Phoenix Suns expect to part ways with Kevin Durant this offseason. Could the Spurs be a good landing place?

[timtonymanu]

Ughhh I’m just more annoyed this means we have to keep the whole friendship crew for another year

[BatManu20]

1933579420226261214

[LeBowen]

Good, tbh.
I'd take KD at a discount price, but giving up too much makes no sense.

Right now the Spurs are a lottery team that just hired a rookie coach, had their franchise player miss almost half the season due to a serious medical issue and their second option played just 4 games together with the franchise player.
No point in trading for KD if we aren't a top3 contender in the next two seasons.

Draft Harper, draft a 3-D wing with #14, get a legit starting PF and a solid Wemby backup. We go from there.
My preferred trade would be getting PJ Washington and Gafford, tbh.

[LeBowen]

Also, power of friendship crew > RC_Drunkford 's questionable inside info.

[BatManu20]

Much rather it be Minnesota or even Miami than Houston tbh.

[LeBowen]

Much rather it be Minnesota or even Miami than Houston tbh.

I'd rather have him go to Houston.
They usually fuck up because they're too impatient, with KD onboard there would surely be some more win now moves and that probably won't end well for them.

[Seventyniner]

I didn't read this as the Spurs being out of the running, but instead the Spurs submitted their best offer and told the Suns to go out and find other teams to top it if they could.

KD also has to weigh in on whether he would sign an extension with any of the other teams, and if those teams care.

[goliath]

I think KD told the Suns he wanted the Spurs. I think the Spurs then pulled #14 off the table, possibly replacing it with Sochan. Suns are fielding other offfers hoping they or the other team can convince KD to extend.

[spurraider21]

Much rather it be Minnesota or even Miami than Houston tbh.
i dont even know what the minnesota package looks like. Gobert and Donte? McDaniels and pieces? is randle going to opt in and agree to go to phoenix for a year?

they also arent really flush with draft capital either. i dont see how it makes sense for them.

miami can get there in a package with wiggins, but their top pick this year is #20, and i think the sticking point there might be Suns insisting on Kel'el Ware

houston has the most avenues to strike a deal. sengun wouldnt be on the table in a durant trade (in a booker trade though...), but they can get there in a package with Green and Jabari and have a number of picks they can use

[spurraider21]

I think KD told the Suns he wanted the Spurs. I think the Spurs then pulled #14 off the table, possibly replacing it with Sochan. Suns are fielding other offfers hoping they or the other team can convince KD to extend.
eh, i think its more likely the spurs made their offer and drew the line while the other offers are just more compelling

[LeBowen]

i dont even know what the minnesota package looks like. Gobert and Donte? McDaniels and pieces? is randle going to opt in and agree to go to phoenix for a year?

they also arent really flush with draft capital either. i dont see how it makes sense for them.

It makes the most sense from basketball standpoint.
Gobert+DiVicenzo+Dillingham seems like a fair deal and would give Ishbia the illusion of Suns still being competitive.

Randle package also wouldn't be bad. I doubt Timberwolves trade McDaniels after the season he's had.

[spurraider21]

my read on this would be Gobert going to Phoenix and Claxton coming to Minny

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[DPG21920]

Im perfectly fine with this. Either KD can be had at a reasonable price or SA stays course. I honestly rather just have pick 2 and 14 (and maybe be able to trade up using 14). Im 100% cool with no KD and HOU giving up their young player(s) and pick(s)

[spurraider21]

Gobert would give the Suns the center they've desparately needed, and given that the Wolves gave 5 first rounders for him, that would be the Isbhia's way of convincing himself he's recouping the same value he gave up in the trade for Durant

[spurraider21]

Im perfectly fine with this. Either KD can be had at a reasonable price or SA stays course. I honestly rather just have pick 2 and 14 (and maybe be able to trade up using 14). Im 100% cool with no KD and HOU giving up their young player(s) and pick(s)
i just really wonder who the trade-up target from 14 would be. i dont think it would be carter bryant, as i think theres already a reasonable chance of him making it to 14. the only ones i could really think of is Kon or Maluach

[Maddog]

its disappointing to the extent we thought the rumored package of 14 + Vassell + Barnes was going to be agreeable in the first place, which may never have been a thing

I've been skeptical from the get go

[mo7888]

i just really wonder who the trade-up target from 14 would be. i dont think it would be carter bryant, as i think theres already a reasonable chance of him making it to 14. the only ones i could really think of is Kon or Maluach

I think those are the two they'd target.

[Jordan Jackson]

Ughhh I’m just more annoyed this means we have to keep the whole friendship crew for another year

There are people in the front office who love those guys and believe in them. They think they are right about these players potential. It’s a dangerous game to play - hope it pans out.

still early in the offseason though - no need to panic yet.

[DPG21920]

i just really wonder who the trade-up target from 14 would be. i dont think it would be carter bryant, as i think theres already a reasonable chance of him making it to 14. the only ones i could really think of is Kon or Maluach

I think you nailed it - Kon or Maluach

[SpursFan86]

Spurs using something like 14 + Vassell to grab Kon would be great IMO. Less thrilled about Maluach but I wouldn’t hate it…obviously depends on the trade-up package.

Let’s be honest though: the most likely scenario is SA trades out of the pick entirely and tries to pick up a couple future FRPs :lol

[LeBowen]

keep dreaming. KD is coming and Dylan Harper ain't



no problem. But I highly doubt I will be the one catching it.

:lmao

Time to find yourself a new avatar, tbh.

[spurraider21]

Spurs using something like 14 + Vassell to grab Kon would be great IMO. Less thrilled about Maluach but I wouldn’t hate it…obviously depends on the trade-up package.

Let’s be honest though: the most likely scenario is SA trades out of the pick entirely and tries to pick up a couple future FRPs :lol
i dont like Vassell + 14 for Kon, personally. think its an overpay. im also not as high on Kon as some here. i like him, but i still have big questions about him on both ends.

if somebody like bailey or tre is falling, id jump on that though

[Mugen]

If KD doesn't want to tank his value and force his way to SA then so be it tbh. Shouldn't get into a bidding war for him.

[RC_Drunkford]

My read of the current situation:
Spurs and Suns are close on a deal for KD / 14, Vassell and other role players.
Giannis news comes out that he may stay in Milwaukee, making KD the marquee trade target for the league.
Suns try to up the bid(s) for Durant, putting it out there that they want a similar haul to what they paid for him.
Spurs don’t bite and are standing firm on the original offer, putting it out there that maybe a deal won’t happen at all.
It all now depends on the Rockets and if any other team is willing to make a better offer.
The Suns have to trade him. If we remain the best offer on draft night he’s ours.

more like:

Spurs are trying to lowball Suns with a Barnes, Keldon, Wesley, Branham and second round picks offer for KD

[vy65]

Eh, this is copium, but I don't take Shams' comments to mean the Spurs are out of it. He references the possibility of a wild card team coming in - and - all he says is that Phoenix is focused on MIA/HOU/MIN, not that KD would be willing to extend with those places. Which is a necessary part of the equation. He didn't sound definitive at all.

[Spur4ever]

I’d love to see if we could snag Trey Murphy from the Pels. #2 for #7 and Trey. Then draft Knueppel at 7. Pels are rumored to wanting to move up to 2.

[Mr. Body]

Eh, this is copium, but I don't take Shams' comments to mean the Spurs are out of it. He references the possibility of a wild card team coming in - and - all he says is that Phoenix is focused on MIA/HOU/MIN, not that KD would be willing to extend with those places. Which is a necessary part of the equation. He didn't sound definitive at all.

I agree with this, but the presence of so many other teams means the price is ratcheting up. I do think the Spurs had a bid and aren't willing to go past that line. IMO it might have been the 14 with Vassel and Barnes and no more. They're still around, but they're willing to walk away.

[SpursFan86]

1933602588471017882

Spurs still favorites fwiw (admittedly could be not much). Clearly Vegas still views SA as being in the KD sweepstakes.

At least it sounds like this will all be coming to a conclusion one way or another over the next 2-3 days. Would hate for this shit to drag out all the way to the draft.

[LeBowen]

I agree with this, but the presence of so many other teams means the price is ratcheting up. I do think the Spurs had a bid and aren't willing to go past that line. IMO it might have been the 14 with Vassel and Barnes and no more. They're still around, but they're willing to walk away.

Vassell is the issue, tbh.
Suns would need a third team to find someone who actually fits their roster while Timberwolves, Rockets and Heat all have those players.

I wonder if he was made available just because it's KD or if Spurs actually plan to move him this offseason.

[benefactor]

Eh, this is copium, but I don't take Shams' comments to mean the Spurs are out of it. He references the possibility of a wild card team coming in - and - all he says is that Phoenix is focused on MIA/HOU/MIN, not that KD would be willing to extend with those places. Which is a necessary part of the equation. He didn't sound definitive at all.
Once again, we all need to remember shams works for ESPN. He probably already knows who it is but he also knows he has to keep the traffic coming until it's actually done.

[td4mvp2k]

60 pages of BS lol

[RC_Drunkford]

I didn't read this as the Spurs being out of the running, but instead the Spurs submitted their best offer and told the Suns to go out and find other teams to top it if they could.

KD also has to weigh in on whether he would sign an extension with any of the other teams, and if those teams care.

nah they submitted a lowball offer without including #14. I even doubt they included Vassell or Sochan. They seem to try pulling another Deaaron Fox type fleece here. Makes sense, since San Antonio is KD's preferred destination, but the Suns might just say fuck it and send him elsewhere, because that's a terrible return.


my read on this would be Gobert going to Phoenix and Claxton coming to Minny

1933558033311019035

that would actually a smart move by Minny. That way they shave off about 20 million for their starting C. I just don't see what Brooklyn gets out of it. Both apron teams don't have any picks to trade.


i just really wonder who the trade-up target from 14 would be. i dont think it would be carter bryant, as i think theres already a reasonable chance of him making it to 14. the only ones i could really think of is Kon or Maluach

most likely Maluach. Seems like the Spurs love the idea of having another Wemby sized center


:lmao

Time to find yourself a new avatar, tbh.

I'm riding this out til the bitter end :lol

And I still hope we draft Harper, which in this case seems more likely.

[RC_Drunkford]

Miami apparently really wants to add KD and DeRozan, but they don't want to give up Ware.

Minnesota would need a third team to help facilitate, but doesn't have any draft assets to pay that team for their efforts.

Houston got the best assets to match, but they also seem to lowball Phoenix because they really want Booker.

Bottom line is, every team is trying to fleece the Suns, which gives the Spurs a good chance. The counter argument is that the Spurs are by far the stingiest suitor.

[thOOdee]

I'm fine with this too. draft harper and hope for either essengue, sorber, bryant, or flemming in that order and call it a day. Maybe package 38 to move up and guarantee essengue, and there's your future durant who will be playing side by side with your star for years to come.

