2014 Suns Free Agency

[AzStevenCal]

The Suns should have not boarded the Lebron train because it's not leaving the station in Miami.

I think, initially, he was angry and hurt and was seriously considering leaving. I think he's been having second thoughts on it and if Miami shows that they are willing to spend to improve, he'll return. Likely in a 1 or 2 year deal to make sure Arison doesn't sell him out again.

Steve

 

[Absolute Zero]

I see it like this:

Agent: Hey, Suns, LeBron is really thinking about playing for you guys, but LeBron wants to take care of his friends, you know? Because LeBron is all about friends and loyalty, right? So LeBron is thinking, if LeBron comes to Phoenix, what can you do for his man EB?

Suns: If you give us James, we'll max out Bledsoe. No problem.

Agent: So you're cool with Bled as a max player? Cuz we all know he's worth it, and LeBron wants that kind of player to ride with him, follow me? LeBron could stay in Miami if LeBron just wanted guys with names, but LeBron's really into the young talent that can deliver that energy, help LeBron be the best he can be, see what I mean?

Suns: It's not an issue. We can max out Bledsoe is that's what it takes to get James.

* * * five days later * * *

Agent: Yo Suns, I talked to LeBron, and LeBron loves you guys, he really does, but you know, LeBron's family really digs Miami. Or maybe it's Cleveland. But the point I'm making is, LeBron, he loves Phoenix, he really does, he thinks you guys have got it together, but LeBron is all about family, you with me? So it's not happening.

Suns: That sucks.

Agent: But we're still cool with EB, right? Cuz he's still the guy, LeBron really thinks the world of him, it sure would be nice to stay right in LeBron's eyes, you see what I mean?

Suns: I'm not sure it makes sense for us to max out Bledsoe if we don't have James.

Agent: Well now you're messin' with me, because before I thought we were cool, you had Bled down for the max, what are you pulling here? You telling me that the guy's good enough for LeBron, but he ain't good enough for you?

Suns: Maxing out Bledsoe was conditional on getting James.

Agent: Okay, I'm gonna have to tell my clients about this, and they aren't gonna be happy. Eric's done a whole lot for you guys, and everyone knows what kind of talent he is. I can get him a max offer from half the teams in this league, I know that, LeBron knows that, we all know that, even you have to know that, my friend, it's plain as day. So I guess we'll go off looking for a team where EB is going to be appreciated.

And now any possibility of working out a non-max extension for Bledsoe is gone. Sure, they can extend him for the max, but they could have promised that all along, and didn't. The agent has dangled James in order to artificially inflate Bledsoe's value, but once a hypothetical salary goes up, it never comes back down.

But Bledsoe is a restricted free agent. We can keep him by matching other offers. So it would be the other teams forcing our hand, not the agent as you describe.

 

[elindholm]

But Bledsoe is a restricted free agent. We can keep him by matching other offers. So it would be the other teams forcing our hand, not the agent as you describe.

I know it was a long post, but I guess you didn't make it to the end. In the scenario I outlined, the possibility of agreeing to a non-max extension with Bledsoe before he starts talking to other teams is eliminated.

Also, if the agent gets into a snit, he could tell the Suns not to match. That's what happened with Joe Johnson, for those who have forgotten. Personally I don't think that the Suns should match a max offer for Bledsoe, but it would be nice to keep him if it could be done more affordably.

 

[CardsFan88]

Here's a espn video and article regarding the Suns (and others visits).

http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/1...dallas-mavericks-houston-rockets-phoenix-suns

 

[AzStevenCal]

Here's a espn video and article regarding the Suns (and others visits).

http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/1...dallas-mavericks-houston-rockets-phoenix-suns

Yeah I watched that earlier, it's the second time in the last 24 hours that I've heard Broussard imply Cleveland is the front runner if he leaves Miami. I know his wife really wants to go back home so who knows, maybe Lebron will swallow his pride and play for the Cavs.

Steve

 

[slinslin]

You're missing the point, lebron is only going to come if suns can get melo too. Why would he come with bosh, when he can go with two elite players harden/howard.

BUT melo/lebron/bledsoe/dragic is better more versatile for today's game than lebron/harden/howard.

Harden is barely better than Dragic only and Howard will clog the lane with Lebron.

None of those guys can be a catch and shoot guy.

