Trade talks & rumors

[95pro]

McDonough had to know this all along. I wonder if the Suns have not had any serious trade offers thus far. Maybe they are hoping at the trade deadline some teams that are going nowhere will listen to trade offers.

McD seems to wait for offers that are in the suns favor instead of just trading just to dump off someone. Look at players that we acquired for other players.

the wright for a pick might turn out to be a waste if that pick turns into something.

But at last McD/Suns admit that something needs to change. Much farther along into the season than they should have admitted it though.

 

[Mainstreet]

McD seems to wait for offers that are in the suns favor instead of just trading just to dump off someone. Look at players that we acquired for other players.

the wright for a pick might turn out to be a waste if that pick turns into something.

But at last McD/Suns admit that something needs to change. Much farther along into the season than they should have admitted it though.

Well at least McDonough has admitted it before the trade deadline.

If Wright were a bigger player, which the Suns need, it would have been a worthy risk to make the trade. However, Basketball-Reference.com has Wright listed at 205 pounds and this is something I can believe.

http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/w/wrighbr03.html

 

[PhxGametime]

It's amazing that it took him 4 months into the season to figure out something that most fans figured out after the first 2-3 weeks of the season.

Will be interestig to see what happens in the next week.

Maybe it's my fault. I talked most of summer about getting 3rd PG, though I was thinking Avery Bradley in FA, George Hill in Trade, or Nick Johnson in Draft - type like talents. Defensive minded, play PG off bench and enough size to play alongside either of last years PG's. Rumors started about Isaiah's name came up as replacement for Bledsoe, via Trade and w/o looking it up I posted something similar to - I'd prefer Bledsoe over IT but Isaiah would make elite backup PG on a Team...

 

[Mainstreet]

Maybe it's my fault. I talked most of summer about getting 3rd PG, though I was thinking Avery Bradley in FA, George Hill in Trade, or Nick Johnson in Draft - type like talents. Defensive minded, play PG off bench and enough size to play alongside either of last years PG's. Rumors started about Isaiah's name came up as replacement for Bledsoe, via Trade and w/o looking it up I posted something similar to - I'd prefer Bledsoe over IT but Isaiah would make elite backup PG on a Team...

Certainly it's not your fault. The 3 PG system has failed. I think the Dragic/ Bledsoe experiment was due to fail as well. Maybe if the Suns had a stronger front line the Suns might have pulled it off for awhile but I think team chemistry is the ultimate undoing. I'd like the Suns to have one starting PG beside a SG and then have IT as a backup. Ennis would be the third PG.

 

[WuRaider]

I wouldn't mind a trade but a lot of the losses have been due to Alex Len not starting/injured and bad breaks. Trading IT makes the most sense because his time takes away from Dragic and Bledsoe's solo PG runs.

The chemistry was better last year because even though we had 2 starting PGs sharing the ball, they also got their moments of freedom when the other needed rest.

 

[KloD]

Wow...

 

[BC867]

I'd like the Suns to have one starting PG beside a SG and then have IT as a backup.

Do you mean backup PG or back SG or both?

Actually, it doesn't make a difference because my opinion is no, no and no.

IT has no Point Guard skills whatsoever. But at 5'9", where else can you slot him? Just as Leandro Barbosa.

The only place to slot him is outside the rotation as instant offense off the bench in short spurts when you need instant offense. But IT has come too far for that.

There are better options for backup Point Guard who would benefit the other players on the floor. Any decent backup Point Guard would do, either old or young.

 

[95pro]

i'm in favor of shipping IT out of here. i think if we get some better starters, we can have a great second unit centered around Kieff.

 

[Mainstreet]

The bottom line, the Suns are probably going to trade the players that return the most value. I'm not against IT coming off the bench. I have grown weary of starting Bledsoe and Dragic together.

 

[sunsfan88]

The bottom line, the Suns are probably going to trade the players that return the most value. I'm not against IT coming off the bench. I have grown weary of starting Bledsoe and Dragic together.