[sfernald]

You can keep two of them in the game all game long and at times play all three together. That would give the Spurs a tremendous advantage in the backcourt against anyone in the league.

There are plenty of minutes to give all of them enough total game time on the court.

Yeah if we just gave Fox, Castle and Harper all 96 guard minutes in the game, that would be 32 minutes each. If we did that, and didn’t play Wesley or Branham or any other crappy guards, we would be so much better just for that reason. We would have two quality guards on the floor controlling the ball at all times. Think about that. It would really elevate our teams success. Add a quality backup center and we will make a strong playoff run next year I’m certain.

[vy65]

Is Wiggins, Robinson, Jacquez, and #20 better than Barnes, Vassell, and #14? Maybe, but not by much.

Is Gobert, DiVincenzo, and #17 better? Again, maybe but not by much

Houston can be in the driver's seat if they're willing to include JSJ and #10, but I'd really think hard about those two assets if I were Houston.

[BatManu20]

Despite his offensive shortcomings, Timberwolves are underestimating how important Gobert is to their defense. Their interior D will take a significant step back next year without him imo if they move him for KD.

[vy65]

Also, aren't the wolves in apron hell? How are they gonna extend KD at 60MM+ for 2 years?

[Dverde]

Nobody giving KD 60M per. He’s a second banana at this point of his career.

[Ocotillo]

If Vassell is to be involved in a trade for Durant, someone other than Phoenix will need to take him. Why would they want him if they have Beal and Booker?

[LeBowen]

Gobert got exposed in the playoffs yet again, he's turning 33, TWolves can't win it all with him.
They'll obviously look to acquire another big, but Gobert is way overpaid for his impact.

Wolves will be at ~$173M after Naz declines his option and they don't take Minott and Garza for another year. NAW is obviously gone.
First apron will be at ~$196M and second at ~$208M.

There's some maneuvering space for them.
Let's say they trade Gobert, DiVincenzo and Dillingham for KD and Naz extension is ~$25M, they'll be ~$10M under the second apron.
That's with Randle picking up his ~$30M option.

Then they'll try to find a point guard and a big in a trade with Randle going the other way.

[cd98]

Gobert got exposed in the playoffs yet again, he's turning 33, TWolves can't win it all with him.
They'll obviously look to acquire another big, but Gobert is way overpaid for his impact.

Wolves will be at ~$173M after Naz declines his option and they don't take Minott and Garza for another year. NAW is obviously gone.
First apron will be at ~$196M and second at ~$208M.

There's some maneuvering space for them.
Let's say they trade Gobert, DiVincenzo and Dillingham for KD and Naz extension is ~$25M, they'll be ~$10M under the second apron.
That's with Randle picking up his ~$30M option.

Then they'll try to find a point guard and a big in a trade with Randle going the other way.

If Minnesota doesn't want Gobert, who does given how much he is paid and how playoff teams deem him unplayable in the playoffs?

[LeBowen]

If Minnesota doesn't want Gobert, who does given how much he is paid and how playoff teams deem him unplayable in the playoffs?

Suns are a perfect partner because they're desperate for a big and don't have assets to get anyone relevant.
Suns, Rockets, Heat or Spurs won't give them one, either. It's down to if they'd accept Gobert.

To be unplayable in the playoffs you have to get there, which Suns will be trying to do. Gobert is still good for the regular season.

[RC_Drunkford]

by the way Shams and Ishbia are friends. So it's not far fetched that Shams is doing him a solid here with the reporting.

[Mr. Body]

If Minnesota doesn't want Gobert, who does given how much he is paid and how playoff teams deem him unplayable in the playoffs?

I wasn't sure myself, but the Suns make a lot of sense. His contract dives by like eight million next year for some reason and isn't really horrible anymore, and he fixes one of the hugest problems Phoenix has right now with no good centers and pretty bad defense. If the Suns want to be somewhat respectable and protect their picks, this isn't a bad move.

[Davidicus]

That’s the thing about staying strong on your offer, you win either way.

I’m looking forward to this offseason and next season!

[rascal]

Yeah if we just gave Fox, Castle and Harper all 96 guard minutes in the game, that would be 32 minutes each. If we did that, and didn’t play Wesley or Branham or any other crappy guards, we would be so much better just for that reason. We would have two quality guards on the floor controlling the ball at all times. Think about that. It would really elevate our teams success. Add a quality backup center and we will make a strong playoff run next year I’m certain.

You might have to give a couple minutes a game to Wesley/Branham - if he shows a little, but those guys get pushed deeper on the bench and will play mostly in blowouts or comfortable leads or losing by a wide margin.

[rascal]

i dont like Vassell + 14 for Kon, personally. think its an overpay. im also not as high on Kon as some here. i like him, but i still have big questions about him on both ends.

if somebody like bailey or tre is falling, id jump on that though

Agree

Need to trade Vassell for someone on the frontline. He's the Spurs biggest trade chip and they need to use it wisely, not blow it on a backup 2 guard.

[rascal]

i dont like Vassell + 14 for Kon, personally. think its an overpay. im also not as high on Kon as some here. i like him, but i still have big questions about him on both ends.

if somebody like bailey or tre is falling, id jump on that though

Agree

Need to trade Vassell for someone on the frontline. He's the Spur's biggest trade chip and they need to use it wisely, not blow it on a backup 2 guard.

[RC_Drunkford]

This is a Heat vs. T-Wolves bidding war right now

[scottspurs]

The Gambo suns guy that said Spurs are KD’s preferred destination said on the radio that Spurs have zero chance if Castle or pick 2 is not in a trade lmao. This dude was always just a mouthpiece for the Suns trying to drive the price up. Nice work by him

[Ice009]

Don't care. Not paying much for KD. Take it or leave it.

[spurraider21]

The Gambo suns guy that said Spurs are KD’s preferred destination said on the radio that Spurs have zero chance if Castle or pick 2 is not in a trade lmao. This dude was always just a mouthpiece for the Suns trying to drive the price up. Nice work by him
yeah theres no deal to be made there

we tried

[dn0774]

The Gambo suns guy that said Spurs are KD’s preferred destination said on the radio that Spurs have zero chance if Castle or pick 2 is not in a trade lmao. This dude was always just a mouthpiece for the Suns trying to drive the price up. Nice work by him

Enjoy being a Rocket KD!

[scott]

Been in the desert for the last couple of days… getting caught up on the last 10+ pages was really tough… I mean literally… this fucking website runs like it was built on Geocites.

Anyway… glad we are sticking to our conservative offer. Fuck KD and his 2/120 expectations :lol

[AFBlue]

I'm okay if this doesn't happen and the FO holsters the assets and picks for a deadline deal. Have to imagine the market changes and other opportunities open up between now and then.

[cd98]

Suns doing their best to get a return that doesn't turn their fans on them when they hear what the Spurs offered because it's probably better than Minnesota or Miami offers, but no reason to make it more good than it needs to be. Only team that can offer a comparable deal to the Spurs or better is the Rockets and they are probably also trying to give as little as possible.

[Uriel]

The Spurs' only advantage left in this situation is KD's preference to come to San Antonio. So the Spurs could really bring him to the fold if they really wanted to. My sense is that given the cost, they've decided it's simply not worth it, and I don't disagree.

[KobesAchilles]

Imagine the team that gives up major draft capital AND maxes this dude after trading for him. I’m glad this beta diva is staying away from Wemby

[mudyez]

Yeah, hoping for Rox to overpay here.

[mo7888]

Any rumors what the Miami offer is? The other teams are fairly easy to identify.

[Jordan Jackson]

Any rumors what the Miami offer is? The other teams are fairly easy to identify.

Some combination of Gobert, DiVincenzo,Dillingham,
picks.

No clue what Minny is thinking. I don’t think this move pushes them into contention - but it does keep them a float.

There are going to be teams in the west who win 40 games and not make it to the playoffs. Conference is trending that way. Very bunched up - very little separation.

[exstatic]

Some combination of Gobert, DiVincenzo,Dillingham,
picks.

No clue what Minny is thinking. I don’t think this move pushes them into contention - but it does keep them a float.

There are going to be teams in the west who win 40 games and not make it to the playoffs. Conference is trending that way. Very bunched up - very little separation.

I think last year was an abberation., with only 4 games separating #2 and #8. I’m not even sure that HOU was the second best team, only one of the healthiest.

[baseline bum]

Word is the Spurs are not even trying to include the #14 pick in the KD trade :lol

Brian Wright trying to fleece teams again. If he pulls this off he‘s the illest GM in the league

Man if PHX I'm thinking I think I'd buy KD out before I'd take the two high salaries of the friendship crew without the #14 just to say I got something in trade for him.

[baseline bum]

"We're getting you under the second apron AND we have to pay this guy his enormous extension. We're doing YOU a favor."

They don't need to trade KD to get out from the second apron.

[baseline bum]

If KD doesn't want to tank his value and force his way to SA then so be it tbh. Shouldn't get into a bidding war for him.

I pretty much only wanted KD if he came cheap both assets wise and contract wise. Once I heard he wanted a $120 million extension that dried up my interest in him.

[baseline bum]

The Gambo suns guy that said Spurs are KD’s preferred destination said on the radio that Spurs have zero chance if Castle or pick 2 is not in a trade lmao. This dude was always just a mouthpiece for the Suns trying to drive the price up. Nice work by him

ROFL maybe you trade Harper or Castle for Durant if he was 32 and you were still getting another prime year or two out of him. No fucking way at 37.

[sfernald]

It didn't work out for the Nets and it didn't work out for the Sun. This guy causes an undercurrent of disaster wherever he goes. If he is traded to wolves I wouldn't doubt if Suns with Gobert end up winning more games in the season than the wolves. He's a nuclear bomb to your team's winning culture.

[Jordan Jackson]

I don’t think the Spurs are as out of it as “sources” claim.

I also don’t think the Suns are going to get much of a return wherever he ends up. He’s 36 and wants an extension. Suns fans going to be disappointed with the return.

[Mr. Body]

They don't need to trade KD to get out from the second apron.

But they can.

[Mal]

Been in the desert for the last couple of days… getting caught up on the last 10+ pages was really tough… I mean literally… this fucking website runs like it was built on Geocites.

Anyway… glad we are sticking to our conservative offer. Fuck KD and his 2/120 expectations :lol

I am like 30 pages away. So Durant thing is now 2nd or Castle for Durant with 60 mil cap hit in his 40years old season ? GTFO

[RC_Drunkford]

Any rumors what the Miami offer is? The other teams are fairly easy to identify.

My guess is Wiggins, Rozier on a 26 million expiring, Jovic or Jaquez Jr. on rookie deals, #20 in this draft from the Jimmy trade. It's just that Phoenix wants them to include Kel'el Ware and Miami doesn't want to trade him


Man if PHX I'm thinking I think I'd buy KD out before I'd take the two high salaries of the friendship crew without the #14 just to say I got something in trade for him.