 

[Evil Ash]

and then there were 3 (4 if you include Miami)

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/lebron...heat-don-t-improve-roster-soon-030029268.html

Rich Paul, the agent for James, invited three teams – Cleveland, Dallas and Phoenix – to the offices of his Klutch Sports headquarters to listen to pitches.

The meetings took place on Wednesday and Thursday, sources told Yahoo Sports.

Phoenix met on Wednesday and Cavaliers officials met on Thursday with Paul. Houston Rockets officials spoke with Paul by phone, but were not granted a meeting and have moved on with their pursuit of Carmelo Anthony, sources told Yahoo Sports.

Although I still lean this way

Some executives believe there's an opportunity because of a disconnect between James and his teammates, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. Another executive attending the meeting flatly said, "I think it's a smokescreen."

 

[FutureSuperstar]

and then there were 3 (4 if you include Miami)

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/lebron...heat-don-t-improve-roster-soon-030029268.html



Although I still lean this way

I definitely don't think it's a smoke-screen just because Cleveland is in that group ... I mean, I can see him playing us or Dallas, but if word comes out this was a "smokescreen" and he thus, played w/ the Cleveland fan-base again by making them think he was interested in coming back, he would get hated a ton (if the media runs w/ that narrative of course) ...

Cleveland definitely has a "talented" roster filled w/ "potential", but those two traits don't win games ... If they did, Cleveland wouldn't have been so bad the past couple years - I don't think Lebron wants to go to a team that doesn't maximize their talents and/or is structured poorly and/or has poor leadership like Cleveland definitely has (unless Blatt convinces him things will be different under him!)

 

[slinslin]

Dallas does not have max caproom I think after re-signing Dirk.

 

[KloD]

I just don't get the point of a "smokescreen". Either way, I think Cleveland has a chance, not because of their roster, but because it's his home. I don't think Dallas has anything to sell, nor do I Miami. I really am starting to believe this is going to come down to him going home or making a fresh start with the Suns.

Man this next week is going to feel like a kid waiting for Christmas and either getting an Atari or getting socks and underwear. Sorry, I'm older and we didn't have all these tech gadgets back then. Atari was the shizzle for us.

 

[elindholm]

Dallas does not have max caproom I think after re-signing Dirk.

Technically they haven't re-signed him yet, right? Couldn't they sign James first, then extend Nowitzki for the terms they agreed on?

 

[SunsTzu]

Dallas does not have max caproom I think after re-signing Dirk.

Yeah, they appear to be well short, only around 14m-15m available. I actually figured they would be the ones to be eliminated based on that fact.

 

[elindholm]

Man this next week is going to feel like a kid waiting for Christmas and either getting an Atari or getting socks and underwear. Sorry, I'm older and we didn't have all these tech gadgets back then. Atari was the shizzle for us.

Atari 2600! Do you remember Haunted House, where there were six rooms per floor and you had to light candles to see your way around? That game wasn't as popular as some others, but I really liked it. Yar's Revenge was good too.

 

[Chaz]

I see it like this:

Agent: Hey, Suns, LeBron is really thinking about playing for you guys, but LeBron wants to take care of his friends, you know? Because LeBron is all about friends and loyalty, right? So LeBron is thinking, if LeBron comes to Phoenix, what can you do for his man EB?

Suns: If you give us James, we'll max out Bledsoe. No problem.

Agent: So you're cool with Bled as a max player? Cuz we all know he's worth it, and LeBron wants that kind of player to ride with him, follow me? LeBron could stay in Miami if LeBron just wanted guys with names, but LeBron's really into the young talent that can deliver that energy, help LeBron be the best he can be, see what I mean?

Suns: It's not an issue. We can max out Bledsoe is that's what it takes to get James.

* * * five days later * * *

Agent: Yo Suns, I talked to LeBron, and LeBron loves you guys, he really does, but you know, LeBron's family really digs Miami. Or maybe it's Cleveland. But the point I'm making is, LeBron, he loves Phoenix, he really does, he thinks you guys have got it together, but LeBron is all about family, you with me? So it's not happening.

Suns: That sucks.

Agent: But we're still cool with EB, right? Cuz he's still the guy, LeBron really thinks the world of him, it sure would be nice to stay right in LeBron's eyes, you see what I mean?

Suns: I'm not sure it makes sense for us to max out Bledsoe if we don't have James.

Agent: Well now you're messin' with me, because before I thought we were cool, you had Bled down for the max, what are you pulling here? You telling me that the guy's good enough for LeBron, but he ain't good enough for you?