I'm almost with you on but I want to give it one last shot without IT.

They played great last year without IT, I want to see if that can continue. If not, then yea lets pick one and then just look for a true, tall, good defensively SG.

 

[sunsfan88]

Utah Jazz: Frustrated Enes Kanter said he hopes to be traded before deadline

Frustrated by his role during his three-plus years in Utah, center Enes Kanter told The Salt Lake Tribune he hopes to be traded before this year's deadline.

Kanter expressed his frustration after Wednesday's 87-82 loss to the Mavericks, a game in which Kanter left with an eye injury but never returned despite his claim that he was healthy enough to play.

"It was not my eye at all. I don't know what it was, but it was not my eye at all. So we'll see what's going to happen," Kanter said after the game, declining to elaborate further.

The 22-year-old big man was hit in the face by Dallas' Al-Faroug Aminu late in the second quarter. Kanter held his face as he checked out at the 1:25 mark and never returned. He played just over 18 minutes Wednesday, recording six points and 10 rebounds.

But for the third-overall pick in the 2011 draft, the frustrations are about more than one night. Kanter grew tired of empty promises of playing time during his time under Tyrone Corbin and remains frustrated by the inconsistency of his role.

The Jazz and coach Quin Snyder have tried to balance time among their four primary big men — Kanter, Derrick Favors, Rudy Gobert and Trevor Booker. Snyder has admitted in the past that it has been hard to find time in some games for all four, and said matchups and performance would dictate who got minutes most nights.

In a text message late Wednesday, Jazz general manager Dennis Lindsey declined to comment on the situation.

Kanter is an offensively talented big man averaging 14 points and 7.8 rebounds per game, though his defense has been called into question through his career.

The 6-foot-10 Turk played 13 minutes per game his rookie season, 15 as a sophomore and 26 last season. His 27.3 minutes per game are a career high, but the nightly inconsistencies have been a source of frustration for the fourth-year player.

Kanter will be a restricted free agent this summer after he and the Jazz failed to reach a deal to extend him before the season. That could make it difficult to move him should the Jazz opt to go that route. A team interested in Kanter would have to give up assets while simultaneously assuming the risk and uncertainty involving the big man's future salary.

Kanter could be a relative value. Or, with one offer sheet, he could leave that trade partner left to match a sizable deal or letting him walk.

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/2170975-155/utah-jazz-frustrated-enes-katner-said

He could be a good fit here while Len is injured and then also pairing him with Len as a PF when Len is back healthy.

Kanter is a developing 3pt shooter who can score in a variety of ways. Len also has a pretty nice jumper so spacing wouldn't that big an issue imo.

Kanter's only 22 yrs old as well. Great size for a big man as well.

Isaiah Thomas, and Miles Plumlee for Kanter?

 

[Hoop Head]

He could be a good fit here while Len is injured and then also pairing him with Len as a PF when Len is back healthy.

Kanter is a developing 3pt shooter who can score in a variety of ways. Len also has a pretty nice jumper so spacing wouldn't that big an issue imo.

Kanter's only 22 yrs old as well. Great size for a big man as well.

Isaiah Thomas, and Miles Plumlee for Kanter?

