frank, and I think it's highly, highly unlikely we'll deal Shamet, too.

But no matter how much Monty loves Saric, I don't see a place for him in our rotation. Stix won't crack it either, so those are the two I think we could possibly move. Then again, if McGee goes down, we'll be looking at Saric as that insurance. My issue there is I think Frank is better. Still, you'd want both if McGee went down.

TL;DR: We'll do something. Probably small, close to the deadline.

k
I don't think Saric comes back this year..he may but certainly no guarantee JaVale does. I think we could rather keep him than Saric unless we like Saric as 4 insurance but Monty has also stated that Saric is very important to team chemistry, heart of the team, stuff like that, even while out. They may not feel they can spend money on McGee or another C next year and another team may give McGee more than the MLE or at least the full one...which I don't think we'd match. We could just feel Saric, Frank and even a cheap Smith (by then) will serve us fine at the backup 5 and maybe they feel Saric will get back to bubble type play (maybe not over 50% from 3 but close to 40%). They can always get a bruiser type backup C too who rebounds, etc...McGee has phenomenal chemistry but is main add is rebounding and often efficient scoring off the bench which a cheap big can usually do 70-80% of for a fraction of the price.

The drop off from McGee to Saric/Frank/Stix would be huge. Not willing to contemplate that future. Trade Saric with draft picks if necessary to clear the space to re-sign McGee. Simply put, we need him, and I don't see another player out there who can replace him.

McGee is having basically the best year of his career so far. It's hard to say that he'll repeat this again-especially with what will probably be a price tag jump. That said, if he's down for a reasonable re-up, then I'm down to bring him back.

As to the Payne situation, I think he's fine and will PROBABLY be ok by playoff time but I disagree with your assessment of Smart and LeVert. Both of those guys would be better choices than him running our 2nd team. Only question would be what the pricetag would be. Most likely it's too much. I've been the Celtics forum and they think they're getting Beal/Sabonis for Smart and filler so there's obviously a divide there. Indy already has Brogdan so they don't really need Payne though I'll say that LeVert seems very available and I'd bet he's playing for a contender come May.

Most likely we just stand pat and ride this out to see where these guys take us. Which I'm fine with.

[Ghost of Kleine]

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[King4Day]

Smart is done. I know Payne's efficiency is down, but the bench unit is playing well, and he's been key to that. I think his shooting will revert to the mean. LeVert's also incredibly inconsistent as a shooter and always has been - not to mention the health concerns, which are persistent with him. I have no interest in moving or demoting Payne.



While I'm not opposed to a minor trade, moving only players who are not part of our top 11 (Paul/Booker/Bridges/Crowder/Ayton---Payne/Shamet/Nader/Johnson/McGee---Frank), I think it's too early to make a move. Anything we do will likely involve moving a draft pick - and we don't have much of value to offer, so we must be judicious. The thing is, an injury could still occur. We should wait until we're closer to the deadline to give us the max amount of time for an injury to occur, so we know what to prioritize. If we don't suffer an injury, I could see us being interested in upgrading Payton for someone who can shoot, though I doubt even that - I think we'll roll with him. So most likely it would be a wing, or a 2, or a 4.

Those who say we shouldn't do anything at all seem to think we're not going to face an injury in the playoffs. We will. It's inevitable. If we had even one additional big or shooter, that could have made all the difference against the Bucks. Craig made a huge difference against the Clippers, since Bridges really struggled guarding Paul George. I don't see why we wouldn't be interested in adding one more guy to bolster our depth - insurance for when we need it.

I'm also not completely foreclosed to a bigger deal to add one major piece - specifically, a bench scorer. I'm not advocating for it, but a highly-efficient scorer could put us over the top (though we may be already - we do have the best record in the league, after all). The coaching staff and front office know who is critical to our chemistry and who isn't. Pretty clear that in ANY case, we won't move anyone in our top 8 (starters + Payne/CamJo/McGee) or Frank, and I think it's highly, highly unlikely we'll deal Shamet, too.

But no matter how much Monty loves Saric, I don't see a place for him in our rotation. Stix won't crack it either, so those are the two I think we could possibly move. Then again, if McGee goes down, we'll be looking at Saric as that insurance. My issue there is I think Frank is better. Still, you'd want both if McGee went down.