Suns: Maxing out Bledsoe was conditional on getting James.

Agent: Okay, I'm gonna have to tell my clients about this, and they aren't gonna be happy. Eric's done a whole lot for you guys, and everyone knows what kind of talent he is. I can get him a max offer from half the teams in this league, I know that, LeBron knows that, we all know that, even you have to know that, my friend, it's plain as day. So I guess we'll go off looking for a team where EB is going to be appreciated.

And now any possibility of working out a non-max extension for Bledsoe is gone. Sure, they can extend him for the max, but they could have promised that all along, and didn't. The agent has dangled James in order to artificially inflate Bledsoe's value, but once a hypothetical salary goes up, it never comes back down.

That is all great but it is based on the single assumption that the suns management would make the mistake of offering a contract without making it a written offer. If they were comfortable offering it why wouldn't they pay it?

If the agent can get the max from a number of teams then he should have no problem getting an offer sheet for that amount.

 

[SunsTzu]

Technically they haven't re-signed him yet, right? Couldn't they sign James first, then extend Nowitzki for the terms they agreed on?

No, Nowitzki's cap hold is over 23 mil.

 

[Folster]

I don't see Lebron teaming up with Dirk who embarrassed him in 2011.

 

[KloD]

Atari 2600! Do you remember Haunted House, where there were six rooms per floor and you had to light candles to see your way around? That game wasn't as popular as some others, but I really liked it. Yar's Revenge was good too.

Yes! Haunted house was one of the few I had. Good stuff!

 

[FutureSuperstar]

Dallas does not have max caproom I think after re-signing Dirk.

They would if they trade Brandan Wright ... In fact, Wright would be amazing for the Suns I think - The Mavs/Suns are my 2 favorite teams, so I've watched Wright a lot. He is an elite offensive finisher and would flourish on a fast paced team like the Suns (His PER has been like 22+ the last 2 years, so he's highly efficient) ... Bad rebounder / post defender, but has great length / athleticism (rim-protection is decent because of that)

 

[hsandhu]

It amazes me any big time free agent considers dallas, dirk is 36. Tiago splitter was guarding him out on the perimeter and dirk couldn't get by him

 

[sunsfan88]

I don't see Lebron teaming up with Dirk who embarrassed him in 2011.

See this is what I was thinking as well. Why join someone who beat you?

 

[AzStevenCal]

It amazes me any big time free agent considers dallas, dirk is 36. Tiago splitter was guarding him out on the perimeter and dirk couldn't get by him

Dirk is slowing down but it's a much better supporting cast than many of the Lebron-hopefuls have. Didn't they just push San Antonio to 7 games in their series? Dirk can't always carry that team any more but he could be a nice complement to Lebron if they were to get him.

Steve

 

[Covert Rain]

According to some reports Melo isn't waiting to see how things shake out with other free agents and is said to be making a decision this weekend. So, those teams hoping to get Melo as a consolation prize might be out of luck unless James makes his decision this weekend as well.

Unless by some miracle the Suns get James....sounds like we will miss out on both and have to go to plan C. Whatever that is.

 

[slinslin]

I am not sure that we ever had interest in Melo and I am not sure Lebron is all that into playing with Melo.

I think Lebron would rather play with Bosh or Love at the 4 than Melo.

'However I doubt Bosh would follow Lebron to Phoenix if he leaves him in Miami. Bosh might be angry at James and Dallas, Houston, Lakers will try to recruit him.

I think trading for Love even if it involves Dragic is the most plausible step after hopefully getting Lebron.

 

[Covert Rain]

I am not sure that we ever had interest in Melo and I am not sure Lebron is all that into playing with Melo.

I think Lebron would rather play with Bosh or Love at the 4 than Melo.

'However I doubt Bosh would follow Lebron to Phoenix if he leaves him in Miami. Bosh might be angry at James and Dallas, Houston, Lakers will try to recruit him.

I think trading for Love even if it involves Dragic is the most plausible step after hopefully getting Lebron.

The reason I bring it up is because I honestly think the Suns, based on earlier reports, were considering other options including Melo should they not get LeBron. That appears to be out the door were Melo is concerned. It appears he is going to be nobody's consolation prize.

 

[slinslin]

I dont think the Suns ever had any interest in Melo.

Do you pay Lebron the max 4yrs/95M$? Hell yes.

Do you pay Melo the max 4yrs/95M$? Hell no, that is a just a bad contract.