I don't think Kanter or Gobert would work well alongside Len as both are more Centers than PF's and Kanter is inconsistent offensively while being a poor defender. He's also a restricted FA and most bigs are overpaid in FA anyways, especially if they hope for a team not to match their offer. So retaining he may end up being an expensive rental. I'd love for the Suns to make a move for Favors, somehow. IT & the Twins for Favors and a protected 1st? Favors is an upgrade over Markieff on both ends of the court, losing Marcus is a plus for the Suns overall as it opens up minutes for Warren, Bullock, and Goodwin. I think losing IT would be addition by subtraction also and help us retain Goran in the offseason. Again losing him opens up minutes for the young guys and gives more time for Bledsoe & Dragic to run the point by themselves. IT in Utah could work well for them since they have Exum to pair him with in the backcourt who is really large PG. They do have a log jam at PF & C with Kanter, Gobert, Favors, and Booker there, which is the opposite of the logjam we have. The twins help them clear that up some because Markieff is a PF only and shouldn't get time at Center, he wouldn't with Kanter & Gobert either. Marcus gives them some size and depth behind Hayward at SF. All of the players are locked up longterm, Utah would have multiple pieces they could move instead of paying Favors 8 figures alone. Favors is locked up long term and is only 23. He could play alongside Len, he's accustomed to playing with Centers already and is serviceable at Center himself. He can certainly play the 5 more effectively than Kieff since he's a better rebounder and is also bigger and longer. He has a solid post game and decent range as well. Favors also could draw double teams in the post or inside which would open things up for Tucker, Dragic, and Bledsoe outside. Kieff holds the ball too long and is more of a faceup scorer which requires less double teams, he's also much more predictable offensively so he doesn't require as much attention or game planning. Kieff gets his points by playing ISO ball, Favors would be more efficient without needing to put the ball on the floor like Kieff. Favors can put up 15+ ppg without dominating the ball the same way Morris does. Even if we lost Dragic in the offseason we'd have a core of Len (21), Bledsoe (25), and Favors (23) for at least 3 more years after this season. That sounds like a much better future than what we have. If we can retain Dragic and he snaps back to form without IT here then we're even better off.

The Jazz would need to send another player along to make it worth with salaries and such but a trade of Favors & Novak for IT, Marcus, and Markieff works under the cap. Novak is on the books for 3.4 million next year but he could be useful as a shooter during that time since we most likely won't retain Green in the offseason.

http://espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine/?tradeId=me3xay4

 

[AzStevenCal]

I don't think Kanter or Gobert would work well alongside Len as both are more Centers than PF's and Kanter is inconsistent offensively while being a poor defender. He's also a restricted FA and most bigs are overpaid in FA anyways, especially if they hope for a team not to match their offer. So retaining he may end up being an expensive rental. I'd love for the Suns to make a move for Favors, somehow. IT & the Twins for Favors and a protected 1st? Favors is an upgrade over Markieff on both ends of the court, losing Marcus is a plus for the Suns overall as it opens up minutes for Warren, Bullock, and Goodwin. I think losing IT would be addition by subtraction also and help us retain Goran in the offseason. Again losing him opens up minutes for the young guys and gives more time for Bledsoe & Dragic to run the point by themselves. IT in Utah could work well for them since they have Exum to pair him with in the backcourt who is really large PG. They do have a log jam at PF & C with Kanter, Gobert, Favors, and Booker there, which is the opposite of the logjam we have. The twins help them clear that up some because Markieff is a PF only and shouldn't get time at Center, he wouldn't with Kanter & Gobert either. Marcus gives them some size and depth behind Hayward at SF. All of the players are locked up longterm, Utah would have multiple pieces they could move instead of paying Favors 8 figures alone. Favors is locked up long term and is only 23. He could play alongside Len, he's accustomed to playing with Centers already and is serviceable at Center himself. He can certainly play the 5 more effectively than Kieff since he's a better rebounder and is also bigger and longer. He has a solid post game and decent range as well. Favors also could draw double teams in the post or inside which would open things up for Tucker, Dragic, and Bledsoe outside. Kieff holds the ball too long and is more of a faceup scorer which requires less double teams, he's also much more predictable offensively so he doesn't require as much attention or game planning. Kieff gets his points by playing ISO ball, Favors would be more efficient without needing to put the ball on the floor like Kieff. Favors can put up 15+ ppg without dominating the ball the same way Morris does. Even if we lost Dragic in the offseason we'd have a core of Len (21), Bledsoe (25), and Favors (23) for at least 3 more years after this season. That sounds like a much better future than what we have. If we can retain Dragic and he snaps back to form without IT here then we're even better off.

