2014 Suns Free Agency

[AzStevenCal]

How much do you think he'd be worth? To me, a max seems a bit much, but I would love the front court help.

He's probably worth 10 to 12 but more likely he'll get close to 15. I think the Pistons would be foolish not to match any offer though as there just aren't enough decent big men to go around. He probably needs to play elsewhere as he's a much better defender at the center spot that Drummond has nailed down. As a 4, he's quite a liability. But if I was Stan Van Gundy, I'd match and then trade him a year later rather than just let him walk. Now, if we can do a sign and trade at 12 million, that might work for both clubs.

Steve

 

[KloD]

He's probably worth 10 to 12 but more likely he'll get close to 15. I think the Pistons would be foolish not to match any offer though as there just aren't enough decent big men to go around. He probably needs to play elsewhere as he's a much better defender at the center spot that Drummond has nailed down. As a 4, he's quite a liability. But if I was Stan Van Gundy, I'd match and then trade him a year later rather than just let him walk. Now, if we can do a sign and trade at 12 million, that might work for both clubs.

Steve

But trade who? Unlike most, I don't think we are steep in backcourt help. I see Bledsoe and Dragic starting with Green and Thomas coming off the bench. I can see Goodwin getting spot duty and replacing Green the following year. Kid is only 19 and so is Ennis. I really don't expect much from either next year. I do agree that based on what is left out there taking a shot at Monroe might be worth it. I don't want to do a sign and trade though. I'm a fan of if you're going to take a shot at a restricted free agent, even if they match, you've now locked up a chunk of that teams payroll. Its a small win, but it may prevent them from bidding against you for someone else down the road. I know we are weak up front but we could be surprised by Len's development or see more improvement from Plumlee. I'd like to see more consistency from the Morri which will serve them well being it a contract year for both. So maybe take a shot at Monroe and if it fails sign another back up PF on the cheap and save our stash for a trade later in the season or for a starting PF next off season. That and if an injury to Dragic or Bledsoe should occur, we now have Thompson or Green who can and have both played starters min to replace them for as long as needed. That's pretty comforting knowing our 2nd team backcourt can also be competent starter replacements if necessary.

 

[SirStefan32]

Lakers and the Bulls working on a S&T deal sending Pau to Chicago. I assume it's Pau for Boozer swap, so that's two more names off the market.

 

[AzStevenCal]

But trade who? Unlike most, I don't think we are steep in backcourt help. I see Bledsoe and Dragic starting with Green and Thomas coming off the bench. I can see Goodwin getting spot duty and replacing Green the following year. Kid is only 19 and so is Ennis. I really don't expect much from either next year. I do agree that based on what is left out there taking a shot at Monroe might be worth it. I don't want to do a sign and trade though. I'm a fan of if you're going to take a shot at a restricted free agent, even if they match, you've now locked up a chunk of that teams payroll. Its a small win, but it may prevent them from bidding against you for someone else down the road. I know we are weak up front but we could be surprised by Len's development or see more improvement from Plumlee. I'd like to see more consistency from the Morri which will serve them well being it a contract year for both. So maybe take a shot at Monroe and if it fails sign another back up PF on the cheap and save our stash for a trade later in the season or for a starting PF next off season. That and if an injury to Dragic or Bledsoe should occur, we now have Thompson or Green who can and have both played starters min to replace them for as long as needed. That's pretty comforting knowing our 2nd team backcourt can also be competent starter replacements if necessary.

I don't want to do a sign and trade either. But, assuming he's our target, if we don't trade we're going to have to offer him the max and hope Detroit doesn't match.

I know a lot of people would be up in arms by this but I'd offer Goodwin and the Minnesota pick if they'll all agree to a 4 year deal around 48 Million. I doubt they'll take it. I suspect Goodwin is valued far more by Suns fans than he is by other franchises but it's worth a shot. What I don't want to see though is a max offer sign and trade. It's hard to overcome that much of an overpay if you're also giving away picks and or players.

