Suns Offseason Thread

JMarkJohns · Post by **JMarkJohns** » Fri Aug 22, 2014 7:57 pm

Assuming his meniscus-free knee holds up.

I'd have paid him 17-per over 3 years and I think he'd have taken that. Suns minimize risk, Bledsoe maximizes short-term money and longer-term opportunity.

Longhorned · Post by **Longhorned** » Mon Sep 01, 2014 9:20 pm

I heard about possibility of Bledsoe to Detroit for Greg Monroe. A trade to resolve poisoned relationships on both sides.

Longhorned · Post by **Longhorned** » Fri Sep 05, 2014 9:32 pm

A guy on a plane told me that the inside track on the new sponsored name for the soon-to-be former US Airways Center is Arby's Arena.

Longhorned · Post by **Longhorned** » Fri Sep 19, 2014 3:28 pm

Now that Minnesota wants to give Bledsoe a max contract for four years, but needs the Suns to eat some of the salary while at the same time not wanting to offer assets of value to the Suns, it will be interesting to see where this goes, if anywhere. A third team will be needed, but whoever that is and whatever it would entail are mystery.

azcat49 · Post by **azcat49** » Fri Sep 19, 2014 3:37 pm

Why would the Suns take any deal? Not like Bledsoe has any leverage

Longhorned · Post by **Longhorned** » Fri Sep 19, 2014 4:06 pm

azcat49 wrote:Why would the Suns take any deal? Not like Bledsoe has any leverage

Any deal? What if they offer Zach LaVine or Wiggins? They probably won't, but who knows what could come out of a three-team deal. Especially considering that the Suns won't get anything when Bledsoe walks away in a year.

Or do you mean the Suns should match the max contract offer?

JMarkJohns · Post by **JMarkJohns** » Fri Sep 19, 2014 4:17 pm

I would gladly take LaVine, Rubio, Dieng, then flip Rubio for a 1st or two via sign/trade in the offseason.

azcat49 · Post by **azcat49** » Fri Sep 19, 2014 6:05 pm

I heard Minny wanted to dump chase and Rubio for Bledsoe. I would take Wiggins in a deal.

I wouldn't give him more then 48 for 4. Make him prove it. If he can last a year and wants to play for the 1 year contract, have at it kid. We can still trade you before you walk

TucsonClip · Post by **TucsonClip** » Fri Sep 19, 2014 6:24 pm

azcat49 wrote:If he can last a year and wants to play for the 1 year contract, have at it kid. We can still trade you before you walk

Actually, Bledsoe would be able to veto trades and would become unrestricted the following season.

azcat49 · Post by **azcat49** » Fri Sep 19, 2014 8:23 pm

Thx, you guys know more about NBA contracts then I do for sure. I just think these kids should get paid on what they have done, not on what they might do

The Goat · Post by **The Goat** » Sat Sep 20, 2014 12:29 am

JMarkJohns wrote:I would gladly take LaVine, Rubio, Dieng, then flip Rubio for a 1st or two via sign/trade in the offseason.

Nobody is giving you first rounders for Rubio unless he really improves. Especially with the absurd contract he wants.

JMarkJohns · Post by **JMarkJohns** » Sat Sep 20, 2014 7:45 am

I disagree. Perhaps not in sign/trade, but at the deadline with his CAP hit being mid-level money, a team near contention who needs a PG (think Mavericks, Pacers, Nets) would throw ya a 1st, maybe 2 if you took back a crappy contract.

Longhorned · Post by **Longhorned** » Sat Sep 20, 2014 9:06 am

I wouldn't want to miss this opportunity to get rid of Bledsoe. I wouldn't want him for a year even if it is in his best interests to show he deserves a contract from someone.

Jefe · Post by **Jefe** » Mon Sep 22, 2014 9:34 am

This would be awesome.

http://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/n ... /16022261/

Suns play-by-play announcer Al McCoy might have even more reason to exclaim "Oh, brother!" this season.