The Jazz would need to send another player along to make it worth with salaries and such but a trade of Favors & Novak for IT, Marcus, and Markieff works under the cap. Novak is on the books for 3.4 million next year but he could be useful as a shooter during that time since we most likely won't retain Green in the offseason.

http://espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine/?tradeId=me3xay4

I don't agree that IT would be addition by subtraction but if it increases the likelihood that we can retain Goran, it would be worthwhile to move him. I'm not sure our pieces would be enough to get us Favors though. At a minimum I think the pick would be coming from us not to us. Anyway, if Utah would make the deal I'd do it in a heartbeat. I'd also try to move Tucker/Green and then sign Amare if he's bought out. That would balance our roster nicely and hopefully open up enough court time to find out what we have in Warren, Ennis, Goodwin and Bullock.

Steve

 

[slinslin]

Statistically speaking Kanter is the worst defensive center in the entire league.

Also emphasis on CENTER. He is not a power forward.

 

[sunsfan88]

I don't think Kanter or Gobert would work well alongside Len as both are more Centers than PF's and Kanter is inconsistent offensively while being a poor defender. He's also a restricted FA and most bigs are overpaid in FA anyways, especially if they hope for a team not to match their offer. So retaining he may end up being an expensive rental. I'd love for the Suns to make a move for Favors, somehow. IT & the Twins for Favors and a protected 1st? Favors is an upgrade over Markieff on both ends of the court, losing Marcus is a plus for the Suns overall as it opens up minutes for Warren, Bullock, and Goodwin. I think losing IT would be addition by subtraction also and help us retain Goran in the offseason. Again losing him opens up minutes for the young guys and gives more time for Bledsoe & Dragic to run the point by themselves. IT in Utah could work well for them since they have Exum to pair him with in the backcourt who is really large PG. They do have a log jam at PF & C with Kanter, Gobert, Favors, and Booker there, which is the opposite of the logjam we have. The twins help them clear that up some because Markieff is a PF only and shouldn't get time at Center, he wouldn't with Kanter & Gobert either. Marcus gives them some size and depth behind Hayward at SF. All of the players are locked up longterm, Utah would have multiple pieces they could move instead of paying Favors 8 figures alone. Favors is locked up long term and is only 23. He could play alongside Len, he's accustomed to playing with Centers already and is serviceable at Center himself. He can certainly play the 5 more effectively than Kieff since he's a better rebounder and is also bigger and longer. He has a solid post game and decent range as well. Favors also could draw double teams in the post or inside which would open things up for Tucker, Dragic, and Bledsoe outside. Kieff holds the ball too long and is more of a faceup scorer which requires less double teams, he's also much more predictable offensively so he doesn't require as much attention or game planning. Kieff gets his points by playing ISO ball, Favors would be more efficient without needing to put the ball on the floor like Kieff. Favors can put up 15+ ppg without dominating the ball the same way Morris does. Even if we lost Dragic in the offseason we'd have a core of Len (21), Bledsoe (25), and Favors (23) for at least 3 more years after this season. That sounds like a much better future than what we have. If we can retain Dragic and he snaps back to form without IT here then we're even better off.

The Jazz would need to send another player along to make it worth with salaries and such but a trade of Favors & Novak for IT, Marcus, and Markieff works under the cap. Novak is on the books for 3.4 million next year but he could be useful as a shooter during that time since we most likely won't retain Green in the offseason.

http://espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine/?tradeId=me3xay4

I don't think they'll trade Favors. He's probably an untouchable type player for them. He's good, he's young and he's locked in under a good contract.

Gobert-Favors will be the best defensive front court in the NBA soon imo.

Kanter is poor defensively like you said but I think Len may be able to mask Kanter's defensive problems. I mean, its not like Kieff is an all world defensive player either.

Kanter's only 22 years old, I think he should get more consistent offensively and his defense will never be good/great but he can get it to average.