Word is accepting the Spurs offer gets your GM fired immediately :lol I guess since KD has the Spurs at the top of his list, Wright thought he can fleece the Suns. It's just that KD is a lot more cooperative than Fox was and there's no Rich Paul who helps Wright put the deal together. Supposedly the Spurs reached back out and included #14, but now the Suns want more and want to move more players than just KD.



I am like 30 pages away. So Durant thing is now 2nd or Castle for Durant with 60 mil cap hit in his 40years old season ? GTFO

they will never get anything close to that. They are just trying to drive the price up..

[mo7888]

My guess is Wiggins, Rozier on a 26 million expiring, Jovic or Jaquez Jr. on rookie deals, #20 in this draft from the Jimmy trade. It's just that Phoenix wants them to include Kel'el Ware and Miami doesn't want to trade him



Word is accepting the Spurs offer gets your GM fired immediately :lol I guess since KD has the Spurs at the top of his list, Wright thought he can fleece the Suns. It's just that KD is a lot more cooperative than Fox was and there's no Rich Paul who helps Wright put the deal together. Supposedly the Spurs reached back out and included #14, but now the Suns want more and want to move more players than just KD.




they will never get anything close to that. They are just trying to drive the price up..

I'm not sure that that Miami offer is better than ours if we include 14.

[RC_Drunkford]

I'm not sure that that Miami offer is better than ours if we include 14.

It's not if we offer Vassell, Barnes, Sochan and #14. The offers the Suns are getting aren't that good. The Suns ain't biting at the Heat offer neither, they want Ware in the deal. Also Minnesota apparently doesn't care if they only get KD for 1 year.

The other problem is, that only the team with KDs bird rights can extend him. If he decides to become a free agent next season, most teams won't have cap space for a 50 million dollar contract. And he won't sign anywhere for the 14.1 million MLE. That way KD loses some of his leverage.

[cutewizard]

Did it fizzle out??

[ginobilized]

Not getting Durant isn't the end of the world in my view. Building for the longterm is the correct play here, regardless of Wemby's health.

BW might be playing chicken with Houston to get them to include some picks and, thus, limit their future. Also, Perhaps the Spurs want someone that HOU might grab at #10 and are guarding against that. Divisional rivalries are a thing. No telling, but, what a wild ride this is!

I hope it's over by Monday.

[Ice009]

My guess is Wiggins, Rozier on a 26 million expiring, Jovic or Jaquez Jr. on rookie deals, #20 in this draft from the Jimmy trade. It's just that Phoenix wants them to include Kel'el Ware and Miami doesn't want to trade him



Word is accepting the Spurs offer gets your GM fired immediately :lol I guess since KD has the Spurs at the top of his list, Wright thought he can fleece the Suns. It's just that KD is a lot more cooperative than Fox was and there's no Rich Paul who helps Wright put the deal together. Supposedly the Spurs reached back out and included #14, but now the Suns want more and want to move more players than just KD.




they will never get anything close to that. They are just trying to drive the price up..

Are you saying the Suns owner will fire their GM if he accepts the Spurs' offer?


It's not if we offer Vassell, Barnes, Sochan and #14. The offers the Suns are getting aren't that good. The Suns ain't biting at the Heat offer neither, they want Ware in the deal. Also Minnesota apparently doesn't care if they only get KD for 1 year.

The other problem is, that only the team with KDs bird rights can extend him. If he decides to become a free agent next season, most teams won't have cap space for a 50 million dollar contract. And he won't sign anywhere for the 14.1 million MLE. That way KD loses some of his leverage.

Why the F did Brian Wright lowball them in the first place? I thought for sure they'd have to include one first round pick. There was no need to try and offer anything less if you were serious about getting him. The Spurs could have just sat on that offer and drew a line, and then if no team exceeded it, the Suns may have had to come back and accept it. I'd say B-Wright f'd up if he thought he could get him cheap/fleece them.



Not getting Durant isn't the end of the world in my view. Building for the longterm is the correct play here, regardless of Wemby's health.

BW might be playing chicken with Houston to get them to include some picks and, thus, limit their future. Also, Perhaps the Spurs want someone that HOU might grab at #10 and are guarding against that. Divisional rivalries are a thing. No telling, but, what a wild ride this is!

I hope it's over by Monday.

Yeah, I don't care if we don't get Durant (I did want him so that he could work with Victor), but as long as the Spurs draft Dylan Harper, I'm all good with it.

I wouldn't mind the Spurs also trying to trade up with the 14th and something else if they really want someone like Maluach, but not sure what it would cost, and also what spot they'd have to trade up to to be able to get him.

[sfernald]

Are you saying the Suns owner will fire their GM if he accepts the Spurs' offer?



Why the F did Brian Wright lowball them in the first place? I thought for sure they'd have to include one first round pick. There was no need to try and offer anything less if you were serious about getting him. The Spurs could have just sat on that offer and drew a line, and then if no team exceeded it, the Suns may have had to come back and accept it. I'd say B-Wright f'd up if he thought he could get him cheap/fleece them.




Yeah, I don't care if we don't get Durant (I did want him so that he could work with Victor), but as long as the Spurs draft Dylan Harper, I'm all good with it.

I wouldn't mind the Spurs also trying to trade up with the 14th and something else if they really want someone like Maluach, but not sure what it would cost, and also what spot they'd have to trade up to to be able to get him.

Harper and Malauch would be an absolutely stellar draft day actually. 96 minutes of great guard play and 48 minutes of strong rim protection finally! Much much better than acquiring a perpetually disgruntled 37 year old.

[Ice009]

Harper and Malauch would be an absolutely stellar draft day actually. 96 minutes of great guard play and 48 minutes of strong rim protection finally! Much much better than acquiring a perpetually disgruntled 37 year old.

I think the Spurs should tell the Suns take it or leave it and give them a deadline, then if the Suns say no, pivot away and start really looking at what it'd take to trade up to draft Maluach. What would you guys give up to move up to get him? Which would be the team? I would say Brooklyn, but I am guessing Brooklyn are going to keep asking for Harper and won't want to deal with the Spurs for the 8th pick. Not sure you can move up anywhere else before then. Toronto and Houston I think would want Maluach themselves, so I think you have to get a pick before them. The only other team that might do it is Philadelphia if you take Paul George (that still might not be enough to get 3rd, though), but if you get the third pick, I'd probably start looking at Ace Bailey, Tre Johnson, VJ Edgecomb etc. and not Maluach.

[cd98]

I'm not going to sour grapes Durant. He would be awesome to have on our roster next year...at a reasonable price. I'm sure the Spurs are still in it, but they made their best offer and said that's all they will pay and Suns are trying to get more or they have decided to pursue something they think is better.

[RC_Drunkford]

Are you saying the Suns owner will fire their GM if he accepts the Spurs' offer?


I'm saying the offer was so bad, that any GM who says yes to it would get fired


I think the Spurs should tell the Suns take it or leave it and give them a deadline, then if the Suns say no, pivot away and start really looking at what it'd take to trade up to draft Maluach. What would you guys give up to move up to get him? Which would be the team? I would say Brooklyn, but I am guessing Brooklyn are going to keep asking for Harper and won't want to deal with the Spurs for the 8th pick. Not sure you can move up anywhere else before then. Toronto and Houston I think would want Maluach themselves, so I think you have to get a pick before them. The only other team that might do it is Philadelphia if you take Paul George (that still might not be enough to get 3rd, though), but if you get the third pick, I'd probably start looking at Ace Bailey, Tre Johnson, VJ Edgecomb etc. and not Maluach.

I think Maluach would be hard to get in a trade up. I really want him on this team. We could swap with ATL at #13 cause we own their picks. Although there are rumors about 5-6 teams trading out of the top 10, I have no idea who they are except Philly and Houston. The Rockets would never give us #10. Maybe Portland at #11. I think that's the highest we could get, without giving up much.

[mo7888]

I think the Spurs should tell the Suns take it or leave it and give them a deadline, then if the Suns say no, pivot away and start really looking at what it'd take to trade up to draft Maluach. What would you guys give up to move up to get him? Which would be the team? I would say Brooklyn, but I am guessing Brooklyn are going to keep asking for Harper and won't want to deal with the Spurs for the 8th pick. Not sure you can move up anywhere else before then. Toronto and Houston I think would want Maluach themselves, so I think you have to get a pick before them. The only other team that might do it is Philadelphia if you take Paul George (that still might not be enough to get 3rd, though), but if you get the third pick, I'd probably start looking at Ace Bailey, Tre Johnson, VJ Edgecomb etc. and not Maluach.

I think if I got the 3rd pick that, I'd trade back with Brooklyn for 8 + Cam + a future 1st or two.

[Ice009]

I think if I got the 3rd pick that, I'd trade back with Brooklyn for 8 + Cam + a future 1st or two.

That's actually a great move too. I wonder if just a three team trade can be worked between Philadelphia, Brooklyn and the Spurs with the Spurs ending up with number 8. But then that get complicated as Brooklyn can just deal with Philadelphia directly if they're willing to take on PG13.

[RC_Drunkford]

Stein saying the same thing: Teams are in on a one year Durant rental


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q8tqyM_u-nA&t=895s

[mo7888]

That's actually a great move too. I wonder if just a three team trade can be worked between Philadelphia, Brooklyn and the Spurs with the Spurs ending up with number 8. But then that get complicated as Brooklyn can just deal with Philadelphia directly if they're willing to take on PG13.

They could, but I doubt they want PG right now. They'd probably prefer not using their space like that and building around #3.

[Allan Rowe vs Wade]

I'm not going to sour grapes Durant. He would be awesome to have on our roster next year...at a reasonable price. I'm sure the Spurs are still in it, but they made their best offer and said that's all they will pay and Suns are trying to get more or they have decided to pursue something they think is better.

all onboard the KD train

14, vassell, barnes, sochan, keldon, (any other bench player), future R1 pick(s), swaps, unlimited R2s

those elements in a package for him would be sweet

but not touching #2 or castle

would be great to get him and be able to extend him imo

[Allan Rowe vs Wade]

if suns can get more than the above from someone else, well then, good luck all. live in peace

[mo7888]

if suns can get more than the above from someone else, well then, good luck all. live in peace

They won't get anywhere near that from us or anyone else..

[BacktoBasics]

all onboard the KD train

14, vassell, barnes, sochan, keldon, (any other bench player), future R1 pick(s), swaps, unlimited R2s

those elements in a package for him would be sweet

but not touching #2 or castle

would be great to get him and be able to extend him imo
Even that is too much. 4 rotation players plus two 1st? No.