The Suns have become the leader in the pursuit of shooting guard Zoran Dragic, the younger brother of Suns star guard Goran Dragic. One other NBA team remains in serious pursuit but negotiations for a contract and a buyout from Dragic's Spanish club have progressed to the point that a deal could be finalized early this week.

Dragic, 25, has been talking to Phoenix about a two-year contract or a three-year deal with the third year as an option for the player or team.

After joining Goran for the Slovenian national team's run to the World Cup quarterfinals, Zoran reported to training camp with Unicaja Malaga, his Spanish club that had signed him to a contract extension in July. The extension included a NBA buyout for about $1.1 million, of which the Suns can contribute up to $600,000. A NBA contract might have to exceed $2 million for Zoran to leave for the NBA, a goal he openly has shared.

Zoran Dragic's addition would give the Suns 14 guaranteed contracts, leaving one regular-season roster spot open for restricted free agent Eric Bledsoe. Signing both would give the Suns seven guards on the roster, although Gerald Green is a small forward too.

Zoran Dragic is a 6-foot-5 guard with aggressive defense, a familiar attacking style in transition and a developing perimeter shot. In seven World Cup games, he averaged 14.1 points and 4.0 rebounds in 26.3 minutes per game with 50 percent shooting overall and 43.3 percent shooting on 3-pointers. He averaged 10.9 points in Euroleague play last season. His presence would be a plus to the retention of Goran, who likely will opt to become a free agent next summer but already has expressed his desire to stay with Phoenix.

All of the Suns players under contract have been at US Airways Center for voluntary workouts this month but they officially report Sept. 29 and depart for a five-day training camp in Flagstaff.

Main Event · Post by **Main Event** » Tue Sep 23, 2014 7:05 pm

JMarkJohns · Post by **JMarkJohns** » Tue Sep 23, 2014 7:22 pm

What's hilarious is the Suns started negotiations with high end market value, and his moronic agent convinced Bledsoe it was an insult.

Suns ups never low balled Bledsoe. They just weren't going to bid against themselves.

Again, I'd do any of:

3 years/48 million
4 years/52 million
5 years/58 million

More guaranteed, longer the risk so lesser per-season mitigates risk some.

Higher per-season is mitigated by fewer years.

Win/win either way.

Longhorned · Post by **Longhorned** » Tue Sep 23, 2014 8:47 pm

Bledsoe is only 24 years old and this is his first negotiation. But this is the NBA, and if he's going to be a player, and not just a player, he needs to understand what took place here with Rich Paul and be sure to avoid another situation like this spiraling out of control in the press. After the initial offer he received, the message to fans that his relationship to the Suns was on the edge of disrepair reflects poorly on him. Agents are about more than negotiating the best possible contract. They should be able to do that and watch out for the client's best interests. Bledsoe needs to keep his eyes wide open after this.

Coop Cat · Post by **Coop Cat** » Wed Sep 24, 2014 2:46 pm

Big Money:

Main Event · Post by **Main Event** » Wed Sep 24, 2014 2:50 pm

Better be able to keep Goran

Longhorned · Post by **Longhorned** » Wed Sep 24, 2014 3:21 pm

Does this mean McDonough is staking his job on Bledsoe staying healthy? If Bledsoe can't stay healthy and the Suns lose Goran or miss out on free agents by limited cap space, I'd think that would do McDonough in.

JMarkJohns · Post by **JMarkJohns** » Wed Sep 24, 2014 3:27 pm

Longhorned wrote:Does this mean McDonough is staking his job on Bledsoe staying healthy? If Bledsoe can't stay healthy and the Suns lose Goran or miss out on free agents by limited cap space, I'd think that would do McDonough in.

It's a risk, but my bet is they keep Goran, then draft and trade.

Once Bledsoe, Dragic, Morrii are off current deals they lose all flexability anyways, so retain assets, and use in trades.

