Draftcity.com rumor

[Chaplin]

Don't know much about the validity of this rumor--I've never really spent a lot of time at that site...

Trade Rumors
Phoenix is smelling blood coming out of neighboring LA. They think Kobe Bryant is theirs to be had if they can clear up the appropriate amount of cap space. The deal that is being talked about right now around the league involves packaging the #7 pick to Utah along with Jahidi White’s ending contract for either the #14 or 16 pick. The Jazz are far enough under the cap to absorb that contract straight up. The Suns are happy enough with Leandro Barbosa at the point to make that trade, which would clear up over 6 million dollars in cap space, leaving them with more then enough to give Kobe the max this summer. A nice backup plan would be trading the #7 along with Jahidi White to Atlanta for the #17 pick. Atlanta also has cap space to absorb such a contract. If that doesn’t pan out, a swap with Cleveland is being discussed as well. Keep in mind that the trade exceptions granted to teams who have a player selected in the expansion draft will make this offseason littered with trade rumors as teams who want cap will have numerous locations to try for some.

The expansion draft is going to make a large dent in many a team's mock drafts by the time the dust clears. The teams that appear almost certain to make some kind of move are Dallas, Orlando, Utah and the Grizzlies. Bernie Bickerstaff is quickly becoming our favorite NBA General Manager with the way he honestly sounds off about anything and everything in the media.

 

[slinslin]

Joe Mama and some other pessimists will surely interrupt again.

But if someone wants #7 they better take Eisley at least. I would give up the Cavs pick and or Vujanic's rights to move White at the most.

 

[sly fly]

I would hate to give up Vujanic.

 

[scudney]

I don't understand the point:

The Suns are happy enough with Leandro Barbosa at the point to make that trade

What does trading White have to do with our PG spot. If it was Eisley instead of White, It would make sense.

Regardless, I hope we can do better than that trade.

 

[Chaz]

I don't understand the point:
What does trading White have to do with our PG spot. If it was Eisley instead of White, It would make sense.

Their "conventional" wisdom is the Suns will draft a PG at #7. If they are comfortable with Barbosa thay don't need a PG at #7 so they could afford to trade the pick.

Regardless, I hope we can do better than that trade.

Agreed.

 

[thegrahamcrackr]

I don't understand the point:



What does trading White have to do with our PG spot. If it was Eisley instead of White, It would make sense.

Regardless, I hope we can do better than that trade.

I think it is based on the premis the suns would select a PG at the number 7 spot. If they moved down to 15, there wouldn't be the PGs they would want(and they most likely wouldnt pick any of the remainding ones). At least thats the most sense I could make of it.

 

[elindholm]

What does trading White have to do with our PG spot.

I think it's because most of the media has made up its mind that the Suns' primary FA target is Nash. So if they're going to "settle" for Bryant instead, they need to address their PG weakness. That's my guess of what they mean.

Slinslin, if -- for the sake of argument -- no one will take Eisley even with the #7 pick as a bribe, do you think the Suns should package the #7 with White in order to have the room to sign Bryant? Or do you think that the #7 is so valuable that it's worth giving up the Bryant dream? Because, regardless of what "should" happen, it is starting to look like that's a choice the Suns will face. (Well, assuming Bryant is interested in coming, which he probably isn't.)

 

[Joe Mama]

Slinslin, if -- for the sake of argument -- no one will take Eisley even with the #7 pick as a bribe, do you think the Suns should package the #7 with White in order to have the room to sign Bryant? Or do you think that the #7 is so valuable that it's worth giving up the Bryant dream? Because, regardless of what "should" happen, it is starting to look like that's a choice the Suns will face. (Well, assuming Bryant is interested in coming, which he probably isn't.)

Unfortunately that's the way I figure it as well. I think the Phoenix Suns will have a very good idea of Kobe Bryant's intentions within the next few days. If they think they can get him they will likely do anything to free up the salary cap space to sign him. Other teams are sure to test their desperation, especially if they also know Bryant's intentions. The only thing the Phoenix Suns have going for them is that there are potentially several teams they could unload White to in a trade.

The trade with Utah only makes sense if the Suns really like a player that they believe will fall to #14. Otherwise they would be better off with a future draft pick.

Joe Mama

 

[elindholm]

I think that dealing White plus the #7 for a pick in the high teens would be fine for the Suns. First of all, they save the cash that they're prepared to bribe the Bobcats with -- and while that cash doesn't have any salary cap implications, it's still actual money that affects the team's bottom line. But also, if their only option is to deal with the Bobcats, they can't get any leverage, because Charlotte is controlling a buyer's market. Just having other trading partners in the fold dramatically improves their bargaining position.

Even if Bryant doesn't pan out, the extra $6 million of cap room could be used on a more effective player than White (say, Foyle or Etan Thomas), most likely with some money left over. And I think that's worth dropping down ten spots in this draft, especially if one of the few players the Suns really want (whoever they are) aren't on the board at #7.

