Suns News: Week 16 2/6-2/12

[Split T]

http://www.espn.com/nba/insider/story/_ ... s-suns-nba

Phoenix Suns


Should the Suns make Eric Bledsoe untouchable?

Elhassan: For the time being, yes. Without a concrete succession plan at point guard, it makes little sense to abandon a player in his prime having a career year while on an affordable deal. If I'm the Suns, I wait until draft night or free agency to figure out who the heir apparent will be before trying to move Bledsoe.

Pelton: No. Again, I'm philosophically opposed to the idea of making almost any player untouchable. In this case, it seems particularly shortsighted given Bledsoe's history of knee injuries and the fact that he's playing the best basketball of his career. Phoenix might regret not considering selling high on Bledsoe if he's unable to continue at this level due to injury or regression to the mean.

What trades should the Suns consider?

Doolittle: I love Devin Booker, though at age 20 he's got miles to go in terms of playmaking and rounding out his floor game. Still, I'd be tempted to move Bledsoe and target a shooting wing who could play off of Booker, who would take over the point full time.

A huge trade with the Bulls could work, at least for Phoenix: Bledsoe, Tyson Chandler and Jared Dudley for Doug McDermott, Robin Lopez, Nikola Mirotic and Rajon Rondo.

One key objective here would be to see if Booker can handle the position switch. If so, that begins to establish some much-needed clarity for the Suns.

Engelmann: The Suns aren't making the playoffs, so having veterans such as Chandler, Dudley and P.J. Tucker on the roster seems rather pointless at this stage of the season. All three players could plug holes for teams that want to make a deep playoff run, and dealing them would give the Suns room to develop TJ Warren, Alex Len, Marquese Chriss and Dragan Bender.

Though the Chandler contract seemed ugly when it was signed, it looks much more reasonable after last summer's spending craze. Dudley and Tucker aren't exactly overpaid either, and I see no reason why Phoenix wouldn't find new a new home for them.

That Bulls trade is terrible, I would never consider it. We do need to make a decision though. If we plan to keep Chandler next year, Len needs to be traded now. We also need to trade Tucker. If we really intend to bring him back next year, then we should probably trade Warren as well, maybe not now, but in the summer. Although I'm not sure his value is very high right now.

[In2ition]

http://www.espn.com/nba/insider/story/_ ... s-suns-nba

Phoenix Suns


Should the Suns make Eric Bledsoe untouchable?

Elhassan: For the time being, yes. Without a concrete succession plan at point guard, it makes little sense to abandon a player in his prime having a career year while on an affordable deal. If I'm the Suns, I wait until draft night or free agency to figure out who the heir apparent will be before trying to move Bledsoe.

Pelton: No. Again, I'm philosophically opposed to the idea of making almost any player untouchable. In this case, it seems particularly shortsighted given Bledsoe's history of knee injuries and the fact that he's playing the best basketball of his career. Phoenix might regret not considering selling high on Bledsoe if he's unable to continue at this level due to injury or regression to the mean.

What trades should the Suns consider?

Doolittle: I love Devin Booker, though at age 20 he's got miles to go in terms of playmaking and rounding out his floor game. Still, I'd be tempted to move Bledsoe and target a shooting wing who could play off of Booker, who would take over the point full time.

A huge trade with the Bulls could work, at least for Phoenix: Bledsoe, Tyson Chandler and Jared Dudley for Doug McDermott, Robin Lopez, Nikola Mirotic and Rajon Rondo.

One key objective here would be to see if Booker can handle the position switch. If so, that begins to establish some much-needed clarity for the Suns.

Engelmann: The Suns aren't making the playoffs, so having veterans such as Chandler, Dudley and P.J. Tucker on the roster seems rather pointless at this stage of the season. All three players could plug holes for teams that want to make a deep playoff run, and dealing them would give the Suns room to develop TJ Warren, Alex Len, Marquese Chriss and Dragan Bender.

Though the Chandler contract seemed ugly when it was signed, it looks much more reasonable after last summer's spending craze. Dudley and Tucker aren't exactly overpaid either, and I see no reason why Phoenix wouldn't find new a new home for them.

That Bulls trade is terrible, I would never consider it. We do need to make a decision though. If we plan to keep Chandler next year, Len needs to be traded now. We also need to trade Tucker. If we really intend to bring him back next year, then we should probably trade Warren as well, maybe not now, but in the summer. Although I'm not sure his value is very high right now.

Yeah, that Bulls trade is vomit inducing bad.

[Indy]

I really want to keep Len. But I will probably balk when I hear what his price is going to be. If we can get him cheap-ish, I would love to keep him. I think we may actually be decreasing his playing time to cheapen his next contract.

Which if proven to be real would do more damage than just letting him earn that next contract, IMO. You might be right and I would agree, but it's not the right thing to do.

It sure seems that way and it's definitely not the right way to go about business.

Does that tarnish your impression of Watson?

[DrSublime]

http://www.espn.com/nba/insider/story/_ ... s-suns-nba

Phoenix Suns


Should the Suns make Eric Bledsoe untouchable?