Steve

 

[overseascardfan]

Man, everyone went from I'd rather do nothing than make any stupid moves to let's sign anyone who's 6;9" and over. It's a crappy year for bigs in free agency. The Suns aren't going to contend this year, to think so would be foolish. Why run out and sign someone just to get someone. Yes, we need a starting PF, yes we need more at center. They aren't out there. Next year will be much better for bigs in the draft and free agency. This year all I want them to do is make a smart signing or two, bring back Tucker and Bledsoe and be done. Thomas was a great signing. He's a starting quality guard on a small declining contract that is only 25. Maybe if we can find another like that. I wouldn't be opposed to Monroe, but I also wouldn't' be thrilled, especially if we had to give them something not to match. I just can't relate to this now now now mind set. A year ago we were predicted to be one of if not the worst teams with a bleak future, now we are considered a strong young team on the rise with a good future. Some of the ideas and complaining leaves me thankful that some here have absolutely no say in team decisions. Others I wonder what enjoyment they get in being Suns fans since the management are apparently stupid and have no idea what they are doing. These people spend all their time bitching about the team/front office and little of it if any is rational. Give it time.

PHX does need a rebounding PF otherwise PHX is going to get killed every game, also if that PF is starting material then that's icing on the cake. I would prefer Monroe over guys like Boozer or Gasol. Monroe is arguably the best PF PHX can hope for as Love ain't going sign with PHX next year.

 

[SirStefan32]

Ok, so I am not sure if this is just because I am not fully awake yet (still on my first cup of coffee) but something just occurred to me. Last year, we had Frye and Morris playing 4. What the hell is the difference between having Frye play 4 or having Tucker play 4? He's hell of a lot tougher, he can play D, and he can rebound. Seriously, what is the difference between a 6'11 shooting guard playing PF or a 6'6 SF playing PF?

As long as a real Center is on the floor for 48 minutes, PF Tucker might work even better than Frye as the stretch 4. better rebounder, better defender, better shooter, a lot stronger and tougher.

 

[AzStevenCal]

Ok, so I am not sure if this is just because I am not fully awake yet (still on my first cup of coffee) but something just occurred to me. Last year, we had Frye and Morris playing 4. What the hell is the difference between having Frye play 4 or having Tucker play 4? He's hell of a lot tougher, he can play D, and he can rebound. Seriously, what is the difference between a 6'11 shooting guard playing PF or a 6'6 SF playing PF?

As long as a real Center is on the floor for 48 minutes, PF Tucker might work even better than Frye as the stretch 4. better rebounder, better defender, better shooter, a lot stronger and tougher.

I've thought this before too especially once he added that corner 3 to his shot. He won't be able to put pressure on the passing lanes like Channing did and I don't think he'll be as effective in help situations but he can certainly body up much better than Frye. And his man defense on the perimeter should be no worse than a wash and probably better. If we actually use him like a stretch 4 rather than a post up forward I don't see why it wouldn't work on offense. And while it's not ideal on defense, we didn't have "ideal" on defense last year anyway.

Steve

 

[CardsSunsDbacks]

Ok, so I am not sure if this is just because I am not fully awake yet (still on my first cup of coffee) but something just occurred to me. Last year, we had Frye and Morris playing 4. What the hell is the difference between having Frye play 4 or having Tucker play 4? He's hell of a lot tougher, he can play D, and he can rebound. Seriously, what is the difference between a 6'11 shooting guard playing PF or a 6'6 SF playing PF?

As long as a real Center is on the floor for 48 minutes, PF Tucker might work even better than Frye as the stretch 4. better rebounder, better defender, better shooter, a lot stronger and tougher.

Hell, even Barkley was darn good PF at 6'6". Not saying that means Tucker can be just as effective, but I think it could work just fine especially against smaller lineups.

 

[elindholm]

Ok, so I am not sure if this is just because I am not fully awake yet (still on my first cup of coffee) but something just occurred to me. Last year, we had Frye and Morris playing 4. What the hell is the difference between having Frye play 4 or having Tucker play 4? He's hell of a lot tougher, he can play D, and he can rebound. Seriously, what is the difference between a 6'11 shooting guard playing PF or a 6'6 SF playing PF?

Frye is a much more effective shooter -- Tucker has pretty much only the corner, and anywhere else, you don't have to guard him. Frye did have some shot-blocking/altering capability in the paint. Tucker won't provide that. More simply, Tucker just doesn't have the length to pretend to guard anyone 6' 10" or taller in the post. Frye wasn't very good at that, but he gave it a shot, and he wasn't completely incompetent.

As long as a real Center is on the floor for 48 minutes

Yeah, good luck with that one. If we get 30, we'll be doing great.

 

[Mainstreet]

I was hoping the Suns could strengthen the PF or center position this off season. If the Suns could get get steady play out of either position for the entire game, the Suns become a much stronger team inside. If Len could surprise, it would be huge.