 

[hcsilla]

Even if Bryant doesn't pan out, the extra $6 million of cap room could be used on a more effective player than White (say, Foyle or Etan Thomas), most likely with some money left over. And I think that's worth dropping down ten spots in this draft, especially if one of the few players the Suns really want (whoever they are) aren't on the board at #7.

I agree. I would do the White, #7 for #16 or 17 trade at a heartbeat.

 

[sunsfn]

If the suns do trade down, I think they have there sites set on Luke Jackson. He may be gone by the 14-17th pick though.

 

[devilalum]

Maybe this is all about the Suns putting some reverse pressure on the Bobcats.

 

[Cheesebeef]

What does trading White have to do with our PG spot.
(Well, assuming Bryant is interested in coming, which he probably isn't.)

why should we assume he probably isn't interested in coming? You know Kobe wants to be the best - he wants to be looked at like Michael Jordan - how's he gonna do that? Go to another team - that has some talent and take that team to a title - agreed? That being said - let's look at his options.

1. Stay in LA - not gonna happen unless they trade Shaq - plain and simple - e - I'm pretty sure you don't live in Los Angeles so you aren't brow beaten to death with everything Laker - I am - and I and evreyone else in this city knows those two guys ain't never playing together again.

2. San Antonio - not a chance in hell - that team will never be Kobe's team - it's Duncan's and always will be or at worst it's both of theirs - again - no ay he gets recognized as the best AND THE MAN who lead the team to a title.

3. The Knicks - PUHHHLLEEZE! They have the 4.5 and that is all - not to mentiona team that is so screwed payroll wise and talent wise that he knows he won't be able to guide that team anywhere - especially ata discounted rate.

4. The Clippers - he gets to stay in LA - he gets to beat Shaq all the time - and here's the kicker - his owner is Donald Sterling - is his owner gonna do everything he can to build more with that team - after Kobe no freaking way - Sterling is a loser and Bryant knows it just like everyone else knows it - besides - Brand is no mtach for Duncan and it's not like Brand is going to get incrementally better - however - this is one of his few decent options.

5. Denver - does this one really even need to be talked about?

6. That brings us to the Suns - He looks at this team and sees a tradition of trying their hardest to win, great scouting and a young talented roster where NO ONE - including Amare - has claimed this team - especially as far as the media is concerned. I know Amare's gonna be ridiculous - -you know he's gonna be ridiculous - but for some reason the press has been ignroing him - Thus - Kobe goes to a group of guys with talent, athleticism up the ass AND the Dominant Big man waiting to happen, which all teams need. Throw in a lottery pick and a new owner with tons o cash, with Colangelo's stamp of approval - and there you go - Kobe Bryant's team - from the outset that's what it will look like to the media - Kobe going to a team that didn't even make the playoffs - people will say he's a loser or that he's nuts, but he'll know what we know - this team has loads of talent and putting him in there means a possible dynasty - and that means recognition, MVPs, Titles, The Next MJ, etc, etc.

I also think Colangelo has something up his sleeve and has all year since the Marbury trade - that day I turned to my Laker friend and said "Write it down - Kobe Bryant will be a Sun next year" - so I'll say it right now - mark it down E - Kobe Bryant will be a Sun next year - either that or he'll be in pin-stripes - going anywhere else just doesn't make sense.

 

[sly fly]

I also think Colangelo has something up his sleeve and has all year since the Marbury trade - that day I turned to my Laker friend and said "Write it down - Kobe Bryant will be a Sun next year" - so I'll say it right now - mark it down E - Kobe Bryant will be a Sun next year - either that or he'll be in pin-stripes - going anywhere else just doesn't make sense.

I was thinking the same thing.

Funny how all of a sudden the Suns raised ticket prices on the lower bowl/courtside at AWA. Not by a little, but by a lot.

Things that make you wonder...

 

[elindholm]

1. Stay in LA - not gonna happen unless they trade Shaq - plain and simple - e - I'm pretty sure you don't live in Los Angeles so you aren't brow beaten to death with everything Laker - I am - and I and evreyone else in this city knows those two guys ain't never playing together again.

Assume whatever you like. I've stated many times on this board where I live.

I'm not saying that Bryant will absolutely not come to the Suns. I just think it's unlikely. The media love to stir up conflict -- especially in Tinseltown. It's the same as when Kidd was threatening to leave New Jersey, or Webber Sacramento. There's a whole lot of hand-wringing, and the rumor mill works overtime -- but usually, stars stay where they are.

Will Bryant's case be different? Possibly, but don't bet on it.

 

[Cheesebeef]

1. Stay in LA - not gonna happen unless they trade Shaq - plain and simple - e - I'm pretty sure you don't live in Los Angeles so you aren't brow beaten to death with everything Laker - I am - and I and evreyone else in this city knows those two guys ain't never playing together again.

Assume whatever you like. I've stated many times on this board where I live.

my bad - didn't even notice that. I'm still pretty shocked you think Kobe's staying. Let me ask you this - do you think Kobe AND Shaq are both gonna be Lakers next year?

