Potential Trade Targets

[ColdPickleNachos]

I don't want to sign Horford because I think we're more than a year or two away, but don't forget we were only able to sign Nash in 2004 because Mark Cuban was worried that he was thirty years old and would break down soon from injuries. That signing worked out pretty well, I would say!

 

[Mainstreet]

I don't want to sign Horford because I think we're more than a year or two away, but don't forget we were only able to sign Nash in 2004 because Mark Cuban was worried that he was thirty years old and would break down soon from injuries. That signing worked out pretty well, I would say!

You make a good point the age factor. I do not think Al Horford is the next next Steve Nash in regard to impact but I think Horford could help the Suns make the playoffs as early as next season with the hopeful healthy return of Bledsoe, Knight and Warren. Then add an improved Devin Booker possibly Bogdan Bogdanovic and possibly a draft pick or two the Suns might be in business.

 

[Sunburn]

I don't want to sign Horford because I think we're more than a year or two away, but don't forget we were only able to sign Nash in 2004 because Mark Cuban was worried that he was thirty years old and would break down soon from injuries. That signing worked out pretty well, I would say!

Nash should not be used as an argument to acquire older players. His career trajectory was very uncommon, to say the least. He was the exception, not the rule. To say, "Hey, let's acquire this older guy 'cause look how well it worked out with Nash", is setting yourself up for disappointment.

 

[Mainstreet]

Nash should not be used as an argument to acquire older players. His career trajectory was very uncommon, to say the least. He was the exception, not the rule. To say, "Hey, let's acquire this older guy 'cause look how well it worked out with Nash", is setting yourself up for disappointment.

I don't think ColdPickleNachos was making this argument.

However, I did make supportive arguments in regard to acquiring Horford. The only thing in common between Nash and Horford (if he were signed by the Suns in free agency) is age.

 

[ColdPickleNachos]

I don't think ColdPickleNachos was making this argument.

However, I did make supportive arguments in regard to acquiring Horford. The only thing in common between Nash and Horford (if he were signed by the Suns in free agency) is age.

Yeah, I'm not an advocate of signing Horford, and I agree that Nash was the exception. Still, I thought it was interesting that if the Suns had followed the seemingly sound advice of avoiding older players with injury concerns in free agency back then, we would have missed out on a 2-time NBA MVP.

 

[Phrazbit]

I feel like there is some recency bias going on here. Yeah, he had a great game the other night, but he is already showing clear decline from his peak. I would've been thrilled to get Horford a few years ago. Now... not so much.

For right now the Suns should aim high and aim low. Try to find bargains or try to snag a true star. A guy like Horford would, at best, help us straddle mediocrity.

I'd change my tune if we somehow landed a star at SF or something. Horford would make a nice 2nd or 3rd banana but as the premium piece I just don't see us going anywhere.

 

[Sunburn]

Yeah, I'm not an advocate of signing Horford, and I agree that Nash was the exception. Still, I thought it was interesting that if the Suns had followed the seemingly sound advice of avoiding older players with injury concerns in free agency back then, we would have missed out on a 2-time NBA MVP.

True.

 

[JCSunsfan]

Yeah, I'm not an advocate of signing Horford, and I agree that Nash was the exception. Still, I thought it was interesting that if the Suns had followed the seemingly sound advice of avoiding older players with injury concerns in free agency back then, we would have missed out on a 2-time NBA MVP.

But he would not have been an MVP if the team he was coming to was not ready to receive him. I am not sure that this team is where that team was sans Nash.

 

[overseascardfan]

I know the trade trade talk has centered around the PF position but what about the PG or SF position. Bledsoe and Knight are too injury prone to be counted on to lead a team. This team in need of talent pretty much everywhere so to me Booker is the only untouchable. If Danny Ainge was able to build a championship with the mediocre roster he inherited then so can PHX, I mean McD was there for that so he should have a plan particularly with the assets he says he was trying to accumulate to improve the team.

 

[ColdPickleNachos]

But he would not have been an MVP if the team he was coming to was not ready to receive him. I am not sure that this team is where that team was sans Nash.

Yeah. That team was not successful, but it had Joe Johnson, Marion, and a surging Amare on board already. Any point guard would have to find that enticing. And the organization as a whole had a better reputation.

I don't really see why Horford would pick Phoenix at this point. It was a surprise that we were in the running for Aldridge, and there is little reason to think the Suns are a more desirable destination now.

And all the reasons that make me think Horford would not pick the Suns make me not particularly want Horford. I think the next step should be adding to our young core so that maybe by the end of the year we'll be back where we were in 2004, with a surplus of young talent, ready to start looking for the RIGHT missing piece.