TL;DR: We'll do something. Probably small, close to the deadline.

k
I don't think Saric comes back this year..he may but certainly no guarantee JaVale does. I think we could rather keep him than Saric unless we like Saric as 4 insurance but Monty has also stated that Saric is very important to team chemistry, heart of the team, stuff like that, even while out. They may not feel they can spend money on McGee or another C next year and another team may give McGee more than the MLE or at least the full one...which I don't think we'd match. We could just feel Saric, Frank and even a cheap Smith (by then) will serve us fine at the backup 5 and maybe they feel Saric will get back to bubble type play (maybe not over 50% from 3 but close to 40%). They can always get a bruiser type backup C too who rebounds, etc...McGee has phenomenal chemistry but is main add is rebounding and often efficient scoring off the bench which a cheap big can usually do 70-80% of for a fraction of the price.

The drop off from McGee to Saric/Frank/Stix would be huge. Not willing to contemplate that future. Trade Saric with draft picks if necessary to clear the space to re-sign McGee. Simply put, we need him, and I don't see another player out there who can replace him.

I don't think anyone will go near McGee with an MLE. He teams with Paul, and this offense, and suddenly he is having, arguably, his most impactful season.
Who would offer that to him? I could see us giving him a 2-year deal at maybe 7 or 8 per with the 2nd year having like a team option to buy him out for 2 mil. Something like that.

[bwgood77]

Smart is done. I know Payne's efficiency is down, but the bench unit is playing well, and he's been key to that. I think his shooting will revert to the mean. LeVert's also incredibly inconsistent as a shooter and always has been - not to mention the health concerns, which are persistent with him. I have no interest in moving or demoting Payne.



While I'm not opposed to a minor trade, moving only players who are not part of our top 11 (Paul/Booker/Bridges/Crowder/Ayton---Payne/Shamet/Nader/Johnson/McGee---Frank), I think it's too early to make a move. Anything we do will likely involve moving a draft pick - and we don't have much of value to offer, so we must be judicious. The thing is, an injury could still occur. We should wait until we're closer to the deadline to give us the max amount of time for an injury to occur, so we know what to prioritize. If we don't suffer an injury, I could see us being interested in upgrading Payton for someone who can shoot, though I doubt even that - I think we'll roll with him. So most likely it would be a wing, or a 2, or a 4.

Those who say we shouldn't do anything at all seem to think we're not going to face an injury in the playoffs. We will. It's inevitable. If we had even one additional big or shooter, that could have made all the difference against the Bucks. Craig made a huge difference against the Clippers, since Bridges really struggled guarding Paul George. I don't see why we wouldn't be interested in adding one more guy to bolster our depth - insurance for when we need it.

I'm also not completely foreclosed to a bigger deal to add one major piece - specifically, a bench scorer. I'm not advocating for it, but a highly-efficient scorer could put us over the top (though we may be already - we do have the best record in the league, after all). The coaching staff and front office know who is critical to our chemistry and who isn't. Pretty clear that in ANY case, we won't move anyone in our top 8 (starters + Payne/CamJo/McGee) or Frank, and I think it's highly, highly unlikely we'll deal Shamet, too.

But no matter how much Monty loves Saric, I don't see a place for him in our rotation. Stix won't crack it either, so those are the two I think we could possibly move. Then again, if McGee goes down, we'll be looking at Saric as that insurance. My issue there is I think Frank is better. Still, you'd want both if McGee went down.

TL;DR: We'll do something. Probably small, close to the deadline.

k
I don't think Saric comes back this year..he may but certainly no guarantee JaVale does. I think we could rather keep him than Saric unless we like Saric as 4 insurance but Monty has also stated that Saric is very important to team chemistry, heart of the team, stuff like that, even while out. They may not feel they can spend money on McGee or another C next year and another team may give McGee more than the MLE or at least the full one...which I don't think we'd match. We could just feel Saric, Frank and even a cheap Smith (by then) will serve us fine at the backup 5 and maybe they feel Saric will get back to bubble type play (maybe not over 50% from 3 but close to 40%). They can always get a bruiser type backup C too who rebounds, etc...McGee has phenomenal chemistry but is main add is rebounding and often efficient scoring off the bench which a cheap big can usually do 70-80% of for a fraction of the price.

The drop off from McGee to Saric/Frank/Stix would be huge. Not willing to contemplate that future. Trade Saric with draft picks if necessary to clear the space to re-sign McGee. Simply put, we need him, and I don't see another player out there who can replace him.

It is in some ways, but Saric had a few phenomenal stretches last year (or I will rephrase to very good) along with some very bad. But I do think they like the option of having a stretch 5.

