Offseason Thread

[Birdman]

Memphis getting Orlando 16th pick this season, Suns first next season & Orlando first in 2028 & 2030?Suns pick next season could be top 10

[Who]

It sucks to see Memphis give up on their team.

They have a good squad. I like the Morant - Bane - JJJ big three. I thought Bane and JJJ lived up to their end. Morant hasn't. He has stagnated these last 3-4 years. Maybe 5 years. Not a true franchise player and that is a major issue holding them back.

They good quality around them. Z Edey, Aldama, S Pippen Jr, B Clarke. J Huff. A young lad in Jaylen Wells. Add a quality SF and that would be one of the better supporting casts in the league.

[slightly biased bias fan]

It sucks to see Memphis give up on their team.

They might not be rebuilding, rather retooling.

Morant & Bane were not a great backcourt fit. Although Bane is a solid defender, his physical tools limited his defensive impact. Morant needs a defensive specialist next to him, perhaps they believe KCP still has defensive impact and being in Orlando was a poor fit. Memphis might also believe in Wells making a leap and sold very high on Bane.

I guess we will find out with their next moves.

[Who]

The Minnesota Timberwolves have engaged in talks for Durant, but have held back on offering forward Jaden McDaniels.

That means either Rudy Gobert or Julius Randle would need to be involved in the deal for salary-matching reasons. In that case, Donte DiVincenzo, or a package of the Wolves young players would need to be added into the deal

[Who]

Perk makes a good point about Memphis flipping those picks in a subsequent deal to land a bigger star than Bane to put alongside Morant and JJJ. Durant is one possibility. Memphis were interested in Durant at the trade deadline.

Perk prefers Memphis blow it up though.

[tazzmaniac]

Perk makes a good point about Memphis flipping those picks in a subsequent deal to land a bigger star than Bane to put alongside Morant and JJJ. Durant is one possibility. Memphis were interested in Durant at the trade deadline.

Perk prefers Memphis blow it up though.

Don't see how Durant makes sense for them.  He's not going to make them a championship contender.  He's old and makes 54M.  Most importantly he'll be a free agent after next season and there's zero chance he re-signs with Memphis sp giving up a bunch of 1st rounders for him makes little sense.

[Birdman]

If I was a player there is no way I want to play with Morant?off court issues .& Injuries

[moiso]

I think Durant would be bad for the chemistry of the Grizzlies especially if Ja is still there.  Ja needs a star to play with that has a certain type of personality to lead the team and bring out the best in Morant and hold him accountable.  Durant isn't that guy.  I think Durant would fragment that team a little bit.  Nobody takes responsibility when Durant joins other stars over the last 5 years.  The teams are chaotic chemistry wise and the blame gets spread around when they underachieve.  Durant will get his efficient numbers so he avoids too much blame.  I wouldn't waste my time if I were the Grizzlies.

[DefenseWinsChamps]

Perk makes a good point about Memphis flipping those picks in a subsequent deal to land a bigger star than Bane to put alongside Morant and JJJ. Durant is one possibility. Memphis were interested in Durant at the trade deadline.

Perk prefers Memphis blow it up though.

The Grizzles could hardly get to Jrue's contract size right now without trading JJJ or Morant. They can't get Durant or another "third star".

Their coach is really, really interested in playing fast basketball and shooting a ton of 3s.

Would Zinger + 1st make sense with Edey, Konchar, and Clarke coming back (Clarke to a third team willing to absorb salary)? With how physical the basketball has been in the playoffs, guys like Edey could be a really helpful player.

If we also sent out Hauser into a TPE, we'd have about 8.6m and 3 roster spots available. Horford on a vet min is 3.6. Kornet on a vet min is 3.2. Then a 2nd round pick needs to make less than 1.8m in the first season. We are under the 2nd apron with Edey and Konchar as additional rotation guys instead of Zinger.

[DefenseWinsChamps]

https://sports.yahoo.com/article/suns-reject-spurs-counteroffer-kevin-082856479.html

Apparently the Suns are asking more for Kevin Durant. Current-offer was Barnes, Vassell, and the 14th pick (supposedly) for the 37 year old on an expiring contract.

Suns are wanting Sochan and/or Castle as well.

[Who]

https://sports.yahoo.com/article/suns-reject-spurs-counteroffer-kevin-082856479.html

Apparently the Suns are asking more for Kevin Durant. Current-offer was Barnes, Vassell, and the 14th pick (supposedly) for the 37 year old on an expiring contract.

Suns are wanting Sochan and/or Castle as well.

Suns are expecting a package similar to the one they paid for Durant 2 years ago.

They are right to reject that Spurs package. It is crap. Vassell plays the same position as their 2 best players. H Barnes has declined considerably. A mid 1st round pick? No. They should be paying 3-4 picks for Durant if they are not giving up any promising youth in the trade or quality veterans.

[Birdman]

I think Phoenix best deal may come from Houston or Minnesota..no way I do that spurs or heat deal

[Who]

Perk makes a good point about Memphis flipping those picks in a subsequent deal to land a bigger star than Bane to put alongside Morant and JJJ. Durant is one possibility. Memphis were interested in Durant at the trade deadline.

Perk prefers Memphis blow it up though.

The Grizzles could hardly get to Jrue's contract size right now without trading JJJ or Morant. They can't get Durant or another "third star".

Ah, that is a pity. So this would be further down if it were to happen. A year or two's time.

[Who]

I liked the idea of Morant & Durant together.

Durant has always worked very well with PGs. Westbrook, Steph, Kyrie, Harden. All different types of players. All combined well with Durant.

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I don't think any incoming player can take over as leader from Morant. That is his team. Very few guys are talented enough to take that mantle from him and overcome his history / legacy there. For Morant to get a leader to follow, I think he would have to leave Memphis and go to a new team where is Option B.

I can't think of anyone in trade talks that could do it - go to Memphis and teach Morant / lead Morant / help him grow. Maybe Giannis but I am not even sure he could do that.

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I am more of the idea that you just have to accept Morant the way he is. Flaws and all. That there isn't much upside there anymore. He has stagnated for 3-4 years (maybe 5 years). It will be hard to get through to him to make major improvements. Small improvements? Sure. But I am not expecting major improvements from him.

He has shown too little development for too many years now.

[slightly biased bias fan]

Shams Charania on ESPN:

I?ve been told Kevin Durant has NO desire to play in Minnesota with the Timberwolves.

Kevin Durant has no self awareness whatsoever. I cannot stand the guy and his entitlement. He does not get the hate he deserves.

He is solely responsible for this second apron hard cap situation. The NBA should have shaved an asterisk on his two championship rings.