 

[JCSunsfan]

Yeah. That team was not successful, but it had Joe Johnson, Marion, and a surging Amare on board already. Any point guard would have to find that enticing. And the organization as a whole had a better reputation.

I don't really see why Horford would pick Phoenix at this point. It was a surprise that we were in the running for Aldridge, and there is little reason to think the Suns are a more desirable destination now.

And all the reasons that make me think Horford would not pick the Suns make me not particularly want Horford. I think the next step should be adding to our young core so that maybe by the end of the year we'll be back where we were in 2004, with a surplus of young talent, ready to start looking for the RIGHT missing piece.

Recruiting a young player who might be ready to step out of the shadows of his teammates might be the ideal. Harrison Barnes could possibly fit that role--if he really is that kind of player.

 

[Mainstreet]

Yeah, I'm not an advocate of signing Horford, and I agree that Nash was the exception. Still, I thought it was interesting that if the Suns had followed the seemingly sound advice of avoiding older players with injury concerns in free agency back then, we would have missed out on a 2-time NBA MVP.

It's interesting the Suns went after Lamarcus Aldridge (widely supported by posters) who turns 31 in July and now some fans believe Al Horford is too old and he only turns 30 in June.

If the Suns could get Horford in free agency, I would pull the trigger. He would give the Suns some credibility.


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[AzStevenCal]

It's interesting the Suns went after Lamarcus Aldridge (widely supported by posters) who turns 31 in July and now some fans believe Al Horford is too old and he only turns 30 in June.

If the Suns could get Horford in free agency, I would pull the trigger. He would give the Suns some credibility.

I wasn't in favor of pursuing Aldridge nor was I interested in signing Chandler. I grew to like the Tyson deal, expecting him to bring some maturity and experience to a young team but I was never thrilled by the signing. I had zero interest in Aldridge but partly because I didn't believe we'd have a chance at signing him. We didn't get him but I think it's obvious I was wrong, we did have a very good chance in signing him.

Still, until we're a little closer to being a true contender, I'm not in love with the idea of spending big for a 30+ player that isn't likely to carry our current roster to the promised land. I don't think it's a horrible idea, I just don't see it as a great idea. I'd much rather improve from the draft and by signing players with untapped potential that are trapped behind stars. Easier said than done but their out there, we just have to find them and find a deal that will interest the other team. Hopefully, Ryan has his eye on a player or two like that.

 

[Mainstreet]

I wasn't in favor of pursuing Aldridge nor was I interested in signing Chandler. I grew to like the Tyson deal, expecting him to bring some maturity and experience to a young team but I was never thrilled by the signing. I had zero interest in Aldridge but partly because I didn't believe we'd have a chance at signing him. We didn't get him but I think it's obvious I was wrong, we did have a very good chance in signing him.

Still, until we're a little closer to being a true contender, I'm not in love with the idea of spending big for a 30+ player that isn't likely to carry our current roster to the promised land. I don't think it's a horrible idea, I just don't see it as a great idea. I'd much rather improve from the draft and by signing players with untapped potential that are trapped behind stars. Easier said than done but their out there, we just have to find them and find a deal that will interest the other team. Hopefully, Ryan has his eye on a player or two like that.

I understand your approach and I believe in that approach except when it comes to a player that can help the Suns take the next step. The Suns would be able to keep their draft picks and keep building through the draft. Maybe Horford is starting to decline some but I think the Suns could take a huge burden off him by letting him return to the PF position. This is what Aldridge wanted as well. If the Suns eventually draft a young PF he need not be forced into action. When he surpasses his mentor, Horford can eventually come off the bench.

If the Suns can find a young alternative to Horford so be it. I'm not sold on signing Hordford for big money. However, I'm not a huge fan of waiting either. I think Kevin Love is an ideal candidate if the Suns can find a way to trade for him.

 

[ColdPickleNachos]

It's interesting the Suns went after Lamarcus Aldridge (widely supported by posters) who turns 31 in July and now some fans believe Al Horford is too old and he only turns 30 in June.

If the Suns could get Horford in free agency, I would pull the trigger. He would give the Suns some credibility.


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The difference, for me at least, is that last year our core was made up primarily of players in their mid-20s. Now that we have Booker and so many draft picks (I'm still holding out hope we will finally have luck in the lottery) I'm less inclined to want win-now star players.

Also, I think LaMarcus Aldridge is a better player than Horford (though Horford is really good). If LeBron wanted to sign with the Suns, for instance, I wouldn't quibble about his age either.