[bwgood77]

k
I don't think Saric comes back this year..he may but certainly no guarantee JaVale does. I think we could rather keep him than Saric unless we like Saric as 4 insurance but Monty has also stated that Saric is very important to team chemistry, heart of the team, stuff like that, even while out. They may not feel they can spend money on McGee or another C next year and another team may give McGee more than the MLE or at least the full one...which I don't think we'd match. We could just feel Saric, Frank and even a cheap Smith (by then) will serve us fine at the backup 5 and maybe they feel Saric will get back to bubble type play (maybe not over 50% from 3 but close to 40%). They can always get a bruiser type backup C too who rebounds, etc...McGee has phenomenal chemistry but is main add is rebounding and often efficient scoring off the bench which a cheap big can usually do 70-80% of for a fraction of the price.

The drop off from McGee to Saric/Frank/Stix would be huge. Not willing to contemplate that future. Trade Saric with draft picks if necessary to clear the space to re-sign McGee. Simply put, we need him, and I don't see another player out there who can replace him.

I don't think anyone will go near McGee with an MLE. He teams with Paul, and this offense, and suddenly he is having, arguably, his most impactful season.
Who would offer that to him? I could see us giving him a 2-year deal at maybe 7 or 8 per with the 2nd year having like a team option to buy him out for 2 mil. Something like that.

Why wouldn't a team like the Lakers? He could start at C for them and be insurance for more AD or LeBron injuries next year. Miami, GS, maybe others...maybe some teams think it helps them enough and hurts us enough to make an impact. I don't think some of these rich teams (highly profitable ones) care much about salary.

I'd love to keep McGee and hope we do but we'll see. I don't think we trade Saric but we could do it for Noel if McGee signs elsewhere. He is a decent backup. Doesn't score much but over 9rpg and 2.3 bpg per 36.

If McGee is having the best year of his career with Paul, why wouldn't someone else? Orlando has lots of Cs..may let one go....not sure who is all out there or who will be.

Edit: Checked....UFA Cs...Tristan Thompson, Thomas Bryant, Robin Lopez (Orl probably moves on), Dieng, Howard, Drummond, Hartenstein, Mitchell Robinson and many more... https://www.spotrac.com/nba/free-agents/ufa/center/

[TheLoon]

Like BWG is saying - the chemistry is so good now, the team is just rolling. The suns do not need to make a trade. Granted injuries or COVID could happen so they might have to adapt at that time. But they are in such a good spot right now - I still only see a smaller trade. Maybe Stix for Craig - but that means taking on 5m next year.

I can see the Suns as a team ready for the buyout market just to have one extra player that could be beneficial in spot duty - but not a regular. The 9 player rotation is pretty much nails. Why fix what ain't broke.

It'd be nice to deal for Justin Holiday (for Smith) and then pick up Thad Young on the buyout market. Our depth would be even more insane.

You guys mentioning this...why do you think they would (possibly) trade Craig or Holiday for Stix? I don't think they are close to the tax or need to dump salary or that Smith has nearly the player value as those guys (and is an UFA anyway who they would have less leverage on). Maybe if they deal one of their bigs it would be a tad more likely but they also have that one backup big who had the empty table at the draft while everyone was at Zion's (forget his name)...plus they often played TJ at the 4 (though he may want a trade too or did...maybe they changed coaches since then)...I think they kind of like to play small though and Smith is more of a 5, not that they could keep him..but it seems more likely they would deal one of those guys if they were looking for cap relief. They just went out and signed Craig and then I think they like Holiday.

Having said all that, i don't think the Suns will want to take on extra salary next year. They already vastly overpaid Shamet with his near $11 million a year deal. Wonder what Crowder thinks of that.

They're gonna have to pay Ayton so they'll be taking on salary regardless...unless a sweetheart deal falls into our laps adding Nadar Frank and Daric back is just fine for our depth

[Ghost of Kleine]

David (@theIVpointplay) Tweeted:
This is honestly pretty silly. https://t.co/4WqZJg2n08

Read on Twitter

?s=20

[King4Day]

David (@theIVpointplay) Tweeted:
This is honestly pretty silly. https://t.co/4WqZJg2n08

Read on Twitter

?s=20

Any reason why OKC would trade him? Is he a FA after this year?

[Saberestar]

David (@theIVpointplay) Tweeted:
This is honestly pretty silly. https://t.co/4WqZJg2n08

Read on Twitter

?s=20

Any reason why OKC would trade him? Is he a FA after this year?

I like him. He has a HIGH motor and can defend multiple positions.

He would be a nice upgrade over Nader/Jalen.

He is under contract next season for just $2M. Unguaranteed.

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[Revived]

NBA needs to adopt the NFL strategy in regards to covid. Stop testing vaccinated asymptomatic players regularly and test them as frequently as they do standard drug tests. And if vaccinated player is asymptomatic then they can come back to play within 24 hrs of negative test.

It’s insane right now the amount of NBA players on the covid list and reportedly like 95%+ of them are completely asymptomatic.