[Dverde]

all onboard the KD train

14, vassell, barnes, sochan, keldon, (any other bench player), future R1 pick(s), swaps, unlimited R2s

those elements in a package for him would be sweet

but not touching #2 or castle

would be great to get him and be able to extend him imo

This is way too much for old KD with a huge salary :lol and another :lol

[Allan Rowe vs Wade]

"Those elements" doesn't mean all of those

like pick a reasonable amount from what I consider to be tradeable assets

[RC_Drunkford]

Sources add that Phoenix is not enamored with the players San Antonio has made available in the teams’ talks to date. (https://marcstein.substack.com/) It is obviously presumed that Kevin Durant would relish the opportunity to play alongside Victor Wembanyama, but it is also believed that the Spurs are only willing to discuss veterans such as Devin Vassell, Keldon Johnson and Harrison Barnes. The Spurs just managed to acquire De’Aaron Fox from Sacramento largely on their terms and the notion now of surrendering newly named Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle or the No. 2 selection in this month’s draft is simply a non-starter.
4 mins ago (https://hoopshype.com/rumor/suns-not-that-interested-in-players-that-spurs-have-offered-as-part-of-kevin-durant-trade-package/) – via Marc Stein @ marcstein.substack.com (https://marcstein.substack.com/)



Suns are delusional. The last time KD requested a trade from Brooklyn to Phoenix, the same stuff came out and where did he end up? Phoenix. So just gotta wait it out. If Devin, Keldon and Barnes ain't enough for them, then walk away. Simple. Spurs don't get fleeced. We do the fleecing.

[Leetonidas]

Yeah Ishiba is smoking crack if he thinks Fox/Castle/#2 are on the table :lol enjoy Jalen Green or Ruby Gobert as your centerpiece

[Blizzardwizard]

"Source add that Phoenix is not enamored with the players San Antonio has made available in the teams' talks to date.


"The Spurs are only willing to discuss veterans such as Devin Vassell, Keldon Johnson and Harrison Barnes" - Jake Fischer.

[Mr. Body]

It feels like the rest of the teams in the league woke up and realized Durant was available. And/or the world freaked out when Bill Simmons offhandedly claimed the Spurs deal was good as done.

Another reason why the turn to easy online betting is a wreck. Some dumbass like Simmons says something and betting lines lurch around.

[cd98]

Suns GM must be on Spurstalk reading about what people say about Sochan, Vassell, and Johnson.

[Jordan Jackson]

Sounds like Suns don’t want any of the members from the Power of Friendship Crew. (I should have trademarked that shit.)

Seems like we can’t even give those mofos away. Spurs keep trying and other teams are like “nope we good”. You’d think at least Vassell would have some appeal.

Spurs still in it though. As long as Brian Wright doesn’t do anything desperate/franchise crippling, I’m sure most fans will be good with whatever the outcome is.

[LeBowen]

Suns GM must be on Spurstalk reading about what people say about Sochan, Vassell, and Johnson.

Tbh, I'm 100% convinced that some Spurstalk members would've done a better job than Suns front office has over the past few years.
Personally, I would get fired by Ishbia within a week after telling him some of his ideas are retarded. :lol

[BatManu20]

1933952117867503712

[BatManu20]

1933961336939315683

[Jordan Jackson]

Suns GM must be on Spurstalk reading about what people say about Sochan, Vassell, and Johnson.

Hey now. Don’t blame us. A lot of Spurs games are Nationally Televised these days. Everyone’s had the pleasure of watching those three shitting all over themselves on the court at some point.

[Blizzardwizard]

a moment of silence for r/NBASpurs users at this difficult time


confirmation that the Power of Friendship stable is on the trading block and might soon be disbanded will no doubt be a scarring revelation

[RC_Drunkford]

as long as the Heat don't include Ware, the Spurs offer is still among the best. Suns are dragging this out to get the maximum out of the deal.

1933912466775490868

[dbestpro]

Standing pat is not the worst thing the Spurs can do. Druant's age and injury history beg you to not overpay.

[Dverde]

I’m more than happy keeping Barnes than trading for expensive and older Durant. I could see Barnes being a Udonis Haslem like player for the Spurs taking team friendly deals riding the bench.

[RC_Drunkford]

the Heat ain't even offering Wiggins :lol

Miami is offering Rozier, Duncan Robinson, one of Jovic or Jaquez and #20. Minnesota can't even do a deal until after the draft, which is a huge risk for Phoenix.

Spurs waiting it out til teams talk to KD and he tells them he wants to go to San Antonio is their best bet. Brian Wright can swoop in at any time and make a better offer.

Suns are just leaking stuff left and right to get better offers. And as I said, Shams is Ishbia's friend, so he's doing him a solid to drive the price up.

[Dverde]

Vassell is a good player. He’d be good with Booker. I’d rather have him than Wiggins or Gobert. Ware, Herro, or McDaniels are arguably as better than Vassell. Smoke and mirrors on X might be the plan of getting something better.

[mystargtr34]

Agree with RC.

If im Wright im holding my offer at Vassell + Barnes + 14 as a take it or leave it.

Might add in a couple seconds at the last minute to get it over the line.

If the Suns go with another offer then so be it Spurs keep their assets and continue on their upwards trajectory.

[Mr. Body]

Vassell is a good player. He’d be good with Booker. I’d rather have him than Wiggins or Gobert. Ware, Herro, or McDaniels are arguably as better than Vassell. Smoke and mirrors on X might be the plan of getting something better.

If I'm Phoenix... Gobert is what I'd want. Booker could use him and have what he and Mitchell had going in Utah. Gobert may have trouble in some playoff match-ups but he's an ultimate floor-raiser.

McDaniels is a great role-player if you're playoff bound and they aren't getting there with him.

Ware is a guy I think will start falling off. He had a good rookie campaign but he's always been iffy in terms of drive and feel. I could see teams adjusting to him and either plateauing or getting worse.

[RC_Drunkford]

The Suns really want Ware. Miami is not including him though. He‘s a non-starter for them. Miami is basically close to dropping out.

Minnesota has no picks. Their offer is like Conley, DiVincenzo and maybe Gobert. But Gobert is not a fit with Booker cause he clogs the paint. And if they indeed bank on a trade with the Wolves, that means the Suns will have to let the draft pass and wait til July 1st, which means they will be stuck with a Timberwolves deal and no draft prospects.

Rockets have the assets, but their offer includes most likely Jalen Green and no Suns fan wants that guy on their team. His contract is terrible and he plays the exact same position as Booker. He‘s like the worst player in this entire bidding war.

The Spurs seem to bank on nobody meeting the Suns asking price and that they are KD‘s preferred destination. Teams will be hesitant to offer that much for a 1-year rental of KD and nobody wants a pissed off KD on their team. Brian Wright is playing this perfectly.

[Dverde]

#14 in a deep draft, Vassell a solid NBA player, Barnes an expiring contract, throw in some second rounders is a solid deal for what 2025 KD is.

[Uriel]

1933961336939315683
Win now piece: Devin Vassell
Salary cap flexibility: Barnes expiring contract
Draft capital: 14th pick

[Uriel]

the Heat ain't even offering Wiggins :lol

Miami is offering Rozier, Duncan Robinson, one of Jovic or Jaquez and #20. Minnesota can't even do a deal until after the draft, which is a huge risk for Phoenix.

Spurs waiting it out til teams talk to KD and he tells them he wants to go to San Antonio is their best bet. Brian Wright can swoop in at any time and make a better offer.

Suns are just leaking stuff left and right to get better offers. And as I said, Shams is Ishbia's friend, so he's doing him a solid to drive the price up.

The Suns really want Ware. Miami is not including him though. He‘s a non-starter for them. Miami is basically close to dropping out.

Minnesota has no picks. Their offer is like Conley, DiVincenzo and maybe Gobert. But Gobert is not a fit with Booker cause he clogs the paint. And if they indeed bank on a trade with the Wolves, that means the Suns will have to let the draft pass and wait til July 1st, which means they will be stuck with a Timberwolves deal and no draft prospects.

Rockets have the assets, but their offer includes most likely Jalen Green and no Suns fan wants that guy on their team. His contract is terrible and he plays the exact same position as Booker. He‘s like the worst player in this entire bidding war.

The Spurs seem to bank on nobody meeting the Suns asking price and that they are KD‘s preferred destination. Teams will be hesitant to offer that much for a 1-year rental of KD and nobody wants a pissed off KD on their team. Brian Wright is playing this perfectly.
I agree with your analyses, but I think the Suns ultimately take the TWolves' offer.

[Russ]

1933952117867503712

"Sometimes I thank God for unanswered prayers."

-- Garth Brooks

[objective]

Spurs have like 15 unattached 2nd Round picks, they could include 10 of them and really get the show going.

[Mr. Body]

The Suns really want Ware. Miami is not including him though. He‘s a non-starter for them. Miami is basically close to dropping out.

Minnesota has no picks. Their offer is like Conley, DiVincenzo and maybe Gobert. But Gobert is not a fit with Booker cause he clogs the paint. And if they indeed bank on a trade with the Wolves, that means the Suns will have to let the draft pass and wait til July 1st, which means they will be stuck with a Timberwolves deal and no draft prospects.

Rockets have the assets, but their offer includes most likely Jalen Green and no Suns fan wants that guy on their team. His contract is terrible and he plays the exact same position as Booker. He‘s like the worst player in this entire bidding war.

The Spurs seem to bank on nobody meeting the Suns asking price and that they are KD‘s preferred destination. Teams will be hesitant to offer that much for a 1-year rental of KD and nobody wants a pissed off KD on their team. Brian Wright is playing this perfectly.

I disagree about Gobert. Donovan Mitchell slashed more than Booker does, who is almost strictly a jump shooter.

Minnesota's problem is that they cannot aggregate contracts until the new season starts, but since they won't be including picks I'm not sure this matters. Seems they may include Dillingham.

DiVencenzo could draw interest from contenders, so could be flipped. I'd say Barnes could be flipped to a contender, too.

[RC_Drunkford]

1934033574287851803

1933965152468279313

[Mr. Body]

1934033574287851803

Bro wants his extension.

[RC_Drunkford]

Bro wants his extension.

he's only signing an extension with the Spurs. This is about life after basketball with the WNBA franchise in Austin. He has to be close to that area to start promoting it.

[Dejounte]

1934033574287851803

1933965152468279313

https://x.com/imb00kd/status/1934049919788359963?s=46

Jeremy just posted this. He gone. Ty has long been full of shit.

[Leetonidas]

Jeremy's trolling :lol

[RC_Drunkford]

https://x.com/imb00kd/status/1934049919788359963?s=46

Jeremy just posted this. He gone. Ty has long been full of shit.

damn, this would be a weird coincidence :lol

He's probably posting the wrong location on purpose

[Dejounte]

Jeremy's trolling :lol

Doubt it. The timing is too coincidental. They just randomly went there for a vacation?

