Suns Off Season Changes for 2025: Trades, Buyouts, GM, Coaches, etc.

[Sparky16]

Another albatross contract. Why bother on a middling team?

thats a waste of $, might as well trade him. 1st of all MJ in his prime is not worth that. 2nd book will be a good #3 next year. You want to talk about a complete turn off to sports. some dude making $1M a game is friggin stupid

 

[95pro]

thats a waste of $, might as well trade him. 1st of all MJ in his prime is not worth that. 2nd book will be a good #3 next year. You want to talk about a complete turn off to sports. some dude making $1M a game is friggin stupid

I tell my kids this when they brick a free throw, travel (when its actually called), miss a dunk, etc.

 

[Hoop Head]

These are my thoughts exactly on the situation.

Not that JJ is a nark, but if Ishbia has been running everything, then Ishbia cannot justify firing JJ... and if he DOES fire JJ, then JJ should be well within his rights to say "these moves were out of my control".

If Ishbia fires JJ he needs to have someone immediately lined up, like Bob Myers, someone who justifies the firing. But that said, if you're Bob Myers, why on earth would you risk your legacy for a franchise in the worst position in the NBA and with an EXTREMELY meddlsom and impatient owner?

GM's who bash owners don't get hired again. See McD for an example. You can look to other teams as well and see similar discussion we have here with regards to "ownership bad, GM along for the ride". This isn't unique and we really don't know what goes on behind the scenes. The constant is JJ underperformed under 2 owners.

Sort of bringing it back around to another post you made, we're in agreement once Ishbia took over but before then JJ did next to nothing. He didn't really make the bubble team. He literally gave away TJ Warren right around the draft, traded down for Cam Johnson (who was tied to Bowers, which was the assistant GM showing JJ the ropes), and he signed Rubio as a FA which allowed Booker to excel as a SG. Ayton pees dirty game 2 and we're now shorthanded at Center for 25 games and our season is cooked from jump. He doesn't do anything to improve that team. Play suspends as we go pandemic and Monty makes it clear he needs another PG as Rubio didn't have a backup. Monty suggests Cam Payne who he had a history with from time in OKC and Payne comes back from China to light up the bubble from the bench and credits his relationship with Monty for the 2nd NBA chance.

That summer Paul is out of OKC and makes it clear he wants to reunite with Monty while playing with Booker in Phoenix. JJ does it get done but Paul did the work for him by publicly stating Phoenix was where he wanted to be and having OKC's cooperation to make it happen. We gave up Oubre, Rubio, and a pick. JJ doesn't need to draft, good for JJ. Good move but he also lets Baynes leave which puts us back where were when Ayton was suspended with 1 real Center. We're a bad drug test from 0 centers for 50 games. JJ doesn't make a move, lets it play out. He let too much play out here.

JJ was someone initially hired to repair player relations there's been a plethora since he's been hired. Ayton's drug test, Oubre being scratched from the bubble team, Crowder issues, Torrey Craig leaving and return, Frank's leaving and return. That's all pre-Ishbia and if it doesn't fall on JJ then why has similar things happened since our ownership changed? I'm not buying it's on Ishbia and Sarver. If nothing else JJ has allowed it to happen and hasn't done anything to repair the relations he was supposed to.

 

[Raindog]

GM's who bash owners don't get hired again. See McD for an example. You can look to other teams as well and see similar discussion we have here with regards to "ownership bad, GM along for the ride". This isn't unique and we really don't know what goes on behind the scenes. The constant is JJ underperformed under 2 owners.

Sort of bringing it back around to another post you made, we're in agreement once Ishbia took over but before then JJ did next to nothing. He didn't really make the bubble team. He literally gave away TJ Warren right around the draft, traded down for Cam Johnson (who was tied to Bowers, which was the assistant GM showing JJ the ropes), and he signed Rubio as a FA which allowed Booker to excel as a SG. Ayton pees dirty game 2 and we're now shorthanded at Center for 25 games and our season is cooked from jump. He doesn't do anything to improve that team. Play suspends as we go pandemic and Monty makes it clear he needs another PG as Rubio didn't have a backup. Monty suggests Cam Payne who he had a history with from time in OKC and Payne comes back from China to light up the bubble from the bench and credits his relationship with Monty for the 2nd NBA chance.

That summer Paul is out of OKC and makes it clear he wants to reunite with Monty while playing with Booker in Phoenix. JJ does it get done but Paul did the work for him by publicly stating Phoenix was where he wanted to be and having OKC's cooperation to make it happen. We gave up Oubre, Rubio, and a pick. JJ doesn't need to draft, good for JJ. Good move but he also lets Baynes leave which puts us back where were when Ayton was suspended with 1 real Center. We're a bad drug test from 0 centers for 50 games. JJ doesn't make a move, lets it play out. He let too much play out here.

JJ was someone initially hired to repair player relations there's been a plethora since he's been hired. Ayton's drug test, Oubre being scratched from the bubble team, Crowder issues, Torrey Craig leaving and return, Frank's leaving and return. That's all pre-Ishbia and if it doesn't fall on JJ then why has similar things happened since our ownership changed? I'm not buying it's on Ishbia and Sarver. If nothing else JJ has allowed it to happen and hasn't done anything to repair the relations he was supposed to.

Agree 100%. I don't get why anyone is giving Jones a pass on this mess. He flubbed under Sarver and he flubbed under Ishbia, and somehow both were because of the owner only? And the brief surge of success was solely due to his diligent work? Right.