 

[Mainstreet]

The difference, for me at least, is that last year our core was made up primarily of players in their mid-20s. Now that we have Booker and so many draft picks (I'm still holding out hope we will finally have luck in the lottery) I'm less inclined to want win-now star players.

The Suns are going for a mix of players young and veteran players. I don't mind this philosophy as long as the Suns don't undervalue developing young players.

Also, I think LaMarcus Aldridge is a better player than Horford (though Horford is really good). If LeBron wanted to sign with the Suns, for instance, I wouldn't quibble about his age either.

I think you are right, Aldridge is the better player. However, I think there is a consequence for being bad for a long time. Maybe Horford is not the best choice but the Suns can ill afford going into next season without a PF that is ready to play. Hopefully McDonough has a number of players he plans to target.

 

[JCSunsfan]

The Suns are going for a mix of players young and veteran players. I don't mind this philosophy as long as the Suns don't undervalue developing young players.



I think you are right, Aldridge is the better player. However, I think there is a consequence for being bad for a long time. Maybe Horford is not the best choice but the Suns can ill afford going into next season without a PF that is ready to play. Hopefully McDonough has a number of players he plans to target.

Draft Simmons, sign Durant, bring in Bogdan. Instant top 4-5 seed team in the west.

Bledsoe, Knight
Booker, Bogdan
Durant, TJ, PJ
Simmons, Tele, Skal (or whatever is at 13)
Chandler/Len, Croatian center a or b.

That would be a fun team to watch. Simmons would be running the break most often. Booker directing he half court often. Bledsoe not forced to be full-time pg.

 

[SirStefan32]

I think it's short-sighted to say that certain players are too old and/or will lead us to mediocrity. Big-time players don't sign with worst teams in the league. If someone can get us into the second round of playoffs, I think it makes the Suns more attractive to players who can make us contenders. You don't go from being a terrible team to a contender overnight, and the Suns are just not bad enough to get a couple of top-2 picks in a row.

 

[Sunburn]

You don't go from being a terrible team to a contender overnight, and the Suns are just not bad enough to get a couple of top-2 picks in a row.

Sam Hinkie is available

 

[Mainstreet]

Draft Simmons, sign Durant, bring in Bogdan. Instant top 4-5 seed team in the west.

Bledsoe, Knight
Booker, Bogdan
Durant, TJ, PJ
Simmons, Tele, Skal (or whatever is at 13)
Chandler/Len, Croatian center a or b.

That would be a fun team to watch. Simmons would be running the break most often. Booker directing he half court often. Bledsoe not forced to be full-time pg.

I'm with you.

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[Mainstreet]

I think it's short-sighted to say that certain players are too old and/or will lead us to mediocrity. Big-time players don't sign with worst teams in the league. If someone can get us into the second round of playoffs, I think it makes the Suns more attractive to players who can make us contenders. You don't go from being a terrible team to a contender overnight, and the Suns are just not bad enough to get a couple of top-2 picks in a row.

Well said.

 

[CardsSunsDbacks]

I know the trade trade talk has centered around the PF position but what about the PG or SF position. Bledsoe and Knight are too injury prone to be counted on to lead a team. This team in need of talent pretty much everywhere so to me Booker is the only untouchable. If Danny Ainge was able to build a championship with the mediocre roster he inherited then so can PHX, I mean McD was there for that so he should have a plan particularly with the assets he says he was trying to accumulate to improve the team.

How about finding a trade for Knight or Bledsoe and then trading for Dennis Schroder? I am a pretty strong believer in Schroder as a very good future PG in this league. To me he has 18 and 8 written all over him once he gets the opportunity to start.

 

[overseascardfan]

Ibaka can shoot the three too.

I would be fine with Ibaka. I know the cap is going up but Durant is going to get a huge deal and Westbrook is a FA next year and he is going to get a huge contract. Someone may have to go, hopefully PHX can entice OKC for a Harden type trade.

How about finding a trade for Knight or Bledsoe and then trading for Dennis Schroder? I am a pretty strong believer in Schroder as a very good future PG in this league. To me he has 18 and 8 written all over him once he gets the opportunity to start.

If ATL keeps Horford for a max type deal, they will have to pay Teague next year and are paying Millsap $20M a year. They may want to get something for Schroder.

 

[thephoenixson28]

They said Kings might be willing to part with Cousins.

 

[Hoop Head]

I don't get the fascination with Cousins. Sure he's put up good numbers but has never led his team anywhere and also has been a coach killer. He seems to have way too much baggage to invest in, especially with Len & Chandler already here at Center.