14-per, if healthy, is actually pretty solid. I don't like the guaranteed length of five years for that per-year, but after a year or two, it's a tradable contract.

TucsonClip · Post by **TucsonClip** » Wed Sep 24, 2014 4:50 pm

JMarkJohns wrote:
14-per, if healthy, is actually pretty solid. I don't like the guaranteed length of five years for that per-year, but after a year or two, it's a tradable contract.

Spot on with this post. My thoughts exactly. The $14 mil per isnt bad, but the guaranteed 5 years is questionable considering the development Bledsoe still needs to realize. However, when the cap increases and if Bledsoe improves a bit more, he could have some value later in that deal.

JMarkJohns · Post by **JMarkJohns** » Thu Sep 25, 2014 7:44 am

Dragon Bro Z is happening.

Zoran has informed his team of intent to sign with Suns. Indicates Goran is already on board with coming back next year.

Puerco · Post by **Puerco** » Thu Sep 25, 2014 7:52 am

JMarkJohns wrote:Dragon Bro Z is happening.

Zoran has informed his team of intent to sign with Suns. Indicates Goran is already on board with coming back next year.

Now that's cool news.

UAEebs86 · Post by **UAEebs86** » Thu Sep 25, 2014 8:12 am

JMarkJohns wrote:Dragon Bro Z is happening.

Zoran has informed his team of intent to sign with Suns. Indicates Goran is already on board with coming back next year.

JMJ,

Pardon my ignorance, but what position does he play? Is he any good?

JMarkJohns · Post by **JMarkJohns** » Thu Sep 25, 2014 8:27 am

He's primarily a SG with traditional slasher wing skills, improving jumper, but strong defender. He's very experienced, do I anticipate a solid role this year, expanding role next once Green departs (could depart this year via trade for a 1st).

azcat49 · Post by **azcat49** » Thu Sep 25, 2014 8:37 am

Sounds like the Suns overpaid to keep Bledsoe. From 4/48 to 5/70 is a big jump. This is why some of us hate pro sports

Coop Cat · Post by **Coop Cat** » Thu Sep 25, 2014 8:53 am

JMarkJohns · Post by **JMarkJohns** » Thu Sep 25, 2014 9:26 am

azcat49 wrote:Sounds like the Suns overpaid to keep Bledsoe. From 4/48 to 5/70 is a big jump. This is why some of us hate pro sports

4/48 was the initial offer. It was never the likely number. It was market value starting point. I will argue that it's a fair middle ground, and, is closer to the Suns ideal per-year than it was Bledsoe's MAX demands.

It's a good deal. The fifth year is a bit of a surprise, but even taking the 4/48 per year and adding a 5th and it's 5/60, so again, 70 is middle ground and closer to Suns ideal than Bledsoe's 80+.

Jefe · Post by **Jefe** » Thu Sep 25, 2014 11:31 am

UAEebs86 wrote:JMJ,

Pardon my ignorance, but what position does he play? Is he any good?

Got to watch him during the 2 USA games. I was fairly impressed. Really good shooter, plays smart

JMarkJohns · Post by **JMarkJohns** » Mon Sep 29, 2014 7:09 am

Markieff signs 4/32 extension
Marcus signs 4/20 extension

Fantastic deals now and steals once CAP explodes.

I envision Markieff as an 18-8 starter. To have that locked up at 8-per over four truly inspires confidence again after the slight overpay for Bledsoe.

JMarkJohns · Post by **JMarkJohns** » Mon Sep 29, 2014 7:11 am

JMarkJohns wrote:Markieff signs 4/32 extension
Marcus signs 4/20 extension

Fantastic deals now and steals once CAP explodes.

I envision Markieff as an 18-8 starter. To have that locked up at 8-per over four truly inspires confidence again after the slight overpay for Bledsoe.