Elhassan: For the time being, yes. Without a concrete succession plan at point guard, it makes little sense to abandon a player in his prime having a career year while on an affordable deal. If I'm the Suns, I wait until draft night or free agency to figure out who the heir apparent will be before trying to move Bledsoe.

Pelton: No. Again, I'm philosophically opposed to the idea of making almost any player untouchable. In this case, it seems particularly shortsighted given Bledsoe's history of knee injuries and the fact that he's playing the best basketball of his career. Phoenix might regret not considering selling high on Bledsoe if he's unable to continue at this level due to injury or regression to the mean.

What trades should the Suns consider?

Doolittle: I love Devin Booker, though at age 20 he's got miles to go in terms of playmaking and rounding out his floor game. Still, I'd be tempted to move Bledsoe and target a shooting wing who could play off of Booker, who would take over the point full time.

A huge trade with the Bulls could work, at least for Phoenix: Bledsoe, Tyson Chandler and Jared Dudley for Doug McDermott, Robin Lopez, Nikola Mirotic and Rajon Rondo.

One key objective here would be to see if Booker can handle the position switch. If so, that begins to establish some much-needed clarity for the Suns.

Engelmann: The Suns aren't making the playoffs, so having veterans such as Chandler, Dudley and P.J. Tucker on the roster seems rather pointless at this stage of the season. All three players could plug holes for teams that want to make a deep playoff run, and dealing them would give the Suns room to develop TJ Warren, Alex Len, Marquese Chriss and Dragan Bender.

Though the Chandler contract seemed ugly when it was signed, it looks much more reasonable after last summer's spending craze. Dudley and Tucker aren't exactly overpaid either, and I see no reason why Phoenix wouldn't find new a new home for them.

That Bulls trade is terrible, I would never consider it. We do need to make a decision though. If we plan to keep Chandler next year, Len needs to be traded now. We also need to trade Tucker. If we really intend to bring him back next year, then we should probably trade Warren as well, maybe not now, but in the summer. Although I'm not sure his value is very high right now.

Yeah, that Bulls trade is vomit inducing bad.

the story has a massive type-O
he talks about Booker swapping positions, meaning he would play PG, but we get back a PG (Rondo) in his deal... i think he meant to write Jimmy Butler, not Rondo but just had a brain fart.

[Split T]

I think McDermott was his "shooting wing who could play off Booker" in the scenario.

[Split T]

Who says no:

Phoenix out: Bledsoe and Tucker
Phoenix in: Rondo, Valentine, Murray, Kings Top 10 protected 2017 1st

Denver in: Bledsoe
Denver out: Gallinari, Murray

Chicago in: Gallinari, Tucker
Chicago out: Rondo, Valentine, Kings top 10 protected 2017 1st


I'm sure Denver would rather move Mudiay, but I have no interest in him.

[n4th4n]

Who says no:

Phoenix out: Bledsoe and Tucker
Phoenix in: Rondo, Valentine, Murray, Kings Top 10 protected 2017 1st

Denver in: Bledsoe
Denver out: Gallinari, Murray

Chicago in: Gallinari, Tucker
Chicago out: Rondo, Valentine, Kings top 10 protected 2017 1st


I'm sure Denver would rather move Mudiay, but I have no interest in him.

Uh... that would be a heist of legendary proportions if we could pull it off. As it is now, Denver 100% says no. They highly value Murry. Judging the quality of the deal is difficult for Chicago as well. Essentially, they would be surrendering two lottery picks for Gallinari, who will be entering the last year of his deal, and Tucker, who would actually be a good fit in Chicago. After next year Gallinari is going to get expensive but he would be a picture perfect offensive fit next to Butler and he would fit well in the offense that Hoiberg is, uh...theoretically running.

To make it work we would have to add an extra asset. Perhaps T.J. Warren would be enough to get it done. Perhaps not. May need a Miami 1st.

Following a move like this, Josh Jackson would be the obvious pick come draft time. A core of Murry/Booker/Jackson/Chriss/Bender/Len/Valentine/Kings 1st looks intoxicating from an offensive standpoint but would likely send any defensive-minded coach running to the hills in terror.

[Split T]

Who says no:

Phoenix out: Bledsoe and Tucker
Phoenix in: Rondo, Valentine, Murray, Kings Top 10 protected 2017 1st

Denver in: Bledsoe
Denver out: Gallinari, Murray

Chicago in: Gallinari, Tucker
Chicago out: Rondo, Valentine, Kings top 10 protected 2017 1st


I'm sure Denver would rather move Mudiay, but I have no interest in him.

Uh... that would be a heist of legendary proportions if we could pull it off. As it is now, Denver 100% says no. They highly value Murry. Judging the quality of the deal is difficult for Chicago as well. Essentially, they would be surrendering two lottery picks for Gallinari, who will be entering the last year of his deal, and Tucker, who would actually be a good fit in Chicago. After next year Gallinari is going to get expensive but he would be a picture perfect offensive fit next to Butler and he would fit well in the offense that Hoiberg is, uh...theoretically running.