[Dejounte]

damn, this would be a weird coincidence :lol

He's probably posting the wrong location on purpose

Nah, I looked up the other two guys’ IG. They’re there.

[ace3g]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GtckD2eXYAAREw-?format=png&name=900x900

[SpursBills]

The Suns really want Ware. Miami is not including him though. He‘s a non-starter for them. Miami is basically close to dropping out.

Minnesota has no picks. Their offer is like Conley, DiVincenzo and maybe Gobert. But Gobert is not a fit with Booker cause he clogs the paint. And if they indeed bank on a trade with the Wolves, that means the Suns will have to let the draft pass and wait til July 1st, which means they will be stuck with a Timberwolves deal and no draft prospects.

Rockets have the assets, but their offer includes most likely Jalen Green and no Suns fan wants that guy on their team. His contract is terrible and he plays the exact same position as Booker. He‘s like the worst player in this entire bidding war.

The Spurs seem to bank on nobody meeting the Suns asking price and that they are KD‘s preferred destination. Teams will be hesitant to offer that much for a 1-year rental of KD and nobody wants a pissed off KD on their team. Brian Wright is playing this perfectly.


Don't understand this - wouldn't they just agree on terms before the draft? Don't think the Wolves front office would renege on pre-agreed upon terms, or no front office would want to deal with them again right?

Gobert, Divincenzo, Dillingham would be a good return for KD - Gobert gives them a good floor, Dillingham is their exciting prospect they can sell their fans
Dilly-Booker-Divincenzo-Dunn-Gobert might be a play in team, but it's not handing over a top 4 lottery pick to other teams most likely

[RC_Drunkford]

Don't understand this - wouldn't they just agree on terms before the draft? Don't think the Wolves front office would renege on pre-agreed upon terms, or no front office would want to deal with them again right?

Gobert, Divincenzo, Dillingham would be a good return for KD - Gobert gives them a good floor, Dillingham is their exciting prospect they can sell their fans
Dilly-Booker-Divincenzo-Dunn-Gobert might be a play in team, but it's not handing over a top 4 lottery pick to other teams most likely

Maybe, but the Suns be saying they want a pick in this draft, etc. They saying all kind of shit. Also the Rockets would have to wait til July 6th to include Jalen Green. The Suns return won't be good, no matter how much stuff they are trying to leak to convince people from the opposite.


Nah, I looked up the other two guys’ IG. They’re there.

Looking for a new crib I guess :lol

[Mr. Body]

No one goes to Phoenix unless they have to.

[CGD]

No one goes to Phoenix unless they have to.

Not in June anyway. Dec-March a different story, which is why players love it there.

[ace3g]

https://x.com/TheAthletic/status/1934063043920753115

[tbdog]

https://www.reddit.com/r/NBASpurs/comments/1lbokqi/ran_into_jeremy_today_at_the_airport_as_he_was/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=mweb3x&utm_name=mweb3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button


This reddit poster said he saw Sochan at the airport and he is travelling to Phoenix.

[Allan Rowe vs Wade]

Lol sochan

[Dejounte]

He posted another clip, saying he needs a braider in Phoenix

[SpursBills]

If Sochan ends up getting traded to Phoenix, it might mean that Brian Wright gave him a realistic extension number and Sochan thinks he can get significantly more with more opportunity and would prefer to be traded. If Brian's offering 4/50-60 and Sochan is signaling that he wants 20+ million a year and wants to bet on himself and his jump shot, that's a good reason to include him in the trade.

If he ends up going, I hope the Spurs end up keeping #14 since I don't think Castle's up to the task of defending big wings. Carter Bryant starts looking really appealing for a possible trade up all of a sudden, since his profile looks a lot like Sochan's pre-draft with less of an inside presence but a way bigger probably to shoot. CMB also becomes a possibility, but his fit for this team basically tanked as soon as the Spurs were locked in on Harper.

[ace3g]

His coach is following him as well:


I wonder if we are signing this guy. He's been in San Antonio for weeks, working with Jeremy. It's the shooting coach of Bayern Munich Moris Hadzija

DK4tsT7Ru8F

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GtcvD2kWEAAo9so?format=png&name=900x900

[tbdog]

Is it a holiday destination in June. Maybe workout place? A physical. Some elite tattooist?

[BatManu20]

1934066380480844090

[Dejounte]

I feel like this is going to happen tomorrow tbh

[RC_Drunkford]

Shams being Ishbia's mouthpiece. All of a sudden the Spurs are back in it :lol

1934066380480844090

[scott]

Been in Utah the last week. Beautiful area. Too hot to be taken seriously as a place to live. Arizona is like a worse version of Utah, unless you’re at the Grand Canyon. No reason for Sochan or any other sane human being to be there voluntarily.

[Degoat]

I definitely think Hou is in the drivers seat, they have #10, Green, plus some young pieces to add in

[jeebus]

Been in Utah the last week. Beautiful area. Too hot to be taken seriously as a place to live. Arizona is like a worse version of Utah, unless you’re at the Grand Canyon. No reason for Sochan or any other sane human being to be there voluntarily.

Son I've lived in Utah for 10 years. I'll take this place any day of the week over living in some place like Texas. It's not normally this hot this time of year, and it's in the 50s by the end of September. If it wasn't for the fucking annoying ass Mormons, this place would be paradise.

[scott]

Son I've lived in Utah for 10 years. I'll take this place any day of the week over living in some place like Texas. It's not normally this hot this time of year, and it's in the 50s by the end of September. If it wasn't for the fucking annoying ass Mormons, this place would be paradise.

I don’t live in Texas anymore and I sure as hell would never live there again… so I agree with you there!

Just finished my loop of the 5 parks. Amazingly beautiful area. I still stand by my comment that it’s too hot to take seriously :lol

Spent a few days in SLC to start the trip but didn’t do much outside of the area I was staying in (right by the arena). Cool downtown area, except for the fact it was a ghost town. I thought I had woken up in one of those Chinese Ghost Cities for a minute.

[Blizzardwizard]

I definitely think Hou is in the drivers seat, they have #10, Green, plus some young pieces to add in


the HOU staff are still big believers in Green by all accounts. a lot of their fans are out on him but clearly the coaches think he can work through his inconsistencies.


jabari smith would probably be the main asset in a durant deal. would be a better fit with green being crowded out by booker and beal on paper.


smith has more value than vassell, keldon or barnes to the extent i'd be surprised if HOU dealt him for a 37-year-old though.

[mystargtr34]

Durant just commented 20 mins ago on shams latest post with 👀 🍿 emojis

[vy65]

Hard to see how Sochan isn’t gone. The look on his face at the airport says it all.

Doesn’t mean we’re getting KD as it could be a 3way.

[Dejounte]

Durant just commented 20 mins ago on shams latest post with   emojis

@durant is a fan account. EASYMONEYSNIPER is the one he uses

[mystargtr34]

@durant is a fan account. EASYMONEYSNIPER is the one he uses

Ahh my bad ok.

[Dejounte]

https://x.com/bigh_210/status/1933598651261083803?s=46

[ace3g]

https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/1934075607781896244

[CGD]

https://x.com/bigh_210/status/1933598651261083803?s=46

My sister’s best’s friend’s dog walker said the same thing to me FWIW

[RC_Drunkford]

So hold on we are trading Keldon, Sochan and … Barnes? Does that mean we keep Devin?

[Dejounte]

So hold on we are trading Keldon, Sochan and … Barnes? Does that mean we keep Devin?
Why add Keldon?

[Kindergarten Cop]

Why add Keldon?

To match salaries?

[RC_Drunkford]

Why add Keldon?

well didn’t dude say Keldon said it? Maybe he’s not in it, I don’t know.

[Pauleta14]

Shams has been in full PR mode for Phoenix these days. Quite impressive

I don't recall Woj being such a sellout

[jeebus]

I don’t live in Texas anymore and I sure as hell would never live there again… so I agree with you there!

Just finished my loop of the 5 parks. Amazingly beautiful area. I still stand by my comment that it’s too hot to take seriously :lol

Spent a few days in SLC to start the trip but didn’t do much outside of the area I was staying in (right by the arena). Cool downtown area, except for the fact it was a ghost town. I thought I had woken up in one of those Chinese Ghost Cities for a minute.

tbh I prefer Idaho. It gets warm there but in the 50s at night. Perfect. So SLC and surrounding cities is like a skinny 100 mile long city...I live at the very top of that stretch. I prefer the peace and quiet tbqhwy

But yeah, downtown SLC is an absolute ghost town, especially on Sunday when all the good boys and girls are at home playing their pianos and finger fucking their Joseph Smith figurines.

[Jordan Jackson]

Durant trying to scare away other teams by stating who he will sign extension with.

Ime really wants Durant - seems like the front office isn’t all the way onboard yet. And Miami is just flat out desperate for anything or anyone at this point.

The way this is escalating in the media seems like it will be over soon.

[Dejounte]

well didn’t dude say Keldon said it? Maybe he’s not in it, I don’t know.
All keldon said was that it was a done deal. It makes it sound like he’s not part of it to me

[benefactor]

Welp, here we go

[RC_Drunkford]

Shams has been in full PR mode for Phoenix these days. Quite impressive

I don't recall Woj being such a sellout

Woj was friends with the Portland owners. Shams is friends with Ishbia.

[RC_Drunkford]

All keldon said was that it was a done deal. It makes it sound like he’s not part of it to me
I‘d guess cause Keldon is the one player the Spurs want to keep cause „culture“

[scott]

Durant trying to scare away other teams by stating who he will sign extension with.

Ime really wants Durant - seems like the front office isn’t all the way onboard yet. And Miami is just flat out desperate for anything or anyone at this point.

The way this is escalating in the media seems like it will be over soon.

But this only works if teams want to extend him to begin with, of course.

There have been a few people who have said that most suitors view KD as a one-year rental… and if KD’s expectation is 2/120 - then who can blame them. This of course drives down the price teams are willing to pay… and I imagine that is exactly what is happening and why the Suns are likely the team leaking all of these “updates” via Shams in hopes of driving the price back up. My guess is that no one is biting and the Spurs offer looks just as good as it did before. Any reporting that the Spurs are “out of it” is just an attempt by Phoenix to get the Spurs to bid against themselves, which Brian Wright doesn’t do.

[rankingtear]

never doubted my boy bwrong now trade #2. best negotiator in the league.

[cutewizard]

Sochan is gone?

[mo7888]

Sochan is gone?

Everybody is just guessing at this point

[Jordan Jackson]

But this only works if teams want to extend him to begin with, of course.

There have been a few people who have said that most suitors view KD as a one-year rental… and if KD’s expectation is 2/120 - then who can blame them. This of course drives down the price teams are willing to pay… and I imagine that is exactly what is happening and why the Suns are likely the team leaking all of these “updates” via Shams in hopes of driving the price back up. My guess is that no one is biting and the Spurs offer looks just as good as it did before. Any reporting that the Spurs are “out of it” is just an attempt by Phoenix to get the Spurs to bid against themselves, which Brian Wright doesn’t do.