Official tweet:

JMarkJohns · Post by **JMarkJohns** » Mon Sep 29, 2014 7:13 am

I would imagine both have ETOs on 4th year, but both still on rookie scale another year, then guaranteed three years before any ETO would matter.

pokinmik · Post by **pokinmik** » Mon Sep 29, 2014 7:21 am

That's great news. Markieff should definitely have a solid year and will get some real notice.

I'm liking everything the Suns have done lately. Zoran is an awesome pickup for the price...he's the type of guy that good teams need, and having him with his brother is icing on the cake. Bledsoe, yea might've overpaid a bit, but not too much with an expected huge rise in the cap next couple years like Jmark mentioned. And I'd rather the Suns overpay a tad than lose him outright or trade him for an underwhelming package of players. Shows they really want to win. This team is pretty loaded on paper, hopefully some of our frontcourt guys can blossom or play their roles really well and this team should be legit!

JMarkJohns · Post by **JMarkJohns** » Mon Sep 29, 2014 7:32 am

This season rides on health, defining of roles, and development of Len and Plumlee.

PG: Bledsoe, Thomas
SG: GDragic, ZDragic, Goodwin
SF: Tucker, McMorris, Warren
PF: MkMorris, Toliver
C: Plumlee, Len

That's a deep roster with upside. Spurs showed you don't need superstars if you have heady, skilled depth. I'd like a stronger athlete upfront at either PF or C, but, again, Spurs showed it's not a requisite.

We need to emphasize rebounding. That's going to be a huge concern all year until Len and Plumlee demonstrate they can combine for 13-16 RPG.

JMarkJohns · Post by **JMarkJohns** » Mon Sep 29, 2014 8:11 am

Suns are so deep at wing I forgot Green.

Warren likely starts year in DL with Ennis.

Needs to work on perimeter shot in set situations.

I still think Green can be trade fodder. Contract is cheap and expiring and could fetch a 1st from a team looking for outside shooting, transition scoring.

Jefe · Post by **Jefe** » Mon Sep 29, 2014 11:56 am

Any other teams had 2 sets of brothers on 1 team?

JMarkJohns · Post by **JMarkJohns** » Mon Sep 29, 2014 12:17 pm

Per twitter, no. Not at same time.

Jefe · Post by **Jefe** » Mon Sep 29, 2014 4:43 pm

azcat49 · Post by **azcat49** » Mon Sep 29, 2014 4:55 pm

That is two wild and crazy guys. I would imagine when they hit the town......well, ladies beware

Longhorned · Post by **Longhorned** » Mon Sep 29, 2014 5:45 pm

So that means that 1/3 of all players on the roster are a brother of another player. If I coached that team, I'd eat a double cheese, double 1/3 lb. patty burger. Come to think of it, I'll eat one now.

Longhorned · Post by **Longhorned** » Tue Sep 30, 2014 3:41 pm

Vegas sets the Suns win total this coming year at 42.5:

http://espn.go.com/espn/chalk/story/_/i ... e-best-585

I never bet, but this time I'm pretty tempted to make some money.

azcat49 · Post by **azcat49** » Tue Sep 30, 2014 9:09 pm

Yup, that seems low and a mark for easy money

JMarkJohns · Post by **JMarkJohns** » Wed Oct 01, 2014 5:57 am

They are trying to inspire betting and will slowly move the line up. I'd say a truer total is 49.5. 50 wins almost always gets you in, and in most seasons indicates a 5/6 level finish.

Hard to believe a team that won 48 games with it's starting backcourt only playing 34/82 games together due to injury as suffering through a 6 game drop, especially with the PG/SG depth they now have to buey talent in tough times.

I will argue the west from 10-12 is weaker than last season, so whatever little bit the 13-15 teams have improved, which is very little, Suns should have an easier time en route vs. Bottom of west than last year.

I've given a 45-55 range.