 

[elindholm]

Let me ask you this - do you think Kobe AND Shaq are both gonna be Lakers next year?

Yes, I made that prediction here after the Lakers got by the Spurs, and I'm sticking to it, even though it was partly based on the assumption that they would win the title. I'm guessing the probability is maybe 75%. If I'm wrong, I'm wrong, but that's what I think will happen.

 

[devilalum]

Let me ask you this - do you think Kobe AND Shaq are both gonna be Lakers next year?

Yes, I made that prediction here after the Lakers got by the Spurs, and I'm sticking to it, even though it was partly based on the assumption that they would win the title. I'm guessing the probability is maybe 75%. If I'm wrong, I'm wrong, but that's what I think will happen.

If they keep Kobe and Shaq then they will have no chance of winning the title next year. They were obviously outmanned in the finals and they have no way to improve their team.

 

[sunsfn]

Let me ask you this - do you think Kobe AND Shaq are both gonna be Lakers next year?

Yes, I made that prediction here after the Lakers got by the Spurs, and I'm sticking to it, even though it was partly based on the assumption that they would win the title. I'm guessing the probability is maybe 75%. If I'm wrong, I'm wrong, but that's what I think will happen.

I feel strongly that Shaq & Kobe will be in L.A. next year!

Phil Jackson will be the one gone.

 

[elindholm]

If they keep Kobe and Shaq then they will have no chance of winning the title next year.

And they're going to win a title with only one of them?

They were obviously outmanned in the finals and they have no way to improve their team.

They weren't outmanned, they were outplayed and outcoached. There's a difference.

They have the MLE to use, plus the possibility of bringing Malone back if he's healthy enough for one final shot. And if O'Neal and Bryant can put aside their bickering long enough to realize how much they need each other (sounds unlikely, but it has happened before), their chemistry will be a lot better.

 

[Cheesebeef]

1. Stay in LA - not gonna happen unless they trade Shaq - plain and simple - e - I'm pretty sure you don't live in Los Angeles so you aren't brow beaten to death with everything Laker - I am - and I and evreyone else in this city knows those two guys ain't never playing together again.

Assume whatever you like. I've stated many times on this board where I live.

I'm not saying that Bryant will absolutely not come to the Suns. I just think it's unlikely. The media love to stir up conflict -- especially in Tinseltown. It's the same as when Kidd was threatening to leave New Jersey, or Webber Sacramento. There's a whole lot of hand-wringing, and the rumor mill works overtime -- but usually, stars stay where they are.

Will Bryant's case be different? Possibly, but don't bet on it.

You could say the same things for Grant Hill, Tracy McGrady and Shaquille O'Neal though couldn't you - it all depends on the situation I think and I know you disagree with me - but this isn't just a one season thing like the rumors as far as Kidd and Webber went - this has been going on for four years now - I think that sets this situation apart from all others.

 

[fordronken]

I don't understand the point:
What does trading White have to do with our PG spot. If it was Eisley instead of White, It would make sense.

I think it has to do with the kind of point guards they could be looking at with the #7 pick versus a lower one.

 

[Evil Ash]

Let me ask you this - do you think Kobe AND Shaq are both gonna be Lakers next year?

Yes, I made that prediction here after the Lakers got by the Spurs, and I'm sticking to it, even though it was partly based on the assumption that they would win the title. I'm guessing the probability is maybe 75%. If I'm wrong, I'm wrong, but that's what I think will happen.

Didn't your prediction also involve Kobe staying if they won the championship and that he was more likely to leave if they lost?

I'm not saying your wrong, its just nobody knows what the hell is going on with Kobe. I've heard reports ranging from him going no matter how their post season went to it depending on whether Phil Jackson was gone to depending on whether Shaq is gone. Kobe has done a great job at keeping his real intentions to himself.

I think though that many people will agree that if he leaves LA its to come here

 

[elindholm]

I'm not saying your wrong, its just nobody knows what the hell is going on with Kobe.

What part of "I could be wrong" don't you understand?

 

[devilalum]

If they keep Kobe and Shaq then they will have no chance of winning the title next year.

And they're going to win a title with only one of them?

They were obviously outmanned in the finals and they have no way to improve their team.

They weren't outmanned, they were outplayed and outcoached. There's a difference.

They have the MLE to use, plus the possibility of bringing Malone back if he's healthy enough for one final shot. And if O'Neal and Bryant can put aside their bickering long enough to realize how much they need each other (sounds unlikely, but it has happened before), they're chemistry will be a lot better.

I disagree. I think they were outmanned. They were outcoached too but the Pistons were just much better. After Shaq and Kobe the Lakers have next to nothing. Maybe if Malone was healthy but the guy is definately getting old. Payton should retire.

If the Lakers trade Shaq they can begin to move forward. Kobe would be the centerpiece and I'm sure they could figure out how to clear space for the following year.

The league won't let the Lakers flounder for too long.