To make it work we would have to add an extra asset. Perhaps T.J. Warren would be enough to get it done. Perhaps not. May need a Miami 1st.

Following a move like this, Josh Jackson would be the obvious pick come draft time. A core of Murry/Booker/Jackson/Chriss/Bender/Len/Valentine/Kings 1st looks intoxicating from an offensive standpoint but would likely send any defensive-minded coach running to the hills in terror.

I guess I may have misjudged how highly Denver values Murray. I do like Will Barton and I was interested in Malik Beasley during the draft and Gary Harris is a nice player, so there are a few other guard prospects Denver could send instead. But I think we value Bledsoe very high and aren't going to trade him for Malik Beasley, Denzel Valentine, and a late lotto pick. I think Chicago would do it. That kings pick has a good chance of turning into 2 2nd rounders, so it may not be as valuable as it appears.

[Ring_Wanted]

Murray is a keeper. They could entertain trading him for Bledsoe but you have them also sending out Gallo and that's too much for them, I'm sure.

[Ring_Wanted]

Also, agreed with those who say that Denver would much rather use Mudiay to acquire Bledsoe. I don't think we consider it though.

[Split T]

Murray is a keeper. They could entertain trading him for Bledsoe but you have them also sending out Gallo and that's too much for them, I'm sure.

Perhaps, but they aren't resigning Gallo in the offseason so I think they have to trade him. Bledsoe would be really good for them. I think he'd be a good fit with Jokic. He could be a consistent scorer out of the backcourt and not have to run the offense on his own as Jokic is a great playmaker.

If I'm the suns, I don't do the trade without Murray. Does Mudiay have any value right now? Does anyone think he's going to turn into a player?

[n4th4n]

Also, agreed with those who say that Denver would much rather use Mudiay to acquire Bledsoe. I don't think we consider it though.

Agreed. I love this type of trade scenario, though. Hopefully, McDonough is thinking just as creatively.

[Superbone]

I really want to keep Len. But I will probably balk when I hear what his price is going to be. If we can get him cheap-ish, I would love to keep him. I think we may actually be decreasing his playing time to cheapen his next contract.

Which if proven to be real would do more damage than just letting him earn that next contract, IMO. You might be right and I would agree, but it's not the right thing to do.

It sure seems that way and it's definitely not the right way to go about business.

Does that tarnish your impression of Watson?

I'd expect that's coming from above. Watson isn't the one that has to pay him.

[Wally_West]

I kinda want to keep Bledsoe until the draft to try and package him with Warren for another high Draft pick. Hopefully in the 4-8 range.

[carey]

Plus another asset you mean? Bledsoe and Warren are worth more than a pick in the 4-8 range.

[Cap]

At the same time, the teams that have those picks aren't likely to be targeting Bledsoe.

[INFORMER]

A huge trade with the Bulls could work, at least for Phoenix: Bledsoe, Tyson Chandler and Jared Dudley for Doug McDermott, Robin Lopez, Nikola Mirotic and Rajon Rondo.

Any deal with Chicago has to include Bobby Portis, Denzel Valentine, and Paul Zipser.

[TOO]

A huge trade with the Bulls could work, at least for Phoenix: Bledsoe, Tyson Chandler and Jared Dudley for Doug McDermott, Robin Lopez, Nikola Mirotic and Rajon Rondo.

Any deal with Chicago has to include Bobby Portis, Denzel Valentine, and Paul Zipser.

Take off your shoes and stay awhile bud.

[Ring_Wanted]

Murray is a keeper. They could entertain trading him for Bledsoe but you have them also sending out Gallo and that's too much for them, I'm sure.

Perhaps, but they aren't resigning Gallo in the offseason so I think they have to trade him. Bledsoe would be really good for them. I think he'd be a good fit with Jokic. He could be a consistent scorer out of the backcourt and not have to run the offense on his own as Jokic is a great playmaker.

If I'm the suns, I don't do the trade without Murray. Does Mudiay have any value right now? Does anyone think he's going to turn into a player?

I'm not that sure they aren't keeping Gallo, especially under the light of a win now move like trading for Bledsoe.

Regarding Murray, I've seen flashes of a very good shotmaker, although the team needs to work at his service with screens and such and I don't know if that will ever be a sustainable offense for long periods (his on ball game and finishing need a lot of work). His %s are bad right now but he's still a teenager. Like I said, perhaps if absolutely pushing to win now Denver trades him for Bledsoe, but if you were the Nuggs, I believe you'd think that's enough value to give up, all things considered.

[Indy]

I really want to keep Len. But I will probably balk when I hear what his price is going to be. If we can get him cheap-ish, I would love to keep him. I think we may actually be decreasing his playing time to cheapen his next contract.

Which if proven to be real would do more damage than just letting him earn that next contract, IMO. You might be right and I would agree, but it's not the right thing to do.

It sure seems that way and it's definitely not the right way to go about business.

Does that tarnish your impression of Watson?

I'd expect that's coming from above. Watson isn't the one that has to pay him.

But his philosophy of family he preaches should trump his boss telling him to undercut a guy for financial gain, right?