They are trying to trade him to somewhere he does not want to go. It’s a very direct message. Suns may still do it anyway.

And no one believed the Spurs were out of it. I didn’t.

[vy65]

1934069146347618795

[itzsoweezee]

Rockets and KD seem like a great match for each other. I can’t imagine KD coming to San Antonio at this point unless he really wants to play with Wemby over a shot at a championship

[vy65]

Is Jalen + Brooks + #10 > Vassell + Barnes + Sochan + #14? I’d give the slight edge to the spurs because of Jeremy.

It sounds like Minny is out. So the two questions are: will Houston include JSJ and will Miami include Ware? If the answer to those two questions is no, then the spurs offer seems like the best.

[vy65]

Is Jalen + Brooks + #10 > Vassell + Barnes + Sochan + #14? I’d give the slight edge to the spurs because of Jeremy.

It sounds like Minny is out. So the two questions are: will Houston include JSJ and will Miami include Ware? If the answer to those two questions is no, then the spurs offer seems like the best.

[RC_Drunkford]

Rockets and KD seem like a great match for each other. I can’t imagine KD coming to San Antonio at this point unless he really wants to play with Wemby over a shot at a championship

the Spurs are not losing out on KD a second time

[KobesAchilles]

the HOU staff are still big believers in Green by all accounts. a lot of their fans are out on him but clearly the coaches think he can work through his inconsistencies.


jabari smith would probably be the main asset in a durant deal. would be a better fit with green being crowded out by booker and beal on paper.


smith has more value than vassell, keldon or barnes to the extent i'd be surprised if HOU dealt him for a 37-year-old though.
Jabari Smith is a terrible basketball player tbh. Dude is like Green except a worse athlete and somehow a worse shooter. Smith plays zero defense, has zero basketball IQ, isn’t exceptionally explosive as an athlete, and for someone who was touted as a shooter coming out of college, can’t shoot the ball.

[timtonymanu]

I'll stay away from Reddit. The simping over average players like Sochan is irritating to read :lol.

Can't wait for this spectacle to be over and hopefully KD will be a Spur.

[Mr. Body]

I'll stay away from Reddit. The simping over average players like Sochan is irritating to read :lol.

Can't wait for this spectacle to be over and hopefully KD will be a Spur.

Yeah, no kidding. Fans of a team liking its players. What's up with that.

[Atl Spur]

It’s funny how most feel we can’t make some serious noise adding KD with a healthy Wemby , Fox and company!

[Atl Spur]

Is Jalen + Brooks + #10 > Vassell + Barnes + Sochan + #14? I’d give the slight edge to the spurs because of Jeremy.

It sounds like Minny is out. So the two questions are: will Houston include JSJ and will Miami include Ware? If the answer to those two questions is no, then the spurs offer seems like the best.

Keep Barnes and replace with KJ

[Mr. Body]

It’s funny how most feel we can’t make some serious noise adding KD with a healthy Wemby , Fox and company!

Spur with a healthy Wemby and healthy Durant are a contender.

[exstatic]

It’s funny, an old video from Feb announcing that Fox was on the market dropped into my feed yesterday. SA was literally the 4th team mentioned. Others were Miami and Houston. Stop me if any of this sounds familiar.

[Ice009]

Lots of interesting things here the past few days. Has Jeremy been traded, is that why he was at the juice bar trying to connect with SA fans before leaving as a thank you, did the Spurs give him an extension number and he said he wants more or is betting on himself to earn more, is he trolling (this could be his best job yet if he is), then the person that posted about Keldon, is Keldon saying it's a done deal with KD to SA, or is Keldon saying it's a done deal and he's included in a trade? There's like so many different ways to take it.

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

It’s great news, if true, that Minnesota are out of the running because their rumoured offer of Gobert + Donte + 17 or Dillingham is damn good for Suns from a win-now perspective. Miami’s offer isn’t great and even if they include Ware it’s a bit meh.

Houston’s and SA’s offers probably depend on a third team where Green/Vassell would be rerouted and it’s unclear what value they can find for these two. Of course Houston can easily outbid everyone if they can include Suns picks, Jabari and Tari Eason. Their reluctance is the chance the Spurs have to use to their advantage and get the deal done on draft night.

[RC_Drunkford]

according to a polish basketball outlet, Jeremy is in Phoenix for workouts completely unrelated to a Durant trade.


Jeremy Sochan, who, alongside Devin Vassell, Keldon Johnson and Harrison Barnes, has been mentioned as a potential element of the Spurs package, could be part of such a swap. The Polish international is now adding fuel to the fire, because on his social media he published posts with the location “Phoenix, Arizona”. This, of course, caused consternation among fans.

However, we already know that this is not related to Durant's potential transfer to the Spurs. Sochan's visit, or rather stay in Arizona, has been planned for a long time, which has already been confirmed.

"It is true that Jeremy is in Phoenix, but it is related to a long-planned trip for training purposes. Jeremy had a short vacation in May, where he also trained. Now, however, he is in a cycle of two trainings a day, because he is intensively preparing for the new NBA season and, of course, EuroBasket, which will start in Katowice at the end of August," says Michał Pacuda, responsible for Sochan's communication and marketing in Poland.

Like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jeremy likes to play into the current narrative and play with the situation. Although his trip to Phoenix has been planned for a long time, the 22-year-old likely knew what he was doing when he posted the above photo.

His presence in Phoenix is ​​completely unrelated to Durant's possible transfer to San Antonio, which may ultimately not happen at all or may not include Sochan. At the moment, Jeremy is preparing for EuroBasket, where the Poles will face France, Slovenia, Iceland, Belgium and Israel in the group stage.

[Dejounte]

Suns get:
Nic Claxton
Jeremy Sochan
Sixers Future 1st

Nets get:
14th pick
Devin Vassell
Paul George

Spurs get:
KD
3rd pick
8th pick

Sixers:
2nd pick
Royce O’Neal
Gary Allen

[LeBowen]

^
I know you posted that just to trigger people, but that's one of the worst ideas I've ever seen.
It's just hillariously horrible.

Basically
#14+Devin for KD without the Barnes salary filler included
and
#2+Jeremy for #3+#8

Are you serious?

[Dejounte]

^
I know you posted that just to trigger people, but that's one of the worst ideas I've ever seen.
It's just hillariously horrible.

Basically
#14+Devin for KD without the Barnes salary filler included
and
#2+Jeremy for #3+#8

Are you serious?

Are we now pretending we value Devin and Jeremy on this board?

It’s essentially #14 for Durant and #2 for #3 and #8. The Spurs do this if they don’t value Harper highly.

There comes a certain point where Harper is being hella overrated and Spurs fans have passed that boundary by a mile. He isn’t a generational prospect. Durant was picked 2 while absolutely killing it in college. Harper barely did anything extraordinary. If anyone wants more value, maybe the Spurs get an additional future 1st from one of those teams.

[LeBowen]

Are we now pretending we value Devin and Jeremy on this board?

We don't.
But Spurs do.
At least in Jeremy's case.


It’s essentially #14 for Durant and #2 for #3 and #8. The Spurs do this if they don’t value Harper highly.

So the plan is to win now with KD trade, but we're taking two rookies instead of one, neither of which will be ready to contribute on high level right away?

[Dejounte]

We don't.
But Spurs do.
At least in Jeremy's case.



So the plan is to win now with KD trade, but we're taking two rookies instead of one, neither of which will be ready to contribute on high level right away?

KD is as much as a long term investment as a short term one. To put KD inside the same building as Wemby (and the other young players) every day will prove invaluable for Wemby’s career. It’s not everyday a young player gets to practice with a future HOF’er daily. Think bigger.

[rascal]

^
I know you posted that just to trigger people, but that's one of the worst ideas I've ever seen.
It's just hillariously horrible.

Basically
#14+Devin for KD without the Barnes salary filler included
and
#2+Jeremy for #3+#8

Are you serious?

He wants Kon so looking for ways to make that happen.

[Dejounte]

He wants Kon so looking for ways to make that happen.

constantly following me in every thread and caring so much about what I post like my #1 fan… what about you hop off my dick, racist

[ace3g]

https://x.com/JeffGSpursZone/status/1934234439300837484

[LeBowen]

KD is as much as a long term investment as a short term one. To put KD inside the same building as Wemby (and the other young players) every day will prove invaluable for Wemby’s career. It’s not everyday a young player gets to practice with a future HOF’er daily. Think bigger.

We're offering a late lottery pick and a couple of solid players.
We won't downgrade from another potential all-star guard just so KD can bless us with his presence.

[RC_Drunkford]

while I want them to draft Harper, people here are acting like he's the next Michael Jordan...

[HankChinaski]

I like Harper because it makes Blake, Malaki immediately expendable and no CP3 as a starter with a resigning. Cp3 gone, blake and Malaki look at this as their last season in the silver an black or are waived or traded.

[LeBowen]

while I want them to draft Harper, people here are acting like he's the next Michael Jordan...

Compared to what else is on the table he kind of is.

Trading #2 for future picks shouldn't even be in consideration because you don't trade a winning lottery ticket for more lottery tickets.

If we're talking current, realistic targets, who is out there? Giannis won't be traded, which all-star that fits the timeline can we get? The best and kind of only option is Murphy. Markkanen is the other one, but I'm not sure he'd be worth it on his current contract.

If we're talking about trading down in this draft, other options are way worse.
Bailey is a low IQ scorer.
VJ is a monster athlete with questionable basketball skills.
Tre Johnson could be a better version of Devin with even worse defense.
Knueppel doesn't have a high ceiling.
Queen is a no defense post scorer.

After that we're getting into territory of being able to trade up with our other pick.

[BacktoBasics]

Suns get:
Nic Claxton
Jeremy Sochan
Sixers Future 1st

Nets get:
14th pick
Devin Vassell
Paul George

Spurs get:
KD
3rd pick
8th pick

Sixers:
2nd pick
Royce O’Neal
Gary Allen
I may not be the popular opinion but I’d rather have Harper than 3 and 8

[kxs783kms]

while I want them to draft Harper, people here are acting like he's the next Michael Jordan...

This is the time of year when everyone becomes a GM and experienced NBA scout lol

[RC_Drunkford]

This is the time of year when everyone becomes a GM and experienced NBA scout lol

nothing wrong with that. It's fun

[kxs783kms]

Compared to what else is on the table he kind of is.

Trading #2 for future picks shouldn't even be in consideration because you don't trade a winning lottery ticket for more lottery tickets.

If we're talking current, realistic targets, who is out there? Giannis won't be traded, which all-star that fits the timeline can we get? The best and kind of only option is Murphy. Markkanen is the other one, but I'm not sure he'd be worth it on his current contract.