But again, prior to Bledsoe's injury, Suns were top-6, and held a .724 win percentage when Dragic and Bledsoe started together. If they play 60 games together, that's already over at roughly 43.5 wins with another 22 games to play at roughly .520 win percentage, which is right in line with my ceiling of 55 total wins.

JMarkJohns · Post by **JMarkJohns** » Sat Oct 04, 2014 3:18 pm

A few takeaways from the scrimmage today from fifth-row, centercourt:

1. If Morrii shoot anything close to how they did today in most games, watch the fuck out! They must have been like 15/20 overall and like 7/10 from range.

2. If Goodwin and Warren get to the rim they are finishing exceptionally well. Scrimmage was beyond physical (Shavlik Randolph got a bloody nose) in the key, and both got to the rim, and both showed off an array of moves and abilities to absorb contact, finish, and draw the foul. Might be tough to keep them off the floor.

3. Randolph, when healthy, should form a nice backup platoon with Toliver to help make up for the loss of Frye's 3-pointers. Could be a nice, stealthy type of signing.

4. Holy crap, Gerald Green can still sky! Head was several inches above the rim multiple times.

5. Zoran brings an infectious effort and physicality, and he seems like he'll be a lot of fun on roadtrips. Did multiple hip/hop, break dance moves post game as part of his hazing, but was the only one to actually commit.

6. Plumlee looks good. Very strong. Controlled paint.

7. Len still looks like Len. :/

8. Thomas is going to rake in a scorer 6th-Man role in this offense. He played damn well alongside Bledsoe today. Too good, infact, that they switched him at the half to make the game more competitive.

9. Bledsoe looked happy. Cracked jokes, got into Z's dancing, etc.

10. Ennis can find the open man and, at times, manipulate spacing. He gets a jumper, he'll stick in this league.

PG: Bledsoe (24), Thomas (24)
SG: GDragic (34), Bledsoe (10), Green (4)
SF: Tucker (25), Green (18), McMorris (5)
PF: MkMorris (30), McMorris (13), Randolph/Toliver (5)
C: Plumlee (25), Len (23)

That's a 9-man rotation + a breathers worth of minutes from Randolph/Toliver.

Gonna be hard for ZDragic, Goodwin, Warren to see minutes. There might be a 10-15 mpg role for either Z, Goodwin or TJ, but even that's a stretch.

But depth is incredible.

I'd like to see Suns sign Prather. Seems like he could develop similar to Tucker has with time. Really hustled, got in the grill of Tucker/Green, and while he didn't score, shot looked solid in warmups.

ghostwhitehorse · Post by **ghostwhitehorse** » Sat Oct 04, 2014 7:00 pm

http://grantland.com/the-triangle/nba-w ... ning-frye/

There was a player who did leave. Unfortunately for the Suns, he might’ve taken their one hope of continuity along with him. Dragic became the team’s undisputed best player, Bledsoe remains their best chance at a future superstar, and Markieff Morris was the team’s unexpected breakout player. But Frye might’ve been the most valuable player to the operation last season.

Interesting analysis farther into the article.

wooha · Post by **wooha** » Tue Oct 07, 2014 10:19 pm

JMarkJohns wrote: Len still looks like Len. :/

And still has the same bone density it seems. Another broken finger.

JMarkJohns · Post by **JMarkJohns** » Wed Oct 08, 2014 3:36 am

My friend joked, "some guys can't catch a break. But Len catches all of them."

It's weird to have the feeling of a lost cause before the second season even begins.

Longhorned · Post by **Longhorned** » Wed Oct 08, 2014 6:44 am

JMarkJohns wrote:My friend joked, "some guys can't catch a break. But Len catches all of them."

It's weird to have the feeling of a lost cause before the second season even begins.

I think there's a risk on taking a big man so early in the draft, and there were decent backcourt assets that the Suns passed on to take Len. Since the Suns were going to take a risk, I still think they might as well have taken a risk on Noel.

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