I've still not really been able to figure out how a rookie can be involved in a sign and trade if this goes down like I think it will.
I suppose the Suns and Pistons (for example) could come to an agreement that involves a rookie next week, but the transaction wouldn't actually go through until the end of July when their rookie becomes trade eligible. That would also prevent the Suns from playing a newly acquired rookie in the Summer League which isn't ideal.
It still seems kind of weird, but I think that's really the only way to make it legal.
It's basically that. There would have to be a bit of tampering going on behind the scenes, with the Suns telling the Pistons who they'd want if they'd be open to a sign and trade.
The question a lot of people seem to be asking is why the Pistons would give up anything. Simple. It's for the certainty of getting Ayton. As long as the Suns hold true on their intention to match any offer sheet, the Pistons would have to play ball if they really want Ayton.
Also, imagine had Ayton signed an extension with us last season and had the year he had. If Detroit offered us Stewart, Murray and Bey for Ayton, it's possible that wouldn't be the best trade we could get on the open market. That can help them rationalize giving us assets.
I'm starting to think acquiring 2nd rounders is an indication Jones is angling for Durant. Filling out the roster with cheap players is exactly what they'd need to do if they're gutting most of the depth to get him.
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Here's the clip of Lowe and Givony's discussion about Ayton, Cam Johnson, etc. Pretty interesting, but I'm not getting my hopes up. Of course, like most NBA experts, they think the Suns are idiots for being hesitant to pay Ayton the max. They also said the same thing about the Hornets and Bridges after discussing Ayton.
Thanks for the clip. I didn't hear that. They said it would be dumb to lose him for nothing. And I think every one of us on this board agrees with this.
My interpretation may have been colored by what they said afterward about the Hornets and Bridges.
"I'm a Deandre Ayton guy."--Al McCoy, September 21, 2022.
Something to keep in mind about a 2022 first round pick being a part of an Ayton S&T deal is that newly signed rookies cannot be traded for 30 days after signing their contract.
One thing I can't find is how long teams usually wait to sign their first round picks. I assume most are signed the day their selected or the next day at the latest. But has there been a case when a first rounder wasn't initially signed because the team was considering moving them within the 30-day window?
Kobe Bryant.
"I'm a Deandre Ayton guy."--Al McCoy, September 21, 2022.