If we're talking about trading down in this draft, other options are way worse.
Bailey is a low IQ scorer.
VJ is a monster athlete with questionable basketball skills.
Tre Johnson could be a better version of Devin with even worse defense.
Knueppel doesn't have a high ceiling.
Queen is a no defense post scorer.

After that we're getting into territory of being able to trade up with our other pick.

What are Harper flaws because you didn't name any positives for any of these guys? Sounds as if Harper is a perfect player. I'll help you out...
Haper isn't super athletic. He's doesn't have a great 3pt shot and he's not highly rated defensively.

[LeBowen]

What are Harper flaws because you didn't name any positives for any of these guys? Sounds as if Harper is a perfect player.

Harper's shot is questionable, but way better than Castle's was in college.
He's not a perfect player, but he's got no red flags that could cause him to be a bust.
His floor looks to be a solid starter at the very least.

Those other players I mentioned have red flags that could easily cause them to bust.

[kxs783kms]

nothing wrong with that. It's fun

I agree with that. It's just when people think they're 100% correct and everyone else is wrong so they start with the name calling, that's what makes it laughable. These are all opinions but some people can't process that lol

[kxs783kms]

Harper's shot is questionable, but way better than Castle's was in college.
He's not a perfect player, but he's got no red flags that could cause him to be a bust.
His floor looks to be a solid starter at the very least.

Those other players I mentioned have red flags that could easily cause them to bust.

I wanted Harper but I just feel people may need to temper their expectations. We've seen only a few games of him in college as a freshman. I would've loved to see more in meaningful situations like the NCAA tournament but unfortunately they didn't make it. I myself need a bigger sample size.

[exstatic]

while I want them to draft Harper, people here are acting like he's the next Michael Jordan...

I don’t think anyone has said that. His 75% outcome is probably high All Star/multiple All NBA, though.

[SpursFan86]

Guards with legitimate multiple all-NBA selections potential just don’t come around often. I really feel like Flagg is warping everyone’s perspectives tbh. If this was a different year where the Spurs had #1 pick and there was only Harper with no Flagg out there, I imagine there’d be far less willingness to trade the pick for all of these packages being discussed.

Harper’s median outcome is a very high level starter, and his ceiling is being a top 3 guard in the league. He would go #1 in a lot of draft classes and we shouldn’t be trading him unless the package is just ridiculous.

[T Park]

What are Harper flaws because you didn't name any positives for any of these guys? Sounds as if Harper is a perfect player. I'll help you out...
Haper isn't super athletic. He's doesn't have a great 3pt shot and he's not highly rated defensively.


40% on c&s from 3 seems good

[sfernald]

while I want them to draft Harper, people here are acting like he's the next Michael Jordan...

What do these players have in common? Brunson, Edwards, Shai, Halliburton. As star point guards they lead their team to the final four of the playoffs.

Harper is one of the very few prospects who has a real chance to join their company. That makes his value off the charts and is why when I listen to team blogs such as Philly, Wizards, Nets, their fans are all absolutely ready to back a U-Haul full of family treasures up in trade. Dude is one of the best assets in the league at the moment.

[itzsoweezee]

What do these players have in common? Brunson, Edwards, Shai, Halliburton. As star point guards they lead their team to the final four of the playoffs.

Harper is one of the very few prospects who has a real chance to join their company. That makes his value off the charts and is why when I listen to team blogs such as Philly, Wizards, Nets, their fans are all absolutely ready to back a U-Haul full of family treasures up in trade. Dude is one of the best assets in the league at the moment.

He’s still unproven, just like all of these other guys in the draft. Fans simply overrate players in the draft and draft picks. I’m still one of the only people on here advocating to trade away these picks. The spurs have their superstar on his rookie contract, going into his third year. They should be surrounding him with proven NBA players, not more rookies.

[Leetonidas]

Wonder if Desmond Bane getting traded for four fucking first rounders is going to embolden the Suns to ask for a bigger return for Durant

[sfernald]

Guards with legitimate multiple all-NBA selections potential just don’t come around often. I really feel like Flagg is warping everyone’s perspectives tbh. If this was a different year where the Spurs had #1 pick and there was only Harper with no Flagg out there, I imagine there’d be far less willingness to trade the pick for all of these packages being discussed.

Harper’s median outcome is a very high level starter, and his ceiling is being a top 3 guard in the league. He would go #1 in a lot of draft classes and we shouldn’t be trading him unless the package is just ridiculous.

If Cooper Flagg was in the 2023 draft he would 100% be the #2 selection. That would be one of the most valuable #2s of all time. This #2 is also up there. The actual number doesn’t mean anything, it’s the player behind the number. Vecenie has said Risacher would probably be drafted around 8 (bottom of his third tier) if he was in this draft lol.

[TD 21]

Rockets and KD seem like a great match for each other. I can’t imagine KD coming to San Antonio at this point unless he really wants to play with Wemby over a shot at a championship

Actually, of the teams in question, I'd argue Durant's best chance at a championship over the duration of his career, is the Spurs.

The Rockets are definitely higher floor, but at going on 37 and playing at a borderline All-NBA level, he can no longer be the best player on a championship team and on a team that's best player (Sengun) and highest ceiling player (Thompson) project as no higher than that and without the respective skillsets to be the first option, he'd have to be.

[LeBowen]

He’s still unproven, just like all of these other guys in the draft. Fans simply overrate players in the draft and draft picks.

And yet the best team in the league drafted almost everyone in their 10 man roster.
The other finalist has 2 of it's own draft picks, two players who were deemed not good enough by their teams in their respective roles and one good player they traded for.


They should be surrounding him with proven NBA players, not more rookies.

Which players?
Which players that we can realistically get are good enough to warrant trading away the #2 pick?

Our superstar just missed half the season with a serious medical issue and we hired a rookie coach, you can't blow your load on win-now moves when we actually don't know shit about the roster and the coaching staff.

[sfernald]

It’s so sad to see you guys have sold ur souls for mercenary Kevin Durant. You should turn in ur Spurs fandom id badges. Don’t you want to see organic teams arising from the draft and player development? Don’t you want to see unselfish Spursian basketball like it was 2013? Damnatikn to all of You!

[Ice009]

It’s so sad to see you guys have sold ur souls for mercenary Kevin Durant. You should turn in ur Spurs fandom id badges. Don’t you want to see organic teams arising from the draft and player development? Don’t you want to see unselfish Spursian basketball like it was 2013? Damnatikn to all of You!

I just want him to teach Victor some things that might get Victor to an even higher level. I don't care if we get him that much. As long as the Spurs draft Harper, that is the main thing I'm concerned with.

That Desmond Bane trade might have really screwed things up a bit, though.

[sfernald]

Wonder if Desmond Bane getting traded for four fucking first rounders is going to embolden the Suns to ask for a bigger return for Durant

Four unprotected firsts including #15 this year and phoenix’s unprotected pick in 26 and there’s also a pick swap lol. And you guys think we are getting KD for just one pick hahahahaha.

[thOOdee]

It’s so sad to see you guys have sold ur souls for mercenary Kevin Durant. You should turn in ur Spurs fandom id badges. Don’t you want to see organic teams arising from the draft and player development? Don’t you want to see unselfish Spursian basketball like it was 2013? Damnatikn to all of You!


2014 we hired belinelli as a hired gun. Aside from durant, team is still looking pretty organic. That aside, no, idgaf if kawhi, steph, and lebron get hired along too. Get that chip!

[RC_Drunkford]

It’s so sad to see you guys have sold ur souls for mercenary Kevin Durant. You should turn in ur Spurs fandom id badges. Don’t you want to see organic teams arising from the draft and player development? Don’t you want to see unselfish Spursian basketball like it was 2013? Damnatikn to all of You!

name the last NBA championship team that was organic

[itzsoweezee]

And yet the best team in the league drafted almost everyone in their 10 man roster.
The other finalist has 2 of it's own draft picks, two players who were deemed not good enough by their teams in their respective roles and one good player they traded for.



Which players?
Which players that we can realistically get are good enough to warrant trading away the #2 pick?

Our superstar just missed half the season with a serious medical issue and we hired a rookie coach, you can't blow your load on win-now moves when we actually don't know shit about the roster and the coaching staff.


I don’t know why you’re comparing the spurs to okc or Indiana. The spurs are in a completely different context. They have a superstar already.

It’s hilarious to see, in successive posts, that the spurs are a KD away from championship contention, and also a complete unknown as far as their future prospects. I think they’re much closer to contender status than most of you do, but they need proven players. I’d take that gamble in a second over the gamble of a number two pick

[LeBowen]

name the last NBA championship team that was organic

OKC will probably win this one.
Nuggets drafted their three best players.

[LeBowen]

I don’t know why you’re comparing the spurs to okc or Indiana. The spurs are in a completely different context. They have a superstar already.

How are we in a different context than OKC?
They got their MVP after his rookie year with the Clippers, then built around him through draft.

We got our MVP and we added an all-star point guard already, before even coming close to the playoffs.


It’s hilarious to see, in successive posts, that the spurs are a KD away from championship contention, and also a complete unknown as far as their future prospects. I think they’re much closer to contender status than most of you do, but they need proven players. I’d take that gamble in a second over the gamble of a number two pick

The only player who'd make Spurs a contender right away would've been Giannis and even if we got him we'd need a couple more trades to improve the supporting cast.
We need proven players, but we don't need to overpay for players that aren't worth overpaying for.

During the second round I made a post about the rotations of each remaining team, there are a lot of players who were either late FRPs or reclamation projects acquired for very cheap.
Just look at both Thunder and Pacers.
Dort was undrafted, Williams was picked after Jeremy.
Nesmith never got a chance in Boston and Nembhard was a second round pick.

Not to mention that with current CBA trading for proven players is way harder because you run out of cap space before you know it.

[baseline bum]

while I want them to draft Harper, people here are acting like he's the next Michael Jordan...

I think people are equally worried Ace Bailey is the next Alfrederick Hughes while VJ Edgecomb and Tre Johnson bring the same fit problems without the upside of Harper.

[Leetonidas]

Four unprotected firsts including #15 this year and phoenix’s unprotected pick in 26 and there’s also a pick swap lol. And you guys think we are getting KD for just one pick hahahahaha.

Well, Bane is not almost 37 on a one year deal though so I wouldn't expect Durant to fetch the same haul at this point especially considering every knows he wants out

[Ice009]

I'd say the Bane trade has lowered the chances of a Durant trade right down. I don't see the Spurs offering any other picks. Houston will likely beat that if they want him. Hopefully the do waste more assets than they wanted/planned to before this Bane trade happened.

[itzsoweezee]

How are we in a different context than OKC?
They got their MVP after his rookie year with the Clippers, then built around him through draft.

We got our MVP and we added an all-star point guard already, before even coming close to the playoffs.