And even under the ridiculous/wild assumption that every single poor personnel decision of the Ishbia era had nothing to do with Jones, I still don't understand how Jones keeping his job would portend anything but more of the same foolishness. Why would anyone want that (unless you're a masochist). At worst, a new GM would offer some semblance of hope for a different approach.

 

[Phrazbit]

JJ was someone initially hired to repair player relations there's been a plethora since he's been hired. Ayton's drug test, Oubre being scratched from the bubble team, Crowder issues, Torrey Craig leaving and return, Frank's leaving and return. That's all pre-Ishbia and if it doesn't fall on JJ then why has similar things happened since our ownership changed? I'm not buying it's on Ishbia and Sarver. If nothing else JJ has allowed it to happen and hasn't done anything to repair the relations he was supposed to.

It's Jones fault that Ayton failed his drug test? Also, Oubre being scratched from the bubble team was a good thing, that dude is a sea anchor, we were very wise to get out of the Oubre business. Crowder was Monty, a lot of this is really digging, I can't get worked up about 10th man minimum contract guys coming and going.

IMO, his only real mistake, prior to Ishbia, was the "Sticks" pick, and it was a HUGE mistake.

Agree 100%. I don't get why anyone is giving Jones a pass on this mess. He flubbed under Sarver and he flubbed under Ishbia, and somehow both were because of the owner only? And the brief surge of success was solely due to his diligent work? Right.

And even under the ridiculous/wild assumption that every single poor personnel decision of the Ishbia era had nothing to do with Jones, I still don't understand how Jones keeping his job would portend anything but more of the same foolishness. Why would anyone want that (unless you're a masochist). At worst, a new GM would offer some semblance of hope for a different approach.

Don't get me wrong, I am fine with Jones getting fired, but I think, overall, he did a very good job prior to 2023. Clearly, he is either giving bad advice or his voice isn't being heard currently, so... yeah, get rid of him.

However, I am of the opinion that it likely won't make a difference. If Ishbia hires someone and says that he is going to step back and let them do the job, I'd be thrilled, but I expect Matt and Josh are both utterly lost when it comes to creating a winning team and I think they are heavily involved in every step since Ishbia bought the team.

 

[Yuma]

I know Gambo says there will be a front office clearing out, but the more time passes, the more I think JJ stays. Technically, I read his contract ends in June.

 

[GatorAZ]

xc_hide_links_from_guests_guests_error_hide_media

 

[Cheesebeef]

xc_hide_links_from_guests_guests_error_hide_media

I will make time to listen to this ish-show… pun not initially intended, but if the shoe fits…

 

[Phrazbit]

I will make time to listen to this ish-show… pun not initially intended, but if the shoe fits…

Let's hope he lays off red bull and nose beers before this one.

 

[Cheesebeef]

Let's hope he lays off red bull and nose beers before this one.

I hope not. Made last year’s at least somewhat entertaining from a train wreck perspective.

 

[Superbone]

xc_hide_links_from_guests_guests_error_hide_media

Anybody know if this is available online?

 

[BirdGangThing]

Anybody know if this is available online?

if i was within throwing distance - and standing next to a cart of rotten vegetables... i might watch

 

[Cheesebeef]

Anybody know if this is available online?

The Phoenix media should really skewer these guys. Number one question should be… if no changes in front office are made, why should fans trust the people who are going to be on their 4th coach in 3 years, and are likely going to try and move on from two high profile “stars” who have cost us the ability to control our own draft until 2032?

 

[Superbone]

The Phoenix media should really skewer these guys. Number one question should be… if no changes in front office are made, why should fans trust the people who are going to be on their 4th coach in 3 years, and are likely going to try and move on from two high profile “stars” who have cost us the ability to control our own draft until 2032?

OK, but that doesn't answer my question. And the answer to your question has Ishbia's fingerprints all over it.

 

[Superbone]

if i was within throwing distance - and standing next to a cart of rotten vegetables... i might watch

I can't help you with the rotten vegetables. You should have probably have left them out a day or two ago.

 

[BirdGangThing]

xc_hide_links_from_guests_guests_error_hide_media

 

[BirdGangThing]

sounds like ish is taking the wrap

xc_hide_links_from_guests_guests_error_hide_media

 

[leclerc]

How about something a bit more tangible, Matty — like personnel, coaching staff, scouting, contract negotiations, size and balance of roster… that sort of thing?

 

[leclerc]

He takes the blame for the players not showing grit and joy. Baloney. Nobody expects the owner to dictate the effort of the players. That's on the coaching staff. Take blame for the roster and lazy veterans/lack of high motor guys, take blame for selling the farm on often injured ageing veterans. This is ***ish.

 

[Chaplin]

How about something a bit more tangible, Matty — like personnel, coaching staff, scouting, contract negotiations, size and balance of roster… that sort of thing?

You actually expected to hear that stuff?

 

[leclerc]

Just give me some truth!

 

[Superbone]

Just give me some truth!

We sucked. We hope to be better next year.

There ya go.

 

[taz02]

sounds like ish is taking the wrap

xc_hide_links_from_guests_guests_error_hide_media

"more work ethic, grit, grind and joy" mmm? I guess that's what you do when you have no cap space, own none of your draft picks and suck.

 

[leclerc]

We sucked. We hope to be better next year.

There ya go.

I want Matty or James Jones to admit being bad.

 

[Superbone]

I want Matty or James Jones to admit being bad.

Ish already did:

"Embarrassing season," Mat Ishbia begins."We've gotta do stuff difference and change for the better....it wasn't fun to watch....I'm here for it. I'm here to be accountable."