 

[BC867]

I was hoping the Suns could strengthen the PF or center position this off season. If the Suns could get get steady play out of either position for the entire game, the Suns become a much stronger team inside. If Len could surprise, it would be huge.

Exactly! If all we are looking for is someone no worse than Frye . . . Well, you know the old story. If we are not moving ahead, we are falling behind.

Especially now that the Suns are no longer under the radar.

Hell, even Barkley was darn good PF at 6'6".

The Chuckster was actually 6'4 1/2". But he was one-of-a-kind. Just as Wes Unseld as a 6'6" Center (who had Elvin Hayes alongside side him at Power Forward at 6'9"-235).

Not saying that means Tucker can be just as effective, but I think it could work just fine especially against smaller lineups.

'Sounds like the formula for a mediocre season.

 

[JCSunsfan]

I am beginning to think we should sign Kris Humphries if he can be had for 8-9 million. He is a very good rebounder, a bruising type of defender, he will put out effort to run the floor even if he is not that fast, and he is a pretty good passer.

He is also 29 so, not too old.

 

[elindholm]

I am beginning to think we should sign Kris Humphries if he can be had for 8-9 million. He is a very good rebounder, a bruising type of defender, he will put out effort to run the floor even if he is not that fast, and he is a pretty good passer.

He is also 29 so, not too old.

Yeah, I'm on the Humphries bandwagon at this point.

 

[SirStefan32]

Yeah, I'm on the Humphries bandwagon at this point.

Me too.

 

[Mainstreet]

I've been on the Humphries bandwagon since he was in Utah.

 

[desertdawg]

I like smart players, Kris Humphries... let's face it. He only plays like 20 minutes a game the last I heard, his best career numbers are from a while ago, not a minute ago. If Kim Kardashian can con him into marriage while never even liking him, than that scares me, der dit der style. I even think (not sure) that's when his numbers began to decline, and than his minutes started to decline as well. This player is in decline, if you went out to dinner with him, his credit card would not go through, if he was in court, he would decline and plead the fif. He never was all that and he isn't even what he was since that ass messed up his head. His average numbers stink, bot career and recent.

Big reach, I aint feeling this one bit.

 

[slinslin]

why would we pick up Humphries? Are there even any rumors? He is way too limited offensively for us.

 

[AzStevenCal]

How about a multi team deal where we take back Amare and a pick with perhaps Shumpert going to a third team?

Steve

 

[Mainstreet]

Also:

Marc Stein @ESPNSteinLine
Unless Bulls have salary-cap trick no can see right now, looks like they will be forced to amnesty Carlos Boozer by Wednesday's deadline

 

[Mainstreet]

How about a multi team deal where we take back Amare and a pick with perhaps Shumpert going to a third team?

Steve

Amare is an expiring contract. Well worth considering.

 

[mojorizen7]

why would we pick up Humphries? Are there even any rumors? He is way too limited offensively for us.

Nothing personal towards you Slin, but i'm sick and tired of this type of statement concerning our franchise.
Suns were ranked 7th in ppg last season. We lost some 3pt shooting with Frye sure, but this team will score points.

 

[Mainstreet]

why would we pick up Humphries? Are there even any rumors? He is way too limited offensively for us.

The Suns are a little thin at PF. I'm willing to consider all options.

 

[AzStevenCal]

Nothing personal towards you Slin, but i'm sick and tired of this type of statement concerning our franchise.
Suns were ranked 7th in ppg last season. We lost some 3pt shooting with Frye sure, but this team will score points.

I know you'll find this hard to believe but we also lost some defense when Frye left too. A decent four, even if he can't cover the perimeter like Channing did, might make up for that loss with better rebounding but I don't know what Humphries has left. I know I was never impressed with his defense but it's been several years since I've watched him play.

Steve

 

[Folster]

Boozer would be a solid pick-up and he only has one year left on his contract so I wouldn't even mind an high bid just to be safe. He would give us some nice mid-range shooting and rebounding.

 

[Mainstreet]

Boozer would be a solid pick-up and he only has one year left on his contract so I wouldn't even mind an high bid just to be safe. He would give us some nice mid-range shooting and rebounding.

More from Stein:

Marc Stein @ESPNSteinLine · 11m

That would require Bulls to find trade partner with cap space to absorb Boozer's $16.8 million salary and cost them assets to sweeten deal

Marc Stein @ESPNSteinLine · 13m

Bulls naturally can explore every last option for trading Boozer between now and Wednesday's amnesty deadline before giving in. However ...

The Suns would get Boozer, assets and an expiring contract. I'm willing to listen.