The only player who'd make Spurs a contender right away would've been Giannis and even if we got him we'd need a couple more trades to improve the supporting cast.
We need proven players, but we don't need to overpay for players that aren't worth overpaying for.

During the second round I made a post about the rotations of each remaining team, there are a lot of players who were either late FRPs or reclamation projects acquired for very cheap.
Just look at both Thunder and Pacers.
Dort was undrafted, Williams was picked after Jeremy.
Nesmith never got a chance in Boston and Nembhard was a second round pick.

Not to mention that with current CBA trading for proven players is way harder because you run out of cap space before you know it.

SGA’s first all star selection came in like year 5. It’s nothing like wemby’s situation. I’m not in favor of overpaying for vets, but I also think it’s a huge mistake to overvalue draft picks.

[mo7888]

I think people are equally worried Ace Bailey is the next Alfrederick Hughes while VJ Edgecomb and Tre Johnson bring the same fit problems without the upside of Harper.

For the record, I do think Edgecombe has a Harper type ceiling, but he has a much lower floor, and as you said, isn't as good of a fit.

[LeBowen]

SGA’s first all star selection came in like year 5.

He averaged 19/5/6 in his second and 24/5/6 in his third year. It was obvious he'll be their main guy.


It’s nothing like wemby’s situation.

Yeah, we were on course for a .500 season, traded for Fox to make the playoffs and then Wemby got injured.


I’m not in favor of overpaying for vets, but I also think it’s a huge mistake to overvalue draft picks.

That's why we're open to trading the #14 pick.
You don't trade #2 unless it's worth it.

[rascal]

He’s still unproven, just like all of these other guys in the draft. Fans simply overrate players in the draft and draft picks. I’m still one of the only people on here advocating to trade away these picks. The spurs have their superstar on his rookie contract, going into his third year. They should be surrounding him with proven NBA players, not more rookies.

You are going to be wrong. Every player in the league was a rookie at one time.

You have to lock up high value rookie talent prospects when you have a chance to draft them.

[sfernald]

Well, Bane is not almost 37 on a one year deal though so I wouldn't expect Durant to fetch the same haul at this point especially considering every knows he wants out

He’s also a significantly worse player than Durant currently and plays the same position as vassell and has trex arms to boot. Why don’t we pump up Vassell’s value this year and sell him for four unprotected firsts too!?

[Tyronn Lue]

He’s still unproven, just like all of these other guys in the draft. Fans simply overrate players in the draft and draft picks. I’m still one of the only people on here advocating to trade away these picks. The spurs have their superstar on his rookie contract, going into his third year. They should be surrounding him with proven NBA players, not more rookies.
Organic team building is cheaper and more sustainable long term than hiring journeymen. The Spurs are an organically grown team, historically. It stands to reason their fans would prefer to raise a star vs buy one.

[LeBowen]

He’s also a significantly worse player than Durant currently and plays the same position as vassell and has trex arms to boot. Why don’t we pump up Vassell’s value this year and sell him for four unprotected firsts too!?

Don't you remember their matchups this season? Bane just kept running through Vassell like he's not even there. :lol

[John B]

What are Harper flaws because you didn't name any positives for any of these guys? Sounds as if Harper is a perfect player. I'll help you out...
Haper isn't super athletic. He's doesn't have a great 3pt shot and he's not highly rated defensively.

If super athletic means jumping off the gym, he’s not. But the kid can get to the basket at will and that’s athletic enough for me. His 3pt is decent. And he has the physical tool to become a solid on-ball defender.

[John B]

He’s also a significantly worse player than Durant currently and plays the same position as vassell and has trex arms to boot. Why don’t we pump up Vassell’s value this year and sell him for four unprotected firsts too!?

That’s the idea, sell high before his stock gets hit with reduced minutes with Harper coming in

[Rocalcio]

I mean the fit is not the issue. This starting like up would be sick:

Fox-Vassell-Castle-KD-Wemby
(Harper in reserve)

It’s the price.

We probably don’t keep Vassell if Durant comes, so Champagnie will be in the 5

[mo7888]

Thinking about this a little more, this Bane trade may actually help us get KD without giving up more. If Bane is worth 4 unprotected picks then surely Devin is worth two (or at least phoenix can rationalize that comparison and try to sell it to their base). If they conclude that and we include Sochan or #14 they can 'claim' they got as much for KD as they paid.

[BacktoBasics]

Thinking about this a little more, this Bane trade may actually help us get KD without giving up more. If Bane is worth 4 unprotected picks then surely Devin is worth two (or at least phoenix can rationalize that comparison and try to sell it to their base). If they conclude that and we include Sochan or #14 they can 'claim' they got as much for KD as they paid.

Both Vassell and Sochan with picks is too much.

[RC_Drunkford]

OKC will probably win this one.
Nuggets drafted their three best players.

SGA - aquired via trade
Caruso - aquired via trade

how is that organic if you traded for your franchise player?

Nuggets traded for Gordon

[Kindergarten Cop]

Thinking about this a little more, this Bane trade may actually help us get KD without giving up more. If Bane is worth 4 unprotected picks then surely Devin is worth two (or at least phoenix can rationalize that comparison and try to sell it to their base). If they conclude that and we include Sochan or #14 they can 'claim' they got as much for KD as they paid.

I hope you're right, but most people look at the trade in a vacuum and just see "Bane for 4 unprotected picks" not realizing that Orlando HAD to sweeten the pot with at least one (if not two) extra first round pick to get out from under the horrendous KCP contract.

[RC_Drunkford]

Organic team building is cheaper and more sustainable long term than hiring journeymen. The Spurs are an organically grown team, historically. It stands to reason their fans would prefer to raise a star vs buy one.

it‘s not sustainable once everybody has to sign their extensions you‘ll have to let somebody walk

[Kindergarten Cop]

it‘s not sustainable once everybody has to sign their extensions you‘ll have to let somebody walk

The original OKC Finals' team from 2012 is a perfect example of your argument for unsustainability.

[scottspurs]

Thinking about this a little more, this Bane trade may actually help us get KD without giving up more. If Bane is worth 4 unprotected picks then surely Devin is worth two (or at least phoenix can rationalize that comparison and try to sell it to their base). If they conclude that and we include Sochan or #14 they can 'claim' they got as much for KD as they paid.

Nice take! Suns are sucking their thumbs though

[kxs783kms]

It’s so sad to see you guys have sold ur souls for mercenary Kevin Durant. You should turn in ur Spurs fandom id badges. Don’t you want to see organic teams arising from the draft and player development? Don’t you want to see unselfish Spursian basketball like it was 2013? Damnatikn to all of You!

No what's sad is that you want the Spurs to keep producing the same product that they've been doing the past 6-7 years. We've been "building through the draft" all of those years, which have all resulted in losing seasons. If you want different results, you need to do things differently. I'm not saying KD is my reason. I'm saying they can easily trade down and actually draft multiple pieces that fit better, rather than drafting for another position that we already have 2 very talented guards at. You might eventually have to trade 2 of them away one day anyway, so to me, it's a possible wasted pick. If we didn't already have Fox and Castle, I would be 100% on board with drafting Harper at 2. Unfortunately we have MUCH bigger needs and concerns at other positions than drafting another guard who's ball dominant and already does what our other 2 guys do.

[LeBowen]

SGA - aquired via trade
Caruso - aquired via trade

how is that organic if you traded for your franchise player?

Nuggets traded for Gordon

They got SGA after his rookie season, not as an already developed star.
8/11 of their rotation players are either their picks or undrafted.

Don't strawman with dumb shit, you're better than that.
Nuggets got Gordon to get them over the hump, we're not even close to that hump.

If Fox/Wemby loses in the second round we can talk abou who else is the best fit and if Castle/Harper will be good enough.

[RC_Drunkford]

They got SGA after his rookie season, not as an already developed star.
8/11 of their rotation players are either their picks or undrafted.

Don't strawman with dumb shit, you're better than that.
Nuggets got Gordon to get them over the hump, we're not even close to that hump.

If Fox/Wemby loses in the second round we can talk abou who else is the best fit and if Castle/Harper will be good enough.

so? Y‘all said organically than define organically to me. Getting your #1 option via trade is not organic no matter how you slice it and last time I checked we‘re not trading for KD to make him the #1 option. The spurs have aquired 1/10 rotation players via trade. If they get KD it‘s 2/10.

Typical Spurs fan argument: „I‘d rather draft all my players and trust in the power of friendship“

[LeBowen]

so? Y‘all said organically than define organically to me. Getting your #1 option via trade is not organic no matter how you slice it and last time I checked we‘re not trading for KD to make him the #1 option

Yes it's fucking organic if you got that #1 after his rookie season in which he averaged 10/3/3.
We could go with your logic if the rest of their roster was acquired via trades, but they weren't.

I didn't say that we can't be organic with KD, I just don't want to trade #2 for anyone who's available.

[RC_Drunkford]

Yes it's fucking organic if you got that #1 after his rookie season in which he averaged 10/3/3.
We could go with your logic if the rest of their roster was acquired via trades, but they weren't.

I didn't say that we can't be organic with KD, I just don't want to trade #2 for anyone who's available.

that wasn’t even the topic. The topic was trading for KD

[exstatic]

The original OKC Finals' team from 2012 is a perfect example of your argument for unsustainability.

That was just sheer stupidity. There were no non financial penalties (picks frozen or moved to the end of the round) for payroll back then. Their owner was just fucking cheap. If they offloaded Kendrick Perkins and were willing to pay some tax, they could have kept that team together for a decade or more.

[RC_Drunkford]

7493327076

[sfernald]

so? Y‘all said organically than define organically to me. Getting your #1 option via trade is not organic no matter how you slice it and last time I checked we‘re not trading for KD to make him the #1 option. The spurs have aquired 1/10 rotation players via trade. If they get KD it‘s 2/10.

Typical Spurs fan argument: „I‘d rather draft all my players and trust in the power of friendship“

There’s some flexibility in the definition there but trading for an aged max player like Durant for sure is not organic.

[mo7888]

Both Vassell and Sochan with picks is too much.

I didn't say 'with' picks... I said Sochan or #14..not both..

[RC_Drunkford]

There’s some flexibility in the definition there but trading for an aged max player like Durant for sure is not organic.

but trading for your franchise player is?

[RC_Drunkford]

If Memphis decides to blow it up

Suns: JJJ, Vassell
Memphis: Barnes
Spurs: KD

But the pick compensation to Memphis would have to be a lot more than just #14

[poopbox]

SGA - aquired via trade
Caruso - aquired via trade

how is that organic if you traded for your franchise player?

Nuggets traded for Gordon

OKC = Best player acquired by trade

Wolves = second best player acquired by trade

Pacers = two best players acquired by trade

Knicks = 4 best players acquired by trade

But spurstalk posters want to hang on to the power of friendship so they can go for what a 6th straight losing season :rollin