I'm not completely advocating trading for Kanter, just something to throw out there.

 

[slinslin]

Markieff ranks 8th of 103 Power Forwards by defensive RPM at +2.8. A week ago he was still 6th. (Duncan, Zeller, Garnett, Davis, Nene, Ibaka, Arthur are the ones ranking ahead of him currently)

Kanter ranks 75th of 75 Centers by defensive RPM at -2. Among power forwards that would rank him just behind Carlos Boozer at 97th.

Kanter would probably be even worse if he had to guard power forwards all the time.

 

[sunsfan88]

The Phoenix Suns have a glut of guards in the backcourt and Ryan McDonough admitted the team's balance is slightly off.

"I think our roster balance is a little off, and that's my fault," McDonough said Wedneday on Arizona Sports 98.7 FM. "We are a little too backcourt heavy, especially in terms of guys who, you know, I think you'd define primarily as scorers in the backcourt[.

I may be reading too much into it but looks like IT or Dragic may be on their way out. If I had to say, I'd say IT is the one that gets the boot.

 

[devilalum]

I may be reading too much into it but looks like IT or Dragic may be on their way out. If I had to say, I'd say IT is the one that gets the boot.

Trade IT for a draft pick and sign Amare. Still doesn't get the Suns in the playoffs but balances things out a bit.

 

[95pro]

I at least thought IT would provide some full court pressure, maybe it's coach's decision not to. Opposing shooters aren't afraid to hoist up a shot when he's around. IT is also useless during last second shots. He's a great scorer when on, but provides nothing else, maybe even a negative when he's not producing.

 

[slinslin]

IT has played very well, trading him for nothing immediate does not exactly help us. He is playing verfy efficiently, plays half the game and gets 15&4 anyway. He is not a good defender but not among the worst either.

Getting Amare will help us though since none of our big guys is capable of scoring other than Markieff.
Getting Amare will lessen the pain when Markieff is out of the game.

 

[Mainstreet]

I understand the Magic may have Andrew Nicholson on the trade block. Admittedly I have not watched him play much but he looks like the type of player the Suns should be looking at. He is only 25 and still on a rookie contract.

 

[SirStefan32]

Dragic would be PERFECT for Orlando.

 

[Mainstreet]

Dragic would be PERFECT for Orlando.

Let's make a deal.

 

[sunsfan88]

I understand the Magic may have Andrew Nicholson on the trade block. Admittedly I have not watched him play much but he looks like the type of player the Suns should be looking at. He is only 25 and still on a rookie contract.

Let's make a deal.

I hope your not insinuating a deal made with Dragic for Nicholson being the components.

Nicholson is a type of guy I might trade Plumlee for, not Dragic.

Dragic would be PERFECT for Orlando.

He'd be perfect for us too if we can get rid of IT and play him and Bledsoe like last year.

 

[Hoop Head]

Babby was on the radio today and made some interesting comments.

http://arizonasports.com/41/1807242...l-be-active-in-trade-market-prior-to-deadline

"We're not going to just sit here and wait for the phones to ring," Babby said. "We'll be initiating calls to every team and just taking the temperature of what's out there and what's available. It wouldn't surprise me at all if we do something between now and next Thursday."

"We're not going to do anything that helps us in the short run if it hurts us in the long run," Babby said. "Our goal is (to) continue to put together a group that can grow together and mature together and go through a process together -- as painful as it may be -- on any given night to get us an elite core that we can win a championship with.

"So to try to delude ourselves into thinking some move that will help us fight off Oklahoma City this year at the expense of that bigger picture I think would be a catastrophic mistake."

I think that's a positive, perhaps after the All Star Break we start to see the youngsters get more time. He didn't comment on the Dragic for a 1st rounder rumor, of course. If that's all that the Suns can get for him that will be disappointing, unless it's unprotected from one of the bottom 3-4 teams in the league.